February 13, 2026
Miami Marlins outfield prospect
Owen Caissie appears to be in a great position to claim a lead role in the Miami offense out of spring training. Caissie was the headliner piece in the trade that sent right-hander
Edward Cabrera to the North Side of Chicago earlier this winter. Caissie is now viewed as Miami's No. 3-ranked prospect and the overall No. 47 in baseball, per MLB.com. Last summer, the Cubs gave Caissie a brief taste of the majors, where he logged five hits over a 12-game stint. He spent most of the time with Triple-A Iowa, where he posted a .286/.386/.551 line with a strong .937 OPS across 99 games. During this stint, the outfitter swept five bags and added 22 round-trippers. Caissie is expected to compete for the starting job in the right field alongside
Griffin Conine and
Esteury Ruiz, both of whom have not shown consistent production in the majors. Given his prospect pedigree, Caissie appears to be the favorite to land a lead role in the Miami offense on Opening Day.
--Andy SmithSource: RotoBaller
February 13, 2026
Baltimore Orioles outfield prospect
Dylan Beavers is a name to closely monitor in spring training. Beavers reached Baltimore last summer and posted a modest .237/.375/.400 line over his brief 35-game stint. During this stretch, the California product hit four home runs and swiped two bases. In the minor leagues, Beavers showed five-category upside, which makes him an intriguing sleeper candidate heading into the 2026 season. Through 94 games at Triple-A prior to his MLB promotion, Beavers held a .304/.420/.515 line with a .935 OPS, 18 home runs, and 23 stolen bases. However, the 24-year-old is not guaranteed an everyday role in a crowded Baltimore offense. During camp, managers should expect him to compete for at-bats alongside
Tyler O'Neill,
Colton Cowser,
Taylor Ward, and
Leody Taveras. However, if he were to claim a lead role, he carries high-end sleeper appeal in the later rounds, given his ability to hit for power and show solid speed on the basepaths.
--Andy SmithSource: RotoBaller
February 13, 2026
Los Angeles Lakers center
Deandre Ayton (knee) has been ruled out for Thursday's game against Dallas and is considered day to day after imaging showed no structural damage. He has now missed two straight contests. In his absence on Thursday,
Jaxson Hayes started and delivered 16 points, seven rebounds, four assists, three steals, and one block in 34 minutes, making him the clear streaming option if Ayton remains sidelined.
Jarred Vanderbilt can chip in rebounds and defensive stats, but he is a fringe add. Ayton remains a hold in all formats.
--Brian DailisanSource: Law Murray
February 13, 2026
Arizona Diamondbacks top outfield prospect
Ryan Waldschmidt could have an easier path to crack the Opening Day roster following the injury to
Corbin Carroll. With the team's top outfielder on the shelf with a fractured hamate bone and in serious danger of missing the start of the season, Waldschmidt could emerge as a top replacement if he has a productive spring training. Entering camp, Waldschmidt was identified as a potential candidate to make the Opening Day roster, and now, with a starting outfielder injured, his path becomes much clearer. The Kentucky product joined the Diamondbacks in the 2024 MLB Draft and quickly progressed through the system last summer. Through 134 games (shared between High-A and Double-A), Waldschmidt held a .289/.419/.473 line with 18 home runs and 29 stolen bases. Even though he does not have experience at Triple-A, a strong showing in camp could be enough to earn a spot in the Opening Day lineup.
--Andy SmithSource: Arizona Diamondbacks
February 13, 2026
Los Angeles Lakers forward
LeBron James delivered 28 points, 10 rebounds, and 12 assists in 35 minutes in Thursday's 124-104 win over Dallas, becoming the oldest player to record a triple-double. With
Luka Doncic (hamstring) sidelined and
Austin Reaves still ramping up, James has steadied the offense and kept the Lakers' role players slotted cleanly. Doncic's eventual return could trim James' usage slightly, but the 41-year-old remains a must-start given his current playmaking spike.
Rui Hachimura,
Jake LaRavia, and
Luke Kennard are the most likely to lose touches.
