MLB News

Brice Matthews • SS • Astros

Brice Matthews Getting Time in the Outfield

Houston Astros infielder Brice Matthews will reportedly take some reps in the outfield during Spring Training. According to Chandler Rome, Matthews is going to see some playing time in center field during camp. Until this point, Matthews has almost exclusively played in the infield during his pro career. He did play nine games in center field during his time in Triple-A Sugar Land last season. The Astros need another outfielder with Jesus Sanchez, Jake Meyers, Cam Smith, and Jose Altuve as the main options. Matthews appears to be ready for the big league level after posting impressive numbers in the minors last season. His best path to playing time might be moving to the outfield.

Jan 25

Yordan Alvarez • LF • Astros

Yordan Alvarez to Mostly Serve as Designated Hitter

Houston Astros outfielder Yordan Alvarez will reportedly play some left field this upcoming season. According to Chandler Rome, Alvarez will see time in left field, but will mostly serve as the designated hitter. This isn't shocking news, given Alvarez was limited to 48 games due to injuries last season. The Astros keeping Alvarez as the DH is the best way to protect him from injury. Alvarez played 15 games in left field in 2025 and 53 games in the outfield during the 2024 campaign. The 28-year-old isn't exactly known for his defensive ability, so keeping him at DH for the majority of the games makes sense. He's an elite player when healthy, so hopefully, fantasy managers will get a full season from Alvarez in 2026.

Jan 25

Zac Gallen • SP

Diamondbacks are Front-Runners to Sign Zac Gallen

The Arizona Diamondbacks are reportedly the favorites to re-sign free-agent starting pitcher Zac Gallen. A reunion appears to be in the works after it seemed likely that the two sides would go their separate ways at the beginning of the winter. Gallen rejected the qualifying offer and entered free agency, but with draft pick compensation tied to his name. The Orioles, Braves, Giants, and Tigers have reportedly expressed interest in Gallen, but there is no deal in place. The 30-year-old is coming off a down year with the D-Backs in 2025. Last season, Gallen posted a 4.83 ERA, 1.26 WHIP, and a 175/66 K/BB ratio across 33 starts. It was the first year that Gallen had finished with a 4-plus ERA since the 2021 campaign. It seems possible that Gallen would take a short-term deal with opt-out options to try to re-establish his value. The D-Backs haven't replaced Gallen's spot in the rotation, so a reunion could still happen. Gallen is a quality arm that makes sense for a team that doesn't have a ton of established arms to count on right now.

Jan 25

Samad Taylor • RF

Samad Taylor Signs Minor-League Deal With Padres

The San Diego Padres have signed infielder/outfielder Samad Taylor to a minor-league deal with an invite to spring training. Taylor recently elected free agency after being removed from the Seattle Mariners' 40-man roster. His versatility makes Taylor an attractive utility option, but he lacks experience at the big league level. The 27-year-old has only played 38 games across parts of three seasons. He slashed .296/.378/.461 with 17 home runs, 86 RBI, and 44 stolen bases across 137 games in Triple-A with the Mariners last season. He only played in three big league games last season, but his excellent play in the minors makes him worthy of a flier. He figures to compete for a bench role on the 26-man roster during Spring Training.

Jan 25

Yu Darvish • SP • Padres

Yu Darvish Considering Retirement

San Diego Padres right-hander Yu Darvish's (elbow) agent, Joel Wolfe, said that no decision has been made on Darvish's retirement, according to Mark Feinsand of MLB.com. A report earlier on Saturday said that Darvish was hanging up his cleats. "Yu has not made a final decision yet. This is a complicated matter we are still working through," Wolfe said. The 39-year-old veteran will not play at all in 2026 after having an internal-brace procedure and flexor-tendon surgery. Darvish is set to make $46 million over the next three seasons if he doesn't retire, but the Japanese legend doesn't appear to have much left in the tank. He has made a combined 31 starts in the last two seasons in San Diego and has gone 12-8 with a 4.28 ERA, 1.12 WHIP, and 146:41 K:BB in 153 2/3 innings pitched. The odds are against Darvish being a reliable fantasy pitching option in 2027 if he doesn't retire.

Jan 24

Tarik Skubal • SP • Tigers

Tigers Wanted Mets' Five Best Prospects for Tarik Skubal?

