MLB News

Merrill Kelly • SP • Diamondbacks

Merrill Kelly to Start on Opening Day for Arizona

Arizona Diamondbacks manager Torey Lovullo said that right-hander Merrill Kelly will be the team's Opening Day starter, per Nick Piecoro of The Arizona Republic. Kelly, 37, began last season with the D-backs before being traded to the Texas Rangers. In 32 total starts (184 innings), he went 12-9 with a 3.52 ERA (3.76 FIP), 1.11 WHIP, and 167:48 K:BB. Kelly was much better in Arizona before the trade, recording a 3.22 ERA (3.58 FIP) and 1.06 WHIP with 121 K's and 38 free passes in 128 2/3 frames over 22 starts. Kelly doesn't have overpowering stuff and is nearing the end of his career, but he can still be effective as a starter, as he frequently uses his stellar changeup to generate weak contact. In addition to regularly getting weak contact, Kelly has excellent control, with a 7.2% walk rate in his seven MLB seasons. Kelly can provide some stability to the back end of a rotation in deep fantasy leagues. He's ranked at RotoBaller as the No. 64 starting pitcher in fantasy.

6 hours ago

Jac Caglianone • RF • Royals

Jac Caglianone to Have "Plenty of Opportunities to Play" in 2026

Kansas City Royals first baseman/outfielder Jac Caglianone had a frustrating debut season in the major leagues last year, slashing .157/.237/.295 with seven home runs, 18 RBI, 19 runs scored, 18 walks, and 52 strikeouts in 62 games over 232 plate appearances. The 23-year-old former sixth overall pick in 2024 out of Florida had impressive exit velocities, barrel rate, and bat speed, but he also struck too much and chased bad pitches. It was a small big-league sample size for Caglianone in 2025, and the Royals are giving him some "runway to establish himself as an everyday player" in 2026, according to Anne Rogers of MLB.com. KC sees him playing a lot in right field to begin the season. Mechanically, Caglianone focused on keeping his weight balanced in the offseason rather than being so front-foot heavy. There are plenty of reasons to be optimistic about Cags long term, especially with his elite power, but fantasy managers in redraft leagues will be a bit more hesitant to buy in as he heads into his sophomore season.

7 hours ago

Jordan Lawlar • SS • Diamondbacks

Jordan Lawlar Could Earn Everyday Playing Time Early in 2026

Arizona Diamondbacks infielder/outfielder Jordan Lawlar struggled in his first taste of big-league action in 2025, hitting .182/.257/.288 with zero home runs, five RBI, nine runs scored, and two stolen bases across 74 plate appearances. The 23-year-old also posted below-average defensive metrics while bouncing around between third base, second base, and shortstop. Over the offseason, Arizona announced that the majority of Lawlar's 2026 Spring Training reps would come in the outfield. The position change may end up leading Lawlar to an early-season starting role in the big leagues, as star Diamondbacks outfielder Corbin Carroll (hand) underwent surgery on a broken hamate bone on Wednesday and may miss the start of the season as a result. Arizona outfielder Lourdes Gurriel Jr. (knee) will definitely be sidelined for Opening Day, so the team has a significant need for help in the outfield. Lawlar mashed Triple-A pitching to a .313/.403/.564 line with 11 home runs, 52 RBI, 50 runs scored, and 20 stolen bases across 300 plate appearances in 2025. With a current average draft position of pick 336, Lawlar could be worth a late-round dart throw in fantasy drafts heading into 2026.

8 hours ago

Maikel Garcia • 3B • Royals

Maikel Garcia Poised to Build on 2025 Breakout?

Kansas City Royals third baseman Maikel Garcia put together a breakout season in 2025, hitting .286/.351/.449 with 16 home runs, 74 RBI, 81 runs scored, and 23 stolen bases across 666 plate appearances. The 25-year-old posted career-best walk (9.3%) and strikeout (12.6%) rates, while still posting a stellar 45.1% hard-hit rate. Garcia also spent time at shortstop, second base, and in the outfield in 2025, so he may offer multi-position eligibility to fantasy managers in certain league formats. Although it was the best of his career, Garcia's 5.6% barrel rate in 2025 remains below average and may indicate a limited power ceiling. However, there's reason to believe that he could offer more in terms of stolen bases, as Garcia swiped 37 bags despite a brutal .281 on-base percentage as recently as 2024. Garcia should be locked into an everyday role at the top of the Kansas City lineup, so he offers a stable floor in terms of RBI and runs scored. If he can get back to his previously demonstrated levels of aggression on the base paths while holding his gains with the bat, Garcia's current average draft position of pick 80 could prove to be a bargain for fantasy managers.

