January 22, 2026

The Boston Red Sox continue to explore potential infield additions, but Jen McCaffrey of The Athletic reports that the organization prefers to play infielder Marcelo Mayer at third base. McCaffrey speculates that Mayer would be a strong fit at the hot corner, not only because he played well in Alex Bregman's absence last year, but also because Boston views him as its franchise shortstop after Trevor Story's contract expires, so they'd like to keep him on the left side of the infield. Plus, although president of baseball operations Craig Breslow wouldn't commit to Mayer at second base or third base, he did emphasize a desire to improve the infield defense. Mayer posted 2 OAA and 2 FRV at third base last year. Connecting the dots, this would seem to indicate that if the Red Sox do pursue an external addition, they may prefer a second baseman over a third baseman. McCaffrey writes that Cubs infielder Nico Hoerner, who would fetch a significant haul if traded, might make more sense than third baseman Isaac Paredes, who has struggled defensively. As the roster currently stands, Mayer projects to play third base while Romy Gonzalez, Nate Eaton, and Nick Sogard could platoon at second.--Andersen Pickard
Source: Jen McCaffrey

January 22, 2026

St. Louis Cardinals catcher Ivan Herrera (elbow) began throwing earlier this month, and manager Oliver Marmol said that he should start hitting and defensive drills this week. Marmol wasn't ready to commit to an exact role for Herrera, who could catch or play left field. The skipper noted that spring training games don't offer the best opportunity for the Cardinals to evaluate Herrera behind the dish, since opponents don't always start their best players, and they also don't steal as often. As a result, they might not have an exact vision for his role until after the regular season begins. The team does expect Herrera to demonstrate improved throwing after he underwent an offseason surgery to remove bone chips from his right elbow. Meanwhile, Herrera has expressed his desire to be an everyday catcher in the future. However, as he continues to work his way back from injury, St. Louis is being non-committal about his role. We wouldn't be surprised to see him play some catcher and some left field during the first couple weeks of the regular season. Cardinals fans and fantasy managers will certainly be excited to see him back in action, as Herrera posted an impressive .284/.373/.464 slash line with 19 home runs and a 137 wRC+ through 107 games last year. He currently ranks as the #11 catcher in RotoBaller's latest fantasy baseball draft rankings.--Andersen Pickard
Source: Rob Rains

January 22, 2026

Free-agent relief pitcher Taylor Rogers is coming back to Minnesota after agreeing on a one-year, $2 million contract with the Twins. Rogers spent the first six seasons of his MLB career with the Twins, posting a career-high 30 saves in 2019 and earning an All-Star selection in 2021. He spent time with the Padres, Brewers, Giants, Reds, and Cubs in the four seasons since his departure, and last year, he had a 3.38 ERA and a 4.38 FIP in 50 2/3 innings with the Reds and Cubs. The 35-year-old lefty could be a key part of the Twins' bullpen in 2026, and he could even be in the mix for saves since the rest of the bullpen is relatively inexperienced.--Zach Thompson
Source: Aaron Gleeman

January 22, 2026

NC State tight end Justin Joly has been one of the most productive players at the position over the last three college football seasons. The 21-year-old New York native began his career at UConn before spending his junior and senior seasons with the Wolfpack, hauling in 92 receptions for 1,150 yards and 11 touchdowns. He enjoyed great success at NC State, but his breakout campaign came as a sophomore with the Huskies in 2023, when he tallied 56 catches for 578 yards and two scores. The 2025 first-team All-ACC selection is viewed as one of the top five tight ends in the 2026 NFL Draft class, and he's currently projected to be a third-round selection in April. Joly thrives running intermediate and deep routes, making him a strong TE2 and second tight end in 12-personnel at the next level. His landing spot will determine his upside and placement in dynasty rookie drafts as part of a shallow incoming rookie tight end class.--Jackson Sparks - RotoBaller
Source: ESPN

