January 16, 2026
The Philadelphia Phillies have reached an agreement to bring back free agent catcher
J.T. Realmuto. They've agreed on a three-year, $45 million deal, which could total to $60 million with incentives. A deal between the two seemed inevitable as a return to Philly makes sense for both sides. The 34-year-old has seen a regression in production in recent years, but still offers around a 3.0 WAR. Last season, Realmuto slashed .257/.315/.384 with 12 home runs, 52 RBI, and eight steals in 134 games with the Phillies. Realmuto has spent the last seven years with the Phillies organization. He's familiar with their pitching staff and is a trustworthy option behind the plate.
--Andy WebbSource: Robert Murray
January 16, 2026
Detroit Tigers infielder
Colt Keith could be primed to "lock down a large share of playing time at third base," per Cody Stavenhagen of The Athletic. The 24-year-old has spent time at every infield position other than shortstop so far in his big league career, but saw more appearances as a designated hitter than anywhere else in 2025. Stavenhagen notes that Detroit has a multitude of options at the hot corner, namely, veterans
Javier Baez,
Zach McKinstry, and
Matt Vierling, as well as prospects
Kevin McGonigle and
Max Anderson. As such, Keith is not guaranteed to hold the job throughout the season, but he may enter Spring Training as the favorite to start at third base on Opening Day. Across 468 plate appearances for Detroit in 2025, Keith posted a .256/.333/.413 slash line with 13 home runs, 45 RBI, 65 runs scored, and one stolen base. He's been significantly better against right-handed pitching (.731 OPS) than left-handed pitching (.610 OPS) so far in his career.
--Will BradySource: The Athletic - Cody Stavenhagen
January 16, 2026
The Philadelphia Phillies offered infielder
Bo Bichette a seven-year, $200 million contract before he signed with the New York Mets, per Bob Nightengale of USA Today. Bichette's reported agreement with New York is worth $126 million over three years, so the 27-year-old is apparently prioritizing a higher average annual value and the chance to get back on the open market more quickly. Nightengale reports that the Phillies "believed they would sign (Bichette) until the Mets swooped in." Bichette has almost exclusively played shortstop as a big leaguer, but he's set to move to third base with the Mets and likely would have done the same in Philadelphia. With Bichette now in New York, Philadelphia's opening day third baseman currently projects to be
Alec Bohm. Bohm posted a .287/.331/.409 slash line with 11 home runs, 59 RBI, 53 runs scored, and two stolen bases across 504 plate appearances with the Phillies in 2025.
--Will BradySource: USA Today - Bob Nightengale
January 16, 2026
Free-agent outfielder
Michael Conforto is drawing interest from the Chicago White Sox, per Jon Heyman of the New York Post. Conforto, who is entering his age-33 season, is coming off a brutal 2025. Across 466 plate appearances with the Los Angeles Dodgers, he posted a .199/.305/.333 slash line with 12 home runs, 36 RBI, 54 runs scored, and one stolen base. The rebuilding White Sox would presumably be able to offer Conforto significant playing time in their corner outfield spots, which would allow the veteran an opportunity to get his career back on track and re-establish his market. Conforto posted a .759 OPS across 488 plate appearances with the San Francisco Giants in 2024, so he's not too far removed from providing above-average production at the plate.
--Will BradySource: New York Post - Jon Heyman
January 16, 2026
Free-agent infielder
Bo Bichette has agreed to a three-year, $126 million contract with the New York Mets, per ESPN's Jeff Passan. While the Mets were not one of the teams most frequently linked to Bichette throughout the offseason, Passan notes that New York pivoted to Bichette after losing out on outfielder
Kyle Tucker to the Los Angeles Dodgers. Across 628 plate appearances with the Toronto Blue Jays in 2025, Bichette posted a .311/.357/.483 slash line with 18 home runs, 94 RBI, 78 runs scored, and four stolen bases. He turns just 28 in March, so the shorter-term, high-AAV contract structure will allow Bichette another shot at free agency as he enters his age-31 season. While Bichette has almost exclusively played shortstop in his big-league career to this point, he seems likely to move to third base in New York with
Francisco Lindor locked in at short. Mets infielders
Mark Vientos and
Brett Baty could both see a significant playing time reduction as a result of the team's acquisition of Bichette.
--Will BradySource: ESPN - Jeff Passan
January 16, 2026
According to Transfer Portal on X, former Ohio State and California quarterback Devin Brown has officially signed with Weber State. Brown was a top-50 overall recruit in the Class of 2022, but he has struggled to find his footing at the collegiate level. In three seasons with the Buckeyes, Brown played in 17 games for Ohio State, totalling 27 completions for 331 yards, three touchdowns, and one interception. He transferred to Cal last season, but he lost the quarterback competition to true freshman Jaron-Keawe Sagapolutele. Brown will now play his final collegiate season under new head coach Eric Kyjar in the Big Sky Conference of the FCS.
