February 2, 2026
Los Angeles Dodgers outfield prospect Mike Sirota is quickly progressing through the minor leagues and is a name to watch in 2026. Sirota was drafted with the 87th overall pick in the 2024 MLB Draft by the Cincinnati Reds out of Northeastern. He was then shipped to the Dodgers in the package that sent infielder
Gavin Lux to the Reds. Sirota made his professional debut in 2025 with Low-A, then joined High-A shortly after. Through 24 games with Low-A Sirota, held a .354/.443/.687 line with eight doubles and seven home runs. With High-A, Sirota continued to show immense power upside, posting an elite 1.014 OPS with six home runs and four stolen bases. While his season was cut short by a knee injury, he is expected to push for an early promotion to the upper levels in 2026.
--Andy SmithSource: MLB.com
February 2, 2026
Cincinnati Reds catching prospect
Alfredo Duno is a name to monitor in dynasty formats ahead of the 2026 regular season. Duno is currently listed as the team's No. 2-ranked prospect on MLB.com and the overall No. 48-ranked prospect on MLB.com. Duno joined the Cincinnati system in 2023 and has continued to show high upside at the lower levels. He made his professional debut in 2023 in the Dominican Summer League, where he held a .303/.451/.493 line with a strong .944 OPS. This past season, he spent the entire campaign with Low-A Daytona, where he posted an impressive .287/.430/.518 slash line with 32 doubles, 18 home runs, and six stolen bases. Given his solid play last summer, managers should expect Duno to spend most of 2026 with High-A.
--Andy SmithSource: RotoBaller
February 2, 2026
Tampa Bay Rays right-handed pitching prospect Brody Hopkins will attend MLB spring training. Hopkins is currently viewed as the No. 3-ranked prospect in the Tampa Bay system on MLB.com. Last summer, Hopkins spent the entire campaign at Double-A. In 2024, he made his professional debut and spent time in the lower levels. Through 115 innings split between Low-A and Double-A in 2024, the right-hander posted a 3.05 ERA with a 1.18 WHIP. In 2025, Hopkins looked quite comfortable with Double-A Montgomery, logging 116 innings to the tune of a 2.72 ERA with a 1.25 WHIP. He struck out 141 batters while allowing 60 free passes. While an early-season MLB debut seems improbable, he could remain on track for a second-half debut if he can begin the 2026 season with Triple-A.
--Andy SmithSource: Marc Topkin
February 2, 2026
Seattle Mariners switch-pitching prospect Jurrangelo Cijntje is expected to focus entirely on right-handed pitching during spring training. Cijntje joined the Mariners with the 15th overall selection in the 2024 MLB Draft out of Mississippi State. Cijntje spent his debut campaign splitting time across High-And Double-A, pitching from both sides. However, the Mariners will look to have Cijntje focus solely on right-handed pitching this spring. Through 74 2/3 innings with High-A, Cijntje held a 4.58 ERA with a 1.19 WHIP. He struck out 83 batters. Through his first 33 2/3 innings at Double-A, the 22-year-old posted a strong 2.67 ERA, 1.28 WHIP, with a 37:16 K:BB. When facing right-handed batters (pitching with his right hand), Cijntje was far more effective, posting a 76:12 K:BB compared to the rough 44:39 K:BB he held as a left-hander. If he progresses well in camp, he could debut in Triple-A early in the first half.
--Andy SmithSource: MLB Pipeline
February 2, 2026
The Arizona Diamondbacks have officially invited infield prospect
Tommy Troy to MLB spring training. Troy was a fast riser in the system last season and is now in a great position to compete for a role on the Opening Day roster in 2026. Troy began the 2025 campaign with Double-A Amarillo and held a .286/.382/.461 slash line with 20 doubles, 12 home runs, and 21 stolen bases. He was then bumped up to Triple-A Reno to close out the campaign, where he continued to perform at a high level. Through 38 games, Troy held a .295/.381/.429 line. He posted an .810 OPS with three home runs and three stolen bases. Currently, Troy figures to compete for a utility role in the infield, serving as a backup option to third baseman
Nolan Arenado or shortstop
Geraldo Perdomo. He is a name to watch in deeper formats given his five-category upside.