8 hours ago

Nick Pivetta • SP • Padres

Nick Pivetta a Regression Candidate Following Career-Year in 2025?

San Diego Padres starting pitcher Nick Pivetta put together a breakout season in 2025, posting a 13-5 record with a 2.87 ERA, 0.99 WHIP, and 190 strikeouts across 181 2/3 innings (31 starts). 2025 was the 32-year-old's first season with an ERA under 4.04, and he still holds a career ERA of 4.47 across over 1,200 career innings, even after his standout year. Much of Pivetta's success can be attributed to his diminished home run rate. After allowing 1.72 HR/9 while pitching for the Boston Red Sox in 2024, Pivetta allowed just 1.09 HR/9 in 2025. Part of those gains can be attributed to his transition from making his home starts in the hitter-friendly Fenway Park to San Diego's pitcher-friendly Petco Park. However, Pivetta's career HR/9 is 1.46, so he seems likely to regress in the category in 2026. Pivetta has posted three consecutive seasons with a WHIP of 1.13 or lower and at least a 19.4% K-BB rate, so he still profiles as a solid pitcher. However, with an average draft position of pick 93, Pivetta may currently be overvalued by fantasy managers heading into 2026.

8 hours ago

Brusdar Graterol • RP • Dodgers

Brusdar Graterol's Opening Day Availability in Question

Los Angeles Dodgers manager Dave Roberts said that the team is going to "slow play" relief pitcher Brusdar Graterol's (shoulder) ramp-up this spring, per Jack Harris of the California Post. Harris reports that Graterol's availability for Opening Day has yet to be determined, but that Roberts said Graterol is "going to take some time." Graterol was a dominant reliever in his last full season in 2023, posting a 1.20 ERA and 0.97 WHIP with 48 strikeouts and seven saves across 67 1/3 innings pitched. However, injuries limited him to just seven appearances in 2024 and sidelined him for the entirety of 2025. The Dodgers signed veteran closer Edwin Diaz over the offseason, and setup man Tanner Scott seems likely to take over the ninth inning if Diaz were to get hurt. As such, even a fully healthy Graterol appears to be blocked off from save chances in Los Angeles, further limiting his fantasy appeal in 2026.

9 hours ago

Spencer Jones • CF • Yankees

Spencer Jones "Currently Blocked" from Playing Time with the Yankees

New York Yankees general manager Brian Cashman said that outfield prospect Spencer Jones is "currently blocked" from playing time at the big-league level, per Gary Phillips of the New York Daily News. A former first-round pick by the Yankees in 2022, Jones will turn 25 years old in May. He posted monster numbers split between Double and Triple-A in 2025, hitting .274/.362/.571 with 35 home runs, 80 RBI, 102 runs scored, and 29 stolen bases across 506 plate appearances. However, swing-and-miss remains a major concern in Jones' profile, as he logged a 35.4% strikeout rate. The Yankees currently have established veterans Cody Bellinger, Trent Grisham, and Aaron Judge penciled in as their starting outfielders, while Giancarlo Stanton is locked in as the designated hitter. Even if one of those four players were to suffer an injury, fellow Yankees outfield prospect Jasson Dominguez may be ahead of Jones in the outfield pecking order. Barring a trade or multiple outfield injuries in New York, it appears as though Jones will begin the 2026 season in the Minors.

