Spencer Torkelson Dealing With Forearm Contusion
Detroit Tigers first baseman Spencer Torkelson (forearm) was diagnosed with a right-forearm contusion after he was hit by a pitch during a simulated game in camp on Tuesday, according to Evan Petzold of the Detroit Free Press. Torkelson exited with a trainer after he was hit by a fastball from reliever Burch Smith. "It was scary," manager A.J. Hinch said. "It's going to happen, whether it's a game or a practice game. From what I know, from afar, we've avoided anything major." The 26-year-old former first overall pick was held out of Wednesday's Grapefruit League contest against the Minnesota Twins as a precaution, but he could be back in action soon. Torkelson hit 31 home runs for the second time in the last three years in 2025, bouncing back from a 10-homer campaign in 2024. Strikeouts are always going to be part of Tork's game, but the high-end power upside is nice for corner-infield depth in fantasy baseball leagues.
Source: Detroit Free Press - Evan Petzold
Source: Detroit Free Press - Evan Petzold
Ryan Mountcastle Hit by Pitch on Hand, X-Rays Come Back Negative
Baltimore Orioles first baseman Ryan Mountcastle (hand) was forced to leave Wednesday's Grapefruit League game against the Pittsburgh Pirates early in the eighth inning after he was hit by a pitch on his right hand, according to Jacob Calvin Meyer of The Baltimore Sun. Fortunately, X-rays on his right hand came back negative, according to the team. With an off day coming in spring training on Friday, Mountcastle could be back in the lineup on Friday, although it wouldn't be a surprise to see the O's give him a couple of days off. The 29-year-old right-handed slugger's fantasy stock is on the decline going into the 2026 season after he dealt with more injuries and disappointing play in 2025. Mountcastle slashed .250/.286/.367 with a career-worst .653 OPS, only seven home runs, 35 RBI, 34 runs, and three steals in 89 games played. With the addition of All-Star first baseman Pete Alonso, Mountcastle could be facing a drop in playing time, with a DH role his only clear path to at-bats.
Source: The Baltimore Sun - Jacob Calvin Meyer
Source: The Baltimore Sun - Jacob Calvin Meyer
Grant Williams Sidelined Against Kings
Charlotte Hornets forward/center Grant Williams (knee) is unavailable for Wednesday's matchup with the Sacramento Kings. Williams will sit out the back end of the team's back-to-back due to knee injury management. Williams finished with three points, one rebound, one assist and two steals across 14 minutes during Tuesday's 103-101 win over the Trail Blazers. His next chance to return to the floor is Saturday on the road against the Spurs. Extra minutes will likely be distributed to Sion James, who collected 11 points in his last outing on Tuesday after scoring a combined 12 points in the previous three contests.
Source: Charlotte Hornets PR
Source: Charlotte Hornets PR
John Metchie III Signing One-Year Deal to Join Panthers
Former New York Jets wide receiver John Metchie III is signing an undisclosed one-year deal with the Carolina Panthers on Wednesday, according to Adam Schefter of ESPN. Metchie will reunite with quarterback Bryce Young, with whom he played college ball at Alabama. The 25-year-old was originally a second-round pick (44th overall) by the Houston Texans in the 2022 NFL draft. Metchie had an unfortunate setback with a cancer diagnosis and missed the entire 2022 season, but he has slowly bounced back and posted a career-high 274 receiving yards and two touchdowns on 33 receptions in 16 games (seven starts) with the Jets and Philadelphia Eagles last year. Metchie will now head to the NFC South, where he'll serve in a depth role behind Tetairoa McMillan and Jalen Coker. His previous connection with Young should help, but barring an injury ahead of him on Carolina's WR depth chart, it's hard to imagine Metchie having much weekly fantasy football appeal in 2026.
