February 26, 2026
Free-agent outfielder
Randal Grichuk is signing a minor-league deal that includes a non-roster invitation to major-league spring training on Wednesday night with the New York Yankees, according to Jack Curry of YES Network. Grichuk could see plenty of at-bats against left-handed hitters with a heavy left-handed-hitting outfield. Earning a spot on the Opening Day roster won't be guaranteed to the 34-year-old veteran, though, especially after a rough year in 2025. Grichuk played in 113 combined games with the Arizona Diamondbacks and Kansas City Royals in 2025, slashing an ugly .228/.273/.401 with a .674 OPS, nine home runs, 27 RBI, and 35 runs scored in 293 plate appearances. The 12-year veteran and former first-rounder will merely be a cheap source of power as a part-time player in AL-only leagues if he ends up on the Yankees' bench.
--Keith HernandezSource: YES Network - Jack Curry
February 25, 2026
New Orleans Saints center Will Clapp announced his retirement from the NFL on Wednesday, according to Nick Underhill of NewOrleans.Football. Clapp, 30, will hang up his cleats after seven years in the NFL. He was originally drafted by the Saints in the seventh round in 2018 out of LSU. He suffered a Lisfranc foot injury in the preseason last year and missed the entire 2025 campaign. Clapp spent the first four seasons of his career with the Saints before playing two seasons with the Los Angeles Chargers and one year for the Buffalo Bills in 2024. He started only 22 of the 66 games he appeared in over the course of his career. Underhill thinks that Clapp may become New Orleans' assistant offensive-line coach now that he is retired from his playing days.
--Keith HernandezSource: NewOrleans.Football - Nick Underhill
February 25, 2026
New York Yankees right-hander
Cam Schlittler (back, lat) faced hitters for the first time on Wednesday since being sidelined earlier in camp with left lat/mid-back discomfort, according to Bryan Hoch of MLB.com. Schlittler threw 25 pitches in his live batting practice session. Manager Aaron Boone said Schlittler "should be ready for the beginning of the season," but he probably won't be "fully built up in terms of stamina." "I'll take 70 pitches of Cam Schlittler," Boone said. "Especially with some of the off-days you have, even if you're in a piggyback situation for a time or two, sign me up for that." It sounds like the 25-year-old will open the year in the starting rotation, although he'll have a lower fantasy ceiling with an inning limit. The former seventh-rounder impressed in his first 14 MLB starts (73 innings) in his rookie year with an ERA under 3.00 and with 84 K's. Fantasy managers should expect at least a little bit of regression in 2026, but there's a lot to like long-term about Schlittler's profile.
--Keith HernandezSource: MLB.com - Bryan Hoch
February 25, 2026
New Orleans Saints wide receiver
Devaughn Vele (shoulder) caught 25 of his 39 targets for 293 yards and two touchdowns in 13 games (seven starts) in his second year in the NFL. Statistically, it was a step backward after he had 41 catches for 475 yards and three touchdowns on 55 targets in 13 games (seven starts) in his rookie campaign with the Denver Broncos. The 28-year-old finished his sophomore season on Injured Reserve with a shoulder injury, too. However, Vele had become a much bigger part of New Orleans' offense just before his season-ending injury in Week 15. In his final three games, Vele had 16 catches on 19 targets for 202 yards and one of his two touchdowns on the year. The former seventh-rounder by Denver has some momentum going into next season, but his role could change drastically based on what the team does in free agency and the draft.
--Keith HernandezSource: Pro Football Reference
February 25, 2026
Sacramento Kings forward
Keegan Murray (ankle) won't return to Wednesday's game against Houston. The 25-year-old recently returned after missing over a month because of a sprained left ankle. Unfortunately, he re-injured the same ankle late in the first quarter on Wednesday night. Murray would go on to finish with three points in nine minutes of action. The Kings play again on Thursday in Dallas, although fantasy managers shouldn't expect to see him out there for that one. If that's the case,
Nique Clifford, averaging 9.2 points, 4.7 rebounds, and 1.3 steals in 10 starts this season, would be considered the favorite to enter the starting lineup.
