February 18, 2026
Indiana Pacers forward
Pascal Siakam (personal) won't play on Thursday against Washington. These clubs will meet again on Friday, so fantasy managers will need to wait and see if he'll be back for that one. The Pacers have a number of players listed on the injury report, specifically,
T.J. McConnell (hamstring),
Aaron Nesmith (back),
Micah Potter (ankle), and
Ivica Zubac (ankle). As a result,
Kam Jones and
Ben Sheppard could see more work. That may also apply to
Quenton Jackson and
Ethan Thompson, depending on if they get the bump from the G League. With that said, there's a chance McConnell, Nesmith, and Potter will play, so there are a lot of moving parts in this scenario.
--Dennis ClausenSource: NBA Injury Report
February 18, 2026
Los Angeles Clippers guard
Darius Garland (toe) is considered week-to-week and continues practicing on a limited basis while managing his surgically repaired left foot, according to Law Murray of The Athletic. The team expects him to return this season, but a debut is unlikely before March. Garland carries a 28.6 usage rate when active, so his absence keeps
Kris Dunn entrenched as the starting point guard while
Kawhi Leonard maintains primary offensive control with a 34.8 usage rate.
Bennedict Mathurin and
Kobe Sanders carry value in deeper formats, though both profile as fringe options. Garland remains a firm hold in all competitive leagues.
--Brian DailisanSource: Law Murray
February 18, 2026
Milwaukee Brewers outfielder
Garrett Mitchell (shoulder) said that he received full clearance for baseball activities in early February, according to Todd Rosiak of the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel. Mitchell is a full-go in camp after having a second surgery on his left shoulder that limited him to just 25 games last season. The 27-year-old UCLA product was a first-rounder (20th overall) in 2020, but he just hasn't been able to stay on the field due to injuries. Mitchell hasn't played in more than 69 contests in a single season since debuting in the big leagues in 2022. In his four years with the Brewers, he's combined to hit .254/.333/.433 with a .766 OPS, 13 home runs, 40 RBI, 61 runs scored, and 23 stolen bases in 141 games and 443 plate appearances. Mitchell should have a role in Milwaukee's outfield if he can stay healthy, and there is still enough power and speed in his profile to make him a worthwhile deep-league stash.
--Keith HernandezSource: Milwaukee Journal Sentinel - Todd Rosiak
February 18, 2026
Brooklyn Nets center
Nicolas Claxton (ankle) won't play on Thursday versus Cleveland. He tweaked his ankle during practice on Wednesday, so it appears his absence might extend beyond Thursday's contest. While Claxton is sidelined,
Day'Ron Sharpe will likely replace him in the starting lineup. Sharpe has averaged 13.8 points, 8.5 boards, 2.3 steals, and 1.3 blocks in four starts this season, meaning he needs to be featured in all fantasy lineups as long as Claxton remains on the shelf.
--Dennis ClausenSource: NBA Injury Report
February 18, 2026
Sacramento Kings forward/center
Dylan Cardwell (ankle) sprained his left ankle at practice Tuesday and will be re-evaluated in four weeks, according to James Ham of ESPN 1320 Sacramento. The rookie was providing 5.4 points, 7.7 rebounds, and 1.2 assists in 21.2 minutes across 29 games, flashing strong per-minute rebounding. With
Domantas Sabonis (knee) already out for the season,
Maxime Raynaud is locked into heavy run. Raynaud is averaging 9.8 points, 6.6 rebounds, and 1.0 assists in 23.5 minutes over 48 games and now projects for 30-plus minutes. He is a must-add in standard leagues, while
Precious Achiuwa gains deeper-league appeal.