--Andy SmithSource: MLB Pipeline
February 2, 2026
The Arizona Diamondbacks have invited top outfield prospect
Ryan Waldschmidt to big league camp. Waldschmidt is considered the team's top-ranked prospect on MLB.com and the overall No. 66-ranked prospect in the sport. Waldschmidt joined the Diamondbacks in the 2024 Draft and is now knocking on the MLB door. Last summer, the Kentucky product began the season in High-A but reached Double-A by the second half. Through 68 games with High-A, Waldschmidt held a .268/.415/.447 slash line with 13 doubles and nine home runs. During his first taste of Double-A, the outfielder took a step further, holding a stellar .309/.423/.498 line with a .921 OPS. Given Arizona's current outfield, Waldschmidt is a name to closely monitor as he could be in the mix to jump Triple-A and begin the season in the major leagues.
--Andy SmithSource: MLB Pipeline
February 2, 2026
According to Danny Demilio of PittsburghBaseballNow.com, the Pirates are unlikely to pursue a reunion with infielder
Isiah Kiner-Falefa in free agency. Demilio reported that a reunion between both sides appears to be "unlikely for several reasons." While the Pirates were unable to strike a deal with
Eugenio Suarez ahead of his signing with the Reds on Sunday, they remain active in the market in looking to bolster their infield ahead of spring training. Currently,
Jared Triolo and prospect
Nick Yorke are slated to cover the hot corner at the start of the season. Kiner-Falefa has had multiple stints in the Steel City during his career. Last season, Kiner-Falefa held a .262/.297/.334 line across 138 contests split between the Blue Jays and the Pirates. If he were to find a suitor, he would only be worth targeting in AL/NL-only leagues due to his defensive versatility.
--Andy SmithSource: Danny Demilio
February 2, 2026
According to Jen McCaffrey of The Athletic, the Boston Red Sox could still look to shop outfielder/designated hitter
Masataka Yoshida ahead of spring training. Yoshida posted a .266/.307/.388 slash line with 11 doubles and four home runs across a 66-game stint with Boston last season. He generated a high .270 xBA and showed an elite eye at the plate, posting a low 11.7% K%. During his first two seasons in the majors, Yoshida held an overall .285/.343/.433 line with a .775 OPS. However, given Boston's crowded outfield and acquiring
Willson Contreras in the offseason, the Boston lineup is quite crowded and will likely not offer Yoshida everyday at-bats. If he were to be moved, he could carry a sleeper appeal in a full-time role. If he were to open the season in Boston, he would be best left for deeper 15+ team formats as a late-round source of batting average.
--Andy SmithSource: Jen McCaffrey
February 2, 2026
Boston Red Sox second baseman/outfielder
Kristian Campbell does not have a defined role on the roster ahead of spring training. Christopher Smith of MassLive.com reports that while the team is viewing Campbell as a fit in the outfield due to his athleticism, the current state of the outfield is quite crowded and will not provide Campbell with everyday at-bats. However, Smith noted that Campbell is still growing offensively and could open the season at Triple-A to not only further his progress but also provide him with everyday opportunities. Last summer, Campbell made his MLB debut and held a .223/.319/.345 slash line with six home runs and two stolen bases across 67 games. Given his current projected playing time, Campbell is only worth a late-round stash in deeper five-outfielder leagues ahead of spring training.
--Andy SmithSource: Christopher Smith
February 2, 2026
Arizona Diamondbacks first baseman
Pavin Smith may be in danger of losing an everyday role. According to reports by Douglas Santo of ArizonaSports.com, the Diamondbacks have shown serious interest in acquiring another first baseman on the free agent market. They have been linked to free agents
Carlos Santana and
Paul Goldschmidt. If the team were to sign any of them, this would likely push Smith to a platoon role. Last summer, Smith played in 87 games and showed solid upside, posting a .258/.362/.434 line with a .796 OPS. He hit 17 doubles and added eight long balls. Under the hood, Smith generated an above average 11.7% barrel rate with a 46.1% hard-hit rate while drawing walks at an elite 14.2% rate. Smith carries solid upside as a late-round corner infielder given his projected role. However, if the Diamondbacks were to add a veteran option, Smith would fall into a streaming territory given his likely role as a platoon bat.
