February 15, 2026
Baltimore Orioles starting pitcher
Kyle Bradish is "expecting to be on some kind of innings limit in 2026," according to Matt Weyrich of the Baltimore Sun. Bradish recently recovered from Tommy John surgery, so the Orioles are going to closely monitor his workload to ensure he stays healthy and productive. He was sidelined from June 2024 to August 2025, and he was able to make six starts before the end of the regular season. Across those half-dozen outings, he posted a 2.45 FIP with 13.22 K/9, 2.81 BB/9, and 0.84 HR/9. His ground ball rate declined, but it came over a small sample size, and his results were still as impressive as ever before. Even with the Orioles managing his innings, Bradish projects as the team's ace and ranks as RotoBaller's #21 starting pitcher ahead of 2026 fantasy baseball drafts.
--Andersen PickardSource: RotoBaller
February 15, 2026
Houston Astros designated hitter
Yordan Alvarez (ankle) said that he is pain-free and back to 100 percent as spring training gets underway, according to Matt Kawahara of the Houston Chronicle. "Right now I feel great," Alvarez said. "No pain right now." The slugger landed on the injured list with a left ankle sprain back in September, and he didn't return for the rest of the season. He had missed a previous portion of the campaign with right hand inflammation. Across just 48 games in 2025, he slashed .273/.367/.430 with six home runs, a 14.1% walk rate, a 16.6% strikeout rate, and 118 wRC+. He had posted at least 167 wRC+ in each of the three seasons before that, so it's safe to say that Alvarez is looking to get back to his fully-healthy, pre-2025 form. He currently ranks as the #11 outfielder in RotoBaller's latest fantasy baseball draft rankings for 2026.
--Andersen PickardSource: Matt Kawahara
February 15, 2026
Arizona Diamondbacks starting pitcher
Zac Gallen said that he chose to re-sign for one year despite having several multi-year offers on the table from other organizations, according to Alex Weiner of ArizonaSports.com. "I've always bet on myself," Gallen told the media. "I felt like I owed it to myself, owed to my family, I even owed it to the organization, to the fans here to come back and have a good year." Gallen's free agency lasted into spring training, as he didn't re-sign with the Diamondbacks until Friday. The veteran starter is coming off a 33-start season, during which he posted a 4.50 FIP and 4.12 xFIP. He also had 8.20 K/9, 3.09 BB/9, and 1.45 HR/9 with a 43.6% home run rate. He slots right back into the Diamondbacks' No. 2 starter spot behind
Merrill Kelly.
--Andersen PickardSource: Alex Weiner
February 15, 2026
Cincinnati Reds corner infielder
Sal Stewart is mostly playing first base and second base during spring training, manager Terry Francona told Charlie Goldsmith of FOX19. It's an interesting development given that Stewart played a mix of first and third base in his brief taste of MLB action last year, but the focus has shifted to keeping him on the right side of the infield. Goldsmith explained that
Matt McLain is the Reds' primary second baseman, but Stewart could play there when McLain is off or playing shortstop. He also reported that Triple-A manager Pat Kelly said second base might be Stewart's best position. It's encouraging to see that Stewart has defensive versatility, as it could help to get his bat into the lineup more often. While it came over a small sample size of 18 big-league games, Stewart impressed with a .255/.293/.545 slash line, five home runs, a 5.2% walk rate, a 25.9% strikeout rate, and 124 wRC+ last year. He currently ranks #21 among first basemen in RotoBaller's latest fantasy baseball draft rankings, but more consistent playing time could boost his stock.
--Andersen PickardSource: Charlie Goldsmith
February 15, 2026
Arizona Diamondbacks first baseman
Tyler Locklear (elbow, shoulder) is expected to be sidelined through at least the middle of May or early June, manager Torey Lovullo told Jack Sommers of SI.com. Locklear hasn't played since September when he landed on the injured list with left elbow inflammation. The young corner infielder was traded from Seattle to Arizona at the trade deadline last year, but he injured himself within the coming months after a collision on the field. He ultimately needed season-ending surgery on both his shoulder and elbow, and now, he's going to miss the start of the 2026 season. That's rough news for a fringe roster player who had been looking for any opportunity to make his mark. He struggled across 31 big-league games last year, slashing .175/.267/.262 with three home runs, an 8.6% walk rate, a 37.1% strikeout rate, and 52 wRC+. Presumably, he'll end up on the 60-day injured list, creating less competition at first base. Veteran first baseman
Carlos Santana should crack the starting lineup while
Ildemaro Vargas and
Tim Tawa offer depth at the position.
