March 27, 2026
Outfielder
Jason Heyward officially announced his retirement from professional baseball on Friday on MLB Network. Heyward played 16 years in the major leagues with the Chicago Cubs, Atlanta Braves, Los Angeles Dodgers, St. Louis Cardinals, San Diego Padres, and Houston Astros. The 36-year-old helped the Chicago Cubs win the World Series in 2016 and was also named to an All-Star team with the Braves in his rookie season in 2010, when he hit .277/.393/.456 with an .849 OPS, 18 home runs, 72 RBI, 83 runs scored, and 11 stolen bases in 142 games. Heyward was perhaps most known for his glove in right field, winning five Gold Glove in his career. He hit a career-high 27 home runs and stole 21 bases in his third season with the Braves in 2012. Heyward finishes his successful career with a .255/.336/.408 slash line, 186 home runs, 730 RBI, and 125 stolen bases in 1,824 regular-season games. He played in 34 games for the Padres in his final MLB season in 2025.
--Keith HernandezSource: MLB Network
March 27, 2026
Miami Marlins outfielder
Kyle Stowers (hamstring), who began the 2026 season on the 10-day injured list with a Grade 1 right-hamstring strain, threw, hit, and ran during a workout on Wednesday as he builds up his workload and intensity, according to Christina De Nicola of MLB.com. The plan is for the Marlins to reassess Stowers in three to four weeks. He strained his hamstring earlier this spring and then left last Friday's split-squad game against the Houston Astros with tightness in the same hamstring. Stowers' 2025 breakout season also ended prematurely last August when he suffered a left-oblique strain, but he had already managed to hit 25 home runs and drive in 73 runs in 117 games to establish himself as one of the National League's top hitters. The Marlins signed veteran
Austin Slater to help give them additional outfield depth with Stowers out. Durability concerns are real for Stowers, but he is a must-stash in all fantasy formats as the Marlins hitter with the most upside in 2026.
--Keith HernandezSource: MLB.com - Christina De Nicola
March 27, 2026
Chicago White Sox right-hander
Shane Smith got off to a bad start to the 2026 season on Opening Day on Thursday in a 14-2 loss to the hosting Milwaukee Brewers at American Family Field. Smith only went 1 2/3 innings in his first start of the year and surrendered four runs (three earned) on three hits while walking two and striking out two. All of the damage against Smith came on a bases-clearing double from catcher
William Contreras in the second inning. It was the shortest outing of the 25-year-old's career, and he threw only 54 pitches. Smith was an All-Star in 2025 in his first year in the majors, going 7-8 with a 3.81 ERA (4.10 FIP) and 1.19 WHIP with 145 strikeouts and 58 walks in 146 1/3 innings over his 29 starts for Chicago. Smith's 23.9% strikeout rate was slightly above league average, but his 9.4% walk rate was well below average. If Smith continues to exhibit poor control, it could be a tough sophomore season, especially since he's unlikely to pick up many wins on what should be another bad White Sox team.
--Keith HernandezSource: MLB.com
March 27, 2026
Cleveland Guardians right-hander
Tanner Bibee's right-shoulder issue that forced him out of his Opening Day start early on Thursday night against the Seatle Mariners "doesn't appear serious at this point," according to Tom Withers of The Associated Press. The Guardians will re-evaluate Bibee on Friday, at which point we should have a better idea of whether he might land on the injured list. The Guardians took the cautious approach in Game 1 of the season, but it's possible that left-hander
Logan Allen could take Bibee's rotation spot if rest is required. The 27-year-old took a no-decision on Thursday before leaving with a trainer, allowing three solo home runs while walking two and striking out seven in his five innings of work to begin the 2026 campaign. Cleveland called Bibee's injury right-shoulder inflammation on Thursday night. At the very least, Bibee's next start will most likely be pushed back, but he could also go on the IL and miss at least 15 days.
