January 15, 2026
According to Jeff Passan of ESPN, the Los Angeles Dodgers have agreed to terms with superstar free agent
Kyle Tucker on a four-year, $240 million contract. Tucker was considered the top available hitter on the open market and was linked to numerous teams, including the Toronto Blue Jays and New York Mets, before inking his deal with the Dodgers. After spending one season with the Chicago Cubs, Tucker will now join the two-time reigning World Series Champions. Last summer, the 28-year-old battled through a lingering calf injury in the second half but still turned in a strong .266/.377/.464 line with an .841 OPS. He hit 22 home runs and swiped 25 bags. Under the hood, he generated a 93rd percentile .373 xwOBA, suggesting he could be in store for an even more productive 2026 season. Batting alongside a top-tier lineup featuring
Shohei Ohtani,
Freddie Freeman, and
Mookie Betts will provide Freeman with elite scoring opportunities to go along with his power and speed skill set. He will carry top-5 OF upside in all formats in 2026 drafts.
--Andy SmithSource: Jeff Passan
January 15, 2026
The Baltimore Orioles have agreed to a minor-league contract with free-agent catcher
Sam Huff, according to MASNsports.com's Roch Kubatko. Huff is expected to attend big league spring training as a non-roster invitee. The 28-year-old has appeared in parts of five major league seasons, hitting 12 home runs while slashing .247/.301/.430 across 272 plate appearances. A former seventh-round pick out of Arizona, Huff was once a top prospect for the Rangers but has not been able to establish himself at the MLB level. He owns a 35.7% career strikeout rate and defensively struggles with blocking balls in the dirt and controlling the running game. To make the Orioles' roster, Huff would likely need to outperform catcher
Maverick Handley, who appeared in 16 games last season. From a fantasy perspective, Huff would only be relevant if he made the team and starting catcher
Adley Rutschman or top prospect
Samuel Basallo suffered an injury. For now, he can safely be left off fantasy radars.
--Marty TallmanSource: Roch Kubatko
January 15, 2026
The Los Angeles Angels have agreed to a minor-league contract with veteran free-agent reliever
Miguel Castro, according to Jon Heyman of the New York Post. Castro will attend big league spring training as a non-roster invitee. The 31-year-old righty has pitched for seven MLB teams over 11 seasons. For his career, he holds a 4.24 ERA (4.73 FIP) with a 1.38 WHIP and 414 strikeouts across 466 2/3 innings. Last season with the Chicago White Sox, he pitched just six innings, allowing five earned runs with four strikeouts and five walks. Castro is not expected to make the Angels' major league roster, and even if he does, he is unlikely to be fantasy relevant in 2026.
--Marty TallmanSource: Jon Heyman
January 15, 2026
Right-handed pitcher Takahiro Norimoto has decided to remain in Japan and will sign a multi-year deal with the Yomiuri Giants, according to a report from Sports Hochi. Norimoto had been considering an offer from an MLB club but ultimately chose to continue his career in Nippon Professional Baseball. The 35-year-old has spent his entire 13-year career with the Rakuten Golden Eagles, primarily as a starter, before transitioning to the closer role over the past two seasons. Last year, he posted a 3.05 ERA with 16 saves, 43 strikeouts, and a 1.42 WHIP across 56 innings. With Norimoto already in the twilight of his career, it is unlikely he will ever move to MLB, but he is an excellent veteran addition for the Giants.
--Marty TallmanSource: Sports Hochi
January 15, 2026
The Arizona Diamondbacks have signed free-agent reliever
Taylor Clarke to a one-year, $1.5 million contract that includes incentives and could be worth just over $2 million, reports Nick Piecoro of The Arizona Republic. In a corresponding move, the Diamondbacks designated right-hander
Gus Varland for assignment. Clarke spent the past three seasons with the Kansas City Royals, posting a 4.46 ERA with 157 strikeouts and a 1.22 WHIP across 163 1/3 innings. In 2025, he made 51 appearances and recorded a 3.25 ERA (3.69 xERA) while holding opponents to a .194 batting average. For Arizona, Clarke projects as another bullpen depth arm, and from a fantasy standpoint, he is unlikely to hold value in 2026.