--Brian DailisanSource: Dan Woike
February 13, 2026
Kansas City Royals catching prospect
Carter Jensen is a top breakout candidate heading into the 2026 regular season. Jensen made his MLB debut later in the second half last summer and immediately flashed upside. Through his first 20 MLB games, the former third-round selection posted a .300/.391/.550 slash line with three long balls. Under the hood, Jensen's production was even more impressive as he generated an elite .447 xwOBA, .336 xBA, and a .633 xSLG. Earlier in the campaign, the 22-year-old looked just as dominant in the upper minor leagues, across 111 games shared between Double-A and Triple-A. In this stint, Jensen posted a .290/.377/.501 line with 20 home runs and 10 stolen bases. With Jensen ticked for a near every-day role, sharing time at DH and behind the dish, he possesses immense five-category upside at the catcher position in his first full season in the big leagues.
--Andy SmithSource: RotoBaller
February 13, 2026
Memphis Grizzlies guard
Ja Morant (elbow) is ramping up, but the team still is not sure he will be ready to play coming out of the All-Star break, general manager Zach Kleiman said Friday. Morant has been sidelined since Jan. 21 with a UCL sprain and is due for a recheck soon. In the meantime,
Ty Jerome is the best streamer after logging 19 points and seven assists in 21 minutes Tuesday.
Scotty Pippen Jr. and
Cam Spencer round out the minutes, with steals and assists as their main appeal.
--Brian DailisanSource: Clay Bailey
February 13, 2026
Atlanta Braves right-handed pitching prospect
JR Ritchie is a name to closely monitor during spring training, as he could break camp with the MLB roster following the injury to
Spencer Schwellenbach. With Schwellenbach on the 60-day IL with an elbow injury, Ritchie could make a strong push to open camp in the starting rotation. Last summer, the team's No. 2-ranked prospect began the season at High-A and was able to progress through Triple-A by the second half. He looked sharp at High-A, logging 41 2/3 innings to the tune of a 1.30 ERA, 0.79 WHIP, and a 38:10 K:BB. Across 98 1/3 innings at the upper levels (Double-A and Triple-A), Ritchie posted a 3.20 ERA with a solid 1.10 WHIP. While the Braves may turn to veterans like
Bryce Elder or
Martin Perez, Ritchie could make a strong case if he turns in a successful spring training.
--Andy SmithSource: RotoBaller
February 13, 2026
Los Angeles Lakers guard
Luka Doncic (hamstring) is expected to return Feb. 20 against the Clippers. Coach JJ Redick indicated Thursday that Doncic is trending in the right direction, with the team taking a cautious approach given the soft-tissue nature of the injury. Doncic has missed the last four games. His return would reclaim a 37.7 percent usage role, trimming minutes for
Rui Hachimura,
Jake LaRavia,
Marcus Smart, and
Luke Kennard.
LeBron James and
Austin Reaves could see slight usage dips, though both remain strong fantasy plays once Doncic is active.
--Brian DailisanSource: Dave McMenamin
February 13, 2026
Seattle Mariners top prospect
Colt Emerson is in serious consideration to break camp with the MLB roster. According to Daniel Kramer of MLB.com, the team's President of Baseball Operations, Jerry Dipoto, noted that it's "not out of the question" that the top shortstop prospect begins the season in Seattle. According to MLB.com, Emerson, the former 22nd overall pick from the 2023 MLB Draft, is viewed as the team's No. 1-ranked prospect and the overall No. 9 prospect in the sport. Last summer, the 20-year-old spent most of his time with High-A and Double-A and performed at an elite level. With High-A, Emerson held a .281/.388/.453 line with 11 long balls and six stolen bases. Through 40 games shared between Double-A and Triple-A, Emerson posted a .293/.373/.470 line. He is a top name to watch in camp as he could be worthy of a late-round selection.
--Andy SmithSource: Daniel Kramer
February 13, 2026
Utah Jazz forward/center
Oscar Tshiebwe (concussion) will not return to Thursday's loss to Portland after entering the league's concussion protocol. The two-way big logged five minutes before exiting and has appeared in just three games this season. With
Jaren Jackson Jr. (knee) out for the year and
Jusuf Nurkic (rest) questionable, Utah's frontcourt is thin.
Kyle Filipowski stepped up with 15 points, nine rebounds, and six steals in 29 minutes and profiles as the primary beneficiary.
