February 17, 2026
The Baltimore Ravens haven't made progress in their efforts to sign impending free-agent tight end
Isaiah Likely to a contract extension, according to Jeff Zrebiec of The Athletic. Meanwhile, fellow TE
Mark Andrews signed a four-year, $56 million contract with the team in September of 2021. Zrebiec writes that it will be very tough for the Ravens to have two guys making top-eight TE money with all their other needs. The 25-year-old Likely had a disappointing fourth year in the NFL in 2025, catching 27 of his 36 targets for a career-low 307 yards and only one touchdown in 14 games. He never really got on track after injuring his foot in training camp last summer. The good news for him is that his disappointing campaign is unlikely to impact his market in free agency this offseason. Likely is versatile and can be a significant weapon in the passing game, but he hasn't been able to stand out in fantasy in Baltimore with Andrews also involved. A change of scenery could be what Likely needs to take the next step.
--Keith HernandezSource: The Athletic - Jeff Zrebiec
February 17, 2026
Updating a previous report, Major League Baseball Players Association executive director Tony Clark resigned from his position on Tuesday after an internal investigation revealed he had an inappropriate relationship with his sister-in-law, who had been hired by the union in 2023, sources told ESPN's Jeff Passan. The 53-year-old is stepping down just months before the league's Collective Bargaining Agreement is set to expire. The union and MLB owners are expected to engage in a labor battle ahead of the new CBA, which many expect could lead to a lockout ahead of the 2027 MLB season. Owners are expected to push hard for a salary cap, which is something the players have opposed for years. Clark played a major role in helping negotiate previous CBAs for the players. Deputy executive director Bruce Meyer also played a big role in the 2022 CBA negotiations, and he is the most likely candidate to replace Clark.
--Keith HernandezSource: ESPN.com - Jeff Passan
February 17, 2026
Atlanta Falcons running back
Tyler Allgeier has been a key piece of the team's backfield in his four years since he was taken in the fifth round in 2022 out of BYU, rushing for 2,876 yards and 18 rushing touchdowns. Allgeier had a franchise rookie record of 1,035 rushing yards in 2022 and ranks seventh in the NFL in EPA per carry among RBs with more than 250 carries in that span. He's one of just two RBs in the league with more than 500 carries in that time who have not fumbled. However, The Athletic's Josh Kendall writes that "it's hard to imagine how Atlanta will be able to bring him back." The Falcons probably won't offer the 25-year-old starting RB money as the backup to star
Bijan Robinson. Allgeier has shown an interest in returning to Atlanta, but it probably isn't in the cards. He had 514 rushing yards and a career-high eight touchdowns on 143 carries in 2025 and will be in high regard if he hits the open market. Depending on where he lands, Allgeier's fantasy value could skyrocket in 2026.
--Keith HernandezSource: The Athletic - Josh Kendall
February 17, 2026
The Athletic's Zack Rosenblatt believes that the New York Jets could release quarterback
Justin Fields this offseason. The Jets are going to land in the range of $70 million to $80 million in salary cap space in 2026 without cutting anyone, and they don't have a ton of options for cap savings. Fields signed a two-year, $40 million deal in free agency ($30 million guaranteed) last year, but he was a disaster in 2025 and was eventually benched in favor of veteran
Tyrod Taylor. It's unlikely that a team will want to trade for the 26-year-old. If they outright cut him, they'll incur a $22 million dead-cap hit and only $1 million in savings. If they designate him as a post-June 1, they can spread the cap hit out over two years and save $10 million. Rosenblatt believes the Jets will outright cut Fields since they aren't lacking in cap space. The former 11th overall pick has elite rushing upside, but he just has not improved as a passer. Fields could compete for a starting gig elsewhere, but nothing will be guaranteed going into 2026.