--Marty TallmanSource: Nick Piecoro
January 15, 2026
According to Ken Rosenthal of The Athletic, the Seattle Mariners are viewed as the leading suitor to land St. Louis Cardinals second baseman
Brendan Donovan, largely because Seattle possesses the strongest farm system to facilitate a deal. Rosenthal added that the San Francisco Giants and Kansas City Royals have also expressed interest. However, he believes the Giants lack the prospect capital to entice the Cardinals, while the Royals could make a competitive offer only by parting with some of their minor-league pitching depth. Donovan has posted a 115 wRC+ or better in each of the past four seasons with St. Louis. In 2025, he slashed .287/.353/.422 with 10 home runs, 50 RBI, 64 runs scored, and three stolen bases across 515 plate appearances. If Donovan is traded to any of these clubs, his draft value should remain largely unchanged. For fantasy purposes, the 28-year-old profiles as a solid middle-infielder in 12- or 15-team leagues who can help improve batting average.
--Marty TallmanSource: Ken Rosenthal
January 15, 2026
The Seattle Mariners are set to acquire right-hander
Yosver Zulueta from the Cincinnati Reds, according to Francys Romero of BeisbolFR.com. Zulueta was designated for assignment earlier today following Cincinnati's official signing of
Pierce Johnson. The return for the Reds is currently unknown. Seattle's 40-man roster is full, so a corresponding move will be required to complete the transaction. Zulueta, 28, has spent the majority of his professional pitching career in the minor leagues and in his native Cuba. Over five minor-league seasons, he has compiled a 3.73 ERA and 1.38 WHIP, striking out 300 batters across 234 innings. In the majors, he owns a 5.32 ERA with 25 strikeouts and 11 walks in 23 2/3 innings. At this point, Zulueta does not appear likely to make the Mariners' Opening Day roster, and even if he reaches the big leagues in 2026, he is unlikely to provide fantasy value.
--Marty TallmanSource: Francys Romero
January 15, 2026
Miami Dolphins defensive coordinator Anthony Weaver is among the candidates that New York Giants head coach John Harbaugh is targeting for the team's open defensive-coordinator role, a source told Connor Hughes of SNY. The 45-year-old Weaver previously served on the Baltimore Ravens coaching staff under Harbaugh from 2021-23 as defensive-line coach, run-game coordinator, and associate head coach. Weaver was also a defensive end with the Ravens from 2002-05 after he was taken in the second round. He has run the Dolphins' defense the last two years and has already interviewed for the Atlanta Falcons' head-coaching vacancy. Following the firing of head coach Mike McDaniel in Miami, it's been expected that Weaver won't be back with the team next year under a whole new coaching staff. Weaver's familiarity with Harbaugh could make him a leading candidate for the DC job there.
--Keith HernandezSource: SNY - Connor Hughes
January 15, 2026
The Tennessee Titans are scheduled to interview San Francisco 49ers defensive coordinator Robert Saleh for their head-coaching job this weekend, according to Dianna Russini of The Athletic. The Titans will then begin their second round of head-coach interviews on Monday. In addition to the Titans, Saleh is expected to interview for head-coaching positions with the Miami Dolphins, Baltimore Ravens, and Arizona Cardinals. Saleh has previous head-coaching experience with the New York Jets, and he's done an excellent job holding the banged-up Niners defense afloat for most of the 2025 season. The Titans will sit down and meet with Saleh on Sunday, following San Francisco's Divisional Round contest on Saturday night against the Seattle Seahawks. If Saleh were to join the Titans, he'd be searching for an offensive staff that could help young quarterback
Cameron Ward take the next step after struggling in his rookie season.
--Keith HernandezSource: The Athletic - Dianna Russini
January 15, 2026
Los Angeles Rams passing-game coordinator Nate Scheelhaase will do all of his head-coaching interviews on Friday with the Las Vegas Raiders, Pittsburgh Steelers, Baltimore Ravens, and Cleveland Browns, according to Jeremy Fowler of ESPN. Scheelhaase, who is only 35 years old, has been a quick riser among the coaching ranks in the NFL as one of head coach Sean McVay's bright assistants. Before coming to the NFL, he coached running backs, receivers, and quarterbacks, in addition to one year as the offensive coordinator, at Iowa State. Scheelhaase also played QB at Illinois. If Scheelhaase does not land a head-coaching job this offseason, he'll be a good bet to be promoted to offensive coordinator with the Rams if current OC Mike LaFleur lands a head-coaching gig. Scheelhaase and LaFleur have orchestrated one of the most lethal offenses in the NFL behind leading MVP candidate and quarterback
Matthew Stafford.
--Keith HernandezSource: ESPN.com - Jeremy Fowler
January 15, 2026
Milwaukee Bucks forward
Kyle Kuzma (illness) has been upgraded to available for Thursday's matchup with the San Antonio Spurs. He was previously considered questionable due to an illness. Kuzma has seen a reduced role since
Giannis Antetokounmpo returned to the rotation and recorded only two points and two assists in Tuesday's blowout loss to Minnesota. The 30-year-old has played under 25 minutes in three of his last four outings.
