February 16, 2026
Washington Commanders impending free agent tight end
Zach Ertz (knee) may be 36 years old, but he has continued to be a productive pass-catching weapon on the offensive side of the ball. Ertz had 50 catches for 504 yards and four touchdowns across 13 games, ranking as the overall TE19 in PPR leagues. He has 11 touchdowns over the last two seasons, averaging 10.1 fantasy points per game during that span. His final stat line from 2025 is even more impressive when you remember the quarterback situation he was dealt.
Jayden Daniels missed plenty of time due to injury, so Ertz found himself catching passes from
Marcus Mariota. He was shut down for the season by the time
Josh Johnson earned any quarterback snaps, though. Ertz tore his ACL in Week 14, leaving plenty of question marks about his availability for 2026. Furthermore, he's a free agent this offseason, so we don't even know if he'll end up back in Washington. It's quite possible that a team with an established, young No. 1 tight end signs Ertz, allowing him to recover before filling a depth role. That'd be a rough scenario for fantasy managers, so selling high on him in dynasty leagues might be the right choice this offseason.
--Andersen PickardSource: RotoBaller
February 16, 2026
Las Vegas Raiders quarterback
Geno Smith had an ugly first season with the team, and it likely cost him his starting job. Smith signed a two-year, $75 million deal with the Raiders last offseason, reuniting with head coach Pete Caroll. The reunion didn't result in a successful season. Vegas went 3-14, Carroll was let go, and Smith posted a horrific 19:17 TD:INT ratio with a career-high 55 sacks. One of the few positive storylines of the Raiders' season was that they ended up with the No. 1 draft pick, giving them the right to select any eligible prospect they'd like. Presumably, that player will be Indiana quarterback and national champion Fernando Mendoza. In all likelihood, Mendoza will win the starting job right away. That could move Smith to a backup role, but more likely, the veteran quarterback will be released with one year left on his contract. Releasing him creates $8 million in cap space with $18.5 million in dead money, offering the Raiders a fresh start with Mendoza and first-year head coach Klint Kubiak. Smith should be avoided in all dynasty and redraft leagues.
--Andersen PickardSource: RotoBaller
February 16, 2026
Las Vegas Raiders wide receiver
Dont'e Thornton Jr. had an underwhelming rookie season, catching just 10 of his 30 targets for 135 yards through 15 games. There was plenty of preseason hype about the Tennessee product, so it was frustrating to see that he never really produced at a significant level. Part of the blame falls on Thornton himself, but we can also attribute some of it to the poor state of the Raiders' offense. Quarterback
Geno Smith struggled during his first year with the team, amassing 17 interceptions and just 19 touchdowns. All signs point to Vegas drafting college football standout Fernando Mendoza with the No. 1 overall pick, which would put the offense in a better state and potentially lead to more upside for Thornton. He could also pick up some additional targets with veteran
Tyler Lockett headed for free agency. The 23-year-old is a very intriguing buy-low candidate in dynasty leagues after his quiet season. Dynasty managers may have already grown impatient with Thornton, meaning that he could be acquired at minimal cost.
--Andersen PickardSource: RotoBaller
February 16, 2026
The San Diego Padres signed free-agent right-hander
Walker Buehler to a minor-league deal on Monday, according to Kevin Acee of The San Diego Union-Tribune. The Padres' first four starting rotation spots for 2026 appear to be set with
Nick Pivetta,
Michael King,
Joe Musgrove, and
Randy Vasquez. Buehler will come to spring training competing for the fifth and final rotation spot with
German Marquez,
Matt Waldron,
Triston McKenzie,
JP Sears, and
Marco Gonzales. The 31-year-old struggled in his final season with the Los Angeles Dodgers in 2024 and also didn't look great in 126 innings with the Boston Red Sox and Philadelphia Phillies last year, posting a 4.93 ERA (5.66 FIP) and 1.52 WHIP with 92 strikeouts and 61 walks in 26 outings (24 starts). Buehler has not been the same pitcher since having Tommy John surgery in 2022, and he'll need to limit the walks and keep the ball in the yard to win a rotation spot in San Diego.
