January 24, 2026
The New York Mets have signed free-agent relief pitcher
Craig Kimbrel to a minor-league deal with an invite to Spring Training. It feels odd seeing Kimbrel sign a deal with a team that already has an established late-inning option. Kimbrel is one of the most successful relievers of all time with 440 career saves, which puts him fifth on the leaderboard. The 37-year-old isn't the same pitcher who earned four straight All-Star appearances. Kimbrel can still be a viable option in the bullpen, and his veteran presence and leadership alone are enough to sign him to an MLB deal. He most recently posted a 2.25 ERA, 1.41 WHIP, and 17/7 K/BB ratio across 14 games with the Atlanta Braves and Houston Astros in 2025. The expectation is that Kimbrel could serve as a late-inning option with occasional save chances when
Devin Williams needs a breather. That's assuming Kimbrel makes the team, as he'll need to compete for a roster spot during camp.
--Andy WebbSource: Jon Heyman
January 24, 2026
Houston Astros infielder/outfielder
Jose Altuve will mostly play at second base in 2026. Astros manager Joe Espada said Altuve will mainly be at second base, but will occasionally play in left field as well. The long-time second baseman made the switch to the outfield last season. The Astros quickly realized that having a five-foot-six-inch outfielder with below-average arm strength might not be the best decision. They've decided to put Altuve back in his primary position, which is the best move for everyone involved. At his age, Altuve is best served playing second base or getting reps at designated hitter.
--Andy WebbSource: Chandler Rome
January 24, 2026
Utah Jazz center
Jusuf Nurkic (illness) will play on Saturday against Miami. He popped up on the injury report because of an illness, carrying a questionable tag. Nurkic has amassed two-straight triple-doubles, most recently finishing with 17 points, 14 assists, and 11 boards in Thursday's loss to the San Antonio Spurs. While it's hard to imagine he'll maintain that same level of production, he has an excellent chance to continue exceeding his usual fantasy expectations in a projected high-scoring contest. With Nurkic on the floor, it should mean less work for
Kyle Filipowski.
--Dennis ClausenSource: NBA Injury Report
January 24, 2026
Houston Astros infielder
Isaac Paredes will reportedly get reps at second base during Spring Training. Paredes is primarily a third baseman, but will get some playing time at the keystone in camp. This isn't a completely foreign position to Paredes, as he's played 67 games at second base during his pro career. During his first season with the Astros last season, Paredes saw time only at third base and designated hitter. The Astros could be attempting to shift Paredes over to second base to give
Jose Altuve more time in left field and at DH. Paredes isn't known for his defensive abilities, but a move to second base might help him on defense.
--Andy WebbSource: Chandler Rome
January 24, 2026
Houston Astros infielder
Brice Matthews will reportedly take some reps in the outfield during Spring Training. According to Chandler Rome, Matthews is going to see some playing time in center field during camp. Until this point, Matthews has almost exclusively played in the infield during his pro career. He did play nine games in center field during his time in Triple-A Sugar Land last season. The Astros need another outfielder with
Jesus Sanchez,
Jake Meyers,
Cam Smith, and
Jose Altuve as the main options. Matthews appears to be ready for the big league level after posting impressive numbers in the minors last season. His best path to playing time might be moving to the outfield.
--Andy WebbSource: Chandler Rome
January 24, 2026
Houston Astros outfielder
Yordan Alvarez will reportedly play some left field this upcoming season. According to Chandler Rome, Alvarez will see time in left field, but will mostly serve as the designated hitter. This isn't shocking news, given Alvarez was limited to 48 games due to injuries last season. The Astros keeping Alvarez as the DH is the best way to protect him from injury. Alvarez played 15 games in left field in 2025 and 53 games in the outfield during the 2024 campaign. The 28-year-old isn't exactly known for his defensive ability, so keeping him at DH for the majority of the games makes sense. He's an elite player when healthy, so hopefully, fantasy managers will get a full season from Alvarez in 2026.
--Andy WebbSource: Chandler Rome
January 24, 2026
Seattle Seahawks wide receiver
Rashid Shaheed was largely responsible for putting last week's Divisional Round rubber match with the 49ers out of hand from the jump, returning the opening kickoff for a touchdown in a game that was never close. The play marked Shaheed's third special teams score since being acquired from the New Orleans Saints via a mid-season trade, but his impact has been felt less on offense. After playing his first half of the season in New Orleans on a 17-game pace of 83 receptions for 943 yards and four touchdowns, that pace has fallen drastically to 26 catches for 320 yards and zero receiving touchdowns since his trade to Seattle. Over the past four games, he's caught two passes for ten yards. Even against a Los Angeles defense that has been beatable through the air, Shaheed carries very little value outside of fantasy playoff leagues that reward return yards and touchdowns.