January 22, 2026

Milwaukee Brewers starting pitcher Brandon Woodruff (lat) is having a normal offseason, and his progress was a critical element to the team trading starting pitcher Freddy Peralta to the Mets, according to president of baseball operations Matt Arnold. Woodruff opted out of his deal but then accepted the qualifying offer from the Brewers this offseason, giving him a one-year deal worth $22.025 million. Woodruff returned from a nearly two-year absence due to shoulder surgery in 2025, posting a strong 3.20 ERA, with 83 strikeouts and just 14 walks in 64 2/3 innings. His season ended early due to a lat injury in mid-September, but he should be ready to go for Spring Training. He'll provide a proven veteran option at the top of the team's promising young rotation.--Zach Thompson
Source: Curt Hogg

January 22, 2026

The New York Yankees secured a big part of their lineup by re-signing outfielder Cody Bellinger, but they're still looking to make some further tweaks to their roster. One item on the shopping list, according to New York Daily News' Gary Phillips, is a right-handed hitter who catches. All three of the Yankees' current catchers hit left-handed, and even though Ben Rice, Austin Wells, and J.C Escarra bring good production potential, they are a little lop-sided. Free agent catchers J.T. Realmuto, Danny Jansen, Austin Hedges, and Victor Caratini are all right-handed options who have already signed this offseason, with Elias Diaz, Christian Vasquez, and Mitch Garver among some of the top right-handed hitting catchers available on the open market. The team could also make a trade to fill the need before pitchers and catchers report in a few weeks.--Zach Thompson
Source: Gary Phillips

January 22, 2026

The New York Giants have requested to interview Baltimore Ravens assistant head coach/running backs coach Willie Taggart for their offensive-coordinator role, a source told Jeremy Fowler of ESPN. The former Florida State and Oregon head coach was a member of former Ravens head coach and new Giants head coach John Harbaugh's staff in Baltimore for three seasons. Taggart's job as the Ravens' RBs coach was made easier by the fact that he had one of the most dominant players in the league in Derrick Henry, who steamrolled his way to 3,516 rushing yards the last two seasons. If Harbaugh can't get former offensive coordinator Todd Monken to follow him to New York -- he's a finalist for the head-coaching job with the Cleveland Browns -- Taggart could be the fallback option. The Giants' OC position is very attractive, with high-end talent at quarterback (Jaxson Dart), RB (Cam Skattebo), and receiver (Malik Nabers).--Keith Hernandez
Source: ESPN.com - Jeremy Fowler

January 22, 2026

New York Yankees outfielders Jasson Dominguez or Spencer Jones could be shopped in trade offers after the Yankees locked up Cody Bellinger for the next five seasons. The Yankees have Aaron Judge and Trent Grisham to fill their everyday outfield spots, while Giancarlo Stanton will likely be the everyday DH. Dominguez and Jones each have long-term offensive potential but could benefit from regular playing time, which will be hard to come by for the Yankees. Dominguez is the more likely of the two young bats to be moved since he isn't considered a long-term option in center field, while Jones could slide into that spot if Grisham leaves after this season as a free agent. Dominguez is a highly regarded offensive prospect who hit .257 with 10 homers and 23 stolen bases to go with a .316 wOBA in 123 games. The Yankees would likely be looking for starting pitching in return, and it seems likely that they make some moves to relieve the logjam before the start of the season.--Zach Thompson
Source: Gary Phillips

January 22, 2026

The Tampa Bay Buccaneers are finalizing a deal to hire Atlanta Falcons offensive coordinator Zac Robinson as their offensive coordinator, sources told Adam Schefter of ESPN. Robinson will stay in the NFC South and join Tampa after running the Falcons' offense the last two years under previous head coach Raheem Morris. Before that, Robinson spent five years working under Sean McVay, eventually serving as the OC for the Los Angeles Rams for his last two years there. He had a lot to work with in Atlanta, but Robinson just couldn't get the Falcons over the hump, as they finished 24th in scoring offense in 2025. However, with Bijan Robinson at running back, the team was in the top 10 in rushing yards in each of the last two seasons. Robinson will now look to help quarterback Baker Mayfield bounce back in 2026.--Keith Hernandez
Source: ESPN - Adam Schefter

