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New York Yankees shortstop Anthony Volpe (shoulder) is "working his tail off" as he rehabs from offseason left-shoulder surgery, according to general manager Brian Cashman. There's no updated return timetable on Volpe, but the Yankees said earlier this offseason that they don't expect Volpe to make his 2026 debut until after April, per Bryan Hoch of MLB.com. The 24-year-old shortstop's fantasy stock has definitely taken a hit going into 2026 after having surgery for a shoulder injury that he suffered in the first half of last season. RotoBaller has Volpe ranked as the No. 34 fantasy shortstop after he hit .212/.272/.391 with 19 home runs, 72 RBI, 65 runs scored, and 18 stolen bases in 153 games in 2025. Volpe will be much cheaper in fantasy drafts this year because of his shoulder surgery, and it could take him a while to regain his power stroke in 2026.

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The Atlanta Braves brought back right-handed closer Raisel Iglesias on a one-year, $16 million deal for the 2026 campaign, but they also added high-leverage reliever Robert Suarez in free agency. The Braves are saying that Iglesias will begin the year as their primary closer, but should Iglesias get injured or stumble, Suarez could take over quickly after leading baseball with 40 saves for the San Diego Padres in 2025. Suarez has 76 saves in the last two seasons, so he's plenty capable of handling the role in his new digs. The 36-year-old Iglesias didn't look like himself early in 2025, but he bounced back with an ERA under 2.00 and a 0.83 WHIP since the start of June. Iglesias had a league-best 16 saves over the final two months and was nearly unhittable during that time. He definitely still has the stuff to be a successful fantasy closer, but Suarez's presence has made him around the 12th fantasy closer off the board in drafts.

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Because he missed almost the entire second half of the 2025 season due to a left rotator-cuff strain, Kansas City Royals left-hander Kris Bubic (shoulder) is the No. 62-ranked starting fantasy pitcher at RotoBaller going into 2026. It's unclear if Bubic will be ready for the start of the regular season, but he was cleared to start throwing in November. Before his shoulder injury last year, the 28-year-old southpaw was in the midst of a breakout campaign, going 8-7 with a 2.55 ERA, 1.18 WHIP, and 116:39 K:BB in 20 starts over 116 innings pitched. Bubic only threw 30 1/3 innings in relief for KC in 2024, and his arm simply couldn't handle the volume increase. He doesn't have high-end velocity, but Bubic makes up for it with a diverse arsenal and excellent location that he uses to keep hitters off balance. If he's ready for the start of the 2026 season, Bubic could be a nice late-round value pick in fantasy drafts.

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The Milwaukee Brewers signed free-agent catcher Reese McGuire to a minor-league contract on Wednesday that includes an invitation to major-league spring training, according to Adam McCalvy of MLB.com. McGuire will stay in the National League Central in 2026 after slashing .226/.245/.444 with a .688 OPS, career-high nine home runs, and 24 RBI in 44 games with the Chicago Cubs. The 30-year-old backstop hasn't exactly panned out in his eight big-league seasons after the Pittsburgh Pirates took him in the first round (14th overall) back in 2013 out of high school. In 399 career games at the major-league level, the left-handed hitter has a .248/.293/.374 slash line with 25 homers, 106 RBI, and 110 runs scored. McGuire should be expected to serve as Milwaukee's backup catcher behind All-Star William Contreras, giving him little fantasy appeal.

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Texas Rangers outfielder Evan Carter said that he wants to steal 30 bases during the 2026 MLB season. Carter told Shawn McFarland of The Dallas Morning News that he has something to prove this year, and reaching the 30-steal mark is one of his goals. Back spasms and a right wrist fracture limited the former second-round pick to just eight games after August 1st last season, so contributing consistently and staying healthy will be key for his fantasy value in 2026. He finished his third MLB campaign with a .247/.336/.392 slash line, five home runs, 14 stolen bases, an 8.6% walk rate, an 18.6% strikeout rate, and 107 wRC+ across 63 games. Carter hasn't stolen 30 bases in a single campaign since being drafted, but he did tally at least 26 in each of his first three minor league seasons, so that's a reasonable goal. As it stands, he ranks as the #84 outfielder in RotoBaller's latest fantasy baseball draft rankings for 2026.

