February 2, 2026
The Seattle Mariners are nearing a deal on Monday to acquire infielder/outfielder
Brendan Donovan from the St. Louis Cardinals as part of a three-way trade that also includes the Tampa Bay Rays, sources tell Jeff Passan of ESPN. Third baseman
Ben Williamson is expected to go from Seattle to Tampa, but the rest of the trade is unknown. The 29-year-old Donovan has been a popular trade candidate this offseason and will give the M's a versatile piece that will likely hit leadoff in his new home. He slashed .287/.353/.422 with a .775 OPS, 10 home runs, 50 RBI, 64 runs scored, and three stolen bases in 118 games for the Cardinals last year while earning his first All-Star nod. Donovan dealt with turf-toe and groin injuries in 2025 and was shut down early due to his groin issue. He also had offseason surgery to fix a sports hernia, although he's expected to be ready for Opening Day. With limited power and speed, Donovan is merely a utility infielder/outfielder in deeper fantasy leagues, even with the impending move to Seattle.
--Keith HernandezSource: ESPN.com - Jeff Passan
February 2, 2026
After the worst offensive season of his career (.732 OPS), Los Angeles Dodgers shortstop and former MVP
Mookie Betts said his offseason consisted of "rewiring" his body to try to eliminate the flaws that slipped into his swing in 2025, according to Fabian Ardaya of The Athletic. The 33-year-old was sapped of 20 pounds and much of his strength right before the start of last season due to a stomach virus, and from there, bad habits developed. "It was kinda like a snowball effect," Betts said. He believes his preparation last offseason for becoming a full-time shortstop also threw his routine off. Betts thinks he's in a "really good spot" going into his seventh year in L.A. as the Dodgers try to three-peat. Things will only get more difficult for Betts at his size (5-foot-10, 180 pounds). He should have a decent floor as the likely No. 3 hitter in a stacked Dodgers lineup, but fantasy managers shouldn't be expecting another MVP-like campaign from the eight-time All-Star.
--Keith HernandezSource: The Athletic - Fabian Ardaya
February 2, 2026
Toronto Blue Jays right-handed pitching prospect
Trey Yesavage said he plans to add a curveball to his repertoire, which already includes a fastball, splitter, and slider, according to Kristjan Lautens of the Toronto Star. "I have a funky (over-the-top) arm angle, so I've just got to play around with it. I would love (a pitch) that moves glove side," Yesavage said. The 22-year-old former 20th overall pick in 2024 started the 2025 season at Single-A Dunedin and ended up what was a whirlwind season as a starter in the postseason for Toronto. He made his first three regular-season starts in September before appearing in six playoff games. Along the way, he set a Blue Jays franchise single-game postseason record by fanning 12 Dodgers hitters in the World Series. Yesavage will begin the 2026 campaign in Toronto's rotation and won't have a strict innings limit. Control was a bit of an issue in his small sample size in the big leagues last year, but Yesavage's upside alone makes him a No. 3 starting pitcher target going into his first full season with the Jays.
--Keith HernandezSource: Toronto Star - Kristjan Lautens
February 2, 2026
Cincinnati Reds rookie and top prospect
Sal Stewart is expected to have a similar role as
Eugenio Suarez in 2026 as a designated hitter and corner infielder, according to Mark Sheldon of MLB.com.
Ke'Bryan Hayes will be Cincy's regular third baseman. In addition to Suarez,
Spencer Steer could also share time with Stewart at first base. Stewart made his MLB debut in 2025 but played in only 18 regular-season games, going 14-for-55 (.255) at the plate with five home runs, eight RBI, and 11 runs scored in 58 plate appearances. The 22-year-old former first-round pick in 2022 is ranked as the No. 22 overall prospect in baseball entering the 2026 campaign, per MLB Pipeline. It was encouraging that he had a 52.5% hard-hit rate and 17.5% barrel rate in the big leagues, and Stewart should be an everyday player for the Reds in his first full year in the big leagues as long as he's healthy. Stewart is a nice late-round flier with a high-end hit tool and above-average power in a hitter-friendly home ballpark.
--Keith HernandezSource: MLB.com - Mark Sheldon
February 2, 2026
Cincinnati Reds infielder/outfielder
Spencer Steer, who was a National League Gold Glove finalist at first base in 2025, will play some in the outfield and will have a utility role in 2026, according to MLB.com's Mark Sheldon.