--Dennis ClausenSource: Michael Scotto
February 25, 2026
According to ESPN's Shams Charania, Boston Celtics forward
Jayson Tatum (Achilles) has been a "full go" in five-on-five scrimmages of late. The multi-time All-Star suffered a ruptured right Achilles tendon during Game 4 of the 2025 Eastern Conference Semifinals versus the New York Knicks. As expected, he underwent surgery, with many assuming he would miss the entire 2025-26 campaign. Miraculously, only nine months removed from the injury, it appears Tatum could suit up at some point before the end of the regular season. There are some hurdles the former Duke Blue Devil will need to clear. He'll also be limited from a minutes standpoint until the end of the postseason. However, fantasy managers can keep Tatum stashed, considering he might be ready to go soon. If that happens, he'll still have value for fantasy participants even with a limited workload.
--Dennis ClausenSource: Shams Charania
February 25, 2026
Tennessee Titans wide receiver
Chimere Dike saw plenty of playing time as a rookie in 2025 after the Titans took him in the fourth round out of the University of Florida. The 24-year-old made the Pro Bowl as a special teams player -- he returned two punts for touchdowns and led the league with 17.3 yards per punt return. Dike wasn't in the top 50 receivers in terms of overall half-PPR points at the end of the year, but he also showed plenty of promise on offense by finishing with 48 receptions on 74 targets for 423 yards and four touchdowns in 17 games played. In dynasty/keeper leagues, Dike has plenty of potential, mainly as a big-play threat with his 4.34-second 40-yard dash speed. Long-term durability is a bit of a question mark, though, as he stands at a thin 6-foot-1, 196 pounds. His role on offense is a question mark as well, with the Titans expected to be looking to add around quarterback
Cameron Ward.
--Keith HernandezSource: Pro Football Reference
February 25, 2026
New York Yankees right-hander
Will Warren got his spring training off to a strong start in Tuesday's Grapefruit League victory over the Toronto Blue Jays. Warren picked up the win by allowing an earned run on four hits while walking none and striking out four in 2 2/3 innings. The 26-year-old threw 36 of his 49 pitches for strikes in the outing. In his first full season in the big leagues in the Bronx last year, Warren went 9-8 with a 4.44 ERA (4.07 FIP) and 1.37 WHIP with 171 strikeouts and 65 walks in 33 starts over 162 1/3 innings pitched. He should be a lock to start the year in the Yankees' starting rotation with
Gerrit Cole (elbow),
Carlos Rodon (elbow), and
Clarke Schmidt (elbow) all starting on the injured list. Warren led all MLB rookies in strikeouts. To take the next step, Warren will need to fool hitters more regularly with his secondary pitches and lower his walk rate. Going into his second full season, RotoBaller has him ranked just inside the top 100 overall players.
--Keith HernandezSource: MLB.com
February 25, 2026
Cincinnati Reds left-hander
Andrew Abbott made his Cactus League debut in spring training on Tuesday against the Kansas City Royals and allowed two hits (one homer) and two earned runs while walking none and striking out two in his two innings of work. The 26-year-old southpaw was pleased with his outing, which was marred by a two-run homer allowed to infielder
Josh Rojas. Abbott was delayed a bit last spring while recovering from a left-shoulder injury that landed him on the injured list to begin the 2025 campaign. He looked amazing in his first nine starts last year, recording a 1.51 ERA and 1.03 WHIP while going 5-0, but he hit a rough patch down the stretch to finish with a 2.87 ERA, which was in the top 10 among qualified starters. Abbott's 22.2% strikeout rate in his three MLB seasons leaves plenty to be desired, but he appears headed in the right direction and makes for a decent depth option late in fantasy drafts.