January 22, 2026

According to a report from USA Today's Bob Nightengale, rival executives expect the Baltimore Orioles to be the next team to sign a top-tier starting pitcher from the free-agent market after the Mets filled their rotation by acquiring Freddy Peralta from the Brewers. The Orioles currently have Trevor Rogers, Kyle Bradish, Shane Baz, Dean Kremer, and Zach Eflin in the mix as starting pitchers, but could definitely use a front-line option. Some of the best options still available are Framber Valdez from the Astros, Chris Bassitt from the Blue Jays, Lucas Giolito from the Red Sox, and Nick Martinez and Zack Littell from the Reds. The Orioles' young lineup is expected to improve in 2026, but they'll need the starting pitching to step up if they want to contend in a very competitive AL East.--Zach Thompson
Source: Bob Nightengale

January 22, 2026

Pittsburgh Penguins forward Evgeni Malkin was in top form on Wednesday night against the Calgary Flames, recording a goal and an assist in a 4-1 road victory. Malkin opened the scoring in the first period and helped Egor Chinakhov tally the game-winning goal in the second. Since returning from an upper-body injury earlier this month, Malkin has contributed three goals and five assists in eight appearances. He has been a point-per-game player all season, bagging 11 goals and 26 assists in 34 outings. Malkin's hot form also boosts the fantasy value of his linemates. Tommy Novak is currently skating with Malkin and Chinakhov.--Taavi Pailk
Source: ESPN

January 22, 2026

Philadelphia Flyers center Christian Dvorak ended a four-game point drought with two goals and one assist in Wednesday's dramatic 5-4 overtime loss to the Utah Mammoth. Dvorak's second tally of the night put the Flyers up 4-2 entering the third period, and they still led by one with a minute remaining in regulation, but ultimately let the win slip away. Dvorak's recent play in the offensive zone hasn't been productive, but he's had a solid campaign overall, earning him a five-year, $25.75 million contract extension earlier this month. The 29-year-old is Philadelphia's third-highest scorer, with 32 points (12 goals, 20 assists) in 48 games.--Taavi Pailk
Source: ESPN

January 22, 2026

Utah Mammoth winger Clayton Keller led his team with three points in Wednesday's 5-4 victory over the Philadelphia Flyers. After tallying an assist in the second period, Keller produced some late-game heroics. 19:25 into the third period, Keller scored the latest game-tying goal in franchise history, and he added a second goal with 2:01 played in overtime. Keller had scored just once in 11 appearances before coming up clutch for the Mammoth on Wednesday night. Despite his recent lack of puck luck, Keller has remained a consistent offensive contributor for his team. Wednesday's game marked his sixth multi-point performance of the month. After 50 games, Keller leads Utah with 34 assists and 49 points.--Taavi Pailk
Source: ESPN

January 22, 2026

Anaheim Ducks goaltender Lukas Dostal was sensational in Wednesday's matchup against the Colorado Avalanche, backstopping his team to a 2-1 shootout win with 40 saves. The league leaders struggled to solve Dostal all night, ending his shutout bid only 3:39 from the end of regulation. Dostal, who won a fourth consecutive start, produced two saves during the shootout. The Ducks recently had a nine-game losing streak, but Dostal still owns an impressive 17-12-2 record for the season. Only nine goalies in the league have had more winning performances. Dostal's goals-against average stands at 3.04, and he has registered a .894 save percentage.--Taavi Pailk
Source: ESPN

January 22, 2026

Detroit Red Wings center Dylan Larkin recorded a goal and an assist in Wednesday's 2-1 overtime victory against the Toronto Maple Leafs. The Red Wings captain set up Simon Edvinsson for a goal late in the first period and lit the lamp himself 3:08 into the extra frame, tying Sergei Fedorov for the most overtime goals in franchise history (12). Larkin had a second consecutive multi-point outing. He is on track to post his fifth consecutive 30-goal campaign and is attempting to reach 70 points in a season for the fourth time in his career. In 51 outings, Larkin has contributed 25 goals and 21 assists.--Taavi Pailk
Source: ESPN