--Keith HernandezSource: The San Diego Union-Tribune - Kevin Acee
February 16, 2026
Los Angeles Rams wide receiver
Davante Adams capitalized on his high-scoring role within an omnipotent offense during the 2025 regular season. The Rams' offense steamrolled most opponents in their path, largely thanks to the elite talent of Adams,
Puka Nacua, and quarterback
Matthew Stafford. The veteran receiver benefitted from having Stafford to throw him passes, as the two connected for 14 touchdowns over Los Angeles' first 12 games. The frequent trips to the end zone allowed him to turn in his best fantasy finish (WR9) since 2022, despite posting his lowest yardage total since 2015 in Green Bay. Adams isn't getting younger, and we know that he's still the No. 2 option in the passing game behind Nacua. However, this past season proved that Adams remains a talented, must-start receiver in fantasy football. He's a solid top-12 receiver option heading into redraft leagues in 2026. On the other hand, dynasty managers might want to consider selling high, as he's 33 years old and the peak of his career is behind him.
--Andersen PickardSource: RotoBaller
February 16, 2026
Cleveland Guardians manager
Stephen Vogt said that infield prospect
Juan Brito will see time at first base, second base, and third base this spring, according to Mason Horodyski of WEWS. Brito could also be an option in right field because the team doesn't have many right-handed options there. "If Juan Brito can play all of those roles... obviously it's beneficial for him and for us," Vogt said. Adding versatility will only increase Brito's chances of earning an Opening Day roster spot in 2026. The 24-year-old Dominican switch-hitter only played in 31 games in 2025 at the Rookie level and with Triple-A Columbus due to surgeries on his thumb and hamstring. He hit .243/.355/.437 with a .792 OPS, four homers, 17 RBI, 17 runs, and four steals in 125 plate appearances. Brito is unlikely to have a realistic shot at regular playing time in 2026, and he still has minor-league options remaining.
--Keith HernandezSource: WEWS - Mason Horodyski
February 16, 2026
Kansas City Chiefs running back
Brashard Smith could have the opportunity to take on an expanded role during the 2026 season. Smith was buried in a depth role for most of his rookie season in 2025, especially with
Isiah Pacheco and
Kareem Hunt leading the backfield. However, the Chiefs' running back dynamic could change in 2026. Both Pacheco and Hunt are free agents this offseason, and it's unclear whether either of them will re-sign. If only one or neither of them returns next season, Smith will have a path to a larger workload. He had a modest 323 scrimmage yards and one touchdown this past year, so he certainly hasn't proven himself ready for a lead-back role. However, he could share the backfield with someone like Pacheco or another mid-range, experienced back. Either way, Smith is absolutely trending upward ahead of the 2026 season. He's an intriguing buy in dynasty leagues, especially if his current fantasy manager has already grown impatient.
--Andersen PickardSource: RotoBaller
February 16, 2026
Tampa Bay Rays outfielder
Richie Palacios will see reps at third base during spring training, according to Marc Topkin of the Tampa Bay Times. Palacios has mostly played the outfield in the major leagues, but he's also seen time at second base. The 28-year-old should be the backup option behind
Gavin Lux at the keystone in 2026, but he'll increase his versatility in camp this year by getting some experience at the hot corner. Palacios, a former third-rounder by the Cleveland Guardians in 2018 out of Towson University, missed most of the 2025 campaign (17 games played) due to a broken right ring finger and a sprained knee. The Rays are willing to give him more playing time to see what he can do after he hit .223/.346/.318 with a .664 OPS, five home runs, 21 RBI, 46 runs, and 19 steals in 92 games in 2024. Palacios has plenty of plate discipline and speed, so if he's playing regularly, he could be a nice late-round sleeper in deeper fantasy leagues in 2026.