--Brian DailisanSource: James Ham
February 18, 2026
Atlanta Braves infielder
Mauricio Dubon will be the team's starting shortstop while
Ha-Seong Kim misses at least the first five weeks of the 2026 season after having surgery on his right middle finger, according to Mark Bowman of MLB.com. Defense and positional versatility are Dubon's calling card, but he did hit 10 homers and posted a .720 OPS in 492 plate appearances for the Houston Astros in 2023. He had a .651 OPS the last two seasons in Houston, not drawing more than 428 plate appearances either year. Defensively, Dubon should be able to hold down the 6 in Kim's absence after tying for the seventh-highest Fielding Run Value (six) among MLB shortstops last year. The 31-year-old Honduras native has appeared at every spot in the big leagues except catcher and pitcher, so he offers the Braves a lot of flexibility on defense. But he barely moves the needle in fantasy.
--Keith HernandezSource: MLB.com - Mark Bowman
February 18, 2026
Philadelphia 76ers center
Joel Embiid (shin) won't play on Thursday versus Atlanta. He reported soreness in his right shin during the All-Star break, so he'll miss at least one contest. However, the 31-year-old will be re-evaluated leading up to Philly's three-game road trip in New Orleans, Minnesota, and Indiana, meaning there is a chance he might miss more time. While Embiid is out of commission,
Andre Drummond, averaging 8.9 points and 10.8 boards in 19 starts this season, will presumably replace him in the rotation.
Adem Bona should also see additional action and would be worth streaming if Drummond sits out a game during the road trip.
--Dennis ClausenSource: Associated Press
February 18, 2026
Orlando Magic forward
Franz Wagner (ankle) will be sidelined indefinitely after further evaluation revealed he requires additional rehabilitation for soreness stemming from a left high ankle sprain, according to Shams Charania of ESPN. He will be re-evaluated in three weeks, leaving a significant usage gap in the interim. Wagner carries a 25.6 usage rate, and his absence elevates
Anthony Black, who is averaging 16.1 points, 4.0 rebounds, 4.0 assists, and 1.7 threes in 31.1 minutes across 53 games.
Paolo Banchero should handle more creation duties, while
Tristan da Silva and
Noah Penda profile as short-term streamers.
--Brian DailisanSource: Shams Charania
February 18, 2026
Sacramento Kings forward/center
Domantas Sabonis (knee) underwent season-ending surgery Wednesday to repair a torn left meniscus. The 29-year-old was limited to 19 appearances this season, averaging 15.8 points, 11.4 rebounds, and 4.1 assists in 29.7 minutes before being shut down as the 12-44 Kings shift focus to development. With backup center
Dylan Cardwell (ankle) also sidelined, rookie
Maxime Raynaud is positioned to handle 30-plus minutes nightly. Raynaud is averaging 9.8 points and 6.6 rebounds in 23.5 minutes across 48 games and now profiles as a must-add in standard leagues.
Precious Achiuwa should see a steadier run off the bench, while
Keegan Murray and
DeMar DeRozan gain modest usage bumps. Sabonis can be dropped in redraft formats.
--Brian DailisanSource: Shams Charania
February 18, 2026
Dallas Mavericks guard
Kyrie Irving (knee) will not return this season as he continues recovering from ACL reconstruction surgery performed March 26, the team announced Wednesday. The 33-year-old has yet to play in 2025-26, and Dallas is prioritizing a full recovery with an eye toward next fall. His absence locks in heavy on-ball duties for rookie guard
Cooper Flagg, who carries a 28.3 usage rate in 35.0 minutes, while
Brandon Williams and
Max Christie should continue seeing expanded roles. Irving remains a stash only in dynasty formats.
--Brian DailisanSource: Dallas Mavericks
February 18, 2026
The Cleveland Browns and left guard Joel Bitonio pushed the void date of his contract to the start of the new league year on March 11, a league source told Dan Labbe of The Cleveland Plain Dealer. Bitonio's contract was previously set to void on Monday, Feb. 16. The team's longest-tenured player will now have a little extra time to decide if he wants to return to play a 13th year in the NFL. The 34-year-old veteran offensive lineman will be extended or released by March 11 because the Browns would take on a $23 million dead-cap hit if his contract voids. If Bitonio chooses to return to Cleveland in 2026, he'll be expected to start at left guard. He was originally drafted in the second round in 2014 out of Nevada. Bitonio has been a stalwart interior offensive lineman for the franchise, being named to the Pro Bowl for seven straight seasons from 2018 to 2024.