January 22, 2026

Toronto Maple Leafs defenseman Oliver Ekman-Larsson (lower body) exited Wednesday's 2-1 overtime loss to the Detroit Red Wings after logging only 1:50 of ice time. He suffered a lower-body injury early in the game and was ruled out for the rest of the contest at the beginning of the second period. Toronto's blue line has taken injury hits throughout the season, but Ekman-Larsson has appeared in all 50 games so far. He has had a good campaign, logging 31 points (eight goals, 23 assists), 72 shots, 41 blocks, and 62 hits. A major injury to Ekman-Larsson would also be a blow for Team Sweden, which has already lost Minnesota's Jonas Brodin (lower back) on defense heading into the 2026 Olympics.--Taavi Pailk
Source: Sportsnet

January 22, 2026

Buffalo Sabres winger Josh Doan has signed a seven-year, $48.65 million contract extension through the 2032-33 season. The 23-year-old was scheduled to become a restricted free agent in the offseason. Doan landed in Buffalo last summer in a trade that sent JJ Peterka to the Utah Mammoth. He has flourished in his new surroundings, recording 35 points (15 goals, 20 assists) in 49 games. The second-generation NHLer also provides some physicality, averaging nearly one hit per game. After signing his extension, Doan should be in high spirits when he returns to the ice on Thursday night against the Montreal Canadiens. He has notched five goals and six assists over his last 11 outings.--Taavi Pailk
Source: ESPN

January 22, 2026

Utah Jazz point guard Keyonte George (forearm) is considered questionable for Thursday's contest against the San Antonio Spurs. The 22-year-old has scored 73 points across his last two appearances, but he may be forced to skip Thursday's matchup due to a left forearm strain. Lauri Markkanen (conditioning) has already been ruled out, meaning Utah might be without two of its top scorers on Thursday. Isaiah Collier, Ace Bailey, and Jusuf Nurkic are expected to be more involved in the offense against San Antonio. At the same time, Walter Clayton Jr. could get a big boost in playing time if George doesn't play.--Taavi Pailk
Source: NBA Injury Report

January 22, 2026

Utah Jazz forward Lauri Markkanen (conditioning) will skip a sixth straight game on Thursday against the San Antonio Spurs. Utah's leading scorer recently had a bout with an illness and is now working on his conditioning to get back into game shape. Cody Williams has enjoyed a stint as a starter during Markkanen's absence. However, the 21-year-old sophomore has been modest with his fantasy production, posting 9.3 points, 3.9 rebounds, and 1.4 assists in a starting role this season. Markkanen will have one more opportunity to return this week, as the Jazz welcome the Miami Heat to Salt Lake City on Saturday.--Taavi Pailk
Source: NBA Injury Report

January 22, 2026

Chicago Bulls point guard Josh Giddey (hamstring) is tagged as questionable for Thursday's matchup against the Minnesota Timberwolves. He is looking to make his first appearance of 2026. Giddey appears close to returning, as his status was upgraded from doubtful to questionable before Tuesday's meeting with the Los Angeles Clippers. Giddey's return to the lineup will take away opportunities from Tre Jones, Kevin Huerter, and Ayo Dosunmu. Meanwhile, Jalen Smith may have to give up his starting spot after replacing Jones in the first unit for the last couple of games.--Taavi Pailk
Source: NBA Injury Report

January 22, 2026

Denver Nuggets point guard Jamal Murray (hip) is listed as probable for Thursday's clash against the Washington Wizards. He is expected to make a sixth consecutive appearance despite battling inflammation in his left hip. Recently, Murray has also dealt with an ankle injury and an illness, but impressively, he has skipped only four games all season. Thursday's matchup presents Murray with an opportunity to produce one of his best performances of the campaign. Only Utah has allowed more fantasy points to point guards than Washington. Murray faced the Wizards only a few nights ago in Denver and led his squad to a 121-115 win with 42 points. It was Murray's third-highest scoring game this season.--Taavi Pailk
Source: NBA Injury Report