--Andrew LennoxSource: NBA Injury Report
January 15, 2026
Houston Texans wide receiver
Justin Watson (concussion) missed a second straight day of practice this week on Thursday, according to the team. Watson suffered a concussion in Monday night's Wild-Card win over the Pittsburgh Steelers and wasn't able to return. The 29-year-old is in the league's concussion protocol and is trending as unlikely to play this Sunday in the Divisional Round of the playoffs against the New England Patriots. Top wideout
Nico Collins (concussion) is in the same boat as Watson and hasn't practiced this week. It means the Texans' receiving corps will most likely be short-handed this weekend, with rookies
Jayden Higgins and
Jaylin Noel,
Christian Kirk, and
Xavier Hutchinson all seeing bigger roles. Tight end
Dalton Schultz will also have a higher fantasy ceiling with more targets available. Even when fully healthy, Watson is too far down the WR depth chart to matter for fantasy purposes.
--Keith HernandezSource: Houston Texans PR
January 15, 2026
Milwaukee Bucks forward/center
Giannis Antetokounmpo (ankle) is set to suit up for Thursday's clash versus
Victor Wembanyama and the San Antonio Spurs. The 31-year-old star forward was previously listed on the injury report with a left ankle sprain, but has since been cleared to play. The big man's minutes have been restricted recently, but he has still produced outstanding numbers. During his last six outings, Antetokounmpo has averaged 29.7 points, 8.8 rebounds, and 5.3 assists per contest.
--Andrew LennoxSource: NBA Injury Report
January 15, 2026
Houston Texans running back
Jawhar Jordan (ankle) was limited in practice for the second straight day this week on Thursday, according to the team. Jordan suffered a high-ankle sprain in the Week 18 regular-season finale against the Indianapolis Colts and did not suit up for Monday night's Wild-Card blowout win over the Pittsburgh Steelers. Although Jordan has returned to practice this week, he's still very much up in the air to play on Sunday against the New England Patriots in an AFC Divisional Round game. Even if Jordan is active, he'll merely be the RB2 behind rookie starter
Woody Marks. With Jordan out on Monday night, veteran
Nick Chubb played 29% of the offensive snaps and carried the ball 10 times for 48 yards. Most of Chubb's work came late in the contest in garbage time. Neither Chubb nor Jordan is recommended fantasy plays behind Marks against New England.
--Keith HernandezSource: Houston Texans PR
January 15, 2026
Dallas Mavericks guard/forward
Cooper Flagg (ankle) won't suit up against the Utah Jazz on Thursday. Flagg left Wednesday's loss early and will sit out the evening due to a sprained left ankle. Without Flagg,
Anthony Davis (finger) and
P.J. Washington (ankle), a depleted Mavs rotation will rely on
Brandon Williams,
Jaden Hardy,
Ryan Nembhard,
Caleb Martin, and
Naji Marshall to carry heavier workloads during tonight's tilt.
--Andrew LennoxSource: Mavs PR
January 15, 2026
San Francisco 49ers tight end
George Kittle (Achilles) underwent successful surgery to fix his torn right Achilles tendon on Wednesday, according to head coach Kyle Shanahan. Kittle was placed on Injured Reserve on Wednesday and will miss the rest of the playoffs. Because his injury occurred so late in the year, too, the 32-year-old veteran almost certainly won't be ready for the start of the 2026 campaign this fall. In fact, he could end up missing the majority of next regular season after tearing his Achilles in the Wild-Card win over the Philadelphia Eagles last Sunday. Going into this Saturday's NFC Divisional contest against the Seattle Seahawks,
Jake Tonges will take over as the Niners' top pass-catching tight end. Kittle, a seven-time Pro Bowler, still has high-end TE1 upside when healthy, but durability concerns will drastically affect his 2026 fantasy value.
--Keith HernandezSource: The Athletic - Vic Tafur
January 15, 2026
San Francisco 49ers linebacker Fred Warner (ankle) will not be activated from Injured Reserve for Saturday's Divisional Round contest in Seattle against the division-rival Seahawks, according to head coach Kyle Shanahan. The extremely banged-up 49ers' defense won't get Warner back, and they'll also be without safety Ji'Ayir Brown (hamstring). Meanwhile, linebackers Luke Gifford (quadriceps) and Dee Winters (ankle) are questionable. San Fran's defense did a very respectable job last weekend, slowing down the Philadelphia Eagles in the Wild-Card round, considering how decimated they've been by injuries all year. If they can somehow pull off the upset against Seattle on Saturday night, Warner will be itching to return for the NFC Championship against either the Los Angeles Rams or the Chicago Bears. Warner has been out since dislocating and fracturing his ankle back in Week 6.