--Keith HernandezSource: The Associated Press - Tom Withers
March 27, 2026
Chicago White Sox third baseman
Miguel Vargas went hitless during Thursday's Opening Day matchup against the Milwaukee Brewers. Vargas went 0-for-3 at the plate with a walk in the blowout loss. It wasn't an ideal start for Vargas, but that shouldn't stop fantasy managers from considering scooping him up. The 26-year-old was in the three-hole, which should help his fantasy value if he sticks in that spot going forward. He's coming off a productive season with the White Sox in 2025. He slashed .234/.316/.401 with 16 home runs and 60 RBI across 138 games. The expectation is that Vargas will get a chance to play full-time at third base in 2026. He doesn't hit for average, but has decent pop, can draw walks, and has some speed as well. Vargas does enough right on the field to warrant a look in deep leagues to start the season.
--Andy WebbSource: Baseball Reference
March 27, 2026
Minnesota Twins starting pitcher
Mick Abel is expected to make his season debut at some point during the upcoming series against the Kansas City Royals. Although fantasy managers might not want to wait until then to scoop up Abel. The young right-hander earned a spot in the starting rotation after an impressive performance during Spring Training. Abel posted a 2.00 ERA, 0.83 WHIP with 23 strikeouts in 18 innings of work. The former first-round pick was part of the trade that sent
Jhoan Duran to the Philadelphia Phillies mid-season last year. Abel struggled in four outings with the Twins last season, but appears to have turned a corner. The 24-year-old could be a consistent big league starter as long as he can keep his walk rate in check. He's worth a look in mixed leagues and could quickly become a popular waiver wire pickup.
--Andy WebbSource: Baseball Reference
March 27, 2026
New York Yankees outfielder
Giancarlo Stanton got the season started the right way during Wednesday's Opening Day matchup versus the San Francisco Giants. Stanton went 2-for-4 with two singles and an RBI in the 7-0 win over the Giants. It was a nice beginning to the season for the oft-injured slugger who is hopeful to stay healthy in 2026. Although it's worth noting that Stanton continues to deal with elbow issues that he'll need to manage throughout the season. Stanton already spends most of his time at designated hitter, which is a trend that should continue going forward. The 36-year-old should also get plenty of maintenance days to keep managing his lingering elbow problems. When healthy, Stanton is a dangerous bat who is a threat to go deep at any moment. He's an intriguing fantasy option, but not someone that must be rostered in all fantasy formats.
--Andy WebbSource: ESPN
March 27, 2026
Milwaukee Brewers outfielder
Sal Frelick got the season started with a bang on Thursday. Frelick made some noise with a two-run home run off
Tyler Gilbert in the fifth inning. He would finish his day 1-for-3 with a homer, two RBI, and two walks in the blowout win over the Chicago White Sox. This was a nice start to the season for Frelick, who is coming off a productive 2025 campaign. Last season, Frelick slashed .288/.351/.405 with 12 home runs, 63 RBI, and 19 steals across 142 games. The former first-round pick doesn't have a ton of power, but does a lot of things right on the baseball field. The 25-year-old does enough to warrant rostering in mixed leagues and is someone to keep an eye on right now.
--Andy WebbSource: mlb.com
March 27, 2026
Pittsburgh Pirates first baseman
Ryan O'Hearn made his team debut versus the New York Mets on Thursday. He came ready to swing the bat on Opening Day. O'Hearn went 2-for-4 with a solo home run and two runs scored in the loss. He took right-hander
Tobias Myers deep in the sixth inning and singled in the ninth inning. The Pirates signed O'Hearn to a two-year, $29 million deal over the offseason. The first time All-Star slashed .281/.366/.437 with 17 home runs and 63 RBI across 144 games with the Baltimore Orioles and San Diego Padres last season. The 32-year-old should get regular playing time in the middle of the order in Pittsburgh. He's someone worth monitoring in fantasy leagues, but is more of a deep league option at the moment.
--Andy WebbSource: mlb.com
March 27, 2026
Washington Nationals starting pitcher
Cade Cavalli got the Opening Day nod versus the Chicago Cubs on Thursday. The right-hander didn't work deep into the game as he only threw 3.2 innings before getting pulled at 75 pitches. He allowed three runs (two earned), on three hits, with three walks, and five strikeouts in the no-decision. The former first-round pick registered a 4.25 ERA, 1.47 WHIP, and a 40:15 K/BB ratio across 10 starts last season. Cavalli showed some promising signs here, but he will have a tough challenge against the Philadelphia Phillies during his next time out. Fantasy managers should keep their eye on Cavalli right now.