--Keith HernandezSource: The Cleveland Plain Dealer - Dan Labbe
February 18, 2026
New Baltimore Ravens offensive coordinator Declan Doyle said on Wednesday that he expects everyone to be in attendance for the team's voluntary organized team activities this spring, according to Jamison Hensley of ESPN. The team's offseason program will start on April 6, with their first on-field workouts beginning in May. Quarterback
Lamar Jackson, who had a down year by his standards in 2025, has typically skipped most of the voluntary OTAs and didn't take part in eight of the nine on-field practices last spring. Whether the Ravens can get a new deal done with Jackson, who represents himself in contract negotiations, could impact his availability this spring. The 29-year-old is tied for the best career passer rating (102.2) and has the most rushing yards ever by a QB (6,522), making him one of the best dual threats at the position all time. Injuries slowed him down in 2025, though, and he'll be looking to bounce back with a first-time play-caller in Doyle.
--Keith HernandezSource: ESPN.com - Jamison Hensley
February 18, 2026
The New England Patriots have promoted inside linebackers coach Zak Kuhr as their full-time defensive coordinator, sources told Adam Schefter of ESPN. Kuhr was hired as the team's inside linebackers coach last season, but he took over as the defensive play-caller in Week 2 after defensive coordinator Terrell Williams was diagnosed with prostate cancer. Williams was cleared to return last week, according to head coach Mike Vrabel, and he was elevated to a higher-ranking role on the coaching staff. The 37-year-old Kuhr drew rave reviews from Williams at Super Bowl LX, and the Patriots' defense was instrumental in helping them get to the big game. Coaching assistant Vinny DePalma is expected to take over Kuhr's former position as inside LBs coach. The Pats' defense allowed the fourth-fewest points per game (18.8) and eighth-fewest total yards per game (295.2) during the 2025 regular season.
--Keith HernandezSource: ESPN - Adam Schefter
February 18, 2026
Milwaukee Brewers right-hander
Quinn Priester (wrist) has recovered from the wrist issue that he dealt with late last year, but he will be slow-played this spring, according to Todd Rosiak of the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel. "He's had a couple of things that have kept him from progressing, but he's thrown bullpens. Nothing shutting him down or anything like that," manager Pat Murphy said. In his first year with the Brew Crew in 2025, the 25-year-old had a strong season, going 13-3 with a career-best 3.32 ERA (4.01 FIP) and 1.24 WHIP with 132 strikeouts and 50 walks in 157 1/3 innings pitched over his 29 appearances (24 starts). The former first-round selection generated a lot less hard contact, but his 20.2% strikeout rate, 3.59 xERA, and 3.81xFIP all indicate that some regression could be in store in 2026 in his second year in Milwaukee. Priester is in a good situation with the Brewers, but his ceiling for fantasy purposes might be as a mid-tier starting pitcher with limited strikeout upside. He's ranked as RotoBaller's No. 73 fantasy starting pitcher.
--Keith HernandezSource: Milwaukee Journal Sentinel - Todd Rosiak
February 18, 2026
Pittsburgh Pirates manager
Don Kelly told Pittsburgh sportscaster Shelby Cassesse that "it would be a tough ask" for shortstop prospect
Konnor Griffin to make the Opening Day roster, according to Andrew Fillipponi of 93.7 The Fan. "Keep in mind he's only had a handful of at-bats at Double-A," Kelly said. Spring training games have yet to begin, but it sounds like the Bucs are pretty set on having Kriffin, the consensus top prospect in the game, start at Triple-A Indianapolis in 2026. The ninth overall pick in 2024 made it all the way to Double-A Altoona in his first pro season in 2025, slashing a combined .333/.415/.527 with a .941 OPS, 21 home runs, 94 RBI, 117 runs scored, and 65 stolen bases in 122 games played at three different levels. Griffin will still be a stash candidate in all single-year leagues, even if he doesn't make the Opening Day roster, but keep in mind that the Pirates generally have not rushed their top prospects to the majors.