--Keith HernandezSource: The Athletic - Zack Rosenblatt
February 17, 2026
Before a shin injury cut his rookie season short, Seattle Seahawks wide receiver
Tory Horton made five touchdown grabs over his final seven games of 2025 while complementing Offensive Player of the Year
Jaxon Smith-Njigba's route-running precision with explosive downfield speed. Perhaps not coincidentally, once Horton was lost for the year, the second half of Smith-Njigba's season, while still dominant, fell off the record-setting pace with which he opened 2025. Seattle made a mid-season trade for speedster
Rashid Shaheed, but he wasn't able to recreate Horton's success. With Shaheed headed toward unrestricted free agency, and
Cooper Kupp turning 33 before the start of the 2026 season, Horton could be given every opportunity to earn a spot in two-wide sets and is likely to see his value steadily increase as the season nears.
--Patrick McGrathSource: RotoBaller
February 17, 2026
Quarterback
J.J. McCarthy's lack of availability through his first two NFL seasons is the Minnesota Vikings' "foremost concern," according to Alec Lewis of The Athletic. McCarthy has played in 29% of the team's regular-season games since he was drafted in the first round in the spring of 2024. The 23-year-old has dealt with a torn meniscus in his knee, a sprained ankle, a concussion, and hand and finger injuries. Durability concerns are the primary reason why Minnesota is seeking QB insurance behind McCarthy going into the 2026 season. But injuries aren't the only reason for the Vikings to be concerned. Outside of a four-game stretch to close last season, McCarthy's overall body of work ranked at the bottom among all qualified QBs. The team removed most of its over-the-middle passing concepts last season to keep McCarthy's line of sight as simple as possible. It's clear McCarthy is still developing after missing his entire rookie campaign, but if he doesn't show improvement soon, he could be looking at losing the franchise QB title sooner than later.
--Keith HernandezSource: The Athletic - Alec Lewis
February 17, 2026
Once viewed as a top-10 dynasty tight end following his early-second round selection in the 2023 NFL draft, Las Vegas Raiders three-year veteran
Michael Mayer has seen his stock dip season after season. With the Raiders bringing in an entirely new coaching staff for the second year in a row, Mayer has again seen his name floated in trade speculation, with dynasty managers hoping a change of scenery can revive his value. A dominant receiving tight end while at Notre Dame, Mayer has shown the occasional flash with the Raiders, notably finishing the 2025 season with 136 yards on 14 targets while
Brock Bowers was sidelined for Weeks 17 and 18. If Mayer is indeed traded, he should see his value spike, but even if he remains in Las Vegas, new head coach Klint Kubiak could find more creative uses for a player that still ranks among the most talented offensive weapons on the team.
--Patrick McGrathSource: RotoBaller
February 17, 2026
The Minnesota Vikings could be looking to trade for a quarterback this offseason after former first-rounder
J.J. McCarthy struggled with injuries and ineffectiveness in his first full year as the starter. The Athletic's Alec Lewis writes that "there is perhaps no candidate who checks more boxes for what the Vikings are looking for than San Francisco 49ers QB
Mac Jones." There are a lot of things that could attract the Vikings' front office and head coach Kevin O'Connell. The 27-year-old is a former first-rounder, comes from a Kyle Shanahan offense, and pushes the ball over the middle of the field. He's still under contract with San Fran for another year, but his guaranteed salary for 2026 is only $1 million. The biggest obstacle to Jones potentially landing in Minnesota is the 49ers driving a "hard bargain" for him after he had a solid season filling in for the injured
Brock Purdy. To land Jones, the Vikes might have to make the Niners an offer they can't refuse.
--Keith HernandezSource: The Athletic - Alec Lewis
February 17, 2026
While playing all 17 games in 2025, New York Jets second-year running back
Isaiah Davis put up 422 total yards on 64 touches. While the efficiency he displayed in his rookie season remained evident, his lack of usage was a disappointment, given fellow sophomore back
Braelon Allen missed all but four games. With
Breece Hall set to hit free agency following a true workhorse season in which he handled 283 opportunities, there is a chance he moves on, and Davis could help to absorb some of those vacated touches. However, the Jets have both the cap space and the will to secure Hall's services for the long-term, and if they do, Davis will again be forced to fight with a presumably healthy Allen for limited time on the field. Until a decision is officially made on Hall, Davis remains a dynasty hold, but he could be heading toward cut territory if the Jets run back the same room in 2026.