Kevin Love could reenter the rotation if Tshiebwe misses time, but Filipowski is the clear fantasy add.
--Brian DailisanSource: Utah Jazz
February 13, 2026
Dallas Mavericks guard/forward
Naji Marshall (foot) has been ruled out for the remainder of Thursday's game against the Lakers. Marshall produced 19 points on 8-of-13 shooting with two rebounds, four assists, and two steals in 29 minutes before exiting. He was already dealing with the foot issue entering the game, which raises concern about a potential aggravation. If he misses time,
P.J. Washington should absorb more frontcourt responsibility, while
Caleb Martin (ankle) could see an expanded role if cleared.
--Brian DailisanSource: Mavs PR
February 13, 2026
Dallas Mavericks center
Daniel Gafford (ankle) will not return to Thursday's game against the Lakers. He finished with two points, six rebounds, and one block in 28 minutes before being ruled out late in a 124-104 loss. Dallas is already thin in the frontcourt, so any missed time would tighten the rotation.
Marvin Bagley III logged 20 minutes and has produced 16 points and 12 rebounds in one of his last three games, giving him short-term streaming appeal.
P.J. Washington could also absorb more small-ball center minutes if needed.
--Brian DailisanSource: Mavs PR
February 12, 2026
St. Louis Cardinals manager Oliver Marmol said that he thinks outfielder
Jordan Walker could steal more bases in 2026, according to Derrick Goold of the St. Louis Post-Dispatch. It might be a make-or-break year for Walker, who has stolen only 18 bases in 279 games in his first three seasons in the big leagues. The former first-rounder is surprisingly fast despite standing 6-foot-6, 250 pounds, and the Cardinals could give him more opportunities to run this year. The 23-year-old is still young, but so far, he's been a bust at the major-league level, slashing .240/.302/.378 with a .680 OPS, 27 home runs, 112 RBI, 107 runs, and a 26.9% strikeout rate. Walker's 66 wRC+ in 2025 ranked 270th out of 277 qualifying hitters, although he did make loud contact along the way. There have been positive reports about Walker's swing changes this offseason. Taking a chance on Walker will be cheap if you're hoping for a post-hype breakout.
--Keith HernandezSource: St. Louis Post-Dispatch - Derrick Goold
February 12, 2026
The Kansas City Royals announced on Thursday that they acquired right-hander
Mitch Spence from the Athletics in exchange for right-hander AJ Causey. In a corresponding move, the Royals moved right-hander
Alec Marsh (shoulder) to the 60-day injured list. Spence, 27, will be battling for a spot in KC's bullpen in spring training after posting a bloated 5.10 ERA (5.10 FIP) and 1.44 WHIP with one save, 66 strikeouts, and 26 walks in 84 2/3 innings over 32 appearances (eight starts) in 2025 in Sacramento. He wasn't much better the year before for the A's in his major-league debut, going 8-10 with a 4.58 ERA, 1.38 WHIP, and 126:44 K:BB in 151 1/3 frames covering 35 appearances (24 starts). With minor-league options remaining, Spence will most likely open the 2026 season at Triple-A Omaha as pitching depth for the Royals.
--Keith HernandezSource: Kansas City Royals
February 12, 2026
The New York Mets placed right-hander
Tylor Megill (elbow) on the 60-day injured list on Thursday to make room for new outfielder
MJ Melendez on the 40-man roster, according to Anthony DiComo of MLB.com. Megill will miss the entire 2026 campaign while recovering from Tommy John surgery that he had in September of last year. The 30-year-old veteran stepped up in the Mets' starting rotation in 2025 with both
Sean Manaea and
Frankie Montas injured, and he went on to go 5-5 with a career-best 3.95 ERA (3.43 FIP) and 1.36 WHIP with 89 strikeouts and 33 walks in 68 1/3 innings over 14 starts. Megill even had two starts with 10-plus strikeouts, but he landed on the IL in June with a right-elbow sprain and never pitched again. He has a career 4.46 ERA, 1.39 WHIP, and 435:163 K:BB in 409 2/3 innings over his 88 outings (81 starts) with the Mets over five seasons.