January 22, 2026

Philadelphia 76ers guard/forward Paul George (knee) continues to carry a questionable tag on the injury report ahead of Thursday's tilt against the Houston Rockets. George is managing a left knee injury and also held a questionable designation before Tuesday's matchup against the Phoenix Suns. Ultimately, he missed a second consecutive contest. Kelly Oubre Jr. has started in George's absence, delivering a pair of strong performances. For the season, Oubre Jr. has averaged 16.9 points, 4.7 rebounds, and 1.4 steals as a member of the first unit. Thursday's game could be a potential banana skin for Oubre Jr., as the Rockets have recently climbed to sixth in defensive efficiency with their improved efforts without the ball.--Taavi Pailk
Source: NBA Injury Report

January 22, 2026

Chicago Cubs pitching prospect Jaxon Wiggins looked quite impressive in the 2025 campaign and enters the 2026 campaign ranked as the team's No. 3 prospect on MLB Pipeline and the overall No. 67 in the sport. Wiggins opened the 2025 season with High-A but needed only 26 1/3 innings to prove he was ready to join the upper ranks. During this stint, the right-hander struck out 31 hitters and held a 1.71 ERA with a 0.99 WHIP. Through his first 42 innings at Double-A, Wiggins continued to find success, holding a 1.93 ERA, 0.93 WHIP, and a 52:17 K:BB. He was then given a short nine 2/3 inning stint with Triple-A late in the season, where he allowed five runs, walked six hitters, but added 14 punchouts. Given his quick progression through the system, Wiggins appears ticketed to compete for a midseason MLB debut. Managers should expect him to begin the 2026 season sitting at the top of the Triple-A Iowa rotation.--Andy Smith
Source: RotoBaller

January 22, 2026

Philadelphia 76ers center Joel Embiid (ankle) is expected to return to the lineup on Thursday against the Houston Rockets, as the team has listed him as probable for the game. The former MVP took a night off for the second leg of a back-to-back on Tuesday against the Phoenix Suns. It was only his second absence in 12 games. Embiid has built good momentum and has a chance to post a third consecutive 30-point game on Thursday night in a fascinating matchup against Alperen Sengun. Andre Drummond started on Tuesday and will drop back to the bench if Embiid returns, while Adem Bona's workload will also decrease.--Taavi Pailk
Source: NBA Injury Report

January 22, 2026

Baltimore Orioles outfield prospect Dylan Beavers may not be given full-time at-bats to open the 2026 season. The team's No. 2-ranked prospect, according to MLB.com, made his MLB debut in mid-August after an impressive run at Triple-A. Across 94 games with the Norfolk Tides last summer, the young outfielder posted .304/.420/.515 line with 18 home runs and 23 stole nabses. During his first 35 contests with the Orioles, Beavers posted a lower .227 AVG but drew walks at an elite 19.0% rate and hit four home runs with two swiped bags. However, Beavers made only two starts against left-handed pitching during his first stint. Additionally, the Orioles bolstered their outfield this winter by adding veteran Taylor Ward, who figures to be the everyday left fielder. This will have Beavers compete for at-bats in right field with Tyler O'Neill, Leody Tavares, and Jeremiah Jackson. While Beavers has the talent to push for an everyday role, the Orioles may monitor his usage and keep him in a platoon. He is worth closely following in spring training. If he were to claim the lead role in right field, he would carry 20/20 upside and be a top late-round breakout target.--Andy Smith
Source: RotoBaller

January 22, 2026

Los Angeles Clippers forward Kawhi Leonard (knee) is listed as questionable for Thursday's Battle of Los Angeles against the Lakers. After recently dealing with an ankle sprain, Leonard is on the injury report with a left knee contusion and has missed three games. During Leonard's absence, Kobe Sanders has been a regular starter. Yet, the 23-year-old rookie has not been very impactful in the role. He has averaged 10.0 points, 2.3 rebounds, and 1.0 steals since joining the first unit. On Thursday night, Sanders could be more productive, as the Clippers will be in a pace-up spot and meet a team that sits 25th in defensive efficiency.--Taavi Pailk
Source: NBA Injury Report