--Patrick McGrathSource: RotoBaller
February 17, 2026
Cleveland Browns wide receiver
Cedric Tillman had a three-game flash near the middle of his sophomore season, during which time he caught 21 passes for 255 yards and two scores. Unfortunately, nothing he's shown before or since has indicated a need to keep him rostered anywhere outside of the deepest dynasty leagues. Remaining relatively healthy throughout the 2025 season, the soon-to-be 26-year-old totaled only 21 receptions for 270 yards and two touchdowns, unable to carve out a meaningful role on one of the league's worst receiving units. With rookie drafts approaching in many dynasty leagues, managers now face decisions over who to cut to make room for the new class. With early reports tying Cleveland to some of the top receiving talent in the NFL draft, and with no promise of improved quarterback play in 2026, Tillman no longer needs to be held if roster space is at a premium.
--Patrick McGrathSource: RotoBaller
February 17, 2026
The Athletic's Vic Tafur writes that it seems as though the San Francisco 49ers "have big plans" for second-year running back
Jordan James.
Brian Robinson Jr. had a nice season as the backup to star RB
Christian McCaffrey, carrying the ball 92 times for 400 yards and two touchdowns in 17 regular-season games, but the 26-year-old will be a free agent in March. James, 21, was taken in the fifth round out of Oregon last year, but he played in only three games and didn't have a single touch out of the backfield.
Isaac Guerendo is an obvious cut candidate, but James probably will only see a significant role in San Fran's backfield in 2026 if Robinson walks in free agency. James was a healthy scratch for the first 14 games of the 2025 season and only played on special teams to close out the year. If Robinson isn't back next season, James will be an obvious handcuff for the oft-injured CMC.
--Keith HernandezSource: The Athletic - Vic Tafur
February 17, 2026
Green Bay Packers wide receiver
Matthew Golden had a disappointing first year in the NFL in 2025 after he was taken with the 23rd overall pick out of Texas. The 22-year-old caught 29 passes for 361 yards and no touchdowns in 14 regular-season games on just 44 targets. It was surprising that he had so few targets, especially with tight end
Tucker Kraft tearing his ACL in Week 9. The Athletic's Matt Schneidman expects Golden "to be a much bigger part of the game plan next season" in his sophomore season. It would be premature to expect Golden to be above
Christian Watson or
Jayden Reed in the pecking order, but Schneidman "wouldn't hesitate to use him over
Dontayvion Wicks."
Romeo Doubs is expected to depart in free agency, opening up a big role in the passing attack for Golden. Fantasy managers in dynasty/keeper leagues shouldn't sell low on him, and he could end up being a nice value pick in redraft fantasy leagues this fall.
--Keith HernandezSource: The Athletic - Matt Schneidman
February 17, 2026
For the first time since the end of his explosive rookie season, Minnesota Vikings wide receiver
Justin Jefferson is being priced outside the top five of the position in dynasty startups. Still only 26 years old, the dip in value is in no way indicative of a decline in talent but rather stems from the poor quarterback play that contributed to his career-worst 9.4 fantasy points per game in 2025. Unfortunately for Jefferson and the Vikings, no quick fix appears to be coming to Minnesota, with the team likely to give third-year signal-caller
J.J. McCarthy one more shot to lock down the starting job for 2026. It should come as no surprise if the team also brings in a veteran presence for a training camp competition, though the free agent market is relatively barren. Head coach Kevin O'Connell has long been regarded as a quarterback whisperer, but unless he's able to draw a drastic improvement from McCarthy or whomever he deems worthy of leading the team moving forward, Jefferson's value could continue to slide.