Source: ESPN - Adam Schefter
Source: ESPN - Adam Schefter
Jaguars Signing Chris Rodriguez Jr. on Wednesday
The Jacksonville Jaguars are signing former Washington Commanders running back Chris Rodriguez Jr. to an undisclosed two-year deal on Wednesday, sources told Jordan Schultz of FOX Sports. Rodriguez will head to the AFC South after three years in Washington. The 25-year-old former sixth-round pick by the Commanders in 2023 out of Kentucky had his best year in 2025, carrying the ball 112 times for 500 yards and six touchdowns, which were all career-highs. He also caught three passes for 30 yards in 13 games played (seven starts) in D.C. In his three years with Washington, C-Rod had 10 rushing touchdowns while averaging a healthy 4.6 yards per tote. Jacksonville lost Travis Etienne Jr. to the New Orleans Saints in free agency and will now go into the 2026 campaign with Rodriguez, Bhayshul Tuten, and LeQuint Allen Jr. as their backfield options, barring another RB addition in the upcoming draft. Tuten figures to be the Jags' RB1, but Rodriguez could easily have flex appeal in a complementary role in a rising offense.
Source: FOX Sports - Jordan Schultz
Source: FOX Sports - Jordan Schultz
Coby White Active On Wednesday
Charlotte Hornets guard Coby White (calf) is available to suit up on Wednesday against the Sacramento Kings. White sat out the first leg of the team's back-to-back on Tuesday due to left calf injury management. Since moving to Charlotte, White has averaged 12.3 points, 2.3 rebounds, and 4.0 assists in 18.3 minutes. Sion James and Josh Green's minutes will be reduced with White returning to the rotation during tonight's tilt.
Source: Charlotte Hornets PR
Source: Charlotte Hornets PR
Stephen Curry Expected to Miss 10 More Days
According to Shams Charania of ESPN, Golden State Warriors guard Stephen Curry (knee) is expected to miss at least 10 more days. His ailing right knee will keep him out of action for at least five more games. The superstar guard has already missed 15 consecutive contests. Curry has participated in on-court workouts and will likely ramp up his activities soon. The 37-year-old's continued absence will keep the backcourt usage spread across Brandin Podziemski, Pat Spencer, Gary Payton II, LJ Cryer, and Will Richard. Spencer finished with 17 points, six assists, three rebounds, and one steal across 30 minutes against the Chicago Bulls on Tuesday, and he could continue to be productive with extended minutes.
Source: Shams Charania
Source: Shams Charania
Jake Browning Plans to Sign One-Year Deal With Buccaneers
Free-agent quarterback Jake Browning plans to sign an undisclosed one-year deal with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, a source told Jeremy Fowler of ESPN. Browning will go from backing up Joe Burrow in Cincinnati to backing up Baker Mayfield in Tampa. The 29-year-old signal-caller from Washington has three years of NFL experience with the Bengals, appearing in 17 games (10 starts). In those games, Browning completed 68.5% of his 368 pass attempts for 2,707 yards, 18 touchdowns, and 15 interceptions. He led the league with a 70.4% completion percentage in his rookie year in 2023, when he was forced to make seven starts with Burrow injured. In Tampa, Browning will serve as a solid backup option for Mayfield, whose aggressive style of play opens him up to plenty of injuries. If Browning is forced into starts for the Bucs in 2026, he definitely won't have the top-notch receiving corps he worked with in Cincy.
Source: ESPN.com - Jeremy Fowler
Source: ESPN.com - Jeremy Fowler
Jets Agree With Dylan Parham on Two-Year Deal
The New York Jets agreed to terms with former Las Vegas Raiders offensive guard Dylan Parham on a two-year deal worth up to $20 million on Wednesday, according to Ian Rapoport of the NFL Network. Parham will help bolster the Jets' offensive line in 2026 after spending the first four years of his NFL career in the desert. The Raiders drafted the 26-year-old in the third round in 2022 out of Memphis. Parham will be expected to protect veteran quarterback Geno Smith, with whom he played last year in Las Vegas. Along a young and inexperienced offensive line in New York, Parham should be expected to start for the team next season. Parham has started 63 of the 64 games he's appeared in over the last four years with the Raiders. It's unclear exactly where he'll play, but he has experience at left and right guard and at center, giving the Jets options.