Eugenio Suarez and
Sal Stewart are expected to see most of the at-bats at designated hitter and first base, so Steer could get squeezed to mostly playing in left field. Elite defenseman
Ke'Bryan Hayes will be the starting third baseman. Left field was Steer's primary position in 2024. Although Steer managed to reach the 20-homer mark for the third straight year in 2025, he was mostly a disappointment offensively with a .238/.312/.411 slash line, .723 OPS, 21 homers, 75 RBI, 66 runs scored, and seven stolen bases in 146 regular-season games. It helps that Steer is eligible at first and outfield in most fantasy leagues, but with his playing time potentially taking a dip in 2026, his fantasy stock is on the decline. RotoBaller has Steer ranked as the No. 25 fantasy first baseman.
--Keith HernandezSource: MLB.com - Mark Sheldon
February 2, 2026
Cincinnati Reds two-time National League Gold Glove winner
Ke'Bryan Hayes is expected to remain entrenched as the team's starting third baseman, even after the signing of
Eugenio Suarez. Suarez is expected to serve as Cincy's primary designated hitter, but he'll also see time at third and first base. Hayes hit .234/.315/.342 with three home runs, 13 RBI, and 16 runs scored in 52 regular-season games for the Reds in 2025 after they acquired him at midseason from the division-rival Pittsburgh Pirates. The 29-year-old was slightly better offensively after the move to Cincy, but his .306 slugging percentage was the worst among qualified hitters last year, and his .595 OPS was second-worst. Hayes' 2026 fantasy profile is slightly better as he enters his first full year with the Reds, but he's a better real-life player for his top-notch glove than a fantasy one. He's the No. 52 fantasy third baseman at RotoBaller.
--Keith HernandezSource: MLB.com - Mark Sheldon
February 2, 2026
The Baltimore Orioles acquired Cuban third baseman
Bryan Ramos from the Chicago White Sox on Sunday in exchange for cash considerations, sources told Francys Romero. Ramos will move to the American League East after being designated for assignment by Chicago last week. The 23-year-old only played in four games for the Pale Hose last year, going 2-for-12 with two RBI, a run scored, and four strikeouts. In his first MLB season in Chicago in 2024, Ramos slashed .202/.252/.333 with three home runs, 11 RBI, and 13 runs scored in only 32 games played. At Triple-A Charlotte in 2025, Ramos hit .216/.309/.396 with 16 home runs, 51 RBI, 60 runs scored, and 13 stolen bases in 431 plate appearances. He'll be competing for a roster spot in spring training, and there's a good chance he'll open the 2026 campaign at Triple-A Norfolk as organizational infield depth.
--Keith HernandezSource: Francys Romero
February 2, 2026
Los Angeles Dodgers outfield prospect Mike Sirota is quickly progressing through the minor leagues and is a name to watch in 2026. Sirota was drafted with the 87th overall pick in the 2024 MLB Draft by the Cincinnati Reds out of Northeastern. He was then shipped to the Dodgers in the package that sent infielder
Gavin Lux to the Reds. Sirota made his professional debut in 2025 with Low-A, then joined High-A shortly after. Through 24 games with Low-A Sirota, held a .354/.443/.687 line with eight doubles and seven home runs. With High-A, Sirota continued to show immense power upside, posting an elite 1.014 OPS with six home runs and four stolen bases. While his season was cut short by a knee injury, he is expected to push for an early promotion to the upper levels in 2026.
--Andy SmithSource: MLB.com
February 2, 2026
Cincinnati Reds catching prospect
Alfredo Duno is a name to monitor in dynasty formats ahead of the 2026 regular season. Duno is currently listed as the team's No. 2-ranked prospect on MLB.com and the overall No. 48-ranked prospect on MLB.com. Duno joined the Cincinnati system in 2023 and has continued to show high upside at the lower levels. He made his professional debut in 2023 in the Dominican Summer League, where he held a .303/.451/.493 line with a strong .944 OPS. This past season, he spent the entire campaign with Low-A Daytona, where he posted an impressive .287/.430/.518 slash line with 32 doubles, 18 home runs, and six stolen bases. Given his solid play last summer, managers should expect Duno to spend most of 2026 with High-A.
--Andy SmithSource: RotoBaller
February 2, 2026
Tampa Bay Rays right-handed pitching prospect Brody Hopkins will attend MLB spring training. Hopkins is currently viewed as the No. 3-ranked prospect in the Tampa Bay system on MLB.com. Last summer, Hopkins spent the entire campaign at Double-A. In 2024, he made his professional debut and spent time in the lower levels. Through 115 innings split between Low-A and Double-A in 2024, the right-hander posted a 3.05 ERA with a 1.18 WHIP. In 2025, Hopkins looked quite comfortable with Double-A Montgomery, logging 116 innings to the tune of a 2.72 ERA with a 1.25 WHIP. He struck out 141 batters while allowing 60 free passes. While an early-season MLB debut seems improbable, he could remain on track for a second-half debut if he can begin the 2026 season with Triple-A.