--Keith HernandezSource: MLB.com
February 25, 2026
Indiana Pacers forward/center
Pascal Siakam (left wrist sprain) is listed as doubtful for Thursday's matchup against the Hornets, positioning him to miss a second straight game. The veteran remains day-to-day, but Indiana has leaned on its depth in his absence.
Jarace Walker started Tuesday and logged eight points, ten rebounds, and six assists in 32 minutes, offering strong category coverage.
Micah Potter erupted for a career-high 23 points with three three-pointers in 23 minutes off the bench and is a viable scoring streamer.
Ben Sheppard should continue starting if Siakam sits.
--Brian DailisanSource: NBA Injury Report
February 25, 2026
Philadelphia 76ers center
Joel Embiid (knee) is listed as probable for Thursday's game against the Heat. The 31-year-old recently returned from a five-game absence and logged 27 points, six rebounds, and five assists in 26 minutes against Indiana. When active, Embiid remains an elite fantasy anchor, averaging 33.8 minutes, 31.8 points, 2.0 three-pointers, 7.6 rebounds, 4.4 assists, and 1.2 blocks over his last five games.
Tyrese Maxey shifts back into his usual co-star role, and
Andre Drummond becomes difficult to trust if Embiid logs normal minutes.
--Brian DailisanSource: Adam Aaronson
February 25, 2026
Arizona Cardinals quarterback
Kyler Murray (foot) and his camp "would prefer" that the team cut him so that he can enter free agency, a league source told Ralph Vacchiano and Henry McKenna of FOX Sports. Murray and his representation are expected to meet this week in Indianapolis during the NFL's scouting combine, but they don't expect an answer on his future with the organization. Even though he didn't play in 2025 after suffering a foot injury in Week 5, the 28-year-old signal-caller should be one of the most coveted QBs on the open market. According to a team source, the Cardinals have grown "frustrated" with Murray, and there continue to be questions about his work ethic. Additionally, Arizona is worried Murray will never reach the level of play he had before his ACL tear in 2022, especially after he suffered a sprained foot last season that cost him 12 games. His mobility is "shot," according to a source, and fantasy managers should be pretty concerned about that, too, since most of Murray's appeal comes from his mobility and athleticism outside of the pocket. Arizona prefers to trade him, as he still has two years left on his five-year, $230 million contract.
--Keith HernandezSource: FOX Sports - Ralph Vacchiano and Henry McKenna
February 25, 2026
Atlanta Hawks forward
Jalen Johnson (hip) is questionable for Thursday's game against the Wizards after tweaking his hip in Tuesday's win. If the 24-year-old sits,
Jonathan Kuminga would be positioned for a significant role, with a possible move into the starting lineup. In his Hawks debut, Kuminga erupted for 27 points, seven rebounds, four assists, two steals, and three three-pointers in 25 minutes. The matchup aided the stat line, but the opportunity is real with Johnson limited.
Zaccharie Risacher (hip) could also see added run if active, while
Onyeka Okongwu may absorb more frontcourt usage.
--Brian DailisanSource: Lauren L. Williams
February 25, 2026
Sacramento Kings guard
Devin Carter (back) is available for Wednesday's game against the Rockets after missing one contest. The 23-year-old has carved out a steady rotation role recently, averaging 22.9 minutes across his last eight appearances. In his previous full outing, he posted 11 points, five rebounds, four assists, and three steals in 29 minutes against Orlando. With
Zach LaVine (finger) and
De'Andre Hunter (eye) sidelined, Carter carries streaming appeal for defensive stats and assists.
Malik Monk and
Nique Clifford should continue seeing elevated backcourt opportunities.