--Keith HernandezSource: 93.7 The Fan - Andrew Fillipponi
February 18, 2026
The Miami Dolphins have had trade talks with teams this offseason regarding five-time Pro Bowl safety Minkah Fitzpatrick, sources told Jordan Schultz of FOX Sports. Miami already released four players earlier this week, including Pro Bowl receiver
Tyreek Hill (knee), and they are in the early stages of resetting their roster under a new regime. The Dolphins acquired the 29-year-old defensive back from the Pittsburgh Steelers last year in the deal that sent cornerback Jalen Ramsey to the Steel City. Fitzpatrick could be on the move again this year after he recorded 82 tackles (59 solo), one sack, four tackles for loss, one interception, six pass breakups, one forced fumble, and two fumble recoveries in 14 games in his return to Miami. He should have plenty of suitors on the trade market as the Dolphins look for draft-pick compensation.
--Keith HernandezSource: FOX Sports - Jordan Schultz
February 18, 2026
Chicago Cubs manager Craig Counsell said that outfielder
Kevin Alcantara has prepared well for a job coming into spring training, according to Bruce Levine of Marquee Sports Network. Alcantara said on Wednesday that he is confident in his ability and has matured while waiting for his chances. Additionally, the 23-year-old Dominican said he made swing adjustments in the offseason to find more consistency at the plate. In the last two years, Alcantara has only appeared in 13 major-league games with the Cubbies, going 5-for-21 (.238) with no homers, one RBI, one stolen base, one walk, and five strikeouts. He slashed .266/.349/.470 with 17 home runs, 10 stolen bases, and a 29.8% strikeout rate in 102 games at Triple-A Iowa in 2025. Alcantara has plus speed and raw power, but no clear path to playing time in Chicago in 2026. He also has minor-league options remaining, so starting in Iowa again is a possibility.
--Keith HernandezSource: Marquee Sports Network - Bruce Levine
February 18, 2026
Los Angeles Rams impending free-agent tight end
Tyler Higbee has been a key weapon in the organization for a full decade, but he could be headed for a change of scenery as he enters free agency in 2026. Higbee played 10 games in 2025, missing the remaining seven due to an ankle issue. He was held to just 25 catches, 281 yards, and three touchdowns, ranking as the overall TE40 in PPR leagues. It was another underwhelming year for the veteran tight end, who has been healthy for just 13 of 34 games over the last two years. Not only has Higbee's recent downturn made him a non-priority for the Rams in free agency, but so has the emergence of two key teammates.
Colby Parkinson scored eight touchdowns in a late-season breakout, and the Rams also invested significant draft capital in
Terrance Ferguson, who had five catches, 87 yards, and two touchdowns over his final two games as a rookie in 2025. There's no real spot for Higbee in this offense, especially if he and the Rams don't agree on a salary. If Higbee, 33, wishes to return for an 11th NFL season, it seems likely it'll be with an organization other than the Rams.
--Andersen PickardSource: RotoBaller
February 18, 2026
Seattle Seahawks tight end
AJ Barner broke out as the overall TE14 in PPR leagues during his second pro season in 2025. Fully healthy for all 17 games, he racked up 52 catches, 519 yards, and six touchdowns in a Seahawks offense that ultimately won Super Bowl LX. Most importantly, he fended off rookie
Elijah Arroyo. Before the year, it seemed like Arroyo might push to be the No. 1 tight end, but that never happened because Barner contributed at such a high level. Arroyo will get a little more involved in 2026, but we expect that Barner will remain the top tight end target for
Sam Darnold, especially around the goal line. Not only is he trending up in dynasty leagues, but he's also an intriguing option in redraft leagues, especially for managers waiting to take their primary tight end until the later round of fantasy drafts. He'll likely open 2026 draft rankings just outside the top 12 tight ends, but he has top-10 upside.