--Patrick McGrathSource: RotoBaller
January 24, 2026
Denver Broncos running back
Jaleel McLaughlin should continue to be the primary change-of-pace back behind rookie
RJ Harvey, with
J.K. Dobbins remaining on Injured Reserve after a week of limited practices. In Denver's Divisional Round win over a Bills team that came into the playoffs with one of the worst run defenses in the league, McLaughlin was able to turn four carries into 21 yards. In the Conference Championship, he'll face a Patriots defense that has been dominant against the run since Milton Williams' return from an ankle injury that cost him five games. Through two playoff games, New England has allowed a total of 74 yards on designed runs, so if McLaughlin is to find any success on Sunday, it may need to come through screens and checkdowns, though that is a role that's been owned by Harvey for most of the year. McLaughlin is RotoBaller's RB7 for the week, but there is a world where he is entirely phased out of the game script.
--Patrick McGrathSource: RotoBaller
January 24, 2026
The Arizona Diamondbacks are reportedly the favorites to sign free-agent starting pitcher
Zac Gallen. A reunion appears to be in the works after it seemed likely that the two sides would go their separate ways at the beginning of the winter. Gallen rejected the qualifying offer and entered free agency, but with draft pick compensation tied to his name. The Orioles, Braves, Giants, and Tigers have reportedly expressed interest in Gallen, but there is no deal in place. The 30-year-old is coming off a down year with the D-Backs in 2025. Last season, Gallen posted a 4.83 ERA, 1.26 WHIP, and a 175/66 K/BB ratio across 33 starts. It was the first year that Gallen had finished with a 4-plus ERA since the 2021 campaign. It seems possible that Gallen would take a short-term deal with opt-out options to try and re-establish his value. The D-Backs haven't replaced Gallen's spot in the rotation, so a reunion could still happen. Gallen is a quality arm that makes sense for a team that doesn't have a ton of established arms to count on right now.
--Andy WebbSource: Diamondbacks on SI
January 24, 2026
Denver Broncos wide receiver
Marvin Mims Jr. is coming off his best performance of the season, after leading the team with eight receptions for 93 yards and a touchdown in last Sunday's overtime win over the Bills. If the Broncos and backup quarterback
Jarrett Stidham are to have any success moving the ball against an attacking Patriots defense, Mims may once again be tasked with carrying a heavy workload. Patriots cornerbacks Christian Gonzalez and Carlton Davis III match up well on paper against the bigger bodies of
Courtland Sutton and
Pat Bryant, so it could fall on the smaller, quicker Mims to provide an intermediate outlet for Stidham if New England continues to send extra bodies in the pass rush. Mims is RotoBaller's WR8 for the Conference Championship Round of playoff fantasy leagues, but he could be more valuable in Full-PPR formats.
--Patrick McGrathSource: RotoBaller
January 24, 2026
The San Diego Padres have signed infielder/outfielder
Samad Taylor to a minor-league deal with an invite to Spring Training. Taylor recently elected free agency after being removed from the Seattle Mariners 40-man roster. His versatility makes Taylor an attractive utility option, but he lacks experience at the big league level. The 27-year-old has only played 38 games across parts of three seasons. He slashed .296/.378/.461 with 17 home runs, 86 RBI, and 44 stolen bases across 137 games in Triple-A with the Mariners last season. He only played in three big league games last season, but his excellent play in the minors makes him worthy of a flier. He figures to compete for a bench role on the 26-man roster during Spring Training.
--Andy WebbSource: Chris Cotillo
January 24, 2026
Los Angeles Rams veteran tight end
Tyler Higbee has seen his usage and productivity decline in each of his three games since returning from an ankle injury in Week 18. In his first game back after missing nearly two months of action, he led the team in receiving yards and scored his third touchdown of the season, but in the team's two playoff games since, he's seen a total of four targets, and he was on the field for only eight offensive snaps in the Rams' Divisional Round win over Chicago. With rookie
Terrance Ferguson returning for that game after missing two weeks of his own with a hamstring injury, Higbee was relegated to the third tight end in passing sets, behind Ferguson and
Colby Parkinson, and was taken off the field for
Davis Allen in more obvious running situations. Higbee is RotoBaller's TE3 for the week, but it should come as no surprise if he continues to run behind Parkinson and Ferguson on Sunday.