9 hours ago

Jace Jung • 3B • Tigers

Jace Jung Taking Reps at First Base

Detroit Tigers infielder Jace Jung is taking reps at first base in camp, per Tigers beat writer Chris McCosky. The 25-year-old Jung has previously appeared at both second base and third base across two separate stints with Detroit in 2024 and 2025. Jung has struggled to hit at the big-league level, posting a .190/.315/.230 slash line with zero home runs, six RBI, 22 runs scored, and zero stolen bases across 149 career plate appearances. He recorded much better numbers across 495 plate appearances with Triple-A Toledo in 2025, hitting .252/.370/.447 with 17 home runs, 74 RBI, 69 runs scored, and four stolen bases. Detroit currently has the righty-swinging Spencer Torkelson penciled in as its everyday first baseman. Jung, a left-handed hitter, could potentially work his way into some at-bats at first base against tough right-handed pitchers if he can make the Tigers roster. Jung is unlikely to carry significant fantasy value in 2026, but managers interested in Torkelson may want to take note of Jung's progress at first base.

9 hours ago

Jasson Domínguez • LF • Yankees

Yankees Want Everyday Reps for Jasson Dominguez

The New York Yankees want to give outfielder Jasson Dominguez everyday reps, but they might not be able to offer that at the major-league level to begin the 2026 season, according to general manager Brian Cashman. It means that Dominguez could begin the year at Triple-A Scranton/Wilkes-Barre. The 23-year-old Dominican switch-hitter lost his path to regular playing time last year when the team brought back Trent Grisham to play center field and Cody Bellinger to play left field. Aaron Judge is locked into right field, so Dominguez won't have a clear path to consistent playing time in the majors unless there's an injury to one of those three outfielders or designated hitter Giancarlo Stanton. Oswaldo Cabrera could beat Dominguez out for the last bench spot. Dominguez, who is known as the Martian, is loaded with talent and possesses speed, but his defensive limitations make it challenging for the Yankees to justify carrying him as a bench player. He slashed .257/.331/.388 with 10 homers and 23 steals in 123 regular-season games last year. Dominguez is one injury away from being very attractive in fantasy in 2026.

12 hours ago

Shota Imanaga • SP • Cubs

Shota Imanaga Adjusting his Pitch Repertoire

Chicago Cubs left-hander Shota Imanaga has teamed with pitching coach Tommy Hottovy to adjust his pitch repertoire going into the 2026 season, according to Jordan Bastian of MLB.com. Hottovy said the goal is to keep honing a sweeper from his "natural arm slot" while reintroducing a cutter and finding a sinker grip that "helps maintain velocity." The 32-year-old Japanese southpaw was an All-Star in his first year with the Cubs in 2024, going 15-3 with a 2.91 ERA. He was off to a strong start last year, too, before a left-hamstring injury on May 4 cost him seven weeks and impacted his performance down the stretch. Imanaga allowed 20 home runs in his final 12 starts for a 5.17 ERA in that span. He was even worse in two playoff appearances. If Imanaga can stay healthy and rediscover his magic from 2024, he'll be a great value pick in fantasy drafts. RotoBaller currently has him ranked as the No. 50 starting pitcher.

12 hours ago

Andrew Chafin • RP • Twins

Andrew Chafin Signs Minor-League Deal With Twins

The Minnesota Twins signed free-agent left-handed reliever Andrew Chafin to a minor-league deal with an invitation to major-league spring training on Saturday, according to Dan Hayes of The Athletic. Chafin, 35, will bring some much-needed high-leverage experience to the rebuilding Twins' bullpen this year, although he probably won't be an option for saves. The former first-rounder back in 2011 out of Kent State University has 12 years of big-league experience, most recently posting a 2.41 ERA (3.46 FIP) and 1.43 WHIP with 36 strikeouts and 19 walks in 33 2/3 relief innings with the Washington Nationals and Los Angeles Angels last year. Chafin could be useful in deep holds leagues in his new home, and the Twins may try to flip him at this year's trade deadline if he's pitching well. Chafin holds a career 3.35 ERA and 1.28 WHIP with 20 saves and a 25.8% strikeout rate.