--Jackson Sparks - RotoBallerSource: Transfer Portal on X
January 16, 2026
Former Cleveland Browns head coach Kevin Stefanski is expected to have second interviews for multiple head-coaching jobs around the league, according to Tom Pelissero of the NFL Network. The two-time Coach of the Year has completed head-coaching interviews with the Atlanta Falcons, Baltimore Ravens, New York Giants, Miami Dolphins, Las Vegas Raiders, and Tennessee Titans. The Giants have chosen John Harbaugh, but the Falcons, Titans, and Ravens could be looking at Stefanski closely in a second interview this week. SNY's Connor Hughes reports that the Falcons are considered the front-runner to land Stefanski as their next head coach. In addition to looking for a new head coach, Atlanta also has an opening at general manager. Quarterback
Michael Penix Jr. (knee) has durability questions, but the Falcons have great young pieces on offense in running back
Bijan Robinson and receiver
Drake London.
--Keith HernandezSource: NFL Network - Tom Pelissero
January 16, 2026
Los Angeles Clippers forward
Kawhi Leonard (ankle) is questionable for Friday's game in Toronto while managing a lingering ankle issue. Leonard has continued to produce while managing the issue, averaging 31.3 points, 5.3 rebounds, 2.7 assists, 2.7 steals, and 5.3 three-pointers in 30.6 minutes over his last three games. Fantasy managers should monitor his status, but he remains a must-start if active. A potential absence would open minor opportunities for
Nicolas Batum, rookie
Kobe Sanders, and
Jordan Miller, though all carry volatility.
James Harden would take on more of the offense, leaving the fringe wings as situational streamers.
--Brian DailisanSource: NBA Injury Report
January 16, 2026
Philadelphia 76ers guard/forward
Paul George (knee) is listed as probable for Friday's game against Cleveland due to left knee injury management, a familiar designation after he carried the same tag Wednesday. After appearing in each of the past two contests, George looks positioned to make another start, logging 17 points, four rebounds, and four assists in 30 minutes in the last meeting with the Cavaliers. With George in the lineup, the rotation tightens and usage drops for
VJ Edgecombe,
Kelly Oubre Jr., and
Quentin Grimes.
--Brian DailisanSource: NBA Injury Report
January 16, 2026
Philadelphia 76ers center
Joel Embiid (knee) is listed as probable for Friday's game against the Cavaliers due to left knee injury management, marking another appearance on the injury report this week. Despite the recurring designation, Embiid has delivered when active, averaging 25.8 points, 7.6 rebounds, 2.8 assists, 1.0 three-pointers, and 1.0 blocks in 31.5 minutes over his last five games. Fantasy managers can continue starting him confidently, with
Tyrese Maxey and
Paul George maintaining stable roles alongside him.
--Brian DailisanSource: NBA Injury Report
January 16, 2026
Indiana Pacers guard/forward
Bennedict Mathurin (thumb) will remain out for Friday's game against the Pelicans due to a right thumb sprain, and he does not have a clear timetable to return, leaving his status in doubt for Saturday versus Detroit.
Aaron Nesmith should continue to see heavy minutes, though the production dipped to six points, five rebounds, and two assists in 31 minutes last time out.
Johnny Furphy has taken on a larger role, averaging 8.0 points and 7.8 rebounds in 23.8 minutes over his last five starts, but his volatility keeps him limited to deep-league use.
--Brian DailisanSource: NBA Injury Report
January 16, 2026
Cleveland Cavaliers guard
Sam Merrill (hand) is out for Friday's game against the 76ers due to a right-hand sprain, an injury he aggravated on Wednesday. Merrill logged just three points in 10 minutes in the win, and his absence removes a key spacing piece from the rotation.
Craig Porter Jr. becomes a viable short-term assists streamer after stepping into a larger bench role, while
Jaylon Tyson could also see extra opportunities on the wing. With
Darius Garland (toe) sidelined,
Donovan Mitchell is expected to carry a heavier share of the perimeter workload.
--Brian DailisanSource: NBA Injury Report
January 16, 2026
Washington Wizards forward
Khris Middleton (knee) has been ruled out for Friday's game against Sacramento due to right knee injury management after appearing in three straight contests. The absence opens short-term fantasy value on the wing, especially with
Bilal Coulibaly (back) also sidelined.