Source: NFL Network - Ian Rapoport
Source: NFL Network - Ian Rapoport
Ravens Agree to Terms With Durham Smythe
The Baltimore Ravens agreed to terms on an undisclosed deal with free-agent tight end Durham Smythe on Wednesday, sources told Jeff Zrebiec of The Athletic. Smythe will likely be the blocking replacement at the position for Charlie Kolar, who left in free agency this week to join the Los Angeles Chargers. The 30-year-old veteran will reunite with new Ravens offensive coordinator Declan Doyle after being coached by him with the Chicago Bears in 2025. The former fourth-round pick by the Miami Dolphins in 2018 out of Notre Dame won't be anywhere near the fantasy radar in any format going into next season. Smythe had a career-low four catches on six targets for 25 yards in 17 regular-season games with the Bears last year, and he has a measly 136 receptions for 1,253 yards and three touchdowns in his eight-year NFL career.
Source: The Athletic - Jeff Zrebiec
Source: The Athletic - Jeff Zrebiec
Buccaneers Tender Sean Tucker on One-Year Deal
The Tampa Bay Buccaneers tendered an undisclosed one-year deal to restricted free-agent running back Sean Tucker on Wednesday, according to Rick Stroud of the Tampa Bay Times. Tucker will most likely return to Tampa for a fourth season and will provide valuable RB depth behind starter Bucky Irving and newcomer Kenneth Gainwell. The 24-year-old former undrafted free agent out of Syracuse saw a career-high 86 rushing attempts last year for 320 yards and a career-best seven rushing touchdowns in 17 games played. Tucker added eight receptions for 34 yards and a touchdown through the air as he saw increased playing time due to Irving missing extended time in 2025 with an injury. Because he'll be the RB3 to open the 2026 season if he sticks in Tampa, Tucker won't be on the fantasy radar in most single-year fantasy leagues, but he'll be a high-priority waiver addition if Irving were to miss time with an injury again.
Source: Tampa Bay Times - Rick Stroud
Source: Tampa Bay Times - Rick Stroud
Kyler Murray Officially Released by the Cardinals
The Arizona Cardinals officially released quarterback Kyler Murray (foot) at the start of the new league year on Wednesday, according to ESPN's Kevin Seifert. Murray is "at or near the top" of the Minnesota Vikings' QB wish list this offseason as they look to pair a veteran to push young signal-caller J.J. McCarthy. Murray's fantasy football stock is way down after he missed the final 12 games of the 2025 season in Arizona due to a foot sprain he suffered in Week 5. The 28-year-old former first overall selection in 2019 out of Oklahoma wasn't in sync before his injury, either, throwing for 962 yards, six touchdowns, and three picks in five games started. Despite his poor final season in Arizona, Murray will be attractive to teams looking for a cheap and experienced option at the position, as the Cardinals are paying the $38.8 million guarantees still owed to him. If Minnesota adds Murray and he wins the starting gig over McCarthy, he'd be a clear QB2 bounce-back candidate.
Source: ESPN.com - Kevin Seifert
Source: ESPN.com - Kevin Seifert
Falcons Officially Release Kirk Cousins
The Atlanta Falcons officially released veteran quarterback Kirk Cousins at the start of the new league year on Wednesday, according to Kevin Seifert of ESPN. The 37-year-old four-time Pro Bowler spent the last two seasons in Atlanta, where he threw for 5,229 yards, 28 touchdowns, and 21 interceptions in 24 games (22 starts). He was benched late in the 2024 campaign in favor of rookie Michael Penix Jr. and entered last season as the clear backup. Cousins ended up starting eight games for the Falcons in 2025 due to Penix's season-ending knee injury. He had a few notable performances, but overall, he looked more like a QB nearing the end of his career. Cousins had 1,721 passing yards, 10 touchdowns, and five picks for the Falcons last year. He'll be an option to reunite with the Minnesota Vikings this offseason, but a starting job isn't going to be guaranteed, no matter where Cousins resurfaces for the 2026 campaign.
