January 20, 2026

Washington Nationals right-handed pitching prospect Jarlin Susana is a name to monitor in spring training. The right-hander is currently considered the No. 87 overall prospect on MLB.com and the No. 4-ranked prospect in the Washington system. He began the 2025 campaign with High-A but needed only nine innings to prove he was ready to join Double-A Harrisburg. With the Senators, Susana flashed immense strikeout upside, tallying 79 across 47 1/3 innings of work. In this stint, the 21-year-old posted a solid 3.61 ERA with a 1.39 WHIP. However, Susana underwent right lat surgery late in the second half, which could potentially limit him in spring training. While Susana was not in the mix to debut in Washington in the first half of 2026, if he continues this high-end production, he could make a strong case to debut later in the year.--Andy Smith
Source: RotoBaller

January 20, 2026

Pittsburgh Pirates left-handed prospect pitcher Hunter Barco is expected to compete for a role in the starting rotation during spring training. Last season, the southpaw was promoted in September for his MLB debut. Across three innings of work (all out of the bullpen), the lefty did not allow a run and struck out three hitters. He began 2025 with Double-A but needed only 25 2/3 innings to prove he was ready to join Triple-A. During this brief stint at Double-A, the left-hander did not allow a run and held a dominant 0.70 WHIP. At Triple-A Indianapolis, Barco logged 73 2/3 innings with a 3.79 ERA and a 1.37 WHIP. He tallied 82 strikeouts and 42 walks. Managers in deeper leagues should keep an eye on his progress in camp, as he will likely be competing for a starting role alongside Thomas Harrington. If he can crack the rotation, he would have sleeper appeal in deeper 12+ team formats, given his strikeout potential.--Andy Smith
Source: RotoBaller

January 20, 2026

Milwaukee Brewers right-handed pitching prospect Logan Henderson looked quite comfortable in his first taste of the majors last season and appears primed to take on a large role in 2026. Through his first 25 1/3 innings with the Brewers (five starts), the former fourth-round pick posted an elite 1.78 ERA with a 0.99 WHIP. Henderson struck out 33 batters and allowed free passes at an 8.1% rate. He generated a strong 32.8% hard-hit rate and a 32.6% chase rate, suggesting his strikeout totals should remain high over a full season. However, the right-hander saw his workload closely monitored and dealt with injuries and was eventually shut down with a flexor strain in the second half. Fortunately, he is not expected to face any limitations in spring training. With Freddy Peralta's name in many trade discussions, Henderson appears poised not only for a spot in the rotation but also to take on a significant role in the pitching staff in the upcoming season.--Andy Smith
Source: RotoBaller

January 20, 2026

According to Derrick Goold of The St. Louis Post-Dispatch, the Cardinals plan to give top infield prospect J.J. Wetherholt a chance to make the Opening Day roster. Goold noted that the team will give him "every opportunity" to be in the team's Opening Day lineup. Wetherholt, who is viewed as St. Louis' top prospect and the No. 5 overall prospect in the sport on MLB.com, was in strong contention to debut in the second half of 2025. The former seventh overall pick from the 2024 MLB Draft opened the season with Double-A but needed just 62 games to reach Triple-A Memphis. Through his first 47 games with Triple-A, Wetherholt held a stellar .314/.416/.562 line with 14 doubles, 10 home runs, and nine stolen bases. With third baseman Nolan Areando now in Arizona, Wetherholt faces even less competition to earn a key role. Managers should closely monitor his status in camp as he would become a must-draft player in all formats once named to the final roster.--Andy Smith
Source: Derrick Goold

January 20, 2026

Boston Red Sox left-handed pitching prospect Connelly Early could enjoy a breakout season in 2026. The team's No. 4-ranked prospect (according to MLB Pipeline) made his MLB debut in the second half and looked quite comfortable, logging 19 1/3 innings to the tune of a 2.33 ERA and a 1.09 WHIP. During this stint, the southpaw struck out an eye-catching 29 hitters while allowing only four free passes. He began the 2025 campaign with Double-A but was able to reach Triple-A Worcester after just 71 2/3 innings. With Double-A, he tallied 96 punchouts with a 2.51 ERA and contended to show similar productivity at Triple-A, logging 28 2/3 innings with a 2.83 ERA. However, managers should closely monitor his status in camp as he may not be guaranteed a spot in the rotation. With the Red Sox bringing in Ranger Suarez and having other budding arms like Payton Tolle, Early may have to earn his spot in spring training. If he can claim the No. 5 spot, he would become a top late-round target in all formats, given his high-end command and elite strikeout upside.--Andy Smith
Source: RotoBaller