--Keith HernandezSource: The Athletic - Matt Barrows
January 15, 2026
San Francisco 49ers head coach Kyle Shanahan said that wide receiver
Ricky Pearsall (knee, ankle) will be questionable to play in the Divisional Round of the playoffs on Saturday evening on the road against the division-rival Seattle Seahawks, according to Matt Barrows of The Athletic. Pearsall missed a good chunk of his second NFL season due to a sprained PCL in his right knee, and he's also missed three of the last four games, including last week's Wild-Card win over the Philadelphia Eagles, after aggravating his knee. San Fran could really use the 25-year-old former first-rounder back against Seattle after losing tight end
George Kittle to a torn Achilles tendon last Sunday. Pearsall was limited in practice all week and is optimistic he'll be available on Saturday night. He did go over 100 receiving yards in two of his last three games, but Pearsall has been very hit or miss and injury-prone, making him extremely volatile as a fantasy option in playoff leagues in a bad matchup if he's active.
--Keith HernandezSource: The Athletic - Matt Barrows
January 15, 2026
Seattle Seahawks quarterback
Sam Darnold (oblique) was added to the injury report on Thursday with an oblique injury and is questionable to play in the Divisional Round on Saturday night against the division-rival San Francisco 49ers, according to Curtis Crabtree of FOX 13 Seattle. However, Darnold is fully expected to play through his questionable tag this week. The 28-year-old was listed as limited in Thursday's practice. "I feel good...in routes on air, I just felt a little something in my oblique. I just didn't want to push it. It wasn't the day to push it, so that was it. I came inside, got some rehab, and I feel like I'll be ready to go for Saturday," Darnold said. The former first-rounder should be fine to play against a Niners team that he has yet to throw a touchdown against in two games this year. In the Week 18 win over the 49ers, Darnold threw for 198 yards with no TDs or interceptions.
--Keith HernandezSource: FOX 13 Seattle - Curtis Crabtree
January 15, 2026
Detroit Pistons forward
Tobias Harris (hip) will suit up Thursday against the Phoenix Suns. Harris has missed five consecutive contests with a left hip sprain and will make his first appearance in 2026. The 33-year-old has been a regular starter throughout the 2025-26 season.
Javonte Green started on Saturday versus the Clippers and will return to the bench during tonight's tilt. However, Green may still see extended playing time as Harris' minutes could be restricted in his return.
--Andrew LennoxSource: NBA Injury Report
January 15, 2026
Detroit Pistons center
Jalen Duren (ankle) will suit up against the Phoenix Suns on Thursday. He's been cleared after sitting out four games due to a right ankle sprain. Big man
Isaiah Stewart (illness) has also been upgraded to available for tonight's tilt.
Paul Reed could slide further down the depth chart, while
Tolu Smith may end up outside the rotation with Duren and Stewart returning to action. Duren is having a big campaign, averaging 17.9 points and 10.6 rebounds, while Stewart has posted averages of 10.4 points and 5.6 rebounds across 23 outings.
--Andrew LennoxSource: NBA Injury Report
January 15, 2026
Minnesota Timberwolves guard
Anthony Edwards (foot) won't play on Friday in Houston. He also didn't suit up on Tuesday against Milwaukee. As a result,
Mike Conley entered the starting lineup, finishing with nine points, five assists, and three rebounds. While Conley might continue to get a statistical boost,
Julius Randle and
Jaden McDaniels should remain the most productive on the scoring end, with the duo combining for 46 points versus the Bucks. The Timberwolves will play again on Saturday in San Antonio, although it appears Edwards has a chance to return for that one.
--Dennis ClausenSource: NBA Injury Report
January 15, 2026
Columbus Blue Jackets defenseman Damon Severson (illness) is ready to re-enter the lineup on Thursday against the Vancouver Canucks. He missed Tuesday's victory over the Calgary Flames due to illness. Severson is a solid top-four piece for Columbus and will skate with Ivan Provorov. Additionally, he will rejoin the second power-play unit. Severson has collected 17 points (three goals, 14 assists) in 45 appearances, with 59 shots, 48 blocks, and 31 hits. The Blue Jackets' defense will also welcome back Erik Gudbranson (hip) on Thursday night. He will join the third defensive pairing after missing nearly three months with a hip injury. Egor Zamula and Dysin Mayo will exit the lineup.