Source: ESPN.com - Kevin Seifert
Source: ESPN.com - Kevin Seifert
49ers, Jake Tonges Agree to Two-Year Deal
The San Francisco 49ers and tight end Jake Tonges agreed to a new two-year contract for $8 million on Wednesday, agent Steve Caric told Adam Schefter of ESPN. The deal includes $5.5 million guaranteed. Tonges had the best year of his career in 2025 in his third year in the NFL and second in the Bay Area, filling in nicely as the team's top pass-catching tight end when George Kittle was sidelined due to injury. The 26-year-old caught 34 of his 46 targets for 293 yards and five touchdowns in 17 regular-season games (two starts) after not having a single catch in his first two NFL seasons. Tonges went undrafted out of Cal before debuting in the NFL in 2022 with the Chicago Bears. Kittle is recovering from a torn Achilles that he suffered in the postseason, so he almost certainly won't be ready for the start of the 2026 regular season. Tonges showed last year that he has the ability to be a valuable sleeper TE in a good offense with Kittle sidelined.
Source: ESPN - Adam Schefter
Source: ESPN - Adam Schefter
Bryce Miller Shuts Down Bullpen Due to More Oblique Discomfort
Seattle Mariners right-hander Bryce Miller (oblique) cut short his first full-effort bullpen session in camp on Wednesday due to "discomfort in the area," having been told not to push through it if he felt anything, according to Daniel Kramer of MLB.com. Miller is still cleared to play catch and will target another touch-and-feel bullpen session in the coming days. The 27-year-old has been dealing with left-oblique inflammation since late last month. The fact that he's still being bothered by it has put his availability for Opening Day in late March in question and dropped him on fantasy draft boards. Miller, a former fourth-rounder in 2021 out of Texas A&M, made two separate trips to the injured list last year due to right-elbow issues, and he was unable to recover. He had a career-worst 5.68 ERA and 1.41 WHIP with 74 punchouts and 34 walks in 90 1/3 innings over his 18 starts. Injury concerns have dropped Miller to No. 78 in RotoBaller's fantasy starting pitcher rankings going into the 2026 season.
Source: MLB.com - Daniel Kramer
Source: MLB.com - Daniel Kramer
Zac Gallen Named Arizona's Opening Day Starter
The Arizona Diamondbacks announced on Wednesday that right-hander Zac Gallen will make his fourth career Opening Day start on the road against the World Series-champion Los Angeles Dodgers on March 26. Gallen is the obvious choice for the D-backs after re-signing this offseason, especially with Merrill Kelly (back) dealing with an injury in spring training. The 30-year-old veteran won't be a popular DFS play on Opening Day against the best lineup in baseball, but he could make for a nice value pick later in fantasy baseball drafts as he looks to bounce back from a career-worst 4.83 ERA (4.50 FIP) that he had in 33 starts (192 innings) last year in Arizona in his seventh year in the league. Gallen has looked sharp in his first two Cactus League starts this year, tossing four shutout innings while walking none and striking out five.
Source: Arizona Diamondbacks
Source: Arizona Diamondbacks
Kyle Teel Could Miss 4-6 Weeks With Hamstring Strain
Chicago White Sox catcher Kyle Teel (hamstring) has been diagnosed with a right-hamstring strain and could end up missing four to six weeks, according to Scott Merkin of MLB.com. Officially, Teel has a Grade 2 hamstring strain that he suffered while running out a double in Team Italy's upset win over the United States in the World Baseball Classic on Tuesday. The 24-year-old left-handed-hitting catcher will drop out of the WBC and will most likely start the 2026 regular season on the injured list as a result. It will mean more catching duties for Edgar Quero to begin the year for the White Sox. Teel's injury should also free up more playing time at designated hitter for Lenyn Sosa. When he's past his hamstring injury, Teel should be in Chicago's lineup regularly after hitting .273/.375/.411 with a .786 OPS, eight homers, and 35 RBI in his first 78 major-league games in 2025. His injury shouldn't change the fact that he's a high-end No. 2 catcher target in fantasy drafts with upside for more going into his first full MLB season.
Source: MLB.com - Scott Merkin
Source: MLB.com - Scott Merkin
Quinn Priester Visiting With Specialist on Thursday
Milwaukee Brewers right-hander Quinn Priester (wrist) will visit with a specialist in Dallas on Thursday as he seeks answers about the lingering soreness in his right wrist, according to Adam McCalvy of MLB.com. Priester hasn't pitched in a Cactus League game this spring because of the injury, but he has been throwing to keep his arm in shape. It's an injury that the 25-year-old also dealt with late last season. At this point, it's unlikely that Priester will be ready for the start of the 2026 regular season later this month, and a timetable for when he might make his season debut probably won't be known until after he sees a specialist. The former first-rounder by the Pittsburgh Pirates in 2019 had a league-best .813 win-loss percentage in his first year in Milwaukee, going 13-3 with a 3.32 ERA (4.01 FIP) and 1.24 WHIP with a career-best 132 K's and 50 walks in 157 1/3 innings over his 29 outings (24 starts).