Justin Champagnie profiles as a viable streaming option after playing well off the bench, averaging 10.0 points, 6.2 rebounds, and 1.0 three-pointers in 23.4 minutes over his last five games. Rookie
Will Riley should also see added run, but remains more of a fringe fantasy option.
--Brian DailisanSource: NBA Injury Report
January 16, 2026
Washington Wizards guard/forward
Bilal Coulibaly (back) has been ruled out for Friday's game against the Kings after exiting Wednesday's loss to the Clippers in the second quarter with lower back tightness. He could return Saturday in Denver, but his absence creates short-term fantasy openings.
Justin Champagnie is positioned for a larger role, with a start firmly in play after logging seven points and eight rebounds in 27 minutes Wednesday, making him a viable streaming option. Rookie
Will Riley should also see added run after scoring 12 points in 27 minutes, though he remains more of a fringe fantasy play.
--Brian DailisanSource: NBA Injury Report
January 16, 2026
Toronto Raptors guard/forward
RJ Barrett (ankle) will not play Friday against the Clippers, extending his absence to a fourth straight game, with his next chance to return Sunday versus the Lakers. The fantasy impact continues to center on
Jamal Shead, who has started each of the past three games and averaged 10.7 points and 6.0 assists despite shooting 34.5 percent from the field. Shead profiles as a short-term assist streamer rather than a scoring play. Barrett sitting again leaves more creation on
Immanuel Quickley's plate and helps Shead maintain his minutes.
--Brian DailisanSource: NBA Injury Report
January 16, 2026
Pittsburgh Pirates infield prospect
Konnor Griffin is considered the No. 1 prospect in the entire sport on MLB.com and is quickly climbing the minor leagues. Last summer, the former ninth-overall pick from the 2024 MLB Draft made his professional debut with Low-A but finished the season with Double-A Altoona. Through 101 games split between Low-A and High-A, the 19-year-old posted an elite .332/.414/.524 line with a .937 OPS. He hit 16 home runs and swiped 59 bases. Then, during his first 21 games at Double-A, Griffin continued to play at an elite level, carrying a .337/.418/.542 line with five home runs and six stolen bases. Given his impressive rise through the minor leagues, Girffin could be in play to not only make his MLB debut early in 2026 but potentially out of spring training. Reports earlier this offseason suggest that the Pirates may give Griffin an opportunity to claim the shortstop job. Even if it is unlikely for Griffin to debut in the majors at the start of this season, he should be in the mix to reach the big leagues by the second half.
--Andy SmithSource: RotoBaller
January 16, 2026
New Orleans Pelicans forward
Herbert Jones (ankle) has been ruled out for Friday's game against the Pacers, marking his sixth straight absence with a right ankle sprain. His next chance to return comes Sunday in Houston. From a fantasy angle, Jones' continued absence keeps
Saddiq Bey in play as a short-term streamer. Bey, working back from injury, logged 12 points, four rebounds, one assist, and one steal in 26 minutes during a win over Brooklyn. His minutes and usage remain stable while Jones sits.
--Brian DailisanSource: NBA Injury Report
January 16, 2026
Detroit Tigers outfield prospect
Max Clark has continued to progress at a steady pace through the system and is nearing the top level of the minor leagues. In 2025, the former third overall pick began the season with High-A, but eventually made his debut at Double-A Erie in the second half. Through 68 games with High-A, Clark posted a strong .285/.430/.427 line with an elite 56:65 K:BB. During his first taste of Double-A action, the 21-year-old took a bit of a step back but remained productive, carrying a .251/.360/.439 line with a.799 OPS. He continued to show a strong eye at the plate, drawing 29 walks compared to 34 strikeouts. If Clark can see his production reach a new level with Double-A to begin the 20226 campaign, Clark could reach Triple-A early in the first half, which may leave the door open for a late-season MLB debut.
--Andy SmithSource: RotoBaller
January 16, 2026
Toronto Raptors center
Jakob Poeltl (back) is out for Friday's game against the Clippers, with the team still offering no firm timetable despite clearing him for contact Jan. 5. From a fantasy standpoint, managers should continue to pivot to rookie
Collin Murray-Boyles, who has started seven straight and delivered 10.4 points, 8.4 rebounds, 3.6 assists, and 1.7 steals in 31.0 minutes while shooting 57.1 percent from the field and 90.0 percent at the line. Murray-Boyles remains a strong streamer and deep-league hold until Poeltl returns.