--Andersen PickardSource: Jack Sommers
February 15, 2026
New York Yankees starting pitcher
Cam Schlittler (back) is expected to resume throwing from the mound on Tuesday. The Yankees have been cautious with Schlittler, who is currently dealing with back inflammation. Schlittler should be fine in the long term, but the team doesn't want to risk aggravating the issue. For the time being, Schlittler is expected to be fully ready to go in time for Opening Day. He's coming off an excellent rookie campaign in 2025. He posted a 2.96 ERA, 1.21 WHIP, and an 84/31 K/BB ratio in 14 starts. The 23-year-old is expected to be a mainstay in the Yankees' rotation in 2026.
--Andy WebbSource: Gary Phillips
February 15, 2026
Atlanta Braves pitcher
Hurston Waldrep (elbow) will visit with a doctor after experiencing elbow soreness following a live batting practice session. He underwent an MRI, which revealed loose bodies in his elbow, but no ligament damage. The visit with Dr. Keith Meister should help give the Braves a better timetable on when Waldrep will be able to pitch again. At the moment, it's unclear if the 23-year-old will be ready in time for Opening Day. Waldrep looked solid during his time with the Braves last season. He registered a 2.88 ERA, 1.18 WHIP, and a 55/22 K/BB ratio across 10 games (nine starts) in 2025. The Braves were hopeful Waldrep could make a bigger impact in 2026, but this elbow issue could be a setback.
--Andy WebbSource: Mark Bowman
February 15, 2026
St. Louis Cardinals infielders
JJ Wetherholt and
Nolan Gorman could be stationed at new primary positions in 2026. As of this weekend, Wetherholt is playing second base, while Gorman is taking reps at third base. Wetherholt has yet to make his MLB debut, but he should be in St. Louis soon. He has primarily been playing shortstop, but has seen some action at second base. It looks like the Cardinals would like Wetherholt to take over second base with the team trading
Brendan Donovan this offseason. As for Gorman, he came up as a second baseman, but has been transitioning to the hot corner. He played a career-high 54 games over there last season.
Nolan Arenado has been traded, so the spot is open full-time for Gorman. The Cardinals will likely move them around, but offseason trades have given these two players a chance to play full-time infield positions.
--Andy WebbSource: Jeff Jones
February 15, 2026
New York Mets relief pitcher
Devin Williams is working hard to shake up his pitching repertoire this spring. According to Laura Albanese, Williams is incorporating a cutter and adding a gyro slider to his mix of pitches. The hope is that using the gyro slider will help protect his changeup. Williams has been throwing these pitches in bullpen sessions and will soon get a chance to use them versus live hitting. The 31-year-old is coming off the worst season of his career with the New York Yankees in 2025. He registered a 4.79 ERA, 1.12 WHIP, and a 90/25 K/BB ratio with 18 saves in 67 appearances. The Mets gave Williams over $50 million this offseason, so he's expected to be the primary closing option. The hope is that the addition of new pitches will help Williams bounce back in 2026.
--Andy WebbSource: Laura Albanese
February 15, 2026
Texas Rangers outfielder
Brandon Nimmo is expected to function as the leadoff hitter and play right field, according to manager Skip Schumaker. This was expected to happen, but it's nice to finally have confirmation on the situation. Nimmo was traded to the Rangers in the deal that sent
Marcus Semien to the New York Mets earlier this offseason. The left-handed slugger is hopeful to give a boost to this lineup after a strong campaign in 2025. Nimmo slashed .262/.324/.436 with 25 home runs, 92 RBI, and 13 steals in 155 games with the Mets last season. The 32-year-old is a consistent hitter and durable, with 150-plus games played in each of the last four seasons. His fantasy value should remain strong, especially with him hitting in the leadoff spot.