--Keith HernandezSource: Tampa Bay Times - Marc Topkin
February 16, 2026
With some of the Boston Red Sox's depth options at first base banged up, including
Triston Casas (knee) and
Romy Gonzalez (shoulder), new infielder
Isiah Kiner-Falefa has taken reps at the position in spring training, according to Sean McAdam of MassLive.com. Kiner-Falefa's primary positions are second base, shortstop, and third base, but he's played literally every other position on the field in the majors, including catcher. He might not really be needed at first in 2026, depending on the health of Casas and Gonzalez, but getting the experience at first this spring doesn't hurt. The 30-year-old veteran has never hit more than eight home runs in a season in his eight years in the big leagues, and he's unlikely to have much fantasy appeal in 2026 with the BoSox in a utility role. Kiner-Falefa should only be rostered as a player with modest speed and positional versatility in AL-only leagues.
--Keith HernandezSource: MassLive.com - Sean McAdam
February 16, 2026
Boston Red Sox starting pitcher
Tanner Houck (elbow) resumed throwing on Monday. He made about 25 throws from 45 feet out, marking the first time he had thrown a baseball since undergoing Tommy John surgery nearly six months ago. It's a major step in the right direction for Houck, whose long recovery gives him a timetable to return around September 2026. He hasn't pitched in the majors since last May, when he suffered a right flexor pronator strain and later experienced a setback while rehabbing in the minors. The right-hander didn't pitch very well even when healthy, allowing 39 earned runs over 43.2 innings (nine starts). His strikeout rate dropped to a career-low 6.60 K/9 while his home run rate ballooned to 2.06 HR/9. Therefore, in addition to getting healthy, Houck will look to make mechanical adjustments focused on helping him return to pre-2025 form. He was an All-Star in 2024, and he looked like a potential Cy Young candidate during the first half of that season before things fell apart in the second half.
--Andersen PickardSource: Ian Browne
February 16, 2026
Kansas City Royals catcher
Salvador Perez (thumb) took live batting practice on Monday during the team's full-squad workout in camp, according to Anne Rogers of MLB.com. Perez appears to be fully healthy at spring training after injuring his thumb in the offseason while playing in the Venezuelan Winter League. Despite being long in the tooth, Perez managed to reach the 30-homer mark for just the second time in his career in 2025 in his 14th season in the big leagues. He reached the 100-RBI mark for just the third time in his career and for the second straight season. The 35-year-old nine-time All-Star hit a career-low .236, though. The Royals split Perez's playing time between catcher, first base, and designated hitter to try to keep him fresh, and the expectation is that this will continue in 2026, with
Carter Jensen ready to take on a bigger catching role. Perez can still be productive in fantasy, but he's more of a low-end starting catcher now than a high-end one.
--Keith HernandezSource: MLB.com - Anne Rogers
February 16, 2026
The Chicago Cubs have not engaged in extension conversations with outfielder
Ian Happ, according to Maddie Lee of the Chicago Sun-Times. The everyday left fielder is scheduled to hit free agency next offseason at the expiration of his three-year, $61 million contract. Happ played 150 games last year, and he has played at least 148 games in each of the last five seasons. He slashed 243/.342/.420 with 23 home runs, 116 wRC+, a 13.1% walk rate, and a 22.8% strikeout rate in 2025. He also got his defense back up to league average, posting 0 OAA and 0 FRV in the outfield. In addition to Happ, Chicago also has an important decision to make regarding
Seiya Suzuki, who is slated for free agency next offseason. It seems unlikely that the Cubs would bring both back, especially since outfield prospect
Kevin Alcantara appears ready to take on an everyday role in the majors.