--Brian DailisanSource: NBA Injury Report
January 16, 2026
Boston Red Sox left-handed pitching prospect
Payton Tolle made his MLB debut during the 2025 season and had mixed results. The southpaw logged 19 1/3 innings to the tune of a 6.09 ERA and a 1.59 WHIP. Tolle was deployed out of the rotation in each of his first three outings but was then shifted to the bullpen over his last four. Through six innings of relief, Tolle looked much more stable, allowing only two runs while striking out seven hitters. Earlier in 2025, Tolle made his professional debut with High-A and was able to quickly progress through the Boston system, which earned him the late-season promotion. Through 91 2/3 innings split between High-A, Double-A, and Triple-A, the No. 28-ranked prospect in baseball posted a 3.04 ERA, 0.99 WHIP, and a dominant 133:23 K:BB. However, managers should keep an eye on him during spring training, as he may not be guaranteed a spot in the team's starting rotation given his inconsistent debut. Additionally, the Red Sox recently signed left-hander
Ranger Suarez, which will add yet another pitcher to a largely crowded rotation. For now, Tolle is best left for deeper redraft leagues given his unknown role.
--Andy SmithSource: RotoBaller
January 16, 2026
Golden State Warriors forward
Gui Santos (ankle) was ruled out for the remainder of Thursday's game against the Knicks after suffering a left ankle sprain in the first quarter. Santos finished with three points, one rebound, and one block in five minutes before being shut down. The injury carries little standalone fantasy impact, but it does create minor ripple effects in the rotation.
Al Horford and
Trayce Jackson-Davis are candidates for added frontcourt minutes.
Brandin Podziemski could also see a slight uptick in run and secondary usage, keeping him relevant in deeper formats.
--Brian DailisanSource: Warriors PR
January 16, 2026
Philadelphia Phillies top pitching prospect
Andrew Painter was in the mix to make his MLB debut last season, but was unable to earn the call from Triple-A. After battling numerous injuries throughout his young career, including Tommy John surgery, Painter was able to log a career-high 118 innings in the minor leagues last season, most of which were spent with Triple-A Lehigh Valley. Through his first 106 2/3 innings with the top team in the Phillies' system, Painter struggled, posting a 5.40 ERA and 1.55 WHIP. During this stretch, Painter struck out 111 hitters but allowed a rather high 46 walks. Over the last 38 2/3 innings of the season, the former 13th overall pick struggled even further, posting a high 6.05 ERA. However, with
Zack Wheeler (shoulder) working his way back from injury and
Ranger Suarez now in Boston, Painter could make a case to make the Opening Day roster out of spring training, given the state of their rotation. He is worth monitoring as he could be an intriguing late-round option if Wheeler's recovery is delayed.
--Andy SmithSource: RotoBaller
January 16, 2026
Washington Wizards forward
Cam Whitmore (venous condition) will miss the remainder of the 2025-26 season after beginning the recovery process, bringing his year to a premature end. Whitmore can be dropped in all formats. The fantasy ripple centers on
Kyshawn George, a surprise contributor averaging 14.9 points, 5.5 rebounds, 4.9 assists, 2.2 three-pointers, and 1.0 steals. Those counting stats can hold, but minutes and usage are split across a crowded forward rotation with
Bilal Coulibaly,
Justin Champagnie,
Khris Middleton, and rookie
Will Riley, keeping George's ceiling in check.
--Brian DailisanSource: Wizards PR
January 16, 2026
Minnesota Twins top outfield prospect
Walker Jenkins made his Triple-A debut late in the second half of the 2025 season and could be in the mix for his MLB debut sooner than expected. He began the 2025 season with Double-A, where he continued to perform at an elite level, carrying a .309/.426/.487 line with 11 doubles, seven home runs, and 11 stolen bases. He then earned the call to Triple-A St. Paul, where Jenkins took a bit of a step back, carrying an overall .242/.324/.396 line through 23 contests. However, the former fifth-overall pick from the 2023 MLB Draft showed significant progress over his last 16 games as he posted a much-improved .273/.333/.439 line, suggesting he had already begun to take strides forward. While managers should expect Jenkins to open the season at Triple-A, he may only need a brief stint before proving he is ready to join the MLB roster. Given his ability to get on base at an elite rate while showing nearly 20-SB upside in each season, he is a prime early-season stash option in deeper redraft leagues.