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The Colorado Rockies have acquired infielder Edouard Julien and right-handed pitcher Pierson Ohl from the Minnesota Twins in exchange for right-handed pitching prospect Jace Kaminska and cash considerations. Julien made just 64 appearances in the majors last year, but he got back above the Mendoza line by slashing .220/.309/.324 with a 10.6% walk rate, 29.3% strikeout rate, and 81 wRC+. He posted negative fWAR at the plate and in the field, and he primarily played first or second base when he wasn't designated hitting. He combined for -7 OAA on the right side of the infield. The 26-year-old has zero options remaining, so Colorado will now be pressured to keep him on their 40-man and 26-man rosters. Despite his subpar metrics, Julien represents a potential short-term upgrade over depth infielders Ryan Ritter, Adael Amador, and Blaine Crim, all of whom possess fewer than 0.15 years of service time.

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The Atlanta Braves have shown interest in free-agent right-handed pitchers Lucas Giolito and Chris Bassitt, according to Jon Heyman of MLB Network. Giolito hit the open market after a season in Boston, and because he doesn't carry a qualifying offer, the Braves wouldn't have to forfeit a draft selection for signing him. He tossed 145 innings across 26 starts in 2025, posting a 3.41 ERA, 7.51 K/9, and 3.48 BB/9. The 31-year-old's 4.59 xFIP suggests he may have gotten lucky at times last season, but the results were enough to keep Giolito entrenched in the No. 2 starter role behind Garrett Crochet. If he joins the Braves, he'd slot in behind a different Cy Young candidate southpaw in Chris Sale. Bassitt also found success in the AL East last year, pitching to a 3.84 xFIP with 8.77 K/9, 2.75 BB/9, and a 46.5% ground ball rate with the Blue Jays. He'll be 37 by Opening Day, so he's a bit older than Giolito, but he offers consistency after making at least 30 starts in each of the last four seasons. As it currently stands, Spencer Schwellenbach and Spencer Strider are in line to pitch after Sale in the Braves' rotation.

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The Chicago Cubs have signed veteran reliever Trent Thornton to a minor league contract with an invitation to spring training, according to Bruce Levine of 670 The Score. Thornton most recently appeared in the majors with Toronto last season, pitching to a 4.74 FIP across 33 appearances (42.1 innings). He limited walks but allowed a decent amount of contact with 6.80 K/9 and 1.28 HR/9. Pitch-tracking data indicate that Thornton threw seven different pitches in 2025, adding a splitter to his repertoire for the first time in his career. However, the slider/sweeper remains his best offering with 103 Stuff+, according to FanGraphs' model. The 32-year-old right-hander is working his way back from a torn Achilles, and it's currently unclear whether his recovery timetable will allow him to compete for a spot in the Cubs' Opening Day bullpen.

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The Arizona Diamondbacks have signed free-agent reliever Derek Law to a minor league contract, according to Aaron Hughes of Good Morning Baseball. Law last pitched in the majors in 2024, and he missed all of last season due to right forearm inflammation. The right-hander tried to return midseason in 2025, but he was shut down before he could finish his rehab assignment in Triple-A. Across 75 appearances (90 innings) with the Nationals in 2024, he posted an encouraging 3.32 FIP with 7.6 K/9, 2.4 BB/9, and a 48.5% ground ball rate. He did a good job limiting runs, walks, and loud contact, but he now has to settle for a minor league deal after missing a full season due to injury. Presumably, Law will report to spring training. Although he's not on the 40-man roster, he should compete for a spot in the Opening Day rotation.

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Baltimore Orioles catcher Adley Rutschman battled through both injuries and underperformance in 2025, posting a .220/.307/.366 slash line with nine home runs, 29 RBI, and 37 runs scored across 365 plate appearances. His down year was a continuation of a worrying production decline. After posting an .809 OPS across 687 plate appearances in 2023, Rutschman's OPS dipped to .709 in 2024 and a career-low .673 in 2025. It's possible that his struggles in 2025 can be attributed fully to a lack of health, as he missed time with two separate oblique strains. Still, 2026 represents somewhat of a make-or-break year for Rutschman, given that Baltimore has top catching prospect Samuel Basallo as a possible-ready-made replacement already on the roster. The Orioles will certainly give Rutschman every chance to re-establish himself, as he still profiles as a strong defensive catcher and will turn just 28 years old in February. If he can return closer to his early-career production while batting near the middle of an improved Baltimore lineup, Rustchman could be a sleeper candidate for fantasy managers at the catcher position in 2026.