--Andy WebbSource: Kennedi Landry
February 15, 2026
New York Mets shortstop
Francisco Lindor (hand) recently underwent surgery on his left hamate bone. Lindor is back in the Mets camp now and is very optimistic that he'll be ready to play on Opening Day. The expectation is that Lindor will need about six weeks of recovery time after having surgery. He underwent surgery last Wednesday and believes he'll be ready in time for the regular season. This certainly seems like great news, but who knows if Lindor will truly be 100 percent healthy by then. His fantasy stock should still take a hit, but possibly being ready for Opening Day is fantastic news for the Mets.
--Andy WebbSource: Anthony DiComo
February 15, 2026
Detroit Tigers manager A.J. Hinch said that infielder
Colt Keith will focus on third base and first base in spring training, according to Chris McCosky of the Detroit News. Keith will only return to second base if there are injury issues this year. The 24-year-old former fifth-round pick in 2020 spent most of his time at the keystone in his rookie season in 2024, but he played 24 games at second, 33 at third base, and 52 as the designated hitter for Detroit in 2025. Despite moving around the diamond last year, Keith was productive at the plate, slashing .256/.333/.413 with a .746 OPS, 13 home runs, 45 RBI, and 65 runs scored in 414 at-bats over 137 games played. The former top prospect must improve against left-handed pitchers (he had reverse splits), but with regular playing time and multi-position eligibility, he's a decent corner infield target in the later rounds of drafts.
--Keith HernandezSource: Detroit News - Chris McCosky
February 15, 2026
Tampa Bay Rays right-handed reliever
Edwin Uceta (shoulder) will skip pitching in this year's World Baseball Classic due to a "little cranky" right shoulder, according to Marc Topkin of the Tampa Bay Times. The good news is that the Rays are "very confident" that Uceta will be ready for Opening Day on March 26. The 28-year-old Dominican will play a key role at the back end of Tampa's bullpen this year and is expected to share high-leverage closing duties with
Griffin Jax and
Garrett Cleavinger now that
Pete Fairbanks is no longer in town. Manager Kevin Cash said the decision to keep Uceta out of the WBC was a precautionary move. In 76 innings last year, Uceta had a 3.79 ERA, 1.17 WHIP, one save, 21 holds, a career-high 103 strikeouts, and 27 walks in 70 appearances. His 38.7% whiff rate on his four-seam fastball ranked second overall in the big leagues, and he was just one of five relievers to reach 100 K's. While he may not rack up a ton of saves, Uceta will be useful for his ratios and holds.
--Keith HernandezSource: Tampa Bay Times - Marc Topkin
February 15, 2026
Houston Astros infielder
Isaac Paredes said he'll work at first base, second base, and third base in camp this year, according to Chandler Rome of The Athletic. Paredes also said he'll be a 100% participant in activities this spring after tearing his hamstring last year. The 26-year-old has been the subject of trade rumors this offseason and could be a man without a position on Opening Day, with
Carlos Correa set to start at third base and
Jose Altuve moving back to second base full-time. Despite playing in only 102 games in 2025 in his first year in Houston due to his hamstring injury, Paredes hit .254/352/.458 with an .809 OPS, 20 home runs, 53 RBI, and 53 runs scored in 438 plate appearances. His hamstring recovery could still be an issue, but the biggest setback for his 2026 fantasy value is his uncertain playing time if he sticks with the Astros. RotoBaller currently has him ranked as the No. 14 fantasy third baseman.
--Keith HernandezSource: The Athletic - Chandler Rome
February 15, 2026
Boston Red Sox first baseman
Triston Casas (knee) will do drills independently when the team holds its first full-squad spring training workout on Sunday, according to Ian Browne of MLB.com. Casas has some catching up to do after tearing his left patellar tendon on May 2 of last year. Offseason acquisition
Willson Contreras has taken his primary position (first base), but Casas thinks the BoSox will find a place for him when he's fully healthy. "When I'm healthy, I fit on any team," said Casas. Browne writes that designated hitter could be a "nice fallback" for Casas once he's 100% healthy. However, Boston could need the DH spot to deploy whichever player can't fit in the outfield on a given day. Casas said that medical professionals told him his injury typically takes a year of full recovery, which would put him on track to play again around May 1. The Red Sox's lineup lacks power, so they could use Casas' bat in their lineup, but the 26-year-old might not be ready for Opening Day, and he might not have a full-time role when he makes his season debut.
--Keith HernandezSource: MLB.com - Ian Browne
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