Source: MLB.com - Adam McCalvy
Source: MLB.com - Adam McCalvy
Griffin Jax the Favorite for Early Saves in Tampa Bay?
Tampa Bay Rays reliever Griffin Jax could be the early favorite for the closer role in Tampa Bay once the regular season gets underway. The right-hander was superb for the Twins from 2022 through 2024, but despite an elite 36.4 percent strikeout rate (29.8 percent K-BB%) in 50 appearances for Minnesota in 2025, the 6-foot-2 hurler recorded a 4.50 ERA through the end of July and was shipped to Tampa, where he posted a 3.60 ERA and 1.30 WHIP, while maintaining a strong 31.8 percent strikeout rate. All in all, the former third-round draft pick finished the season with 99 strikeouts in just 66 innings pitched between Minnesota and Tampa Bay, registering 98th percentile or better strikeout, whiff, and chase rates. With Edwin Uceta (shoulder) expected to begin the season on the injured list, Jax's only real competition for the role might come from Garrett Cleavinger, who was fantastic in 2025 as well, but who is a left-hander and may be deployed more opportunistically. Manager Kevin Cash has not committed to any particular reliever just yet, and may end up going for a closer-by-committee approach, but Jax has the prototypical stuff to grab hold of the role and keep it for the entire season, making him an attractive target who is currently being drafted after the likes of Dennis Santana and Ryan Walker.
Source: Baseball Savant
Source: Baseball Savant
Jaylinn Hawkins Plans to Sign Two-Year Deal With Ravens
Free-agent safety Jaylinn Hawkins plans to sign with the Baltimore Ravens for two years and $10 million, a source told Jeremy Fowler of ESPN. Hawkins will head to Baltimore for his seventh year in the NFL after having one of the best years of his career with the New England Patriots in 2025. The 28-year-old former fourth-round pick by the Atlanta Falcons in 2020 out of Cal totaled 71 tackles (45 solo), a career-high 1.5 sacks, five QB hits, a career-high four interceptions, six pass breakups, one forced fumble, and a fumble recovery in 15 regular-season starts in his second year with the Patriots. The 836 defensive snaps he played were the second-highest total of his career. He was a key part of the team's secondary, but now he'll head to the AFC North and try to help the Ravens get back to the postseason. There's a good chance Hawkins will be in more of a rotational role at safety in Baltimore.
Source: ESPN.com - Jeremy Fowler
Source: ESPN.com - Jeremy Fowler
Logan Henderson Scheduled to Throw Off Mound on Thursday
Milwaukee Brewers starting pitcher Logan Henderson (elbow) is scheduled to "throw a mound session" on Thursday. The right-hander experienced mild elbow soreness last week and hasn't pitched in a Cactus League game since March 4. Assuming Thursday's session goes well, the 24-year-old is expected to return to game progression on Sunday, which should still put him on track to be ready for Opening Day. The Brewers' seventh-ranked prospect debuted last season and showed well in his limited sample, recording a 1.78 ERA (3.20 SIERA), 0.99 WHIP, and a 25.3 percent K-BB% in five starts (25 1/3 innings pitched), but isn't necessarily a lock to begin the year with the club. If he doesn't suffer any setbacks and can break camp in the rotation, the 6-foot hurler could be a real value pick based on his ADP, which is well after pick 200.