January 22, 2026

New York Yankees outfield prospect Spencer Jones was in contention to make his MLB debut last season and should be in serious contention to earn the call to the Bronx in the first half of 2026. In 2025, Jones flashed immense power upside across the upper levels of the minor leagues but carried a high strikeout rate. Through 116 total contests (split between Double-A and Triple-A), Jones launched 35 home runs with a .274/.362/.571 line adn a .933 OPS. However, Jones struck out at a hefty 35.4% clip. Across his 67 games with Triple-A Scranton/Wilkes-Barre, Jones saw his strikeout rate increase slightly to 36.6% and his OPS fall to .897. With the Yankees re-signing Cody Bellinger, Jones will likely not break camp with the team and instead return to Triple-A. However, Jones would likely be the first name called as soon as they need additional outfield depth. He is worth closely monitoring in deeper fiver-outifelder leagues as he would be worth a waiver claim once promoted, given his immense power upside.--Andy Smith
Source: RotoBaller

January 22, 2026

Milwaukee Bucks guard Kevin Porter Jr. (oblique) is facing a spell on the sidelines due to a strained oblique. Before Wednesday's loss to the Oklahoma City Thunder, Bucks head coach Doc Rivers told reporters Porter Jr. "won't be able to play anytime soon." The 25-year-old had played through the injury for a couple of games before sitting out Wednesday's contest. Porter Jr. has been a productive sidekick for Giannis Antetokounmpo in Milwaukee, averaging 16.8 points, 5.0 rebounds, 7.4 assists, and 2.1 steals this season. With Porter Jr. unavailable, Gary Harris started on Wednesday night but played only nine minutes. Cole Anthony was back in the rotation and looks to be the biggest beneficiary of Porter Jr.'s absence. He finished Wednesday's tilt with 17 points, three rebounds, and three assists.--Taavi Pailk
Source: ESPN

January 22, 2026

Athletics left-handed starting pitching prospect Gage Jump flashed solid upside in his first professional season and has put himself on the redraft radar heading into 2026. The Athletics selected Jump in the 2024 MLB Draft out of LSU. He currently sits as the team's No. 3-ranked prospect on MLB.com and the No. 60 overall in the sport. The left-hander made his professional debut with High-A last season and looked quite dominant, logging 31 innings to the tune of a 2.32 ERA, 0.84 WHIP, and a 45:4 K:BB. This strong start earned him an early ticket to Double-A, where he logged his final 81 2/3 innings with a 3.64 ERA and a 1.20 WHIP. However, he began to stumble over the last month, which inflated his ratios. Removing his last four outings (where he allowed 20 earned runs through 13 1/3 innings), Jump posted an impressive 1.74 ERA with a 1.00 WHIP across his first 67 1/3 frames. Jump could contend for an early-season Triple-A debut, which would make him a strong midseason stash candidate.--Andy Smith
Source: RotoBaller

January 22, 2026

Seattle Mariners outfield prospect Lazaro Montes will likely begin the 2026 season with Double-A Arkansas, but should be in the mix to push for a promotion to the top level given his previous experience at Double-A. In 2025, the budding power hitter began the campaign with High-A Everett, where he spent 51 games back in 2024. During his second stint with High-A last season, Montes held a .268/.387/.572 line with 12 doubles, 18 home runs, and three stolen bases. He struck out 83 times and drew 48 walks. This performance earned him a mid-season promotion to Double-A, where he saw his production take a slight step back. While he still launched 14 home runs over a 64-game stint, his average fell to .213, and his K:BB (86:35) declined as well. If the 6-foot-5 slugger can show progress early in the season at Double-A, Seattle could look to promote him after the opening months. If he can lower his strikeout rate and show stable power production, a late-season MLB debut would not be out of the question.--Andy Smith
Source: RotoBaller