The New York Post's Joel Sherman writes that the New York Mets got indications that Detroit Tigers left-hander Tarik Skubal might have cost them their "five best prospects" in a trade. New York's five best prospects were Nolan McLean, Carson Benge, Jett Williams, Jonah Tong, and Brandon Sproat before they traded Williams and Sproat to the Milwaukee Brewers in exchange for right-hander Freddy Peralta this week. The Tigers have a sky-high asking price for Skubal, who won his second straight American League Cy Young award in 2025 after setting career highs in ERA (2.21), WHIP (0.89), strikeouts (241), and innings pitched (195 1/3). The 29-year-old southpaw is the most dominant starting pitcher in the game right now, and although he'll be a free agent after the 2026 season, it appears Detroit will hang onto him for now.

Jan 24

Francisco Lindor • SS • Mets

Francisco Lindor Remains a High-End Shortstop Option Heading into 2026

New York Mets shortstop Francisco Lindor (elbow) is coming off an excellent 2025 season in which he posted a .267/.346/.466 slash line with 31 home runs, 86 RBI, 117 runs scored, and 31 stolen bases across 732 plate appearances. The 32-year-old underwent offseason elbow surgery, but he's expected to be fully ready to go once 2026 Spring Training gets underway. Lindor should plug in as the everyday leadoff hitter at the top of a new-look Mets lineup. New York lost star first baseman Pete Alonso to the Baltimore Orioles in free agency, which could hurt the team's offense. However, the Mets pivoted by signing infielders Bo Bichette and Jorge Polanco, as well as trading for outfielder Luis Robert Jr. Of course, New York also retains outfielder Juan Soto, who drove in 105 RBI in his first season with the Mets in 2025. All in all, Lindor should be in a position to record his fourth consecutive season of at least 100 runs scored as long as he remains healthy. He remains an elite fantasy shortstop option heading into 2026.

Jan 24

Jackson Holliday • 2B • Orioles

Jackson Holliday Set Up to Build on Steady Sophomore Season

After struggling through much of his rookie season in 2024, Baltimore Orioles second baseman Jackson Holliday provided much more stable production throughout 2025. Across 649 plate appearances, Holliday slashed .242/.314/.375 with 17 home runs, 55 RBI, 70 runs scored, and 17 stolen bases. While those numbers don't exactly leap off the page, Holliday is still just 22 years old and showed real signs of improvement at the plate, cutting his strikeout rate from 33.2% in 2024 to 21.6% in 2025. Entering 2026, Holliday should see everyday playing time at second base and could be locked in at the top of a Baltimore lineup that looks much improved after adding superstar first baseman Pete Alonso in free agency. With another offseason to get stronger and work on his game, Holliday profiles as a possible breakout candidate for fantasy managers in 2026.

Jan 24

Jackson Merrill • CF • Padres

Jackson Merrill a Rebound Candidate With Improved Health in 2026

San Diego Padres outfielder Jackson Merrill was one of the stars of the 2024 MLB season, winning a Silver Slugger award and finishing ninth in the National League MVP vote as a rookie. However, the 22-year-old battled through injuries and underperformance in a disappointing 2025 sophomore campaign. Across 483 plate appearances overall, Merrill posted a .264/.317/.457 with 16 home runs, 67 RBI, 59 runs scored, and one stolen base. His strikeout rate rose from 17% in 2024 to 22.5% in 2025, and his slugging percentage dipped from .500 to .457. Entering 2026, Merrill should be back to full strength and could be in line for a bounce-back campaign. In addition to a potential rebound at the plate, improved lower-body health could help Merrill push closer to the 16 stolen bases he logged as a rookie. RotoBaller currently ranks Merrill as the number 16 outfielder in traditional rotisserie scoring fantasy formats.

Jan 24

Bo Bichette • SS • Mets

Bo Bichette in Line to Rack Up Counting Stats in 2026

After spending the first seven years of his career with the Toronto Blue Jays, infielder Bo Bichette will suit up in 2026 for the New York Mets. The soon-to-be 28-year-old inked a three-year $126 million contract with New York that will see him move from shortstop to third base. Bichette had an excellent year with Toronto in 2025, posting a .311/.357/.483 slash line with 18 home runs, 94 RBI, 78 runs scored, and four stolen bases across 628 plate appearances. While Bichette had a strong lineup around him with the Blue Jays, there's an argument to be made that he's in a better position to rack up counting stats with the Mets. Bichette will likely hit at the top of the lineup alongside outfielder Juan Soto and shortstop Francisco Lindor, both of whom topped 200 combined runs and RBI in 2025. If there's a reason for concern with Bichette, it may be the adjustment period that could come with learning a new position. However, he will gain multi-position eligibility early in the season, which only boosts his 2026 fantasy value.