--Patrick McGrathSource: RotoBaller
January 24, 2026
Los Angeles Rams rookie tight end
Terrance Ferguson recorded a touchdown in each of his final two regular-season games. After missing two weeks with a hamstring injury, he returned for last week's Divisional Round win over the Bears and was targeted five times. Unfortunately, he was able to collect only one of those looks, finishing his first career playoff game with a single catch for 19 yards. With Los Angeles using a heavy deployment of jumbo packages down the stretch, Ferguson should see the field plenty against a Seahawks defense that has excelled against fantasy running backs and wide receivers while finishing in the middle of the pack against tight ends.
Colby Parkinson is likely the safest bet out of the Rams' crowded tight end room, given his steady usage near the goal line, but Ferguson may be the most talented of the bunch, and he is RotoBaller's TE5 for Conference Championship Weekend.
--Patrick McGrathSource: RotoBaller
January 24, 2026
The New York Jets were scheduled for an in-person interview with Wink Martindale for their defensive-coordinator job, sources told Connor Hughes of SNY. Although the Jets have interviewed seven other candidates for the job, Martindale is considered a favorite for the position. He has previously served as the DC in the NFL with the New York Giants, Baltimore Ravens, and Denver Broncos, and at the collegiate level at the University of Michigan. Martindale's defenses typically are aggressive at getting after the quarterback, which aligns with head coach Aaron Glenn's philosophy on that side of the ball. The Jets need all kinds of help on the defensive ball after they became the first team in NFL history to go an entire season without recording a single interception in 2025. Hiring Martindale would at least give the Jets some experience and an aggressive mentality as they look to bounce back in 2026.
--Keith HernandezSource: SNY - Connor Hughes
January 24, 2026
Brooklyn Nets guard
Nolan Traore (illness) won't play on Sunday against the Clippers. The rookie had a career-high 21 points in Friday's double-overtime loss to the Boston Celtics. With
Cam Thomas (ankle) ruled out, Traore would have been in line for more action, especially since he had double-digit scoring performances in three of his last four appearances. While that may still be the case once he's healthy to return,
Ziaire Williams and
Tyrese Martin are now the favorites to receive additional scoring opportunities versus Los Angeles.
--Dennis ClausenSource: NBA Injury Report
January 24, 2026
Nashville Predators defenseman Nicolas Hague (lower body) was labeled week-to-week before Saturday's loss to the Utah Mammoth. He exited the lineup due to a lower-body injury, with Adam Wilsby (lower body) filling in for Hague in his return from a four-game injury absence. The injury to Hague will all but end his attempt to reach 20 points for the first time in his career. The 27-year-old has totaled 11 points (two goals, nine assists), 32 shots, 37 blocks, and 54 hits in 41 appearances this season. Since Wilsby isn't known for scoring either, the change in Nashville's lineup doesn't really affect fantasy hockey.
--Taavi PailkSource: NHL.com
January 24, 2026
San Diego Padres right-hander
Yu Darvish's (elbow) agent, Joel Wolfe, said that no decision has been made on Darvish's retirement, according to Mark Feinsand of MLB.com. A report earlier on Saturday said that Darvish was hanging up his cleats. "Yu has not made a final decision yet. This is a complicated matter we are still working through," Wolfe said. The 39-year-old veteran will not play at all in 2026 after having an internal-brace procedure and flexor-tendon surgery. Darvish is set to make $46 million over the next three seasons if he doesn't retire, but the Japanese legend doesn't appear to have much left in the tank. He has made a combined 31 starts in the last two seasons in San Diego and has gone 12-8 with a 4.28 ERA, 1.12 WHIP, and 146:41 K:BB in 153 2/3 innings pitched. The odds are against Darvish being a reliable fantasy pitching option in 2027 if he doesn't retire.
--Keith HernandezSource: MLB.com - Mark Feinsand
January 24, 2026
Denver Nuggets forward
Aaron Gordon (hamstring) won't play on Sunday against Memphis. The 30-year-old played on Friday versus the Bucks, the second of a back-to-back. Unfortunately, he exited that contest because of a right hamstring strain, an injury that kept him off the floor for six weeks earlier in the season. There hasn't been much information released since Gordon suffered the injury. However, fantasy managers should expect to see his absence extend beyond Sunday's game. The Nuggets are banged up, with
Nikola Jokic (knee),
Cameron Johnson (knee), and
Christian Braun (ankle) also on the shelf. As a result, guys like
Tim Hardaway Jr.,
Zeke Nnaji, and
Jalen Pickett could all see more scoring opportunities behind
Peyton Watson (ankle) and
Jamal Murray (hamstring) for at least the next week or two.