--Andersen PickardSource: Maddie Lee
February 16, 2026
Colorado Rockies infielder/outfielder
Tyler Freeman (back) is dealing with back soreness in spring training and is expected to return a "week or so into camp," according to MLB.com. Freeman began running on Feb. 12 and started taking grounders last Friday. He underwent an anti-inflammatory injection weeks before camp began. Barring a setback once Freeman returns to baseball activities, he should be ready in plenty of time for Opening Day in late March. The 26-year-old former second-round selection by the Cleveland Guardians in 2017 hit .281/.354/.361 with a career-best .715 OPS, two home runs, 31 RBI, 50 runs scored, and 18 stolen bases in 110 games in his first year with the Rockies in 2025. Freeman's defensive versatility -- he played mostly second base and left field, but also four other positions -- should make him a lock for a utility role. He has a contact-oriented approach at the plate and 80th percentile speed. The lack of power and consistent playing time limits his fantasy appeal to NL-only leagues.
--Keith HernandezSource: MLB.com
February 16, 2026
The Chicago Cubs have not engaged in extension conversations with outfielder
Seiya Suzuki, according to Maddie Lee of the Chicago Sun-Times. Suzuki is nearing the end of a five-year, $85 million deal, which was the first contract that he signed stateside. He slashed .245/.326/.478 with a career-high 32 home runs at the age of 30 last year, adding 123 wRC+ with a 10.9% walk rate and a 25.2% strikeout rate. When asked about a potential extension with the Cubs, Suzuki said (via an interpreter), "I want to work hard and perform well, and hopefully they say yes." Chicago also has an important decision to make regarding
Ian Happ, who is slated for free agency next offseason. It seems unlikely that the Cubs would bring both back, especially since outfield prospect
Kevin Alcantara appears ready to take on an everyday role in the majors.
--Andersen PickardSource: Maddie Lee
February 16, 2026
New York Yankees third baseman/outfielder
Oswaldo Cabrera (ankle), who is coming off an ugly left-ankle fracture from last year, said that he expects to be a full-go this spring, according to Gary Phillips of the New York Daily News. However, manager Aaron Boone said he plans to slow-play getting Cabrera into Grapefruit League games. The 26-year-old had surgery on his ankle last May and was limited to a career-low 34 games. In his 122 plate appearances, he went 26-for-107 (.243) with a homer, 11 RBI, and 17 runs scored. Cabrera's ability to play both infield and outfield should assure him of an Opening Day roster spot as a utility man off the bench, barring a setback with his surgically repaired ankle. The Venezuelan switch-hitter is a career .234/.295/.346 hitter with a .641 OPS, 20 homers, 95 RBI, and 15 steals in 301 major-league games in his four seasons.
--Keith HernandezSource: New York Daily News - Gary Phillips
February 16, 2026
Pittsburgh Pirates shortstop prospect
Konnor Griffin has been showcasing extreme power early in spring training, according to Anthony Castrovince of MLB.com. The 2024 first-round pick was reportedly hitting home runs so far that they bounced off the roof of Pirate City deep beyond the outfield fence. This shouldn't necessarily come as a surprise after Griffin belted 21 homers across 122 games last year. He ascended from Single-A to Double-A, ultimately slashing .333/.415/.527 with an 8.9% walk rate, a 21.7% strikeout rate, and 165 wRC+. If the contact and power skills weren't enough, he also showed off blazing speed with 65 stolen bases. The 19-year-old is a five-tool prospect with superstar upside. He's not quite ready to make the leap to the majors, but he'll push to open the year at Triple-A with his MLB debut not far down the road.
--Andersen PickardSource: Anthony Castrovince
February 16, 2026
Texas Rangers shortstop
Corey Seager (appendix) was seen taking live batting practice in camp on Monday. Seager had an appendectomy in late August last year and closed out the season on the injured list. The veteran shortstop had a normal offseason, though, and he should be fully ready for the start of the 2026 season. The 31-year-old former Rookie of the Year and five-time All-Star has had trouble staying healthy the last three seasons in Texas, but when healthy, he has been a consistent contributor for fantasy managers with a 152 wRC+. Seager played in only 102 games in 2025 and finished with a .271/.373/.487 slash line, .860 OPS, 21 home runs, 50 RBI, 61 runs scored, and three steals. It ended a run of three straight 30-homer seasons. If he stays healthy in 2026, a return to the 30-homer mark should be expected. Durability concerns make him the No. 13 fantasy shortstop at RotoBaller.