Jan 24

Kristian Campbell • 2B • Red Sox

Can Kristian Campbell Earn an Everyday Role in Boston?

Boston Red Sox second baseman Kristian Campbell got off to a strong start to the 2025 season, earning a starting role in Spring Training and signing an eight-year extension in April. However, the 23-year-old faded over the course of the season and spent the last three-plus months of the year in Triple-A. Across 263 MLB plate appearances overall, Campbell posted a .223/.319/.345 slash line with six home runs, 21 RBI, 24 runs scored, and two stolen bases. As things currently stand, the Red Sox project to enter 2026 Spring Training with opportunities for playing time at both second and third base. As such, Campbell could be competing for a job with infielders Marcelo Mayer and Romy Gonzalez, as well as utility men Nate Eaton and Nick Sogard. Boston may also be looking to move Campbell to the outfield, although the team's outfield depth chart is significantly more crowded. Campbell's progress in Spring Training will be a storyline for fantasy managers to monitor closely.

Jan 24

José Ramírez • 3B • Guardians

Jose Ramirez Signs Seven-Year Extension With Guardians

Cleveland Guardians All-Star third baseman Jose Ramirez signed a restructured seven-year, $175 million contract extension on Saturday that will carry him through the 2032 season, according to Hector Gomez. In April of 2022, Ramirez and the Guardians agreed to a five-year, $124 million extension. Ramirez has been one of the best all-around players in baseball, dating back to the 2017 season. The 33-year-old Dominican switch-hitter can do it all, and he's hit .279/.353/.504 with an .857 OPS, 285 homers, 949 RBI, and 287 stolen bases in 13 big-league seasons. Not only does he contribute in all categories for fantasy managers, but he's been durable, playing in 150-plus games in each of the last five seasons. J-Ram has 30-plus homers and 100-plus RBI in three of the last five years despite playing in Cleveland. He's a top-five overall fantasy selection heading into spring drafts.

Jan 24

Isaac Paredes • 3B • Astros

Isaac Paredes Not Guaranteed Starting Role to Begin Season?

Houston Astros third baseman Isaac Paredes may have to earn a starting role during spring training, given the current state of the team's infield. During his first stint with the Astros last season, Isaac Paredes logged 89 of his 102 games at the hot corner, with the other 13 coming as the designated hitter. However, after Paredes suffered a significant hamstring injury in July, the Astros opted to acquire Carlos Correa ahead of the trade deadline to bolster their infield. With Correa slated to play third base, Paredes will have to compete for the first base job alongside Christian Walker. He could also see time as a DH if Yordan Alvarez is moved back to left field. Paredes has also been linked in several trade discussions, including the Boston Red Sox, which could open up a full-time role. However, in his current situation, managers should expect him to potentially see limited at-bats, which will hinder his early-season upside.

Jan 24

Ben Rice • 1B • Yankees

Ben Rice to Play "A Lot" Against Lefties, Primed for Lead Role in 2026?

New York Yankees first baseman Ben Rice is expected to play "a lot "against left-handed pitching, according to Greg Joyce of The New York Post. Last season, Rice was typically held out against left-handed pitchers, with the Yankees instead deploying Paul Goldschmidt at first base, who performed well against southpaws. However, with Goldschmidt off the roster, Rice appears not only poised to be the primary first baseman but also to be penciled into the starting lineup on a daily basis. During the 2025 campaign, Rice flashed elite upside, posting a .255/.337/.499 line with 26 home runs and three stolen bases. Under the hood, Rice generated an elite .394 xwOBA, .283 xBA, and a .557 xSLG, suggesting he could be primed for an even more productive 2026 season. Given that he is projected to earn nearly full-time at-bats, Rice should be viewed as a high-end caliber starting first baseman in all formats.

Jan 24

Nick Martinez • SP

Tigers Showing Interest in Nick Martinez

According to Evan Pezold of The Detroit Free Press, the Tigers have shown interest in free agent right-handed pitcher Nick Martinez. Additionally, the Tigers have also shown interest in other proven options on the open market, such as Jose Quintana and Chris Bassitt. The Tigers are likely looking to add one more stable option to the back of their rotation ahead of spring training. Martinez spent the entire 2025 campaign with the Reds and was deployed as both a starter and a reliever. Through 165 2/3 innings, Martinez held a 4.45 ERA with a 1.21 WHIP. He struck out only 116 batters but generated a 4.04 xERA, suggesting he could see some minor positive regression during the upcoming season. If Martinez were to agree to terms with the Tigers, he would likely bounce between the rotation and a long-relief role, making him only worth targeting in deeper 15-team/AL-only leagues.