12 hours ago

Griffin Canning • SP • Padres

Griffin Canning, Padres Agree to a Deal

Free-agent right-hander Griffin Canning (Achilles) and the San Diego Padres agreed to an undisclosed contract on Saturday, pending a physical, sources familiar with the deal told Robert Murray of FanSided.com. Canning was in the midst of a breakout campaign last year with the New York Mets, going 7-3 with a career-best 3.77 ERA (4.04 FIP) and 1.38 WHIP with 70 strikeouts and 35 walks in 76 1/3 innings over 16 starts, when he ruptured his left Achilles in late June. The 29-year-old is unlikely to be ready for the start of the 2026 season, but when he is, he'll be a candidate to join the back end of the Friars' starting rotation. Canning was able to find success with the Mets by using a cut fastball and avoiding the long ball for the most part. He'll be heading to a nice pitching environment at Petco Park, but he'll be a pretty big risk in deeper leagues because of his lengthy injury history.

12 hours ago

Nick Castellanos • RF • Padres

Nick Castellanos Heading to the Padres

Free-agent outfielder Nick Castellanos is joining the San Diego Padres on a league-minimum MLB deal ($780,000), according to Jon Heyman of the New York Post. The Athletic's Dennis Lin reports that Castellanos is expected to make his first-base debut with the Padres while also seeing time in the outfield and at designated hitter. The Philadelphia Phillies will pay Castellanos the remainder of the $20 million he's owed for 2026 after they released him earlier this week. The 33-year-old former first-rounder has been declining at the plate in recent seasons, and he has also been one of the worst defensive outfielders in the game. He hit .250/.294/.400 with a .694 OPS, 17 home runs, 72 RBI, and 72 runs for the Phils last year in 147 regular-season games. Castellanos can still contribute, but Petco Park will be a ballpark downgrade, and he's unlikely to play every day anymore.

12 hours ago

Joey Gallo • 1B

Joey Gallo Throwing for Interested Teams

Free-agent Joey Gallo, who is making a full-time transition as a pitcher, is starting to throw for interested teams and has been working out in Florida, according to Jon Heyman of the New York Post. Gallo was in spring training with the Chicago White Sox last year before being released after going 2-for-20 with 11 strikeouts at the plate in nine games. The 32-year-old veteran had two 40-homer seasons with the Texas Rangers back in 2017 and 2018 and had prodigious power in his prime, but he drastically fell off as a hitter in recent seasons and is now trying to make a comeback on the mound. In 2024 with the Washington Nationals, he hit just .161/.277/.336 with 10 home runs and 102 strikeouts in 76 games (260 plate appearances). Gallo's arm strength has always been elite, but he'll probably be a long shot to contribute at the major-league level as a pitcher.

23 hours ago

Jason Adam • RP • Padres

Jason Adam Thinks he Could be Ready for Opening Day

San Diego Padres right-handed reliever Jason Adam (quadriceps) told 97.3 The Fan on Friday that he thinks he could be available for Opening Day in late March as he works his way back from a ruptured left quadriceps tendon that he suffered late last year. Adam has been throwing bullpen sessions, but he still has some boxes to check to prove that he can field his own position and move around. The most likely scenario is that the 34-year-old veteran will start the 2026 season on the injured list before making his season debut at some point in April. Before his injury, Adam was a key piece of SD's lights-out bullpen, posting a 1.93 ERA, 1.15 WHIP, and 70:25 K:BB in 65 1/3 innings out of the bullpen. His 29 holds ranked seventh among relievers. Adam's strikeout rate dipped a bit to 25.9%, which was his lowest mark since 2019. If he can stay healthy in 2026, Adam should be a great asset in holds leagues yet again.

Yesterday

Zac Gallen • SP • Diamondbacks

Diamondbacks Re-Sign Zac Gallen

The Arizona Diamondbacks re-signed right-hander Zac Gallen for around $22 million on Friday night, according to Jon Heyman of the New York Post. He rejected Arizona's $22.025 million qualifying offer back in November, but he'll end up making around the same amount in 2026 as he looks to bounce back in a familiar environment. Gallen will return to the desert after the 30-year-old veteran had a career-high 4.83 ERA (4.50 FIP) and 1.26 WHIP with 175 strikeouts and 66 walks in 192 innings over 33 starts in his walk year in 2025. His 31 home runs were easily a career high as well. In addition to being much more hittable last year, Gallen's strikeout rate fell to a career-low 21.5%. Gallen's cutter and sinker, which he threw more of, were just not effective enough. He could rebound by keeping the ball in the yard more often, but there's also a good chance we've already seen peak Gallen.