Source: Adam McCalvy
Source: Adam McCalvy
Commanders Agree to Three-Year Deal With Chig Okonkwo
The Washington Commanders agreed to an undisclosed three-year deal with free-agent tight end Chig Okonkwo on Wednesday, according to Mike Garafolo of the NFL Network. Okonkwo led the Titans with 560 receiving yards on 56 catches (79 targets) last year, but he caught just two touchdowns and lost a lot of valuable targets and playing time to rookie Gunnar Helm. The 26-year-old tight end finished as only the No. 22 player at his position in half-PPR scoring. Zach Ertz is a free agent and probably won't return to Washington, so Okonkwo has an opportunity to become the Commanders' top pass-catching TE going into next season. It could be a huge boost to his fantasy value as long as starting quarterback Jayden Daniels can remain healthy in his third year in the league. Okonkwo will definitely become at least a more attractive TE2 with upside for more in D.C. UPDATE: Okonkwo's three-year deal is worth up to $30 million.
Source: NFL Network - Mike Garafolo
Source: NFL Network - Mike Garafolo
Patrick Taylor Jr. Agrees to Extension With 49ers
The San Francisco 49ers agreed to an undisclosed contract extension with running back Patrick Taylor Jr. (shoulder) on Wednesday, according to Equity Sports. A shoulder injury suffered in the preseason last year caused Taylor to miss the entire 2025 campaign, but he'll be back in the Bay Area as RB depth in 2026 behind Christian McCaffrey, Jordan James, and Isaac Guerendo. There have been talks that the Niners are interested in bringing back Brian Robinson Jr., who was the direct backup to McCaffrey last year in the backfield. The 27-year-old Taylor went undrafted out of Memphis before latching on with the Green Bay Packers in 2021. He had his most productive season in the NFL in 2024 in his first year with the 49ers, rushing the ball a career-high 39 times for 183 yards (4.7 yards per carry) and one touchdown in 13 games played (one start). Barring injuries in front of him, Taylor won't be on the fantasy radar.
Source: Equity Sports
Source: Equity Sports
Kyle Bradish Throws Five Scoreless on Wednesday, Sees Uptick in Velocity
Baltimore Orioles starting pitcher Kyle Bradish made his third Grapefruit League start on Wednesday, tossing five scoreless innings, allowing one hit and one walk while striking out two in the outing. Although fewer than one strikeout per inning is not what we've grown accustomed to from the right-hander, his stuff was clearly working, and notably, the velocity on his fastball topped out at 97.5 mph; the 6-foot-3 hurler's high in his first two Grapefruit League outings was 95.9 mph. It should only reinforce that the 29-year-old appears to be fully recovered from the Tommy John surgery he underwent in 2024. The New Mexico State product looked sharp in his return to the mound last August, pitching to a 2.53 ERA (2.63 SIERA) and 1.03 WHIP while recording an elite 29.4 percent K-BB% in six starts. It has pushed his price tag up in fantasy drafts, going as the 27th pitcher off the board since the beginning of March, but he may still return value if he can continue to pitch at such a high level.
Source: Jake Rill
Source: Jake Rill
Vikings Bringing Aaron Jones Sr. Back
The Minnesota Vikings and running back Aaron Jones Sr. agreed to a revised contract on Wednesday to keep him in town for the 2026 season, sources told the NFL Network's Tom Pelissero. Jones will lower his base salary to $5.5 million to stay with the Vikings for one more season. Minnesota was getting ready to release the 31-year-old veteran at the start of the new league year before this contract restructure. Jones battled injuries throughout the 2025 season and was limited to 12 games, finishing with 132 carries (his lowest total since his rookie season in 2017 with the Green Bay Packers) for 548 yards and two touchdowns. He added 28 catches for 199 yards and another TD on 41 targets. Jones should be able to bounce back with better health in 2026, but the Vikings might also prefer to give backfield mate Jordan Mason a bigger workload in an effort to keep Jones healthy. There's also the possibility of the Vikes adding to the RB room via the NFL draft in April.
Source: NFL Network - Tom Pelissero
Source: NFL Network - Tom Pelissero
Kevin Byard Signing With Patriots on One-Year Deal
Three-time Pro Bowl safety Kevin Byard is signing a one-year, $9 million deal with the New England Patriots on Wednesday, sources told Tom Pelissero of the NFL Network. The 32-year-old veteran defensive back is coming off his third career Pro Bowl selection in 2025 in his second year with the Chicago Bears. Byard had 93 tackles (61 solo), a league-leading seven interceptions, and eight pass breakups in 17 regular-season starts. The strong season was good enough to land him as the No. 4 overall defensive back in IDP fantasy formats. It was Byard's sixth season in 10 years in the NFL with at least four interceptions, so it would be an understatement to call him a ball hawk. He'll now head to New England to try to help the Patriots get back to the Super Bowl. Byard should once again be in play as a weekly DB in IDP formats in his new home in 2026.