--Keith HernandezSource: MLB.com - Anthony DiComo
February 12, 2026
Cincinnati Reds manager Terry Francona said that infielder
Christian Encarnacion-Strand (hamstring) tweaked his hamstring in January, according to Charlie Goldsmith. Encarnacion-Strand is on a running progression in camp and may be forced to miss the first few Cactus League games. The 26-year-old is off to a bad start in spring training after struggling to the tune of a .208/.234/.377 slash line with a .610 OPS, six home runs, 19 RBI, and 13 runs scored in just 36 games played in 2025 in his third year in the big leagues. He was eventually sent down to Triple-A Louisville on July 12 and never made it back to Cincy. CEH's plate discipline was awful, and it didn't improve much down on the farm, as he struck out nearly 25% of the time. He has 21 home runs in his three years in the big leagues, but his 27.1% strikeout rate and high chase rate haven't helped his cause. Barring a strong spring training, Encarnacion-Strand could find himself back at Louisville to begin the 2026 season.
--Keith HernandezSource: The Cincinnati Enquirer - Charlie Goldsmith
February 12, 2026
Kansas City Royals right-hander
Seth Lugo (back) was seen throwing a bullpen session at camp on Thursday, according to Jaylon T. Thompson of The Kansas City Star. It's good to see the veteran hurler throwing again after he was shut down for the final month of last season due to a nagging back injury. Lugo doesn't have any restrictions this spring and mentioned that he wants to use his fastball more in early counts in 2026. The 36-year-old started the year off strong last season but really struggled down the stretch (likely due to his back) to finish with a 4.15 ERA, 1.29 WHIP, and 125 strikeouts in 145 1/3 innings pitched over 26 starts in his second year in KC. Lugo could bounce back in 2026 with better health, but nobody should be expecting another career year from him at this stage of his career, especially with a 21.1% strikeout rate since the start of 2024. The heavy workload may be catching up to him after he transitioned to a full-time starting role three years ago.
--Keith HernandezSource: The Kansas City Star - Jaylon T. Thompson
February 12, 2026
Washington Nationals catcher
Keibert Ruiz (concussion) has been cleared from concussion restrictions after dealing with head injuries last year, according to Jessica Camerato of MLB.com. Now healthy, Ruiz enters spring training this year in a competition with No. 2 overall prospect
Harry Ford, who was acquired from the Seattle Mariners in December, for the starting role in D.C.
Riley Adams and
Drew Millas will be battling for a backup role. The 27-year-old Ruiz was initially hit by a pitch in the head in late June of last year, which limited him to 68 games played. The Venezuelan backstop hit .247/.277/.318 with a career-worst .595 OPS, only two home runs, 25 RBI, and 19 runs scored in 267 plate appearances. Ruiz is hard to strike out, but when he makes contact with the baseball, it's usually weak. He might open the year as the Nats' starting catcher, but he also grades out poorly defensively, and it's only a matter of time before Ford takes over.
--Keith HernandezSource: MLB.com - Jessica Camerato
February 12, 2026
Seattle Mariners infielder
Ryan Bliss (knee, biceps) was part of a full infield workout at second base at spring training on Thursday, according to Daniel Kramer of MLB.com. It's a promising sign for Bliss after he missed most of last year with significant meniscus and biceps injuries. The 26-year-old only appeared in 11 games at the big-league level in 2025 with Seattle, going 7-for-35 (.200) with a homer, three RBI, and two stolen bases. Bliss had surgery on his biceps last April and then tore his meniscus in September. The former second-round pick by the Arizona Diamondbacks in 2021 out of Auburn hit just .222/.290/.397 with a .687 OPS, two home runs, nine RBI, 10 runs scored, and five stolen bases in 71 games for the M's in his rookie campaign in 2024. Bliss will be competing at the keystone this spring, but in all likelihood, he'll begin the year as infield depth at Triple-A Tacoma.
--Keith HernandezSource: MLB.com - Daniel Kramer
February 12, 2026
St. Louis Cardinals outfielder
Lars Nootbaar (heels) will be a couple of days delayed in reporting to camp due to his rehab, according to Jeff Jones of the Belleville News. Nootbaar is in a spot in his progression where he's running on an altered-gravity treadmill, and the Cardinals have not had one delivered yet to their spring training facilities. The 28-year-old had surgery on both of his heels in early October of last year. We should have a better idea of Nootbaar's timetable for a return when he reports to camp, but as of now, it's looking likely that he won't be ready for Opening Day in late March. In addition to playing through heel issues, Nootbaar missed three weeks with a rib-cage injury and finished with a mediocre .234/.325/.361 slash line, career-low .686 OPS, 13 homers, and 48 RBI in 135 games. Nootbaar has teased fantasy managers with his batted-ball metrics, but his health has not cooperated.