Yesterday

Zac Veen • RF • Rockies

Zac Veen Overcomes Substance Abuse, Adds Muscle

Colorado Rockies outfield prospect Zac Veen finished his first MLB season at an unhealthy 202 pounds, but he's now at 245 pounds after adding muscle in the offseason, according to MLB.com's Thomas Harding. "Definitely one of the bigger, main things was sobering up," said Veen, 24. "I had a pretty big substance abuse problem for a few years. But I'm completely clean and sober." The former ninth overall pick in 2020 went 4-for-34 (.118) with 14 strikeouts in 37 plate appearances in his first 12 big-league games with the Rockies last year before being sent back to Triple-A Albuquerque. Johnny Goodrich, Veen's high-school coach, said his speed, leaping ability, and hitting exit velocities have improved with the added muscle. Veen is currently in an uphill battle to win an Opening Day roster spot, especially with the offseason addition of Jake McCarthy. He can be ignored in redraft leagues to start the year, but fantasy managers in dynasty/keeper leagues shouldn't give up on him just yet.

Yesterday

Yohel Pozo • C • Cardinals

Yohel Pozo Drops Significant Weight Heading into 2026 Season

St. Louis Cardinals catcher Yohel Pozo announced on his X account that he has dropped 33 pounds since last season. The 28-year-old Venezuelan will be battling for a big-league roster spot in spring training after he hit .231/.262/.375 with a .637 OPS, five home runs, 19 RBI, and 16 runs scored in 67 games in his first year with the Cardinals last season. St. Louis non-tendered him in the offseason before he re-signed with the club on a split contract. Pozo is obviously in much better shape this year, but he still has plenty of work to do with Ivan Herrera (elbow) and Pedro Pages ahead of him on the catching depth chart. He'll also have to beat out Jimmy Crooks to avoid starting the year at Triple-A Memphis. Pozo's 2025 campaign started well with a .312 average and four homers in his first 38 games, but he went 8-for-67 in the second half and also missed time with a concussion. For now, fantasy managers can avoid Pozo in all formats.

Yesterday

Sandy Alcantara • SP • Marlins

Sandy Alcantara Adding a Sweeper

Miami Marlins right-hander Sandy Alcantara is adding a sweeper to his arsenal, which already consists of a four-seam fastball, sinker, cutter, slider, and changeup, according to Jordan McPherson of the Miami Herald. In his first year back from Tommy John surgery in 2025, Alcantara went 11-12 with a career-worst 5.36 ERA (4.28 FIP), 1.27 WHIP, and 142:57 K:BB in 174 2/3 innings over 31 starts. The 30-year-old former Cy Young winner and two-time All-Star looked much better down the stretch, though, recording a 2.68 ERA, 0.86 WHIP, and 52:10 K:BB in 53 2/3 innings over his final eight starts. Alcantara was also able to return to his pre-injury velocity, a good sign going into his eighth year in the big leagues. He's not in the greatest situation in Miami to rack up wins, but Alcantara's finish to the 2025 campaign should inspire confidence that he can bounce back as a fantasy ace in 2026.

Yesterday

Nate Pearson • RP • Astros

Nate Pearson Coming Off Offseason Elbow Surgery

Houston Astros right-hander Nate Pearson (elbow) had a cleanup surgery on his right elbow in the offseason, according to Brian McTaggart of MLB.com. Pearson was scheduled to throw a bullpen session in camp on Friday, though, and appears to be just fine for the start of the 2026 season with his new team. The 29-year-old signed a one-year, $1.35 million contract with Houston in the offseason. Pearson has primarily been a reliever since 2021, but the Astros are going to stretch him out as a starter this spring. The former first-rounder by the Toronto Blue Jays in 2017 out of the College of Central Florida has a career ERA over 5.00 in five major-league seasons, and he allowed 15 earned runs with 10 walks and seven strikeouts in just 14 2/3 relief frames for the Cubbies in 2025. The hard-throwing right-hander was once one of the top pitching prospects in all of baseball, but he just has not lived up to expectations. Fantasy managers will want to take a wait-and-see approach with Pearson in his return to a starting role.

Yesterday

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