--Dennis ClausenSource: NBA Injury Report
January 24, 2026
Detroit Red Wings defenseman Simon Edvinsson (lower body) will sit out a second straight game on Saturday against the Winnipeg Jets. On Thursday, Edvinsson was a late scratch for a matchup against the Minnesota Wild, and he hasn't shaken off a lower-body injury in time for Saturday's game. Edvinsson has made a mark at both ends of the ice, registering 17 points (six goals, 11 assists), 57 shots, 104 blocks, and 63 hits in 48 contests. Travis Hamonic filled in for Edvinsson on Thursday, though Erik Gustafsson is also an option on the roster to join the blue line.
--Taavi PailkSource: NHL.com
January 24, 2026
The New York Post's Joel Sherman writes that the New York Mets got indications that Detroit Tigers left-hander
Tarik Skubal might have cost them their "five best prospects" in a trade. New York's five best prospects were
Nolan McLean,
Carson Benge,
Jett Williams,
Jonah Tong, and
Brandon Sproat before they traded Williams and Sproat to the Milwaukee Brewers in exchange for right-hander
Freddy Peralta this week. The Tigers have a sky-high asking price for Skubal, who won his second straight American League Cy Young award in 2025 after setting career highs in ERA (2.21), WHIP (0.89), strikeouts (241), and innings pitched (195 1/3). The 29-year-old southpaw is the most dominant starting pitcher in the game right now, and although he'll be a free agent after the 2026 season, it appears Detroit will hang onto him for now.
--Keith HernandezSource: New York Post - Joel Sherman
January 24, 2026
Montreal Canadiens winger Alexandre Texier (lower body) will return to action on Saturday against the Boston Bruins. The French forward missed a couple of games earlier this week due to a lower-body injury. Since moving to Montreal in late November, Texier has seen a lot of success, posting 16 points (seven goals, six assists) in 27 outings. He's had four multi-point games in January, including his first career hat trick a couple of weeks back against the Florida Panthers. On Saturday, Texier will rejoin Nick Suzuki and Cole Caufield on the first line. Joe Veleno will be scratched to make room for Texier in the lineup.
--Taavi PailkSource: NHL.com
January 24, 2026
Brooklyn Nets guard
Cam Thomas (ankle) won't play on Sunday against the Clippers. The 24-year-old has already missed plenty of time this season. He's also struggled statistically, averaging 16.2 points, his lowest since his sophomore campaign. Thomas tweaked his ankle during Friday's double-overtime loss to the Boston Celtics, so it's unknown how long he'll be out of commission. However, with the trade deadline on the horizon, fantasy managers are left wondering if he's already played his final game as a Net. At any rate, while Thomas is sidelined,
Ziaire Williams and
Tyrese Martin may see more action. That could also apply to
Nolan Traore (illness), who had a career-high 21 points on Friday, once he shakes off an illness.
--Dennis ClausenSource: Brian Lewis
January 24, 2026
The Seattle Seahawks elevated running backs
Cam Akers and
Velus Jones Jr. from the practice squad to the active 53-man roster ahead of Sunday's NFC Championship contest against the division-rival Los Angeles Rams, according to Michael-Shawn Dugar of The Athletic.
Zach Charbonnet (knee) suffered a season-ending torn ACL in last weekend's Divisional Round win over the San Francisco 49ers, so both Akers and Jones will give Seattle more RB depth this weekend behind starter
Kenneth Walker III. The Seahawks also activated
George Holani from Injured Reserve this week, and he will be active as more backfield depth against the Rams. Akers, 26, previously played for L.A. and has more experience than both Jones and Holani. However, he's appeared in only six games this year with the Rams and Vikings and has only five carries for 19 yards. Walker is likely to see the lion's share of touches for the Seahawks on Sunday, leaving few opportunities for Akers, Jones, and Holani.