--Keith HernandezSource: Matthew Postins
February 16, 2026
Miami Marlins outfielder
Kyle Stowers (obliques) took part in live batting practice on Monday during the team's first full-squad workout of the spring, according to Daniel Alvarez-Montes of El Extra Base. Stowers suffered a Grade 1 left-oblique strain in mid-August of last year and was shut down for the rest of the season after injuring his other oblique on a minor-league rehab assignment, so it was good to see the 28-year-old taking swings early in camp. He should be good to go for Opening Day this year after a 2025 breakout campaign that saw him slash .288/.368/.544 with 25 home runs, 73 RBI, 61 runs scored, and five steals in 117 games. It was good enough to earn him his first All-Star nod. Stowers had some issues making contact before last season, but his batted-ball metrics were strong last year, and he'll hit in the heart of Miami's batting order in 2026. RotoBaller has Stowers ranked as the No. 32 fantasy outfielder.
--Keith HernandezSource: El Extra Base - Daniel Avlarez-Montes
February 16, 2026
Athletics second baseman
Zack Gelof isn't expected to be pushed out of the lineup despite the team's offseason moves, and his defensive versatility could result in him playing some innings in center field. According to Martín Gallegos of MLB.com, the A's offseason addition of
Jeff McNeil "could have been viewed as an indictment" against Gelof. However, the team is leaving the door open for Gelof to carve out opportunities to contribute. The 26-year-old got his usual reps at second base on Monday, and then he moved to center field. This was a fairly surprising move for Gelof, considering he only made one appearance in the outfield as a pro (Double-A in 2022). We'll see if the University of Virginia product ends up logging any outfield innings this season, but at the very least, the A's are giving him the chance to showcase his defensive versatility. He'll probably need to show a little more at the plate, too, as he slashed just .174/.230/.272 with a 45.5% strikeout rate across 30 games in the majors last year.
--Andersen PickardSource: Martín Gallegos
February 16, 2026
Detroit Tigers infield prospect
Kevin McGonigle may eventually shift to second or third base as he tries to win an Opening Day roster spot out of spring training, but the Tigers have been adamant that he has the "defensive chops to stick at shortstop," according to Evan Woodbery of MLive.com. "My biggest thing is I've always wanted to be a shortstop in Major League Baseball," McGonigle said. "And I'm going to keep working as hard as I can to stick there." The 5-foot-10, 185-pound, 21-year-old is the consensus No. 2 prospect in baseball. The former 37th overall pick in 2023 was dominant at High-A West Michigan last year, hitting .372 with a 1.110 OPS over 171 plate appearances. McGonigle might have what it takes to skip Triple-A entirely and begin in the big leagues in 2026, but manager A.J. Hinch isn't promising anything. Shortstop is probably the clearest path he has to the big leagues, with
Javier Baez and Zack McKinstry better suited for utility roles. McGonigle's power/speed upside puts him on the radar in all fantasy leagues this year, even if he starts the season at Triple-A Toledo.
--Keith HernandezSource: MLive.com - Evan Woodbery
February 16, 2026
Chicago Cubs outfielder
Pete Crow-Armstrong became the first player in franchise history to reach 30 homers, 30 doubles, and 30 stolen bases in a season in 2025, but a second-half fade left him feeling a sense of disappointment when it was all said and done. Despite the up-and-down season, Crow-Armstrong finished ninth in the National League MVP voting. His goal this spring is to "reduce the dramatic peaks and valleys," according to MLB.com's Jordan Bastian. PCA hit 25 homers with a .544 slugging percentage and an .846 OPS in the first half, but after the All-Star break, he had an OPS of .634 while slashing just .160/.216/.230 in August. He ended last year with the highest swing rate (59.5%) and ranked third in outside-zone swings (45.6%) and swinging-strike rate (16%). The 23-year-old should be viewed as a top-15 fantasy outfielder, but to take the next step in 2026, his plate discipline must improve.