January 20, 2026

New York Mets right-handed pitching prospect Jonah Tong is a name to closely monitor in spring training. Tong progressed through the Mets' system quite quickly in 2025, but stumbled as soon as he reached the big leagues. Through his first 18 2/3 innings with the Mets, Tong posted a hefty 7.71 ERA with a 1.177 WHIP. He struck out only 22 hitters while allowing walks at a high 10.3% rate. However, in the minor leagues, Tong looked like a budding ace as he tossed 113 1/3 innings (primarily at Double-A) to the tune of a 1.43 ERA, 0.92 WHIP, and a 179:42 K:BB. At Double-A, he held an incredible 1.59 ERA across 102 innings. While he possesses high upside, he may not be guaranteed a spot in the rotation out of camp, as he will likely be in contention for the final spot alongside Clay Holmes and Brandon Sproat. Given his unexpected role, he is only worth targeting in deep 12+ team leagues in early drafts.--Andy Smith
Source: RotoBaller

January 20, 2026

According to NFL Network's Ian Rapoport, Tom Pelissero, and Mike Garafolo, the Tennessee Titans are expected to name Robert Saleh as their franchise's next head coach. Entering 2025, Brian Callahan had head coaching duties but was removed from his role following a 1-5 start. In 2024, Callahan did not find much success as well, leading the Titans to a 3-14 record. Tennessee then turned to interim Mike McCoy for the remainder of the season, and he led them to two victories over their last 11 contests. Saleh served as San Francisco's defensive coordinator in 2025, but had previously served as a head coach with the New York Jets. Across 56 games with the Jets, Saleh posted a modest 20-36 record but typically had an elite defense. In 2022 and 2023, the Jets allowed the fourth and third-fewest yards, respectively, but were held back by their offense. Over two stints as the 49ers' defensive coordinator (2017-2020, 2025), Saleh saw similar success, as the team typically boasted one of the sport's top defensive units. In 2019, they allowed the second-fewest yards and third-fewest total points. This past season, despite dealing with numerous injuries, the San Francisco defense allowed the 13th-fewest total points and was dominant against the run, allowing the 11th-fewest rushing yards per game. The defensive-minded coach will be a great fit for a Titans squad that allowed 28.1 PPG (fifth-highest in the sport) last season.--Andy Smith
Source: Ian Rapoport

January 20, 2026

Chicago Bulls guard Josh Giddey (hamstring) was upgraded to questionable on the injury report ahead of Tuesday's meeting with the Los Angeles Clippers. He carried a doubtful tag before Saturday's contest against the Brooklyn Nets and missed his 10th straight game. If he returns against the Clippers, Giddey will probably have a minutes restriction and won't offer full value to fantasy managers. Still, he has a versatile skill set and can make a mark even with limited playing time. Giddey's return will cut into the minutes of Tre Jones, Ayo Dosunmu, and Kevin Huerter. Additionally, Matas Buzelis and Nikola Vucevic are expected to see reduced roles in the offense.--Taavi Pailk
Source: NBA Injury Report

January 20, 2026

Atlanta Hawks forward Zaccharie Risacher (knee) won't play this week and will be re-evaluated next Monday, the team announced. The 2025 first-overall pick is set to miss a seventh consecutive game on Wednesday against the Memphis Grizzlies. Risacher is dealing with a bone contusion in his left knee. Vit Krejci has filled in as a starter for most of Risacher's absence, but on Monday versus the Milwaukee Bucks, Corey Kispert took his place in the first unit. The duo combined for two points on 1-for-10 shooting, so fantasy managers should look past this situation.--Taavi Pailk
Source: TSN