Source: NFL Network - Tom Pelissero
Source: NFL Network - Tom Pelissero
Bryan Abreu Ticketed for Ninth-Inning Role in Houston
Houston Astros reliever Bryan Abreu appears to be in a position to take over as the team's closer to begin the year. Houston's regular closer, Josh Hader (biceps), threw his first bullpen session of the spring on Tuesday, but manager Joe Espada has already ruled the veteran out for Opening Day. Abreu has been both durable and effective for the Astros over the last four years, recording a 2.30 ERA, 1.13 WHIP, and a 23.9 percent K-BB% during that span. Hader is not expected to miss too much time, so Abreu's hold on the closer role should only be temporary, but given Hader's lengthy injury history and Abreu's ability to perform, there could be opportunities for additional save chances throughout the year. Bump Abreu up draft boards slightly, as the early-season save chances added to his ability to lower ratios while providing plenty of strikeouts should only bolster the 28-year-old's fantasy relevance.
Source: Chandler Rome
Source: Chandler Rome
Trey Yesavage Tosses 35 Pitches in Simulated Game on Wednesday
Toronto Blue Jays starting pitcher Trey Yesavage faced some of the Jays' minor leaguers on Wednesday, totaling 35 pitches in the two-inning simulation. The right-hander is slowly being brought up to speed this spring as a result of throwing 139 2/3 professional innings last season, way more than he accumulated in any season during his time in college at East Carolina, although it's unclear what is next in his progression. The 6-foot-4 hurler was a key piece in the Jays' run to the World Series last year and struck out 55 batters in just 41 2/3 innings pitched, but as good as he looked, the team is going to try to ensure that they don't pile too many innings on the youngster's arm. Unfortunately for fantasy, that will likely limit the former first-rounder's ceiling in 2026, making him more of a No. 3 fantasy rotation piece. Still, the 22-year-old appears to be fairly valued in drafts, going right around his RotoBaller rank of 158 overall.
Source: Arden Zwelling
Source: Arden Zwelling
Jets Agree to One-Year Deal With Kicker Cade York
The New York Jets agreed to an undisclosed one-year deal with free-agent kicker Cade York on Wednesday, sources told FOX Sports' Jordan Schultz. Former Jets kicker Nick Folk signed with the Atlanta Falcons earlier this week, so the Jets will add York, a former fourth-rounder, and give him a chance to win the starting job to open the 2026 season. The Cleveland Browns took the 25-year-old placekicker with the 124th overall pick in 2022 out of LSU. York has only kicked in the NFL for two seasons, going 33-for-45 on field goals (73.3%) and 51-for-54 on his extra-point attempts in 23 games played for the Browns, Cincinnati Bengals, and Washington Commanders. He didn't play at all last year and spent the 2024 season with both Washington and Cincy. Right now, York and Lenny Krieg are the two kicking options on New York's roster. Fantasy managers will want to avoid the kicking situation for the Jets in 2026.
Source: New York Post - Brian Costello
Source: New York Post - Brian Costello
James Mitchell Returns to Panthers on One-Year Deal
The Carolina Panthers re-signed tight end James Mitchell to an undisclosed one-year deal on Wednesday, a league source told Joseph Person of The Athletic. Mitchell was a restricted free agent. Mitchell will return to Carolina for a second season in 2026 after catching all three of his targets for 28 yards in just five games played a year ago. The 26-year-old was drafted in the fifth round (177th overall) by the Detroit Lions in 2022 out of Virginia Tech. In his first three years in the league in Detroit, Mitchell had 13 receptions on 13 targets for 141 yards and one touchdown in 29 games played (one start). He is not anywhere close to fantasy relevance in Carolina and will serve in a depth role at TE once again behind the likes of Ja'Tavion Sanders, Tommy Tremble, and Mitchell Evans.
Source: The Athletic - Joe Person
Source: The Athletic - Joe Person
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