--Keith HernandezSource: MLB.com - Jordan Bastian
February 16, 2026
According to Derek Bodner, guard/forward
Tyrese Martin is expected to sign a two-way contract with the Philadelphia 76ers once the team converts
Jabari Walker to a standard NBA deal. The 26-year-old averaged 7.3 points, 2.9 rebounds, and 1.9 assists in 18.8 minutes across 37 games with the Nets earlier this season before being waived. Martin will fill an open two-way slot but joins a crowded backcourt featuring
Tyrese Maxey,
VJ Edgecombe, and
Quentin Grimes. He projects as G League depth and is not a standard-league option barring multiple injuries.
--Brian DailisanSource: Derek Bodner
February 16, 2026
Cincinnati Reds hard-throwing right-handed pitching prospect
Chase Burns is competing for the fifth rotation spot with the team this spring, according to Mark Sheldon of MLB.com. Burns, the second overall pick in 2024 out of Wake Forest, made his big-league debut in 2025 in his first year as a pro and had a 4.57 ERA (2.65 FIP), 1.31 WHIP, and 67:16 K:BB in 43 1/3 innings over 13 appearances (eight starts). The 23-year-old will be competing with
Rhett Lowder,
Brandon Williamson, and
Julian Aguiar. He's one of the most talented young arms in baseball and became the first MLB starter in the expansion era to strike out each of his first five batters. "He has the stuff to be an ace. He has the stuff to be a No. 1 no matter what team he's on," lefty
Andrew Abbott said. Burns is off to a great start in camp and has displayed an improved changeup. His fastball velocity averaged 98.7 mph while often touching 101-102 mph. Burns also features a swing-and-miss slider (43.7% whiff rate). His elite strikeout abilities make him a very intriguing No. 3 starting pitcher in fantasy with upside for more.
--Keith HernandezSource: MLB.com - Mark Sheldon
February 16, 2026
According to Shams Charania of ESPN, the Washington Wizards are signing guard
Alondes Williams to a 10-day contract from their Capital City G-League affiliate. The 26-year-old earns a call-up from Capital City after averaging 20.8 points, 5.2 rebounds, and 4.0 assists in the G League, highlighted by four 30-point efforts. With
Trae Young (knee) sidelined and the Wizards leaning into youth, Williams will compete with
Bub Carrington,
Tre Johnson, and
Will Riley for backcourt minutes. He is a watchlist name in deeper formats, but immediate standard-league value is unlikely without a clear rotation role.
--Brian DailisanSource: Shams Charania
February 16, 2026
The Los Angeles Dodgers signed free-agent infielder
Santiago Espinal to a minor-league deal on Monday, according to Fabian Ardaya of The Athletic. Espinal will be in spring training with the big-league team and will provide infield depth if he remains with the World Series champions going into the regular season. He will most likely begin the 2026 season at Triple-A Oklahoma City, but he'll provide depth for the Dodgers with both
Tommy Edman (ankle) and
Enrique Hernandez (elbow) slated to open the season on the injured list. The 31-year-old Dominican hit .243/.292/.282 with a career-worst .575 OPS, no home runs, 16 RBI, 25 runs scored, and two stolen bases in 2025 in 301 at-bats with the Cincinnati Reds. Espinal was originally a 10th-round pick by the Boston Red Sox in 2016. In his six years in the majors, Espinal sports a .261/.316/.349 slash line, .665 OPS, and 20 homers in 578 games.