--Brian DailisanSource: NBA Injury Report
February 25, 2026
There is a "strong belief" that former New Orleans Saints quarterback
Derek Carr is "very serious" about unretiring and returning to the NFL in 2026, sources told Jordan Schultz of FOX Sports. Carr's rights belong to the Saints, but Schultz writes that teams with winning aspirations "have real interest" in the former four-time Pro Bowler. The 34-year-old's retirement last offseason was a surprise, and now he's got the itch to come back now that he's fully healthy. The former second-round selection by the Raiders in 2014 out of Fresno State, Carr played in only 10 games for the Saints due to injury in 2024 and threw for 2,145 yards, 15 touchdowns, and five interceptions. His prime for fantasy purposes came from 2018 to 2021 with the Raiders, when he had four straight seasons of 4,000 passing yards. Carr could be in contention for a starting role in 2026 if he comes out of retirement, but it's a stretch to think he'll be much more than a low-end QB2 in fantasy if it ends up happening.
--Keith HernandezSource: FOX Sports - Jordan Schultz
February 25, 2026
Cleveland Cavaliers guard
James Harden (thumb) has been downgraded to out for Wednesday's game in Milwaukee after initially planning to play through the injury. The non-shooting thumb will not require surgery, but his absence, along with
Donovan Mitchell's (groin) injury, leaves significant usage available.
Jaylon Tyson logged 12 points, eight rebounds, two assists, one steal, and one block in 27 minutes last game and profiles as a strong short-term add.
Dennis Schroder posted five assists and two steals in 21 minutes and gained streaming appeal, while
Craig Porter Jr. could see a situational run.
--Brian DailisanSource: Spencer Davies
February 25, 2026
The Tennessee Titans are releasing starting center Lloyd Cushenberry on Wednesday, sources told Ian Rapoport of the NFL Network. Cushenberry was a big-ticket free-agent acquisition by the Titans in 2024, when he signed a four-year, $50 million deal. The 28-year-old didn't live up to expectations in his two years with the team, though, and he was set to make $8 million in 2026. The former third-round pick of the Denver Broncos in 2020 out of LSU only started eight games for the Titans in his first year with the team after suffering an Achilles tear in Week 9 before making 15 starts last year. Cushenberry should generate interest from NFL teams looking for help on the interior of their offensive line, even though he ended the 2025 campaign with an undisclosed injury.
--Keith HernandezSource: NFL Network - Ian Rapoport
February 25, 2026
The Atlanta Falcons informed former Pro Bowl special teams player
KhaDarel Hodge (shoulder) that he will be released, a source told Marc Raimondi of ESPN. The 31-year-old veteran wide receiver appeared in 12 games in 2025 in his fourth year in Atlanta and caught just three passes on 10 targets for 31 yards and no touchdowns on offense. Hodge finished the season on Injured Reserve due to a shoulder injury, but he should be good to go for the start of next season this fall. Regardless of where Hodge lands in free agency, the former undrafted free agent won't be on the fantasy football radar and will most likely contribute more on special teams as a kick returner. In Hodge's eight NFL seasons with four different teams, he's never gone over 232 receiving yards, one touchdown, or 14 receptions.
--Keith HernandezSource: ESPN.com - Marc Raimondi
February 25, 2026
Houston Rockets forward
Dorian Finney-Smith (rest) will not play Wednesday against the Kings as the team manages his workload on the front end of a back-to-back. The veteran wing is expected back on Thursday in Orlando. His absence could open a few extra minutes for
Josh Okogie and
Jeff Green, though neither offers reliable fantasy appeal. Okogie logged two points with one rebound, one assist, and one steal in 13 minutes last game, while Green played two minutes without scoring.
Kevin Durant and
Tari Eason should absorb most of the wing usage.
--Brian DailisanSource: Lachard Binkley
February 25, 2026
According to Blake Murphy of Sportsnet.ca, Toronto Raptors guard/forward
Scottie Barnes (quadriceps) will play on Wednesday against the San Antonio Spurs. Barnes sustained a right quadriceps contusion during Tuesday's contest versus Oklahoma City but appears ready to suit up without restrictions. Before exiting late in the fourth quarter, the two-time All-Star recorded 15 points, three rebounds, seven assists, three steals and four blocks. With no reported limitations, Barnes should remain a high-upside fantasy option in all formats.