--Patrick McGrathSource: RotoBaller
February 17, 2026
The Athletic's Matt Schneidman writes that Green Bay Packers impending free-agent wide receiver
Romeo Doubs "is as good as gone in free agency." Doubs is coming off a strong fourth year in the NFL and is fully expected to sign a multi-year extension with a new team this offseason after catching 55 of his 85 targets for a career-high 724 yards and six touchdowns in 16 regular-season games. The 25-year-old former fourth-rounder in 2022 out of Nevada probably won't become a No. 1 wideout with a change of scenery, but he's an underrated player and should be easily considered a top-five free agent at his position going into next season. Doubs has 202 receptions for 2,424 yards and 21 touchdowns in his four NFL seasons, and with the right offense, he could become a priority target as a No. 2 or 3 wideout in fantasy in 2026.
--Keith HernandezSource: The Athletic - Matt Schneidman
February 17, 2026
The Arizona Cardinals are intrigued by Chicago Bears backup quarterback
Tyson Bagent, according to John Gambadoro of Arizona Sports. Bagent has one year left on his deal, so the Cardinals would have to trade for him. The 25-year-old former undrafted free agent beat out
P.J. Walker for the backup job with the Bears and was signed to a two-year, $10 million extension in August of last year. In his three years in the NFL with Chicago, Bagent has appeared in 12 games (four starts) and has gone 99-for-149 passing for 917 yards, three touchdowns, and six interceptions. Arizona currently has veteran
Jacoby Brissett and
Kyler Murray (foot) under contract for next season, but the Cardinals are reportedly looking to trade Murray after another disappointing and injury-plagued campaign in 2025. The Cardinals will surely be looking for a signal-caller in April's draft, too, so if Bagent were to land in the desert, he'd be competing for a starting job in a best-case scenario.
--Keith HernandezSource: Arizona Sports - John Gambadoro
February 17, 2026
NFL.com's Judy Battista writes that Indianapolis Colts quarterback
Daniel Jones (Achilles) could receive the franchise tag to buy the team some time to work out a long-term contract extension. The Colts have made it clear that they want Jones to be their starter in 2026 whenever he's healthy. Plenty of teams around the league would be interested in the 28-year-old if he were to reach free agency, though, so the tag could be in play for him if he doesn't agree to an extension before the free-agent negotiating period starts on March 9. Battista adds that the decision on Jones is linked to the Colts' chances of re-signing receiver
Alec Pierce, who is coming off a career year as the team's No. 1 wideout. If the Colts get Jones signed to an extension, they could then use the franchise tag on Pierce instead. Jones had a nice bounce-back season in his first year in Indy in 2025, throwing for 3,101 yards, 19 touchdowns, and eight interceptions before tearing his Achilles in Week 14 against the Jaguars.
--Keith HernandezSource: NFL.com - Judy Battista
February 17, 2026
The Indianapolis Colts have made it clear that
Daniel Jones (Achilles) is their starting quarterback when he returns to full health, and ESPN's Stephen Holder writes that "it's becoming increasingly likely" that former first-rounder
Anthony Richardson Sr. (eye) "will wind up elsewhere." Richardson lost the preseason QB battle to Jones last summer, and the Colts have also "warmed to the idea" that sixth-rounder
Riley Leonard can be the backup. According to team sources, Richardson has yet to request a trade, "but it is beginning to feel inevitable." Even though Richardson has been a disappointment and suffered a freak orbital bone injury in 2025, the Colts should be able to get something in return for a signal-caller who will be just 24 next season and is a former first-rounder. Richardson has elite rushing upside, but accuracy as a passer has been an issue, and he hasn't been able to stay healthy. There's no guarantee he'll compete for a starting role if he's traded away this offseason.