--Keith HernandezSource: The Athletic - Michael-Shawn Dugar
January 24, 2026
Los Angeles Kings center Anze Kopitar (upper body) will miss his ninth consecutive game on Saturday night against the St. Louis Blues. The Kings captain is traveling with the team on a six-game road trip, but Saturday's game comes too soon for him. It's possible that Kopitar will return at some later point during the trip. With Kopitar out, Alex Laferriere is handling first-line center duties, skating with Adrian Kempe and Corey Perry. Laferriere has struggled to make an impact in the role, going five straight games without registering a point.
--Taavi PailkSource: NHL.com
January 24, 2026
The New England Patriots activated wide receiver
Mack Hollins (abdomen) from Injured Reserve on Saturday ahead of Sunday's AFC Championship game against the Denver Broncos, according to Tom Pelissero of the NFL Network. Despite the fact that Hollins was activated, he's still questionable to play against the Broncos. The 32-year-old veteran was put on IR in late December and he hasn't played since Dec. 21. If Hollins returns this weekend, it would give quarterback
Drake Maye another deep threat on the outside, although his snap count would most likely be limited. During the regular season, Hollins had 46 receptions on 65 targets for 550 yards and only two touchdowns. Fantasy managers should probably look elsewhere for a WR sleeper for Sunday's games against a Broncos defense that allowed a league-low six touchdowns to receivers in 2025.
--Keith HernandezSource: NFL Network - Tom Pelissero
January 24, 2026
Los Angeles Kings defenseman Drew Doughty (illness) is expected to be back in the lineup on Saturday against the St. Louis Blues. The 2016 Norris Trophy winner didn't play in Tuesday's win over the New York Rangers due to illness. Jacob Moverare is expected to exit the lineup to make room for Doughty. 41 appearances into his 18th NHL campaign, Doughty has recorded 13 points (three goals, 10 assists), 64 shots, 46 blocks, and 22 hits. He hasn't scored any points in his last 11 appearances, marking the worst offensive slump of Doughty's career.
--Taavi PailkSource: NHL.com
January 24, 2026
Orlando Magic guard
Jalen Suggs (knee) will play on Saturday against Cleveland. His return will mark the end of an eight-game absence caused by a right MCL contusion. The 2021 No. 5 overall pick is expected to reclaim his spot in the starting lineup, although he'll likely be limited for at least a few contests. With
Franz Wagner (ankle) ruled out,
Anthony Black will presumably remain with the first-five, with the 22-year-old averaging 18.1 points, 4.8 assists, 4.0 rebounds, and 38.6% shooting from behind the arc in 23 starts throughout the campaign.
--Dennis ClausenSource: Orlando Magic
January 24, 2026
Minnesota Wild winger Matt Boldy (lower body) is poised to rejoin the lineup on Saturday against the Florida Panthers. "Boldy, I would anticipate playing tonight," Wild head coach John Hynes said after the morning skate. Boldy, who has missed four games due to a lower-body injury, worked with Marcus Johansson and Joel Eriksson Ek during the session. The Wild have seen Boldy take a significant leap in 2025-26, averaging more than a point per game. He has contributed 27 goals and 24 assists in 48 appearances. The 24-year-old shares the team lead in goals with Kirill Kaprizov and ranks second to the Russian forward in points.
--Taavi PailkSource: NHL.com
January 24, 2026
Florida Panthers winger Brad Marchand (undisclosed) was activated from Injured Reserve ahead of Saturday's tilt against the Minnesota Wild, Alex Baumgartner of Five Reasons Sports reports. The veteran forward has missed seven games due to an unspecified injury. Marchand has been great for the Panthers this season, scoring 23 goals and 46 points in 41 games. With Matthew Tkachuk also back in the lineup, Florida is looking much more dangerous up front. Marchand is expected to slot into a middle-six role upon his return and will join the top power-play unit.
--Taavi PailkSource: Alex Baumgartner
January 24, 2026
Los Angeles Rams running back
Blake Corum handled only six touches in the team's Divisional Round win over the Bears, and in Sunday's Conference Championship, he faces a Seahawks defense that ranked as the most formidable against fantasy running backs in the regular season. In their Divisional Round thrashing of the 49ers, Seattle held MVP finalist
Christian McCaffrey to 35 rushing yards and 39 receiving yards on 17 total opportunities. Should Corum find himself drastically out-touched by
Kyren Williams as he was against Chicago, he'll need elite efficiency to see any relevance in playoff fantasy leagues -- a tall order, given Seattle's track record. Corum is RotoBaller's RB6 for the week.
--Patrick McGrathSource: RotoBaller
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