--Andy SmithSource: Douglas Santo
February 2, 2026
According to Chris Cotillo of MassLive.com, the Boston Red Sox did not play a "meaningful role" in third baseman
Eugenio Suarez's free-agent market. On Sunday evening, the slugging third baseman inked a one-year deal to return to Cincinnati. The Pittsburgh Pirates were also in heavy pursuit, but it appears the Red Sox did not make a strong push to upgrade their infield. The Red Sox were linked to several of the top infielders this winter but have been unsuccessful in their free-agent search. With Suarez off the board, the Red Sox could still look for a trade candidate or enter camp with
Marcelo Mayer slated to cover third base. Last season, Mayer made his MLB debut and held a modest .228/.272/.402 slash line with four long balls. However, he showed significant upside as he progressed through the Boston system. If he were to open the season as the team's No. 1 third baseman, he would have solid sleeper appeal in deeper formats.
--Andy SmithSource: Chris Cotillo
February 2, 2026
Cincinnati Reds outfielder
JJ Bleday could be a candidate to begin the season in the minor leagues. C. Trent Rosecrans of The Athletic reported that Bleday still has minor league options and, as a result, could be sent to Triple-A to begin the campaign. The Reds signed the veteran outfielder to a one-year, $1.4 million contract earlier this offseason. Last summer, Bleday spent the season with the Athletics, where he launched 14 home runs but held a modest .212/.294/.404 line with a .698 OPS. In 2024, Bleday enjoyed a career season with the Athletics, hitting 20 long balls and carrying a .243/.324/.437 slash line. Managers should monitor his status during spring training. If he were to crack the Opening Day roster, Bleday would likely operate on the strong side of a platoon in the outfield and have sneaky upside in deeper five-outfielder leagues.
--Andy SmithSource: C. Trent Rosecrans
February 1, 2026
The Pittsburgh Pirates were reportedly making a big push for free-agent third baseman
Eugenio Suarez. According to Jason Mackey, the Pirates offered Suarez the same AAV ($15 million) as the Cincinnati Reds. Ultimately, Suarez decided to go to the Reds due to familiarity with the organization and a better ballpark fit. This is the second big-time slugger the Pirates have struck out on this offseason. They also made a significant offer to
Kyle Schwarber, but he decided to return to the Philadelphia Phillies. It's unclear where the Pirates will go now that Suarez has signed elsewhere. The Pirates may pivot to
Marcell Ozuna,
Rhys Hoskins, or maybe a reunion with
Andrew McCutchen.
--Andy WebbSource: Jason Mackey
February 1, 2026
The Arizona Diamondbacks are reportedly interested in signing free-agent first baseman
Carlos Santana. According to John Gambadoro, the D-Backs have expressed interest in Santana, but there's no deal in place right now. The 39-year-old would be a strong veteran presence and leader to any organization, but it's unclear how much baseball he has left in the tank. Last season, Santana slashed .219/.308/.325 with 11 home runs, 54 RBI, and seven steals in 124 games between the Cleveland Guardians and Chicago Cubs. The D-Backs are likely committed to
Pavin Smith at first base to begin the season. It's unclear if the D-Backs want to carry Santana on the bench, given he's basically limited to first base and designated hitter. Regardless, his days of being a consistent fantasy option are likely behind him.
--Andy WebbSource: John Gambadoro
February 1, 2026
The Los Angeles Dodgers signed free-agent starting pitcher
Cole Irvin to a minor-league deal with an invite to spring training. Irvin spent the 2025 season in Korea playing for the Doosan Bears. He registered a 4.48 ERA, 1.52 WHIP, and a 128/79 K/BB ratio across 28 starts. The number of walks is concerning, but maybe the Dodgers can help get him back on track. Irvin wasn't having a ton of success before going to Korea. He posted a 5.11 ERA in 29 games (16 starts) with the Baltimore Orioles and Minnesota Twins in 2024. This looks like a move to add pitching depth, so we'll see if Irvin can make the team.
--Andy WebbSource: Jon Heyman
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