--Keith HernandezSource: ESPN.com - Stephen Holder
February 17, 2026
The Miami Dolphins have already been rumored to be a destination for Green Bay Packers impending free-agent quarterback
Malik Willis, and ESPN's Matt Bowen believes they are a perfect fit for Willis in free agency. The Dolphins have a new general manager in Jon-Eric Sullivan and a new head coach in Jeff Hafley, who both came from Green Bay, so the connection is obvious. Miami is also looking to trade QB
Tua Tagovailoa. Bowen envisions a scheme "built around motion/movement, with play-action elements woven in" by new offensive coordinator Bobby Slowik. Willis only made three starts for the Packers in his two seasons with the team, but he proved to be an adequate backup as both a passer and runner, completing 78.7% of his passes for 976 yards, six touchdowns, and no interceptions while also running for three TDs in 11 total games played. The 26-year-old third-rounder will generate plenty of interest from QB-needy teams this offseason, and he could be a nice QB2 option for fantasy managers in superflex leagues in 2026 if he wins a starting job somewhere.
--Keith HernandezSource: ESPN.com - Matt Bowen
February 17, 2026
MassLive.com's Chris Cotillo writes that Boston Red Sox left-hander
Jake Bennett has been an early camp standout for the team. The Red Sox want to keep him stretched out this spring, so he won't be a candidate to be in the Opening Day bullpen. "I don't foresee us, outside of strict necessity, wanting to shorten him up anytime soon," pitching coach Andrew Bailey said. The 25-year-old 6-foot-6, 234-pounder is getting an opportunity in big-league camp despite having not pitched above Double-A. Baseball America ranks Bennett as the sixth-best prospect in Boston's system and the fifth-best pitcher. He had Tommy John surgery after the 2023 season and missed all of 2024, but he bounced back nicely last year with a 2.27 ERA, 64 K's, and 19 walks in 75 1/3 innings. For now, Bennett is a name to watch. If he pitches well at Triple-A this year, he could be an option for Boston's rotation or bullpen later in 2026.
--Keith HernandezSource: MassLive.com - Chris Cotillo
February 17, 2026
ESPN's Matt Bowen believes the best fit for Baltimore Ravens impending free-agent tight end
Isaiah Likely is with the Washington Commanders. The Commanders are making the transition from Kliff Kingsbury to
David Blough at offensive coordinator, and Likely "could replace free agent
Zach Ertz as the middle-of-the-field target for quarterback
Jayden Daniels." Ertz has been a solid TE for Washington, but he's not getting any younger and is coming off a torn ACL. Likely would bring more upside with his catch-and-run ability, and Blough could scheme things up to "create underneath one-on-ones" for Likely. The 25-year-old former fourth-round pick in 2022 out of Coastal Carolina caught a career-low 27 passes for 307 yards and one touchdown in 14 games last year, but he had a 42-477-6 line in 2024. Getting out of
Mark Andrews' shadow will certainly be helpful for Likely's fantasy value.
--Keith HernandezSource: ESPN.com - Matt Bowen
February 17, 2026
Former MLB player Tony Clark is expected to resign from his position as executive director of the Major League Baseball Players Association, according to Evan Drellich, Ken Rosenthal, and Andy McCullough of The Athletic. The union will now be scrambling to find a leader heading into a lengthy labor dispute this winter. According to Los Angeles Angels pitcher
Brent Suter, a member of the union's eight-player executive subcommittee, the union hopes to "keep everything as stable as we can this year." The priority for the MLBPA will be the upcoming bargaining sessions, which are expected to start this summer. The most obvious candidate to become the interim director is deputy director Bruce Meyer. The 53-year-old Clark has headed the union since 2013, but he has been under federal investigation since last year regarding using licensing money or equity to enrich themselves.
--Keith HernandezSource: The Athletic - Evan Drellich, Ken Rosenthal, and Andy McCullough
February 17, 2026
New York Yankees right-hander
Gerrit Cole (elbow) threw another bullpen session in camp on Tuesday, according to Gary Phillips of the New York Daily News. Cole had Tommy John surgery with an internal brace last March and missed all of the 2025 season, but the 35-year-old former Cy Young winner has been throwing since August and is making good progress. He will not be ready for the start of the 2026 season, but if he avoids any setbacks in his rehab, Cole could be ready to make his season debut in late May or early June. He could even pitch in some Grapefruit League games before the end of spring training. The six-time All-Star shouldn't be expected to return to pre-injury form immediately, and the Yankees will most likely ease him back into the rotation. The former ace should be stashed in all fantasy leagues, but he'll be a wild card since he's thrown only 95 innings since the start of 2024.