--Andy SmithSource: Marc Topkin
February 2, 2026
Seattle Mariners switch-pitching prospect Jurrangelo Cijntje is expected to focus entirely on right-handed pitching during spring training. Cijntje joined the Mariners with the 15th overall selection in the 2024 MLB Draft out of Mississippi State. Cijntje spent his debut campaign splitting time across High-And Double-A, pitching from both sides. However, the Mariners will look to have Cijntje focus solely on right-handed pitching this spring. Through 74 2/3 innings with High-A, Cijntje held a 4.58 ERA with a 1.19 WHIP. He struck out 83 batters. Through his first 33 2/3 innings at Double-A, the 22-year-old posted a strong 2.67 ERA, 1.28 WHIP, with a 37:16 K:BB. When facing right-handed batters (pitching with his right hand), Cijntje was far more effective, posting a 76:12 K:BB compared to the rough 44:39 K:BB he held as a left-hander. If he progresses well in camp, he could debut in Triple-A early in the first half.
--Andy SmithSource: MLB Pipeline
February 2, 2026
The Arizona Diamondbacks have officially invited infield prospect
Tommy Troy to MLB spring training. Troy was a fast riser in the system last season and is now in a great position to compete for a role on the Opening Day roster in 2026. Troy began the 2025 campaign with Double-A Amarillo and held a .286/.382/.461 slash line with 20 doubles, 12 home runs, and 21 stolen bases. He was then bumped up to Triple-A Reno to close out the campaign, where he continued to perform at a high level. Through 38 games, Troy held a .295/.381/.429 line. He posted an .810 OPS with three home runs and three stolen bases. Currently, Troy figures to compete for a utility role in the infield, serving as a backup option to third baseman
Nolan Arenado or shortstop
Geraldo Perdomo. He is a name to watch in deeper formats given his five-category upside.
--Andy SmithSource: MLB Pipeline
February 2, 2026
The Arizona Diamondbacks have invited top outfield prospect
Ryan Waldschmidt to big league camp. Waldschmidt is considered the team's top-ranked prospect on MLB.com and the overall No. 66-ranked prospect in the sport. Waldschmidt joined the Diamondbacks in the 2024 Draft and is now knocking on the MLB door. Last summer, the Kentucky product began the season in High-A but reached Double-A by the second half. Through 68 games with High-A, Waldschmidt held a .268/.415/.447 slash line with 13 doubles and nine home runs. During his first taste of Double-A, the outfielder took a step further, holding a stellar .309/.423/.498 line with a .921 OPS. Given Arizona's current outfield, Waldschmidt is a name to closely monitor as he could be in the mix to jump Triple-A and begin the season in the major leagues.
--Andy SmithSource: MLB Pipeline
February 2, 2026
According to Danny Demilio of PittsburghBaseballNow.com, the Pirates are unlikely to pursue a reunion with infielder
Isiah Kiner-Falefa in free agency. Demilio reported that a reunion between both sides appears to be "unlikely for several reasons." While the Pirates were unable to strike a deal with
Eugenio Suarez ahead of his signing with the Reds on Sunday, they remain active in the market in looking to bolster their infield ahead of spring training. Currently,
Jared Triolo and prospect
Nick Yorke are slated to cover the hot corner at the start of the season. Kiner-Falefa has had multiple stints in the Steel City during his career. Last season, Kiner-Falefa held a .262/.297/.334 line across 138 contests split between the Blue Jays and the Pirates. If he were to find a suitor, he would only be worth targeting in AL/NL-only leagues due to his defensive versatility.
--Andy SmithSource: Danny Demilio
February 2, 2026
According to Jen McCaffrey of The Athletic, the Boston Red Sox could still look to shop outfielder/designated hitter
Masataka Yoshida ahead of spring training. Yoshida posted a .266/.307/.388 slash line with 11 doubles and four home runs across a 66-game stint with Boston last season. He generated a high .270 xBA and showed an elite eye at the plate, posting a low 11.7% K%. During his first two seasons in the majors, Yoshida held an overall .285/.343/.433 line with a .775 OPS. However, given Boston's crowded outfield and acquiring
Willson Contreras in the offseason, the Boston lineup is quite crowded and will likely not offer Yoshida everyday at-bats. If he were to be moved, he could carry a sleeper appeal in a full-time role. If he were to open the season in Boston, he would be best left for deeper 15+ team formats as a late-round source of batting average.
--Andy SmithSource: Jen McCaffrey
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