January 20, 2026

Atlanta Hawks forward/center Kristaps Porzingis (Achilles) will be re-evaluated in one week, the team announced on Monday. The Latvian veteran has missed six games and is expected to sit out at least a couple of more contests. Porzingis departed the lineup in early January due to left Achilles tendinitis. In his absence, Mouhamed Gueye and Asa Newell have received more work in the frontcourt. However, the two have minimal fantasy appeal and won't be relevant for managers while Onyeka Okongwu is healthy.--Taavi Pailk
Source: TSN

January 20, 2026

Oklahoma City Thunder forward Jalen Williams (hamstring) will be re-evaluated in two weeks. He exited the lineup for Monday's matchup against the Cleveland Cavaliers and will be sidelined for at least six more games. Health issues have bothered Williams all season, limiting him to 24 appearances. He has averaged 16.8 points, 4.8 rebounds, 5.6 assists, and 1.3 steals in 29.6 minutes. With him out, Jaylin Williams received the starting nod on Monday but played only eight minutes. Meanwhile, Kenrich Williams' workload increased to 21 minutes. In Monday's game, the defending champions also lost Alex Caruso (back), so more tweaks could be coming in the rotation.--Taavi Pailk
Source: NBA.com

January 20, 2026

Miami Heat guard Tyler Herro (ribs) is out indefinitely with a costochondral issue with his ribs. He has missed two games and isn't expected to play during the team's current road trip, which has four more stops this week. Pelle Larsson has been starting during Herro's absence, though his fantasy production can fluctuate. In Monday's loss to the Golden State Warriors, Larsson had nine points, five rebounds, and three assists in 28 minutes. Simone Fontecchio's role has also grown in recent games, with the Italian posting back-to-back 13-point games.--Taavi Pailk
Source: Sportsnet

January 20, 2026

Golden State Warriors guard/forward Jimmy Butler III (knee) tore his right ACL in Monday's win over the Miami Heat and is out for the rest of the season, Anthony Slater of ESPN.com reports. This is very unfortunate news for the veteran, who entered Monday averaging 21.3 points on 53 percent shooting this month. He has notched 20.0 points, 5.6 rebounds, 4.9 assists, and 1.4 steals across the season. Butler III will be on a huge $56.8 million contract next season, but he could miss a large chunk of the campaign. The Warriors will look for more production from Buddy Hield and Gary Payton II going forward.--Taavi Pailk
Source: ESPN

January 19, 2026

Los Angeles Rams wide receiver Puka Nacua had some clutch catches to move the chains in Sunday's snowy Divisional Round win over the Chicago Bears, but he didn't exactly go off for fantasy managers in playoff leagues. Nacua caught five of his 10 targets for 56 yards while rushing the ball twice for six yards in the overtime victory. It was the 24-year-old's third-lowest yardage total of the year, and he failed to find the end zone for the first time since Dec. 14 against the Detroit Lions. Nacua had 10 receptions for 111 yards and a touchdown in last week's Wild-Card win over the Carolina Panthers. He's one of the best all-around players in the NFL and will take on the division-rival Seattle Seahawks in the NFC Championship this Sunday. The last time he faced Seattle in Week 16, Nacua went off for 12 catches, a season-high 225 yards, and two touchdowns. Nacua will most likely bounce back against Seattle.--Keith Hernandez
Source: Pro Football Reference

January 19, 2026

Free-agent outfielder Miguel Andujar, who is coming off a big season with the Athletics and Reds, is drawing significant interest from the Texas Rangers, San Diego Padres, St. Louis Cardinals, Cincinnati Reds, Chicago Cubs, and A's. Andujar hit a combined .318/.352/.470 with an .822 OPS, 10 home runs, 44 RBI, and 36 runs scored in 94 games with the A's and Reds. He missed time with a Grade 2 right-oblique strain and a quadriceps injury. The 30-year-old was a lefty killer and will most likely be a candidate for a platoon outfielder role wherever he lands. Fantasy managers definitely shouldn't expect him to come anywhere close to his 208 production with the New York Yankees, when he hit a career-best 27 home runs and drove in 92 in 149 games. In deeper fantasy leagues, Andujar is attractive for his power and dual eligibility at third and outfield.--Keith Hernandez
Source: New York Post - Jon Heyman