--Andy SmithSource: RotoBaller
January 16, 2026
Cincinnati Reds infield prospect
Sal Stewart is primed to build off his strong MLB debut. The team's top prospect earned a call to the majors late in the second half and held an impressive .255/.293/.545 line over his first 18 gamd as the MLB level. However, over his last 10 games, Stewart took an even larger step forward, posting a .323/.382/.645 with three long balls. Early in the campaign, Stewart spent most of his time with Double-A and had a brief taste of Triple-A shortly before his MLB debut. Through 118 games in the Reds' system, Stewart posted a .309/.383/.524 line with a .907 OPS, 20 home runs, and 17 stolen bases. This upcoming season, managers should expect Stewart to operate as a super utility option in the infield, earning starts at first base, second base, and third base. His five-category skill sets set him up for a prime breakout season.
--Andy SmithSource: RotoBaller
January 16, 2026
The New York Mets and New York Yankees are expected to enter a bidding war for free-agent outfielder
Cody Bellinger. Throughout the winter, both teams were in discussions with
Kyle Tucker before he signed with the Los Angeles Dodgers on Thursday night. Additionally, Bellinger has been linked to both teams, but with Tucker off the board, Bob Nightengale of USA Today expects both New York franchises to be in heavy pursuit of Bellinger. Last summer, Bellinger spent the season with the Yankees, where he posted a .272/.334/.480 line with 29 home runs and 13 stolen bases. While he only generated a low .327 xwOBA, his left-handed swing was a perfect match for Yankee Stadium. If he were to go to the Mets, he could block outfield prospect
Carson Benge from an early-season MLB debut. Bellinger projects to carry mid-end OF2 value in standard leagues given his ability to hit for power and steal double-digit bases.
--Andy SmithSource: Bob Nightengale
January 16, 2026
According to Bob Nightengale of USA Today, the Philadelphia Phillies are the "overwhelming" favorite to sign top free agent infielder
Bo Bichette. On Thursday evening, the Dodgers signed outfielder
Kyle Tucker to a four-year, $240 million contract, leaving Bichette as the top available hitter. Throughout the winter, the Phillies have been in active pursuit of the 27-year-old and appear to be the clear favorites to land him in the coming weeks. Last season, Bichette turned in one of the most productive campaigns of his seven-year MLB career, posting a .311/.357/.483 line with 18 home runs and four stolen bases. Under the hood, he generated a .353 xwOBA with a 48.8% hard-hit rate. If he were to join the Phillies, the team would likely pursue a trade partner for current third baseman
Alec Bohm, as Bichette would take on an everyday role at the hot corner.
--Andy SmithSource: Bob Nightengale
January 16, 2026
According to Jim Duquette of SNY, the New York Mets offered superstar free-agent outfielder
Kyle Tucker a four-year contract worth $220 million before he opted to sign with the Los Angeles Dodgers on Thursday evening. Tucker's contract offer with the Dodgers was slightly higher, at $240 million over the same four years. The Mets have been in heavy pursuit of Tucker since opting not to re-sign first baseman
Pete Alonso and relief pitcher
Edwin Diaz. The Mets could now turn their attention to the other high-end remaining free agents, such as
Cody Bellinger,
Eugenio Suarez, or
Bo Bichette. In addition to pursuing another bat, the Mets have also been linked to top trade target
Freddy Peralta. With Tucker opting to sign with the Dodgers, top outfield prospect
Carson Benge has a clearer path to breaking camp with the Opening Day roster and is seeing his fantasy value grow as a late-round target.
--Andy SmithSource: Jim Duquette
January 16, 2026
The Baltimore Orioles have claimed left-handed pitcher
Jose Suarez off waivers from the Atlanta Braves. In a corresponding move, the Orioles have opted to designate outfielder
Marco Luciano for assignment. Suarez logged a limited 19 1/3 innings with the Braves last season but showed solid upside, posting a 1.86 ERA with a 1.29 WHIP. Across seven outings, the primary reliever tallied one save and held a 16:10 K:BB. He made one start against the Nationals and logged seven innings of work, allowing just two runs with nine punchouts. Earlier in his career, the left-hander spent six seasons with the Angels operating as a reliever and a starter. Through those 376 2/3 innings, the left-hander held a 5.47 ERA. Managers should expect Suarez to compete for a middle-relief role in the Orioles bullpen with the possibility of earning some starting opportunities.
--Andy SmithSource: Roch Kubatko
January 16, 2026
Winnipeg Jets center Mark Scheifele amassed a season-high four points during Thursday's impressive 6-2 road victory over the Minnesota Wild. Scheifele scored his team's final goal and contributed three assists. Two of his helpers came on the power play. The Jets have shown some fight lately, winning four games in a row, and the team's success has given Scheifele a jolt. He already has five multi-point games this month. Scheifele is chasing his first career 100-point campaign, sitting on a team-high 58 points (23 goals, 35 assists) through 46 appearances.
--Taavi PailkSource: ESPN
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