--Andersen PickardSource: RotoBaller
February 18, 2026
Miami Marlins corner outfielder
Griffin Conine is learning first base this spring, according to Christina De Nicola of MLB.com. It's the same position his father, Jeff, played for most of his 17-year MLB career. The Marlins could use some depth at the position since
Graham Pauley and
Liam Hicks have limited experience there. In addition to Conine,
Christopher Morel and
Connor Norby are working at first base to give the Fish more options. Miami's outfield is already heavy on left-handed bats with
Kyle Stowers,
Jakob Marsee, and prospect
Owen Caissie. If the 28-year-old adapts well to the position in spring training, it's possible he could make plenty of starts there in 2026. Conine only played in 24 games in Miami last year due to a dislocated shoulder that required surgery, and he went 20-for-79 (.253) with two homers and eight RBI. He had a nice 48.1% hard-hit rate, 14.8% barrel rate, and 117.4 mph maximum exit velocity in a short sample size, so he could become interesting as a depth outfielder in deeper fantasy leagues this year if he can carve out enough playing time at first base.
--Keith HernandezSource: MLB.com - Christina De Nicola
February 18, 2026
New York Yankees manager Aaron Boone said the plan is to get infielder
Ryan McMahon some reps at shortstop this spring to see if that can be an option with
Anthony Volpe (shoulder) expected to miss the first month of the season, according to Gary Phillips of the New York Daily News. Phillips adds that this would purely be for emergency purposes, as
Jose Caballero is expected to man the 6 regularly in the Bronx to begin the year with Volpe sidelined. The 31-year-old McMahon has only played three innings at shortstop back in 2020 with the Colorado Rockies in his pro career. He still has pop -- he's hit 20-plus homers in six straight seasons -- but the nine-year veteran hit an ugly .214/.312/.381 with a .693 OPS, 53 RBI, 62 runs scored, and three steals in 154 regular-season games last year in Colorado and New York. Because of his struggles against same-handed pitching, McMahon is set for a platoon at the hot corner for the Bombers, causing him to lose most of his mixed-league appeal.
--Keith HernandezSource: New York Daily News - Gary Phillips
February 18, 2026
Minnesota Twins right-hander
Zebby Matthews could be a candidate for the No. 5 starting rotation spot to begin the 2026 season now that right-hander
Pablo Lopez (elbow) will likely miss the entire season, according to Matthew Leach of MLB.com.
Taj Bradley and
Simeon Woods Richardson were the favorites for the fourth and fifth spots in the Opening Day rotation, but a new spot has emerged in Minnesota due to Lopez's injury. In 16 starts for the Twins last year, Matthews struggled to a 5.56 ERA (3.79 FIP) and 1.49 WHIP with 88 strikeouts and 24 walks in 79 1/3 innings over his 16 starts. The former eighth-round pick in 2022 out of Western Carolina University also struggled to a 6.69 ERA and 1.65 WHIP in his first nine big-league starts in 2024. Under the hood, Matthews showed promise with plenty of velocity and above-average strikeout and walk rates. A high .357 BABIP and 3.79 FIP indicate bad luck. Given another opportunity in 2026, don't be surprised if Matthews turns things around.
--Keith HernandezSource: MLB.com - Matthew Leach
February 18, 2026
The Houston Astros "have expressed interest" in free-agent outfielder
Michael Conforto, with their chances of trading infielder
Isaac Paredes diminishing, a source told Brian McTaggart of MLB.com. The 32-year-old veteran left-handed hitter really struggled with the Los Angeles Dodgers last year, slashing .199/.305/.333 with a career-worst .637 OPS, 12 home runs, 36 RBI, 54 runs scored, and a 121:56 K:BB in 138 regular-season games (486 plate appearances). Conforto's xBA of .237 suggests he might have been a bit unlucky, but most of his advanced metrics at the plate were average, at best. In his two previous seasons with the San Francisco Giants, he slashed .238/.322/.418 with a .740 OPS with 35 homers and 124 RBI in 255 games. Conforto could bounce back in the average department, but he'll likely be limited to a platoon role wherever he lands in free agency.