January 19, 2026

The Chicago Cubs and agent Scott Boras have continued to talk about free-agent right-hander Zac Gallen, according to Bruce Levine of 670 The Score. "Those talks are ongoing. My reporting is the possibility is that it'll be a shorter-term type of deal," Levine said. Gallen has been connected with the Cubs in free agency since early December, but the two sides have been unable to work anything out. The 30-year-old All-Star is coming off a career-worst 4.83 ERA and 1.26 WHIP with 175 strikeouts and 66 walks in 33 starts over 192 innings in 2025 in his seventh year in the big leagues. Going with a shorter deal would allow Gallen to build some of his value back up before potentially hitting free agency one more time as he nears the tail end of his career. Gallen is probably past his prime, but going to Wrigley Field could help lower his home run rate, which was a career high in 2025.--Keith Hernandez
Source: 670 The Score - Bruce Levine

January 19, 2026

The Atlanta Braves announced on Monday that they signed free-agent infielder Jorge Mateo to a one-year, $1 million deal. Mateo will essentially be insurance after it was announced over the weekend that infielder Ha-Seong Kim (finger) will miss around the first six weeks of the 2026 season due to finger surgery. Like Kim, the 30-year-old Dominican has been injured in recent seasons, playing in only 110 combined games the last two years with the Baltimore Orioles, slashing .214/.253/.362 with six home runs, 21 RBI, 39 runs scored, and 28 stolen bases. He hit only .177 in 42 games for the O's last year. The most likely scenario to open the year with Kim injured is that utility man Mauricio Dubon will begin as the primary shortstop in Atlanta. If Mateo does get an extended chance at the 6 or another position for the Braves, he could be interesting for his speed (he stole a league-high 35 bags in 2022).--Keith Hernandez
Source: Atlanta Braves

January 19, 2026

NFL Network's Tom Pelissero thinks there are three teams to watch as potential landing spots for former Buffalo Bills head coach Sean McDermott as he seeks his next head-coaching opportunity. McDermott is 51 years old, so Pelissero reasons that the veteran coach won't be looking for a rebuild, but rather a situation where he will have the chance to contend immediately. Pelissero mentions the Pittsburgh Steelers, Baltimore Ravens, and Tennessee Titans as the three teams to watch for McDermott. Although the Titans are in more of a rebuild, they have a young quarterback and a new stadium, and they've been aggressively pursuing some big names for the job. Pelissero thinks it would be more of a long shot to see McDermott go somewhere like Las Vegas or Arizona. In McDermott's nine years in Buffalo, he led the team to the playoffs eight times, but he was never able to get all the way to the Super Bowl.--Keith Hernandez
Source: NFL Network - Tom Pelissero

January 19, 2026

NFL Network's Tom Pelissero mentions Denver Broncos quarterbacks coach Davis Webb as a potential head-coaching candidate for the Buffalo Bills to replace Sean McDermott, who was fired on Monday. Webb was a backup QB for several seasons in Buffalo and has a really close relationship with current QB Josh Allen. Pelissero mentioned that league sources are getting the sense that Buffalo will hire an offensive-minded head coach. Current head coach Joe Brady will be a candidate to be promoted, but Pelissero is unsure if he is "the" candidate for the job. It wouldn't be a surprise if former Miami Dolphins head coach Mike McDaniel's name comes up as the Bills search for McDermott's replacement this offseason. Even though Baltimore's and Pittsburgh's head-coaching jobs have yet to be filled, the Bills' opening is now at the top of the list for most attractive head-coaching jobs in the NFL, primarily because of Allen.--Keith Hernandez
Source: NFL Network - Tom Pelissero

January 19, 2026

The Pittsburgh Steelers are scheduled to meet on Tuesday with Minnesota Vikings defensive coordinator Brian Flores about their head-coaching job, according to Adam Schefter of ESPN. In the three years that Flores has been the DC for the Vikings, he has elevated the unit to a top-10 defense. Flores spent the 2022 season as an assistant coach under head coach Mike Tomlin, and he's always been considered a potential replacement for the future Hall of Fame coach. Flores also had a short stint as the head coach for the Miami Dolphins, so he does have previous head-coaching experience, even though it was brief. The respected defensive mind is also a head-coaching candidate for the Baltimore Ravens, while the Washington Commanders interviewed him for their DC job. If Flores doesn't get a head-coaching job this cycle, he'll likely return to Minnesota.--Keith Hernandez
Source: ESPN - Adam Schefter