--Keith HernandezSource: The Athletic - Fabian Ardaya
February 16, 2026
According to Jake Fischer, the Golden State Warriors are signing guard
Nate Williams to a two-way contract. The 27-year-old has averaged 17.9 points, 6.1 rebounds, and 2.7 assists in the G League this season and will likely spend most of his time with the affiliate. With Jimmy Butler (knee) out for the season and
Stephen Curry (knee) working back from injury, Golden State adds wing insurance.
Moses Moody and
Brandin Podziemski remain the primary beneficiaries for minutes. For now, Williams looks like extra depth for the roster and isn't someone you need to consider in standard fantasy leagues.
--Brian DailisanSource: Jake Fischer
February 16, 2026
The Los Angeles Angels signed free-agent second baseman
Adam Frazier to a minor-league deal on Monday that includes an invitation to major-league spring training, according to Jeff Fletcher of The Orange County Register. Frazier hits from the left side and can play second base, third base, and the corner-outfield spots, giving him a shot to win an Opening Day roster spot as a bench player. The 34-year-old hit a combined .267/.319/.365 with a .684 OPS, seven home runs, 44 RBI, 43 runs scored, and eight stolen bases in 134 games over 459 plate appearances last year with the Pittsburgh Pirates and Kansas City Royals. Frazier is heading into his 11th big-league season, and the Angels will be the sixth team he's played for. With limited power (career-high 13 homers in 2023) and likely limited playing time, fantasy managers can safely ignore Frazier in all but the deepest of AL-only formats.
--Keith HernandezSource: The Orange County Register - Jeff Fletcher
February 16, 2026
Philadelphia 76ers forward/center
Jabari Walker intends to sign a new two-year deal with the team, according to Shams Charania of ESPN, after maxing out his games on a two-way contract. The 23-year-old averaged 3.7 points and 3.1 rebounds in 12.1 minutes across 45 games this season. With
Paul George suspended, Walker adds depth but will compete with
Dominick Barlow and
Trendon Watford for reserve minutes. Barlow is still the better deep-league gamble if the minutes settle in his favor, while Walker feels more like extra depth up front than someone you need to add in standard formats.
--Brian DailisanSource: Shams Charania
February 16, 2026
The New York Mets reached an agreement with free-agent outfielder
Mike Tauchman on a minor-league deal on Monday, league sources told Will Sammon and Ken Rosenthal of The Athletic. The deal includes a non-roster invitation to major-league spring training. The 35-year-old veteran hit .263/.356/.400 with a .756 OPS, nine home runs, 40 RBI, and 44 runs scored in 93 games played for the Chicago White Sox in 2025 and will now head to the National League East to give the Mets more outfield depth. He made 73 appearances in right field, and the Mets have an open spot in right, with superstar
Juan Soto moving to left field. Top prospect
Carson Benge has a shot at making the Opening Day roster as a right fielder, but it's not set in stone.
Brett Baty,
Tyrone Taylor, and MJ Melenders are others who will be competing with Tauchman for playing time in right field this spring. At best, Tauchman could be on the strong side of a platoon in right for the Mets until Benge is ready.
--Keith HernandezSource: The Athletic - Will Sammon and Ken Rosenthal
February 16, 2026
According to Marc Stein, free-agent guard
Cameron Payne plans to sign a rest-of-season deal with the Philadelphia 76ers after securing a buyout overseas. The 31-year-old averaged 6.9 points, 1.4 rebounds, and 2.8 assists in 15.1 minutes across 72 games with New York in 2024-25 and posted 9.3 points and 3.1 assists in 19.4 minutes over 31 games with Philadelphia in 2023-24. Payne joins a crowded backcourt led by
Tyrese Maxey and
VJ Edgecombe, with
Quentin Grimes also in the mix. He projects as a deep-league assists streamer and insurance option, but consistent top-150 value remains unlikely barring injuries.
--Brian DailisanSource: Marc Stein
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