--Andrew LennoxSource: Blake Murphy
February 25, 2026
The Chicago Bears have granted permission for linebacker Tremaine Edmunds to seek a trade this offseason, a league source told Brad Biggs of The Chicago Tribune. Edmunds is under contract through the 2026 season at $15 million after he signed a four-year, $72 million contract with the team in May of 2023. He's still young at 27 years old and was playing at a Pro Bowl caliber in 10 games before suffering a minor injury. Despite playing in a career-low 13 games in his third season in Chicago, the former 16th overall pick of the Buffalo Bills in 2018 out of Virginia Tech led the Bears with 112 tackles (61 solo). He also had one sack, a career-high four interceptions, nine pass breakups, and a forced fumble in the regular season. If Edmunds reaches the open market, he'll be one of the better linebackers available and should sign quickly.
--Keith HernandezSource: The Chicago Tribune - Brad Biggs
February 25, 2026
Memphis Grizzlies forward/center
Kyle Anderson (personal) has been ruled out for Wednesday's game against the Warriors after initially being listed as questionable with a knee issue. He will miss a third straight contest, keeping the frontcourt rotation thin.
Olivier-Maxence Prosper started last game and posted 17 points, three rebounds, one assist, and one block in 25 minutes.
GG Jackson II added 16 points, six rebounds, and three three-pointers in 26 minutes. Both are viable streamers if minutes hold in the mid-20s, while
Taylor Hendricks remains a deeper category option.
--Brian DailisanSource: Grizzlies PR
February 25, 2026
Seattle Seahawks head coach Mike Macdonald said that wide receiver/kick returner
Tory Horton (shin, groin), who missed the entire second half of his rookie campaign last year, will not "do anything in the spring," according to Brady Henderson of ESPN. The 23-year-old fifth-rounder out of Colorado State was starting to see a bit more usage in the offense at the time of his injury, and he scored five times in eight games, but he caught just 13 passes on 22 targets for 161 yards as a wideout. Horton underwent surgery for his lower-body injuries, but he should have enough time to recover to be ready for Week 1 of the 2026 regular season this fall. In addition to his five TDs as a receiver, Horton returned a punt for a touchdown on special teams. He appears to have a nose for the end zone, but going into Year 2, Horton probably won't be on the fantasy radar for managers in standard 12-team leagues.
--Keith HernandezSource: ESPN.com - Brady Henderson
February 25, 2026
Seattle Seahawks head coach Mike Macdonald said that running back
Zach Charbonnet (knee) doesn't have a timetable for a return after undergoing surgery last weekend to fix the torn ACL in his knee that he suffered in the Divisional Round win over the San Francisco 49ers in the playoffs, according to Gregg Bell of The Tacoma News Tribune. The typical recovery time for reconstructive knee surgery for ACL tears is eight to 12 months. Seattle doesn't know exactly when Charb might be back in 2026, but Macdonald said the team is "more optimistic than it was initially." The 25-year-old took on a bigger role next to
Kenneth Walker III during the 2025 regular season and led the team with 12 rushing touchdowns, the fifth-most in the NFL. He was the first Seahawk with double-digit TDs since Marshawn Lynch in 2014. Walker will be a free agent next month, but even if he departs, Charbonnet's 2026 fantasy value will most likely be down since he probably won't be ready for Week 1.
--Keith HernandezSource: The Tacoma News Tribune - Gregg Bell
February 25, 2026
Oklahoma City Thunder guard/forward
Alex Caruso (ankle) has been ruled out for Wednesday's game against Detroit. The 31-year-old wing will sit out the second leg of the back-to-back, leaving rotation minutes available on the perimeter.
Jared McCain logged five points, four rebounds, and one steal in 10 minutes on Tuesday after producing 10 points with two three-pointers in 16 minutes against Cleveland.
Aaron Wiggins added eight points in 17 minutes last game. Both are deep-league streamers, while
Cason Wallace and
Isaiah Joe remain in elevated roles with increased shot volume.