January 19, 2026

San Francisco 49ers defensive coordinator Robert Saleh is scheduled for an in-person second interview on Tuesday for the Arizona Cardinals' head-coaching job, sources told Tom Pelissero of the NFL Network. Saleh interviewed for the Tennessee Titans' head-coaching job on Monday. If he doesn't come out of Tennessee with a contract, he'll get on a plane and head to Arizona. In total, Saleh has met with four different teams for their head-coaching jobs after leading a 49ers defense in 2025 that ranked 13th in points allowed, which is amazing considering how many injuries they had to key players. In his short run as the head coach of the New York Jets, Saleh went just 20-36, but he's still a very respected coach around the league and has a good shot to land another head-coaching gig this cycle.--Keith Hernandez
Source: NFL Network - Tom Pelissero

January 19, 2026

Terry McCormick of TitanInsider.com writes that "it sure feels like" former Kansas City Chiefs offensive coordinator Matt Nagy is the "front-runner" for the head-coaching job with the Tennessee Titans. Green Bay Packers defensive coordinator Jeff Hafley was a finalist for the Titans' job, but he was just hired to be the next head coach of the Miami Dolphins. Tennessee was also interviewing San Francisco 49ers defensive coordinator Robert Saleh for the job on Monday. Nagy worked for the Chiefs from 2013-17 before leaving to become the head coach of the Chicago Bears. He returned to KC in 2022 to serve as the offensive coordinator. One of the big reasons why Nagy is the top head-coaching candidate for the Titans is his relationship with general manager Mike Borgonzi, who previously worked in the Chiefs' front office.--Keith Hernandez
Source: TitanInsider.com - Terry McCormick

January 19, 2026

When asked about the status of offensive coordinator Nick Caley, Houston Texans head coach DeMeco Ryans said on Monday that he'll use the week to evaluate the coaching staff, according to Aaron Wilson of KPRC2 Sports. Caley, who replaced Bobby Slowik in the role, was in his first year on the job in Houston. The Texans' offense started sluggish but picked things up in the second half of the season as they went on a long winning streak to close out the year. The Texans ranked 13th in points per game (23.8), 18th in total yards per game (327), 14th in passing yards per game (218.1), and 22nd in rushing yards per game (108.9). It was by no means an excellent offensive showing, but the Texans held their own, especially without having running back Joe Mixon (foot, ankle) all year. Quarterback C.J. Stroud's collapse in the postseason was alarming, though.--Keith Hernandez
Source: KPRC 2 Sports - Aaron Wilson

January 19, 2026

Houston Texans head coach DeMeco Ryans said on Monday that he's "excited" to see wide receiver Tank Dell (knee) back on the field for the 2026 season, according to Aaron Wilson of KPRC2 Sports. Dell missed the entire 2025 season after tearing his ACL, MCL, and LCL in Week 16 of 2024. The 26-year-old spent all of 2025 rehabbing after having multiple surgeries to fix his knee. Dell's timeline to return to football activities is unknown, so we don't know exactly yet whether he'll be ready for training camp in the summer, preseason, or the start of the 2026 campaign in the fall. The former third-round pick is fortunate to even have the chance to play football again after his devastating knee injury, so expecting him to become fantasy relevant in his final year under contract might be a stretch, especially after the Texans added wideouts Jayden Higgins and Jaylin Noel in the 2025 NFL Draft.--Keith Hernandez
Source: KPRC 2 Sports - Aaron Wilson

January 19, 2026

It was a strong end to the year for Ludvig Aberg, who finished no worse than T23 over his last eight starts between a mix of PGA Tour and DP World Tour events. We have long established that the Swede has the game to travel anywhere, but his ability to keep the hammer down throughout an entire event remains suspect. He had a scoring average that was nearly a stroke-and-a-half higher in rounds two and three compared to rounds one and four last season. That kind of discrepancy is what ultimately keeps him from contending more, and why it feels like he's constantly leading a crazy Sunday charge just to come up a couple of shots short. Choosing to ride with Aberg is always going to be a novel thought, but at an event where one even-par round could tank a player's week, there may be less volatile options elsewhere.--Todd McGill
Source: PGA Tour