--Keith HernandezSource: Belleville News - Jeff Jones
February 12, 2026
It's a foregone conclusion that the Dallas Cowboys will place the franchise tag on impending free-agent wide receiver
George Pickens this offseason after his breakout 2025 season. NFL Network's Ian Rapoport wonders if the Cowboys would be willing to slap the franchise tag on Pickens and then turn around and trade him. Dallas acquired the 24-year-old from the Pittsburgh Steelers for a third-rounder, so in theory, the Cowboys could entertain the idea of flipping Pickens for a potential second-rounder. Cowboys owner Jerry Jones has shown in the past that he's not afraid of trading star players (see Micah Parsons just last year) for high-end draft capital. Alongside
CeeDee Lamb, though, Pickens took Dallas' offense to another level in 2025, and he finished with a career-high 1,429 yards, 93 receptions, and nine touchdowns in 17 games. If Pickens stays in Dallas in 2026, he'll be a strong WR1 target in fantasy football drafts.
--Keith HernandezSource: NFL Network - Ian Rapoport
February 12, 2026
NFL Network's Mike Garafolo reports that the Seattle Seahawks could use the franchise or transition tag on impending free-agent running back
Kenneth Walker III this offseason, even though the franchise tag would pay Walker around $14 million in 2026. The 25-year-old went Beast Mode in Seattle's three postseason games this year, carrying the ball 65 times for 313 yards and four touchdowns while adding nine catches for an additional 104 yards. The former second-rounder had 27 carries for 135 yards in the Super Bowl LX win over the New England Patriots and was named MVP. Walker made himself a lot of money for the 2026 season with his playoff exploits. It sounds like the Seahawks want to keep him around. He has been solid in his four years with Seattle, but lower-body injuries have been an issue. With
Zach Charbonnet (knee) returning in 2026, there will be bust potential for Walker coming off the high of his postseason performance.
--Keith HernandezSource: NFL Network - Mike Garafolo
February 12, 2026
Texas Rangers right-handed reliever
Nabil Crismatt (elbow), who is in camp with the Rangers on a minor-league deal, will have right-elbow surgery and will not pitch for Team Colombia in this year's World Baseball Classic, according to Jeff Wilson of DLLS Sports. It's unclear exactly what kind of surgery Crismatt will have, but at the very least, he'll probably miss several months. The 31-year-old veteran joined the Rangers in the offseason after going 3-0 with a 3.71 ERA and 1.44 WHIP with 25 strikeouts and nine walks in 34 innings over eight appearances (five starts) for the Arizona Diamondbacks last year. The six-year MLB veteran won't be guaranteed to resurface in the big leagues with the Rangers this year once he's recovered from his elbow surgery. In his six MLB seasons, Crismatt has a 3.71 ERA, 1.32 WHIP, and 187:63 K:BB in 211 innings pitched with four different clubs.
--Keith HernandezSource: DLLS Sports - Jeff Wilson
February 12, 2026
Miami Marlins catcher
Agustin Ramirez, who is ranked at RotoBaller as the No. 4 fantasy backstop after a strong rookie campaign, is working to improve his defense behind the plate as he heads into his sophomore campaign in 2026, according to Jordan McPherson of the Miami Herald. Offensively, Ramirez hit .231 with a .700 OPS, 21 home runs, 33 doubles, 67 RBI, 72 runs scored, and 16 steals over 136 games (71 at catcher). He was the first rookie catcher in MLB history to hit at least 20 homers and steal 15 bases, and just the sixth Marlins player to do it. However, his mark of minus-14 defensive runs saved ranked second-worst among 31 catchers with at least 600 innings caught. He had just an 8.8% caught-stealing rate and 19 passed balls. Ramirez spent time in the offseason working on his mobility, but if he cannot improve defensively, he could become more of a full-time DH with catching prospect
Joe Mack right behind him. For his bat alone, though, Ramirez is very attractive in fantasy in 2026.