--Brian DailisanSource: NBA Injury Report
February 25, 2026
ESPN's Dan Graziano writes that there hasn't been an indication that the Jacksonville Jaguars are planning to trade wide receiver
Brian Thomas Jr. this offseason, but there "are teams monitoring the situation" in case the former first-rounder has fallen far enough down their depth chart that the "front office would consider a move." The 23-year-old LSU product was a draft choice of the previous administration two years ago and still has two more years for a total of $4.9 million on his contract, plus a fifth-year team option for 2028. Thomas was excellent in 2024, posting an 87-1,282-10 line in 17 regular-season games, but he regressed in 2025 and finished with 48 catches for 707 yards and only two TDs in 14 regular-season games. The Jags traded for
Jakobi Meyers and then signed him to a long-term deal, and
Parker Washington also broke out. Thomas finished in more of a WR3 field-stretching role last year, and the best chances of him returning to his rookie form might be with a change of scenery.
--Keith HernandezSource: ESPN.com - Dan Graziano
February 25, 2026
Golden State Warriors forward/center
Al Horford (toe) is set to suit up Wednesday against Memphis after sitting out Tuesday's matchup with New Orleans. The 39-year-old totaled 22 points, one rebound, seven assists, two blocks and three steals in his most recent appearance against Denver on Sunday. With
Draymond Green (back) sidelined, Horford should continue to see steady frontcourt minutes, likely in the 20-25 range for Wednesday's contest.
--Andrew LennoxSource: NBA Injury Report
February 25, 2026
Oklahoma City Thunder centers
Isaiah Hartenstein (calf) and
Chet Holmgren (back) will not play Wednesday against Detroit, and
Jalen Williams (hamstring) remains out, clearing significant frontcourt minutes.
Jaylin Williams is the primary beneficiary after posting two points, eight rebounds, and three assists in 16 minutes Tuesday. He profiles as a deep-league streamer for rebounds and short-term volume, with a path to 24 to 28 minutes if he starts.
Kenrich Williams and
Branden Carlson could join the rotation as situational options.
Cason Wallace and
Isaiah Joe retain secondary usage bumps.
--Brian DailisanSource: NBA Injury Report
February 25, 2026
Pittsburgh Pirates shortstop prospect
Konnor Griffin (foot) left Wednesday's Grapefruit League game in the sixth inning after he was hit in the foot with a pitch, according to DK Pittsburgh Sports. Griffin stayed in the game to run the bases, but he didn't come out to play the field in the seventh inning. It doesn't appear to be a very serious injury, though, as Griffin said, "I'm good." Pittsburgh might give the 19-year-old a day or two off in camp to rest his foot, but it doesn't sound like anything that will prohibit the young infielder from winning the Opening Day starting shortstop gig. Griffin has played in only 21 minor-league games beyond High-A, but his power/speed upside might be too much for the Pirates to pass up to begin the 2026 season, which is why they're considering signing him to a long-term extension before he has even set foot on a big-league diamond in a regular-season game. His draft stock will continue to improve in all fantasy formats if he continues to play well in spring training.
--Keith HernandezSource: DK Pittsburgh Sports
February 25, 2026
Top prospect
Konnor Griffin and the Pittsburgh Pirates are open to a long-term contract extension, according to Noah Hiles of the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette. The 19-year-old is the consensus No. 1 prospect in baseball going into the 2026 season, and he appears to be the favorite this spring to open the 2026 regular season as Pittsburgh's starting shortstop. He hit two homers in a Grapefruit League game against the Boston Red Sox already in spring training. Griffin has played in only 21 minor-league games above High-A, so fantasy managers in all formats would be wise to expect some growing pains if he breaks camp with the big-league roster. With positive reports coming out of camp, Griffin's ADP continues to rise. He should be rostered in all fantasy formats, and he's ranked as RotoBaller's No. 19 shortstop in fantasy because of his elite power/speed upside at a premium position.
--Keith HernandezSource: Pittsburgh Post-Gazette - Noah Hiles
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