--Andy WebbSource: mlb.com
March 27, 2026
St. Louis Cardinals outfielder
Alec Burleson came ready to hit during Thursday's Opening Day matchup against the Tampa Bay Rays. Burleson went 3-for-4 with a two-run home run and a walk during the 9-7 victory. The Cardinals moved on from multiple key hitters this offseason, which allowed for Burleson to move into the three-hole on Thursday. Given the results, Burleson figures to stick in the spot for now. The 27-year-old should offer good upside as the three-hole hitter, even in this lackluster Cardinals' lineup. Last season, Burleson slashed .290/.343/.459 with 18 home runs and 69 RBI in 139 games. There's enough upside with his bat to warrant rostering Burleson in most fantasy formats.
--Andy WebbSource: mlb.com
March 27, 2026
Los Angeles Angels starting pitcher
Jose Soriano was tough to hit during Thursday's Opening Day nod against the Houston Astros. Soriano threw six scoreless innings, allowing two hits, four walks, and striking out seven batters in the win. It was an impressive outing for Soriano, who allowed one hit through his first five innings of work. The lack of command is a concern going forward, but Soriano was able to work around the damage on Thursday. He did get 19 swings and misses on Thursday, which registered an elite CSW of 36 percent. The upside makes Soriano worth a look as a waiver wire pickup. His next outing will come on Tuesday versus the Chicago Cubs.
--Andy WebbSource: mlb.com
March 27, 2026
Atlanta Braves right-handed pitching prospect
JR Ritchie should contend for an early MLB debut during the 2026 campaign. Ritchie was sharp in spring training, logging 12 innings to the tune of a 2.25 ERA, 0.58 WHIP, and a 14:5 K:BB. However, even with
Spencer Schwellenbach (elbow),
Spencer Strider (oblique), and
Hurston Waldrep (elbow) all beginning the season on the IL, the Braves opted to send Ritchie back to Triple-A for further development. Instead, fellow emerging arm
Didier Fuentes earned a spot on the Opening Day roster. However, given Atlanta's lack of pitching depth, Ritchie may get the call to the major leagues in the near future. Last summer, the former 35th overall selection made his Triple-A debut and logged 59 2/3 innings to the tune of a 3.02 ERA and a strong 1.09 WHIP. Managers should pay close attention to this early production at Triple-A, as he could earn the call in the coming weeks. For now, he is a viable stash option in deeper 12+ team leagues.
--Andy SmithSource: RotoBaller
March 27, 2026
Boston Red Sox left-handed pitching prospect
Payton Tolle is worth stashing ahead of his return to the major leagues. Tolle joined the Red Sox with the 50th selection in the 2024 MLB Draft and quickly progressed through the minor leagues last summer. He opened the 2025 campaign with High-A, but was able to debut in Boston late in the second half. Across 76 2/3 innings shared between High-A and Double-A, Tolle posted a strong 2.93 ERA, 1.02 WHIP, with a 116:21 K:BB. During a short 16 1/3-inning stint with Triple-A, Tolle struck out 17 hitters before joining the major league roster. However, Tolle would take a step back in his first taste of MLB action, posting a high 6.06 ERA over 16 1/3 innings of work. In camp, Tolle fell short of the final starting role and was optioned to Triple-A. Despite this, he may only need a short taste at the top level before returning to the majors. Given the high-end strikeout upside he flashed last summer, Tolle is a top early-season pitcher to stash in all 12+ team leagues.
--Andy SmithSource: RotoBaller
March 27, 2026
Cleveland Guardians relief pitcher
Cade Smith was tasked with shutting the door on Opening Day. Smith was called upon with a two-run lead in the ninth inning of Thursday's game versus the Seattle Mariners. He retired the side on 13 pitches while striking out one batter to earn his first save of the season. Smith took over the closer role last season following the departure of
Emmanuel Clase due to legal troubles. The right-hander recorded a career-high 16 saves during the 2025 campaign. He should easily surpass that number as the clear-cut favorite for saves in Cleveland.
--Andy WebbSource: mlb.com
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