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St. Louis Cardinals shortstop Masyn Winn (knee) had his 2025 season cut short by a meniscus tear in his knee that led to him getting shut down in mid-September. However, the 23-year-old will reportedly enter 2026 Spring Training fully healthy and could be poised for a breakout season as a result. Across 537 plate appearances in 2025, Winn posted a .253/.310/.363 slash line with nine home runs, 51 RBI, 72 runs scored, and nine stolen bases. He was significantly better in the early part of the season, recording a .276/.352/.435 slash line through the end of May. Winn was reportedly battling knee soreness for an extended stretch before eventually getting shut down, so it's possible that the ailment impacted his performance in the second half. Winn is known as one of MLB's better defensive shortstops, which should give him an extended runway of everyday playing time in St. Louis. If he can put together a full season of the production he flashed to begin 2025, Winn could be a sleeper candidate for fantasy managers to target late in drafts.

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Seattle Mariners first baseman Josh Naylor was one of the first dominoes to fall in free agency this past winter, re-signing with Seattle on a five-year contract in mid-November. Naylor posted an excellent season in 2025 across 604 plate appearances split between the Mariners and Arizona Diamondbacks, slashing .295/.353/.462 with 20 home runs, 92 RBI, 81 runs scored, and 30 stolen bases. The 28-year-old's speed breakout was the most surprising aspect of his profile, as he had logged just 22 combined steals across the three seasons before 2025. 19 of Naylor's stolen bases came in the 54 games he played for Seattle, so the Mariners could be encouraging him to run even more in 2026. With just a 6.6% barrel rate in 2025, Naylor's underlying power metrics suggest that he may not provide surplus fantasy value in the home run category. However, he struck out at just a 13.7% rate last season, and should have an opportunity to collect counting stats given his everyday role in the top-heavy Mariners lineup. RotoBaller currently ranks Naylor as the number eight first baseman in traditional rotisserie scoring fantasy formats.

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Free agent designated hitter Marcell Ozuna currently remains without a home for the 2026 season as the calendar ticks closer to the start of Spring Training. Ozuna is entering his age-35 season and appeared exclusively at designated hitter in 2025, which limits his open market value. He's also coming off a relative down year in which he posted a .232/.355/.400 slash line with 21 home runs, 68 RBI, and 61 runs scored across 592 plate appearances for the Atlanta Braves. Still, Ozuna logged an OPS of .925 as recently as 2024, and he upped his walk rate to a career-best 15.9% even amidst his struggles in 2025. Speculatively speaking, Ozuna could be a fit with clubs like the San Diego Padres or Cleveland Guardians that need a power bat and could have playing time to offer at designated hitter. However, Ozuna is difficult for fantasy managers to value until it becomes clear that he will have an everyday role in 2026. Ozuna currently holds an average draft position of pick 297.

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Los Angeles Angels shortstop Zach Neto missed time at both the start of the 2025 season due to a shoulder injury and the end of the year due to a hand issue. However, in between the two ailments, the 24-year-old posted a quietly excellent season. Across 554 plate appearances, Neto logged a .257/.319/.474 slash line with 26 home runs, 62 RBI, 82 runs scored, and 26 stolen bases. Neto's barrel rate soared from 8.4% in 2024 to 14% in 2025, indicating his potential for 30-plus home run power. He's also stolen 56 bases over the past two seasons, so Neto is unquestionably a true power/speed fantasy asset. If there's one negative aspect of his profile, it could be his batting average. A career 24.6% strikeout rate limits Neto's upside in the category. Still, he makes a ton of hard contact, has plus speed, and should be locked in at the top of the Angels lineup. RotoBaller currently ranks Neto as the number six fantasy shortstop in traditional rotisserie scoring formats.

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Detroit Tigers catching prospect Josue Briceno made significant strides last season and could be in contention for a second-half MLB debut in 2026. The backstop began the season with High-A but needed only 55 games with West Michigan to prove he was ready to join Double-A. During his stint at High-A, Briceno posted an elite .296/.422/.602 line with 13 doubles and 15 home runs. He was then moved up to Double-A, where he took a step back, carrying a .232/.335/.381 line with six doubles, five home runs, and a 47:25 K:BB. Managers should expect the Tigers to keep Briceno at Double-A, given his inconsistency in the second half to begin 2026. However, he may only need a brief stint to prove he is ready to join Triple-A. