January 22, 2026

According to Will Sammon and Chad Jennings of The Athletic, Milwaukee Brewers left-handed pitcher Robert Gasser could be a name to watch to earn a role in the starting rotation. On Wednesday evening, the Brewers traded their top pitcher, Freddy Peralta, to the New York Mets in exchange for two top prospects, Brandon Sproat and Jett Williams. While veteran Brandon Woodruff is expected to lead the rotation with emerging right-hander Jacob Misiorowski slotting behind him, the back of the rotation is open. Quinn Priester and Chad Patrick are projected to operate as the No. 3 and No. 4, but Gasser could be a name to watch for one of the final positions. The young southpaw has made seven MLB starts over his career and logged 33 2/3 innings to the tune of a 2.67 ERA and a 1.13 WHIP. Through 205 2/3 innings at Triple-A, Gasser has struck out 250 hitters with a 3.72 ERA. While Logan Henderson would likely have the edge for the final position, Gasser could make a strong claim to operate as the No. 6 starter if the team uses a six-man rotation. He is a name to monitor in spring training and could be worth a late-round selection in deeper formats.--Andy Smith
Source: Will Sammon and Chad Jennings

January 22, 2026

New York Mets right-handed pitcher Christian Scott appears ticked for a depth role to begin the 2026 regular season. According to Will Sammon and Chad Jennings of The Athletic, Scott is projected to sit behind newly-acquired ace Freddy Peralta and the other primary starting pitchers on the roster, such as Sean Manaea, David Peterson, Kodai Senga, Nolan McLean, and Clay Holmes, leaving him a role as a middle reliever. Scott made his MLB debut during the 2024 campaign and posted a 4.56 ERA with a 1.20 WHIP across 47 1/3 innings. Earlier that season, the Florida product posted an impressive 2.76 ERA with a 0.97 WHIP across his first 42 1/3 innings at Triple-A. However, the right-hander would undergo a hybrid Tommy John operation in late 2024, which kept him on the shelf all last season. While he appears to be at full strength, Scott does not expect to hold much fantasy value to begin the 2026 campaign.--Andy Smith
Source: Will Sammon and Chad Jennings

January 22, 2026

According to Will Sammon and Chad Jennings of The Athletic, New York Mets right-handed pitching prospect Jonah Tong may be on the outside of the team's starting rotation to begin the 2026 season. On Wednesday evening, the Mets acquired right-handed pitcher Freddy Peralta from the Brewers, who is now slated to lead the rotation. In exchange, the Mets sent two top prospects, Jett Williams and Brandon Sproat. While Tong was already sitting towards the back of the current rotation, Sammon and Jennings project the young right-hander to open the season as a depth option, sitting behind Peralta, Sean Manaea, David Peterson, Clay Holmes, Nolan McLean, and Kodai Senga. While Tong could be shifted to the bullpen, it appears the team's No. 4 prospect may begin the season with Triple-A to continue his development. During his first look at the majors, Tong held a high 7.71 ERA across 18 2/3 innings. For now, he is best left for deeper NL-only formats as a late-round stash option.--Andy Smith
Source: Will Sammon and Chad Jennings

January 22, 2026

New York Yankees starting pitcher Carlos Rodon (elbow) should return to action "sometime around May," according to Brendan Kuty of The Athletic. Rodon has been sidelined since October after undergoing surgery to remove loose bodies and to shave down a bone spur in his left elbow. He was effective when healthy last year, posting a 3.78 FIP, 9.4 K/9, and 3.4 K/9 across 33 starts (195.1 innings). Although New York will open the 2026 season without Rodon and Gerrit Cole (elbow), the organization reportedly feels good about its rotation headlined by Max Fried, Will Warren, Cam Schlittler, and newcomer Ryan Weathers. Rodon's proven track record makes him an intriguing fantasy option, even though he won't be ready for Opening Day. As it stands, he ranks as the #59 starting pitcher in RotoBaller's latest 2026 fantasy baseball draft rankings.--Andersen Pickard
Source: Brendan Kuty

January 22, 2026

Boston Red Sox starting pitcher Kutter Crawford (wrist) is expected to begin camp with the rest of the pitching staff, according to president of baseball operations Craig Breslow (via Jen McCaffrey of The Athletic). Crawford resumed throwing earlier this month, and as long as he stays healthy through spring training, he should compete for an Opening Day roster spot. The competition won't be easy, though. The Red Sox added Ranger Suarez and Sonny Gray behind Garrett Crochet this offseason, and Brayan Bello should earn the No. 4 starter role if he's not traded. Assuming Boston opens the year with a five-man rotation, that leaves one spot for Crawford, Johan Oviedo, Patrick Sandoval (elbow), Connelly Early, Payton Tolle, or Kyle Harrison. The pitchers who don't make the Opening Day rotation will end up in the bullpen or Triple-A. Crawford is the most familiar face of that group, racking up 313 innings between 2023 and 2024. During the 2024 campaign, he made a whopping 33 starts, posting a 4.35 xFIP, 8.6 K/9, and 2.5 BB/9. He missed all of last year due to wrist surgery.--Andersen Pickard
Source: Jen McCaffrey

January 22, 2026

Boston Red Sox starting pitcher Patrick Sandoval (elbow) has resumed throwing and is expected to begin camp with the rest of the pitching staff, according to president of baseball operations Craig Breslow (via Jen McCaffrey of The Athletic). Sandoval hasn't pitched in an MLB game since June 2024 due to elbow surgery. Boston inked him to a two-year deal before last season in hopes that he could recover during 2025 before pitching meaningful innings in 2026. As it stands, it appears that Sandoval is on pace to do just that. However, even if healthy, he'll face competition in Boston's revamped rotation. The Red Sox added Ranger Suarez and Sonny Gray behind Garrett Crochet, and Brayan Bello should earn the No. 4 starter role if he's not traded. That leaves one rotation spot for Sandoval, Johan Oviedo, Kutter Crawford (wrist), Connelly Early, Payton Tolle, or Kyle Harrison. The pitchers who don't make the Opening Day rotation will end up in the bullpen or Triple-A. Sandoval could certainly be the victor of that group, as he's a veteran arm who has impressed in the past. Over 79.2 innings with the Angels in 2024, he posted a 3.87 FIP, 9.2 K/9, and 4.0 BB/9. This competition will be worth monitoring as spring training gets underway and Opening Day inches closer.--Andersen Pickard
Source: Jen McCaffrey

January 22, 2026

The Boston Red Sox continue to explore potential infield additions, but Jen McCaffrey of The Athletic reports that the organization prefers to play infielder Marcelo Mayer at third base. McCaffrey speculates that Mayer would be a strong fit at the hot corner, not only because he played well in Alex Bregman's absence last year, but also because Boston views him as its franchise shortstop after Trevor Story's contract expires, so they'd like to keep him on the left side of the infield. Plus, although president of baseball operations Craig Breslow wouldn't commit to Mayer at second base or third base, he did emphasize a desire to improve the infield defense. Mayer posted 2 OAA and 2 FRV at third base last year. Connecting the dots, this would seem to indicate that if the Red Sox do pursue an external addition, they may prefer a second baseman over a third baseman. McCaffrey writes that Cubs infielder Nico Hoerner, who would fetch a significant haul if traded, might make more sense than third baseman Isaac Paredes, who has struggled defensively. As the roster currently stands, Mayer projects to play third base while Romy Gonzalez, Nate Eaton, and Nick Sogard could platoon at second.--Andersen Pickard
Source: Jen McCaffrey

January 22, 2026

St. Louis Cardinals catcher Ivan Herrera (elbow) began throwing earlier this month, and manager Oliver Marmol said that he should start hitting and defensive drills this week. Marmol wasn't ready to commit to an exact role for Herrera, who could catch or play left field. The skipper noted that spring training games don't offer the best opportunity for the Cardinals to evaluate Herrera behind the dish, since opponents don't always start their best players, and they also don't steal as often. As a result, they might not have an exact vision for his role until after the regular season begins. The team does expect Herrera to demonstrate improved throwing after he underwent an offseason surgery to remove bone chips from his right elbow. Meanwhile, Herrera has expressed his desire to be an everyday catcher in the future. However, as he continues to work his way back from injury, St. Louis is being non-committal about his role. We wouldn't be surprised to see him play some catcher and some left field during the first couple weeks of the regular season. Cardinals fans and fantasy managers will certainly be excited to see him back in action, as Herrera posted an impressive .284/.373/.464 slash line with 19 home runs and a 137 wRC+ through 107 games last year. He currently ranks as the #11 catcher in RotoBaller's latest fantasy baseball draft rankings.--Andersen Pickard
Source: Rob Rains

January 22, 2026

Free-agent relief pitcher Taylor Rogers is coming back to Minnesota after agreeing on a one-year, $2 million contract with the Twins. Rogers spent the first six seasons of his MLB career with the Twins, posting a career-high 30 saves in 2019 and earning an All-Star selection in 2021. He spent time with the Padres, Brewers, Giants, Reds, and Cubs in the four seasons since his departure, and last year, he had a 3.38 ERA and a 4.38 FIP in 50 2/3 innings with the Reds and Cubs. The 35-year-old lefty could be a key part of the Twins' bullpen in 2026, and he could even be in the mix for saves since the rest of the bullpen is relatively inexperienced.--Zach Thompson
Source: Aaron Gleeman

January 22, 2026

Milwaukee Brewers starting pitcher Brandon Woodruff (lat) is having a normal offseason, and his progress was a critical element to the team trading starting pitcher Freddy Peralta to the Mets, according to president of baseball operations Matt Arnold. Woodruff opted out of his deal but then accepted the qualifying offer from the Brewers this offseason, giving him a one-year deal worth $22.025 million. Woodruff returned from a nearly two-year absence due to shoulder surgery in 2025, posting a strong 3.20 ERA, with 83 strikeouts and just 14 walks in 64 2/3 innings. His season ended early due to a lat injury in mid-September, but he should be ready to go for Spring Training. He'll provide a proven veteran option at the top of the team's promising young rotation.--Zach Thompson
Source: Curt Hogg

January 22, 2026

The New York Yankees secured a big part of their lineup by re-signing outfielder Cody Bellinger, but they're still looking to make some further tweaks to their roster. One item on the shopping list, according to New York Daily News' Gary Phillips, is a right-handed hitter who catches. All three of the Yankees' current catchers hit left-handed, and even though Ben Rice, Austin Wells, and J.C Escarra bring good production potential, they are a little lop-sided. Free agent catchers J.T. Realmuto, Danny Jansen, Austin Hedges, and Victor Caratini are all right-handed options who have already signed this offseason, with Elias Diaz, Christian Vasquez, and Mitch Garver among some of the top right-handed hitting catchers available on the open market. The team could also make a trade to fill the need before pitchers and catchers report in a few weeks.--Zach Thompson
Source: Gary Phillips

January 22, 2026

New York Yankees outfielders Jasson Dominguez or Spencer Jones could be shopped in trade offers after the Yankees locked up Cody Bellinger for the next five seasons. The Yankees have Aaron Judge and Trent Grisham to fill their everyday outfield spots, while Giancarlo Stanton will likely be the everyday DH. Dominguez and Jones each have long-term offensive potential but could benefit from regular playing time, which will be hard to come by for the Yankees. Dominguez is the more likely of the two young bats to be moved since he isn't considered a long-term option in center field, while Jones could slide into that spot if Grisham leaves after this season as a free agent. Dominguez is a highly regarded offensive prospect who hit .257 with 10 homers and 23 stolen bases to go with a .316 wOBA in 123 games. The Yankees would likely be looking for starting pitching in return, and it seems likely that they make some moves to relieve the logjam before the start of the season.--Zach Thompson
Source: Gary Phillips

January 22, 2026

According to a report from USA Today's Bob Nightengale, rival executives expect the Baltimore Orioles to be the next team to sign a top-tier starting pitcher from the free-agent market after the Mets filled their rotation by acquiring Freddy Peralta from the Brewers. The Orioles currently have Trevor Rogers, Kyle Bradish, Shane Baz, Dean Kremer, and Zach Eflin in the mix as starting pitchers, but could definitely use a front-line option. Some of the best options still available are Framber Valdez from the Astros, Chris Bassitt from the Blue Jays, Lucas Giolito from the Red Sox, and Nick Martinez and Zack Littell from the Reds. The Orioles' young lineup is expected to improve in 2026, but they'll need the starting pitching to step up if they want to contend in a very competitive AL East.--Zach Thompson
Source: Bob Nightengale

January 22, 2026

Chicago Cubs pitching prospect Jaxon Wiggins looked quite impressive in the 2025 campaign and enters the 2026 campaign ranked as the team's No. 3 prospect on MLB Pipeline and the overall No. 67 in the sport. Wiggins opened the 2025 season with High-A but needed only 26 1/3 innings to prove he was ready to join the upper ranks. During this stint, the right-hander struck out 31 hitters and held a 1.71 ERA with a 0.99 WHIP. Through his first 42 innings at Double-A, Wiggins continued to find success, holding a 1.93 ERA, 0.93 WHIP, and a 52:17 K:BB. He was then given a short nine 2/3 inning stint with Triple-A late in the season, where he allowed five runs, walked six hitters, but added 14 punchouts. Given his quick progression through the system, Wiggins appears ticketed to compete for a midseason MLB debut. Managers should expect him to begin the 2026 season sitting at the top of the Triple-A Iowa rotation.--Andy Smith
Source: RotoBaller

January 22, 2026

Baltimore Orioles outfield prospect Dylan Beavers may not be given full-time at-bats to open the 2026 season. The team's No. 2-ranked prospect, according to MLB.com, made his MLB debut in mid-August after an impressive run at Triple-A. Across 94 games with the Norfolk Tides last summer, the young outfielder posted .304/.420/.515 line with 18 home runs and 23 stole nabses. During his first 35 contests with the Orioles, Beavers posted a lower .227 AVG but drew walks at an elite 19.0% rate and hit four home runs with two swiped bags. However, Beavers made only two starts against left-handed pitching during his first stint. Additionally, the Orioles bolstered their outfield this winter by adding veteran Taylor Ward, who figures to be the everyday left fielder. This will have Beavers compete for at-bats in right field with Tyler O'Neill, Leody Tavares, and Jeremiah Jackson. While Beavers has the talent to push for an everyday role, the Orioles may monitor his usage and keep him in a platoon. He is worth closely following in spring training. If he were to claim the lead role in right field, he would carry 20/20 upside and be a top late-round breakout target.--Andy Smith
Source: RotoBaller