--Taavi PailkSource: NHL.com
January 15, 2026
Vegas Golden Knights goaltender Adin Hill (lower body) was activated from Injured Reserve and is set to play on Thursday against the Toronto Maple Leafs, Danny Webster of the Las Vegas Review-Journal reports. Hill has been out since Oct. 20 due to a lower-body injury. He made five appearances before being hurt, going 1-0-2 with a 2.73 goals-against average and a .888 save percentage. Hill returns at a good time, as Carter Hart (lower body) recently departed the lineup and is considered week-to-week. On Thursday, Vegas moved Hart to Injured Reserve.
--Taavi PailkSource: Danny Webster
January 15, 2026
Cleveland Cavaliers guard
Darius Garland (foot) is listed as out for Friday's rematch with Philadelphia. He had 20 points when these clubs met on Wednesday. However, his night ended abruptly due to a right toe injury. Fortunately, it's not the same toe that Garland had surgery on during the offseason. For now, fantasy managers can consider the 25-year-old as day-to-day. As far as his absence on Friday is concerned,
Jaylon Tyson, averaging 13.3 points, 5.5 boards, and 1.0 steals in 22 starts this season, is the favorite to replace him in the rotation, with
Craig Porter Jr. in line for more minutes and scoring opportunities.
--Dennis ClausenSource: Chris Fedor
January 15, 2026
Seattle Kraken defenseman Brandon Montour (hand) was activated from Injured Reserve, Mike Benton of the Kraken Audio Network reports. Earlier in the day, Montour was labeled a game-time call for Thursday's tilt against the Boston Bruins, but his activation is a clear signal he is ready to play. Montour has missed nearly a month due to a hand injury. He has amassed 16 points (six goals, 10 assists), 68 shots, 35 blocks, and 34 hits in 27 outings this season. Cale Fleury will likely make way for Montour in the lineup.
--Taavi PailkSource: Mike Benton
January 15, 2026
Minnesota Wild center Joel Eriksson Ek (lower body) will remain on the shelf for a third straight contest on Thursday against the Winnipeg Jets. He skated on his own Thursday morning and remains day-to-day. Eriksson Ek is expected to travel with the team and could be an option on Saturday afternoon against the Buffalo Sabres. Danila Yurov will continue as the first-line center against the Jets, while Ryan Hartman has moved to the second line in Eriksson Ek's absence. Hartman has been on a bit of a heater lately, scoring in three of the last four games.
--Taavi PailkSource: NHL.com
January 15, 2026
Minnesota Wild defenseman Jonas Brodin (lower body) is considered week-to-week and was moved to Injured Reserve on Thursday. The Swedish blue-liner is dealing with a lower-body issue and could miss the Olympics because of the injury. Brodin has recently improved his offensive production, reaching 15 points (three goals, 12 assists) for the season. Additionally, he has recorded 43 shots and 91 hits in 42 appearances, posting a plus-15 rating. While Minnesota added Carson Lambos to the roster on Thursday with a call-up from the minors, David Spacek is expected to take Brodin's spot in the lineup against the Winnipeg Jets. The 22-year-old will make his NHL debut after amassing 19 points (three goals, 16 assists) in 35 AHL appearances this season.
--Taavi PailkSource: Minnesota Wild
January 15, 2026
According to Sean Cunningham of NBC Sacramento, Kings forward
Domantas Sabonis (knee) was a full participant in Thursday's practice. Cunningham added there's also "optimism" that he could return "as early" as Friday's meeting with the Washington Wizards. The 29-year-old hasn't had his best season in 2025, although he still produces at a high level, averaging 17.2 points, 12.3 rebounds, and 1.2 steals. Unfortunately, a partially torn meniscus in his left knee caused him to miss the last 27 contests. At any rate, it appears Sabonis is close to getting back on the court, giving fantasy managers something to look forward to. He'll likely be limited for at least a few games. However, Sabonis should still be added back to all fantasy lineups once he's officially cleared to suit up.
--Dennis ClausenSource: Sean Cunningham
January 15, 2026
Dallas Stars defenseman Miro Heiskanen (personal) won't play on Thursday night against the Utah Mammoth. He is currently out of the lineup for personal reasons, missing a second straight game. Heiskanen sits eighth among defensemen in scoring, producing 36 points (seven goals, 29 assists) in 46 appearances this season. Ilya Lyubushkin re-entered the lineup as Heiskanen's replacement on Tuesday night against the Anaheim Ducks. With Heiskanen out, Thomas Harley logged nearly four minutes of power-play time on Tuesday. Heiskanen's next opportunity to return will be on Sunday against the red-hot Tampa Bay Lightning.
--Taavi PailkSource: NHL.com
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