--Keith HernandezSource: Miami Herald - Jordan McPherson
February 12, 2026
The Athletic's Mitch Bannon writes that Toronto Blue Jays outfielders
Nathan Lukes and
Davis Schneider will likely form a platoon in left field in 2026. Lukes, who hits from the left side, will be on the strong side of the platoon. The 31-year-old veteran has handled right-handers pretty well since the start of the 2023 season, slashing .266/.330/.421 with all 13 of his home runs against them. Lukes was hard to strike out, but he also had a ground-ball rate of over 45%, so he probably won't provide a ton of pop, especially in a platoon. Schneider, 27, hits from the right side, but he was actually better against right-handed pitchers last year while slashing .234/.361/.436 overall with a .797 OPS, 11 home runs, and 31 RBI in 82 regular-season games played. He has a limited skill set and is mostly useful to the Blue Jays for his defensive versatility. Neither Lukes nor Schneider should be rostered in shallow mixed leagues.
--Keith HernandezSource: The Athletic - Mitch Bannon
February 12, 2026
St. Louis Blues goaltender Jordan Binnington started the 2026 Olympics in outstanding form, recording a 26-save shutout in a 5-0 win over Czechia on Thursday. The 32-year-old became only the fourth Team Canada goaltender to post a shutout in an Olympic game featuring NHL players, joining Carey Price, Roberto Luongo, and Patrick Roy. Binnington has struggled with the Blues this season, going 8-17-6 in 30 starts with a 3.65 goals-against average and a .864 save percentage. However, he has a much stronger team in front of him at the Olympic tournament and has always performed well for his country. On Thursday, Binnington improved to 13-4 with Team Canada, recording his third career shutout on the international stage.
--Taavi PailkSource: NHL.com
February 12, 2026
Edmonton Oilers center Connor McDavid tallied three assists as Canada routed Czechia 5-0 on Thursday. In his Olympic debut, McDavid tied Team Canada's record for most assists in a single game at an Olympic tournament involving NHL players. McDavid set up Macklin Celebrini for the opening goal in the first period and added assists on third-period goals by Nathan MacKinnon and Nick Suzuki. MacKinnon scored on the power play. Additionally, McDavid produced a game-high six shots on goal, twice as many as any of his teammates. The Oilers captain has been dominant in the NHL for years and looks set to crush it on the international stage as well.
--Taavi PailkSource: NHL.com
February 12, 2026
Toronto Blue Jays outfielder
Addison Barger will play most of his games in right field in 2026, according to Mitch Bannon of The Athletic. Meanwhile,
Nathan Lukes and
Davis Schneider will likely form a platoon in left. Barger split his time almost evenly between the outfield and third base in his second year in the big leagues with Toronto in 2025, but the Jays have a bigger need in the outfield now that
Anthony Santander (shoulder) is injured again. How much he plays against lefties will be the big question after he slashed an unremarkable .217/.270/.337 against southpaws last year. The 26-year-old left-handed hitter limped to the finish line and finished with a .243/.301/.454 slash line with a .756 OPS, 21 home runs, 74 RBI, 61 runs scored, and four steals in 460 at-bats during the regular season. Barger was a postseason hero, finished third on the team in homers, and regularly hit the ball on the screws when he made contact. He has a solid floor in at least the strong side of a platoon, and there is breakout potential if he can improve against lefties.
--Keith HernandezSource: The Athletic - Mitch Bannon
February 12, 2026
Winnipeg Jets defenseman Josh Morrissey (undisclosed) was limited to 7:10 of ice time in Team Canada's 5-0 win over Czechia on Thursday. Canada opened the Olympic tournament with a comfortable win but lost Morrissey to an undisclosed injury. He took only one shift in the second period. Morrissey has been ever-present for the Jets this season, recording 42 points (10 goals, 32 assists) in 56 appearances. Travis Sanheim, who was a healthy scratch on Thursday, is likely to play in Friday's matchup with Switzerland if Morrissey isn't available. Meanwhile, Shea Theodore could see more ice time after starting Thursday's game as the seventh defenseman.
--Taavi PailkSource: NHL.com
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