Jan 24

Matthew Liberatore • SP • Cardinals

Matthew Liberatore Eyeing Opening Day Start

St. Louis Cardinals left-handed pitcher Matthew Liberatore wants to be the team's Opening Day starter and hopes to "force their hand" in any way during spring training. Jim Hayes of the FanDuel Sports Network reported that the southpaw has added a new pitch that he plans to unveil during camp. After spending most of 2024 in the bullpen, Liberatore was able to log a career-high 151 2/3 innings with the Cardinals last season, operating as a full-time starter. During this stretch, Liberatore posted a 4.21 ERA with a 1.31 WHIP. He struck out 122 hitters but showed high-end command, allowing walks at a low 6.2% rate. Under the hood, he generated a modest 4.90 xERA, suggesting he could take a step back in the upcoming season. Liberatore figures to compete alongside Michael McGreevy, Dustin May, and Richard Fitts for the Opening Day nod.

Jan 24

Aidan Miller • 3B • Phillies

Aidan Miller Invited to Big-League Camp

Philadelphia Phillies infield prospect Aidan Miller earned an invite to spring training. Miller is considered one of the top shortstop prospects in the sport on MLB.com and is viewed as the team's No. 2 overall prospect. The 21-year-old joined Philadelphia in the opening round (27th overall) of the 2023 MLB Draft. The infielder began the 2025 campaign with Double-A Reading, where he held a .259/.382/.427 line with an .809 OPS. Miller hit 25 doubles, 13 home runs, and stole 52 bases. He then finished the season with a brief eight-game stint at Triple-A, where Miller posted a strong .333/.514/.519 line with one home run and an impressive seven stolen bases. Given that Miller has only had a brief stint in Triple-A, he will likely begin the 2026 season there. However, if he has a successful spring training, he may contend for an early 2026 MLB debut.

Jan 24

Justin Crawford • CF • Phillies

Justin Crawford Earns Invite to Spring Training

Philadelphia Phillies outfield prospect Justin Crawford has earned an invite to spring training. Crawford is currently considered the team's No. 3 prospect according to MLB Pipeline and is the No. 54 overall prospect in the entire sport. Last season, the 17th overall pick in the 2022 MLB Draft spent his entire season with Lehigh Valley. Through 112 contests with the Iron Pigs, the outfielder posted a .334/.411/.452 line with an .863 OPS. During this stretch, Crawford hit 23 doubles, added seven home runs, and swiped an impressive 46 bags. In 2024, Crawford held a similar .313/.360/.444 line with 25 doubles, nine home runs, and 42 stolen bases across 110 games, placed between High-A and Double-A. Managers should expect Crawford to compete for the starting center field role in camp. If he does earn the job, he will carry sleeper appeal in category leagues given his elite contact skills and speed.

Jan 24

Kaleb Ort • RP

Kaleb Ort Designated for Assignment by Yankees

New York Yankees relief pitcher Kaleb Ort has been designated for assignment by the organization on Friday. Ort was claimed by the Bronx Bombers earlier this month from the Houston Astros. He'll now be placed on waivers to open up a roster spot for outfielder Michael Siani. Last season, Ort posted a 4.89 ERA, 1.34 WHIP, and a 49/27 K/BB ratio across 49 games with the Astros. Over the course of his five-year career, Ort has a 5.00 ERA and a 1.39 WHIP across 118 big league games. The 29-year-old could land with another organization as a depth option in Spring Training.

Jan 24

Jhonny Pereda • C

Jhonny Pereda Designated for Assignment

Minnesota Twins catcher Jhonny Pereda has been designated for assignment by the organization on Friday. Pereda was the odd man out after the Twins signed catcher Victor Caratini this week. They needed to make room on the 40-man roster, so Pereda will be placed on waivers. Last season, Pereda slashed .246/.325/.333 with four RBI across 28 games with the Athletics and Twins. The 29-year-old put together strong numbers during his time in Triple-A last season. It wouldn't be shocking to see a team give him a chance this spring. He'll likely serve as a depth option wherever he lands, which won't result in much fantasy value.

Jan 24

MLB News

LEGEND