--Keith HernandezSource: MLB.com - Brian McTaggart
February 18, 2026
Kansas City Chiefs tight end
Noah Gray has long-term upside in dynasty leagues, making him a sneaky stash for the upcoming offseason. For his entire five-year career so far, Gray has been stuck in a depth role behind superstar
Travis Kelce. However, with Kelce likely nearing the end of his playing career, it's time for fantasy managers to start considering who might take his place after he retires. Right now, the frontrunner is Gray, who has flashed tremendous upside even in his role as the Chiefs' No. 2 tight end. In 2024, even with Kelce playing 16 games, Gray ranked as the overall TE2 in PPR leagues with 40 catches, 437 yards, and five touchdowns. He added another 21 catches and 178 yards last year. Kelce is likely coming back for another year, but we expect the Chiefs to begin incorporating Gray even more than last year. In addition to an anticipated larger role, Gray is the top tight end handcuff in the NFL. While roster spots are limited and rostering a backup tight end in redraft leagues may not be feasible, Gray is absolutely an intriguing offseason pick-up in dynasty leagues. He has top-10 upside when Kelce isn't healthy or isn't playing anymore. Dynasty managers should consider adding Gray if he's currently not rostered.
--Andersen PickardSource: RotoBaller
February 18, 2026
Carolina Panthers tight end
Ja'Tavion Sanders (fibula) missed the end of 2025 after being placed on IR. He still appeared in 13 games throughout the course of the regular season, amassing 29 catches, 190 yards, and one touchdown. This was a significant step back from his rookie campaign in 2024, when he was the TE36 in PPR leagues with 33 catches, 342 yards, and a trip to the end zone. The Panthers simply haven't placed much emphasis on utilizing the tight end position in the passing game in recent years, so even though Sanders has been atop the depth chart, he hasn't carved out a significant receiving role. That's unlikely to change in 2026, so he's not a particularly intriguing target in redraft leagues. However, he's worth holding and stashing in dynasty leagues because he's still a young, talented player with long-term upside in a more appropriate scheme.
--Andersen PickardSource: RotoBaller
February 18, 2026
San Francisco 49ers running back
Isaac Guerendo has emerged as a potential drop candidate as dynasty managers prepare for the offseason roster crunch. Between clearing taxi squad spots, adding players, and navigating rookie drafts, dynasty managers may need to make decisions about which rostered players to cut. Guerendo is a prime candidate after an underwhelming second season with the 49ers in 2025. He appeared in 14 games but played exclusively on special teams, never logging an offensive snap. He was buried on the depth chart behind
Christian McCaffrey,
Brian Robinson Jr.,
Jordan James, and even fullback
Kyle Juszczyk. It was a surprising, harsh development for the Louisville product after he finished as the overall RB48 in PPR leagues with 572 scrimmage yards and five touchdowns in 2024. Evidently, the 49ers don't see Guerendo in their long-term plans, and it's hard to imagine he'll climb the depth chart in 2026, even with Robinson expected to hit free agency. Managers in most dynasty leagues should feel comfortable dropping the 25-year-old.
--Andersen PickardSource: RotoBaller
February 18, 2026
San Francisco Giants third baseman
Matt Chapman is coming off the best season of his career in terms of plate discipline, but health and power are key storylines to monitor with the veteran infielder going forward. Chapman slashed .231/.340/.430 with 21 home runs, a 13.3% walk rate, a 23.6% strikeout rate, and 118 wRC+ last year. This was a new career-high walk rate, and also the second-best strikeout rate of his career. His power dipped slightly, but only from a 4.1% HR% in 2024 to a 3.9% HR% in 2025. Meanwhile, he continued to flash the leather at third base with 4 OAA and 4 FRV. Unfortunately, Chapman missed roughly five weeks due to right hand inflammation. He's fully healthy heading into 2026, but injury risk is always a factor to consider ahead of fantasy baseball drafts. It's a big ask, but we'd love to see Chapman continue to homer around 4% of the time, continue to showcase solid plate discipline, and stay healthy for most of the 2026 season. He currently ranks #10 among third basemen in RotoBaller's latest fantasy baseball draft rankings.