--Keith HernandezSource: New York Daily News - Gary Phillips
February 17, 2026
ESPN's Matt Bowen thinks that Indianapolis Colts impending free-agent wide receiver
Alec Pierce would be a good fit with the Tennessee Titans under new offensive coordinator Brian Daboll. "Pierce has the vertical stretch ability to produce downt he field and can play a volume role as a multi-level target for quarterback
Cameron Ward," Bowen writes. In a breakout 2025 campaign with the Colts in which he led the team in receiving, Pierce averaged a league-best 21.3 yards per catch and caught 47 of his 84 targets for a career-high 1,003 yards and six touchdowns in 15 games. The 25-year-old also led the league in 2024 by averaging 22.3 yards per reception, so he's established himself as one of the best downfield threats in the NFL. He'll be a popular receiver target in free agency for wideout-needy teams like the Titans, but they will surely have competition on the open market. In Tennessee, Pierce would immediately become the team's WR1.
--Keith HernandezSource: ESPN.com - Matt Bowen
February 17, 2026
Minnesota Twins right-hander
Pablo Lopez (elbow) has been diagnosed with a torn UCL, and "surgery is very much on the table," according to general manager Jeremy Zoll. If surgery is needed, Lopez would miss the entire season, according to Aaron Gleeman of The Athletic. Lopez is seeking a second opinion, but in all likelihood, he's going to need Tommy John surgery or an internal-brace procedure and miss all of 2026. It's a big blow to an already thin Twins starting rotation. Lopez also dealt with shoulder and forearm injuries last year and threw just 75 2/3 innings. The Venezuelan hurler was solid when he was on the mound for Minnesota, though, recording a career-best 2.74 ERA (3.19 FIP) and 1.11 WHIP with 73 strikeouts and 20 walks in his 14 starts. Even though surgery isn't official yet, fantasy managers will want to avoid Lopez in drafts this week.
--Keith HernandezSource: The Athletic - Aaron Gleeman
February 17, 2026
New York Mets infielder
Brett Baty could be in line to play a super-utility role for the team in 2026. Baty was working at second base in camp on Tuesday after spending time at first base on Monday, according to Metsmerized. He's expected to work all over the diamond in spring training this year, and he could even be a candidate to platoon in right field if outfield prospect
Carson Benge begins the season in the minors.
Bo Bichette is locked in at third base, and
Marcus Semien will start at second this year, so Baty must increase his versatility to see the field in 2026. The 26-year-old left-handed hitter was a disappointment with the bat in his first three seasons at the big-league level, but he showed more promise in 2025, slashing .254/.313/.435 with a .748 OPS, 18 homers, 50 RBI, 53 runs, and eight steals in 130 games. From Aug. 1 on, Baty hit over .300 with seven homers in 146 plate appearances. Unfortunately, he might not have enough volume to make him relevant in mixed fantasy leagues.
--Keith HernandezSource: Metsmerized
February 17, 2026
Sports Illustrated's Albert Breer believes that New York Giants new offensive coordinator Matt Nagy will be a positive influence on young quarterback
Jaxson Dart's development. Breer references Nagy's work with QB Alex Smith in Kansas City back in 2017, using many spread-offense elements to maximize Smith and to help develop
Patrick Mahomes. "All the movement stuff the Chiefs were doing that year, in theory, should apply organically to Dart's physical skill set." Although KC's offense grew a bit stagnant in 2025 under Nagy, the Chiefs ranked 10th in offensive success rate and EPA per play during Nagy's three seasons as the offensive coordinator. Despite playing in only 14 games in his rookie year, Dart was the QB14 in fantasy with 2,276 passing yards, 15 touchdowns, and five interceptions while running for 487 yards and an additional nine TDs. With high-end playmakers in the backfield and at receiver, the sky is the limit for Dart going forward as long as his aggressive running style doesn't lead to injuries.