January 19, 2026

When asked whether he expects a future with running back Joe Mixon (foot, ankle) on Monday, Houston Texans head coach DeMeco Ryans said, "As of right now, I don't know that," according to Jonathan M. Alexander of the Houston Chronicle. Mixon didn't play at all during the 2025 season, yet the Texans managed to make the playoffs for the third straight year without him. The 29-year-old's future in Houston depends entirely on the health of his foot/ankle going into next season. From a contractual perspective, Mixon is with the team through the 2026 season. Veteran Nick Chubb opened the year as Houston's primary running back before rookie Woody Marks took over in the second half. Even if Mixon recovers this offseason and is ready to go for the season opener this fall, he won't be guaranteed to get the RB1 job back with Marks around.--Keith Hernandez
Source: Houston Chronicle - Jonathan M. Alexander

January 19, 2026

Seattle Seahawks head coach Mike Macdonald said that running back George Holani (hamstring) could come off Injured Reserve to join the team this week as they prepare to face the division-rival Los Angeles Rams in the NFC Championship game on Sunday, according to The Athletic's Michael-Shawn Dugar. "George is an option, yeah. We'll see how it goes this week," Macdonald said. The Seahawks could use Holani the rest of the playoffs after it was announced on Monday that Zach Charbonnet (knee) tore his ACL in Saturday's Divisional Round win over the San Francisco 49ers. Velus Jones Jr. saw six carries for 10 yards after Charbonnet was injured, but he was sent back to the practice squad on Monday. If Holani isn't available to play this weekend, the Seahawks will have the option of elevating either Jones or Cam Akers to serve as Kenneth Walker III's backup against the Rams.--Keith Hernandez
Source: The Athletic - Michael-Shawn Dugar

January 19, 2026

Seattle Seahawks head coach Mike Macdonald said the plan with quarterback Sam Darnold (oblique) this week will be day-to-day to see how he's doing, according to Curtis Crabtree of FOX 13 Seattle. "Balancing making sure we get enough reps at the proper tempo, with the proper looks, you know, and getting Sam the reps that he needs," Macdonald said. Darnold played through a questionable tag in the Divisional Round win over the San Francisco 49ers after injuring his left oblique in practice on Thursday. The 28-year-old wasn't needed all that much in the 41-6 blowout win, and he finished 12-for-17 passing for 124 yards and a touchdown. He will most likely be on the practice report this week and may not be full go, but it would be a surprise if he's not ready to play this Sunday in the NFC Championship versus the division-rival Rams. Darnold will most likely have to throw the ball much more in that one to keep up with L.A.'s potent offense.--Keith Hernandez
Source: FOX 13 Seattle - Curtis Crabtree

January 19, 2026

It was a close call on Sunday for Ryan Gerard, who ultimately fell two shots shy of the winning score. It was his second consecutive solo second after finishing runner-up on the DP World Tour in December. Ranking 26th last season in strokes gained on approach (+0.457), he lives and dies by his ball-striking ability, which would bode well if he consistently had the other parts of his game in shape. However, things start to get concerning outside the scope of that one particular stat metric, even with the recent showings. The former Tarheel is particularly weak with wedge distances, ranking 164th in proximity from 50-125 yards (20' 5") last season. He also has a real problem making par-5s count, ranking 162nd in birdie-or-better percentage (42.52%). If you were a beneficiary of his great run over his last two events, now may be the time to jump off the train.--Todd McGill
Source: PGA Tour

January 19, 2026

Minnesota Timberwolves center Naz Reid (shoulder) is currently listed as questionable ahead of Tuesday's game against the Utah Jazz. Reid was forced to make an early exit from Saturday's game due to a left shoulder injury. He wasn't able to return to the court and is now uncertain for Tuesday's game. Fellow big man Rudy Gobert (hip) has been removed from the injury report after sitting out of Saturday's game. He could see a few extra minutes if Reid is unable to play on Tuesday. Joan Beringer could see more minutes as well, but is an inconsistent fantasy option.--Andy Webb
Source: NBA Injury Report