--Andersen PickardSource: RotoBaller
February 18, 2026
Detroit Tigers first baseman
Spencer Torkelson got back on track with 31 home runs and 118 wRC+ across 155 games in the majors last season. Torkelson's offensive contributions fell so much in 2024 that Detroit sent him to Triple-A to get right. However, he bounced back with a full season at the MLB level in 2025, delivering major contributions to the Tigers and his fantasy managers. In addition to the 31 homers and 118 wRC+, he produced a .240/.333/.456 slash line with an 11.1% walk rate and 26.0% strikeout rate. Striking out more than one quarter of the time isn't ideal, but it's a fair trade-off for a player who will hit 30-40 home runs and walk in more than 10% of their plate appearances. Torkelson finds himself at #19 among first basemen in RotoBaller's fantasy rankings for 2026, with an ADP of 186. The rankings place him just behind
Willson Contreras,
Alec Burleson, and
Jonathan Aranda, and just ahead of
Kazuma Okamoto,
Christian Walker, and
Sal Stewart.
--Andersen PickardSource: RotoBaller
February 18, 2026
Detroit Tigers outfielder
Kerry Carpenter has showcased impressive power through his first three-plus MLB seasons, and he'll look to continue that trend in 2026. The biggest concern for Carpenter at this point in his career is the injury risk, as he played 130 games last year -- and even that mark was a career high. If he can stay healthy, though, he has 30-plus-homer potential with an everyday spot in the Tigers' lineup. Other factors to consider with Carpenter include handedness splits and his K/BB ratio. He had an OPS of .812 against righties last year, but just .638 against lefties. Additionally, only three of his 26 home runs came against southpaws. Furthermore, he shaved his strikeout rate down to a career-best 22.8%, but he also dropped his walk rate to a career-worst 3.9%. His 5.85 K/BB ratio was the worst mark of his career, and while a discipline drop-off is expected when a player improves their power numbers, fantasy managers would like to see him at least walk a little more. Carpenter isn't one of the flashiest names among power hitters, but he's still an impact power bat against right-handed pitching with tremendous upside if he can stay healthy. He's somewhat of a value pick at the moment, ranking #57 among RotoBaller's outfielders for 2026 with an ADP of 217.
--Andersen PickardSource: RotoBaller
February 18, 2026
Baltimore Orioles second baseman
Jackson Holliday (hand) will get the stitches removed from his surgically-repaired right hand on Monday, according to Roch Kubatko of MASN. The former No. 1 pick tore up the minors and debuted in 2024, but struggled upon getting the call. He fared better over a full season in 2025, slashing .242/.314/.375, but he still mustered just 96 wRC+. He posted a 8.6% walk rate and 21.6% strikeout rate with 17 home runs and 17 stolen bases. Defensively, he contributed -8 OAA and -6 FRV at second base. Still, he was a source of consistency for the Orioles, playing 149 games in the majors. He didn't suffer his hand injury until arriving at spring training this February; during live at-bats nearly two weeks ago, he suffered a broken hamate bone that required surgical removal. He recently got his cast off, and the stitches will follow next week. At that point, he can begin sweating and gradually resume baseball activities. It's unlikely that he'll be ready for Opening Day, but he's making good progress and figures to return sometime in April. The injury concern dropped Holliday to #15 among second basemen in RotoBaller's latest fantasy baseball rankings for 2026.
--Andersen PickardSource: Roch Kubatko
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