--Keith HernandezSource: Sports Illustrated - Albert Breer
February 17, 2026
If Atlanta Braves right-handed pitching prospect
Hurston Waldrep (elbow) needs surgery on his right elbow, the assumption is that he would need roughly three months to recover, according to Mark Bowman of MLB.com. If Waldrep avoids going under the knife, he might just need at least three weeks of rest. It all depends on what Dr. Keith Meister sees. A decision on the 23-year-old is expected to come this week. Either way, Waldrep is going to start the 2026 season on the injured list. The former 24th overall pick in 2023 out of the University of Florida made 10 appearances (nine starts) for the Braves last year and looked great, going 6-1 with a 2.88 ERA (3.21 FIP) and 1.19 WHIP with 55 strikeouts and 22 walks in 56 1/3 innings pitched. Waldrep should eventually have a place in Atlanta's starting rotation, but 2026 could end up being a lost season for him if he needs surgery.
--Keith HernandezSource: MLB.com - Mark Bowman
February 17, 2026
St. Louis Cardinals right-handed reliever
Riley O'Brien (calf) is dealing with some calf soreness in camp, according to Jeff Jones of The Belleville News. The Cardinals are now discussing what it means for O'Brien's participation in this year's World Baseball Classic for Team South Korea. The 31-year-old will be in the mix for saves in St. Louis in 2026 with
JoJo Romero as long as he's healthy. In his second year in St. Louis in 2025, O'Brien was hard to hit, posting a 2.06 ERA (1.15 WHIP), his first six career saves, a career-high 45 strikeouts, and 22 walks in 48 innings over 42 appearances out of the bullpen. It was his first extended look in the big leagues, and he did not disappoint. O'Brien struck out only 22.6% of the batters he faced, though, and also had an elevated 11.1% walk rate for a high-leverage arm, so there will be plenty of volatility and risk for a pitcher who has never held down the closer's role for an entire season.
--Keith HernandezSource: Belleview News - Jeff Jones
February 17, 2026
The Athletic's Zack Rosenblatt writes that "the winds have been blowing in the direction" of the New York Jets using the franchise tag on impending free-agent running back
Breece Hall since the trade deadline. At that time, general manager Darren Mougey resisted overtures from other teams, including the Kansas City Chiefs, who offered a fourth-round pick for Hall. The feeling is that Hall "would like to test free agency," so by placing the franchise tag on him, the Jets would have until July 15 to work out a long-term deal. If no deal is reached, Hall would be under contract in 2026 and then become a free agent in 2027. If Hall makes it to free agency, he's expected to be a "hot commodity" and would be considered the top free agent at his position. Hall reached 1,000 rushing yards in 2025, the first time a Jet has done so since 2015. He also ranked 10th in scrimmage yards, ninth in explosive plays, and had the best third-down conversion rate among all RBs with at least 100 carries. Hall and the Jets may not be on the best of terms, but Rosenblatt argues that the Jets simply cannot let talent like that just walk out the door. Tagging Hall and trading him could be a possibility.
--Keith HernandezSource: The Athletic - Zack Rosenblatt
February 17, 2026
Texas Rangers starting pitcher
Jack Leiter appears to have secured the fourth spot in the Rangers' rotation coming into the season, behind a strong trio of
Jacob deGrom,
Nathan Eovaldi, and recently-acquired
MacKenzie Gore. Leiter finished his first full season in the majors 10-10 in 29 starts for Texas last year, racking up 148 strikeouts in 151 2/3 innings. He finished the year with a 3.86 ERA and 4.15 FIP, but the 25-year-old righty looked better after the All-Star break with a 3.28 ERA, 3.72 FIP, and 79 strikeouts in 71 1/3 innings. He also cut his walk rate to 3.66 walks per nine innings from 4.4 before the All-Star break. Leiter can be a great later-round sleeper with good upside, and he still has plenty of room to grow into his top-prospect status after the Rangers snagged him with the No. 2 overall pick in the 2021 MLB Draft.
--Zach ThompsonSource: Kennedi Landry
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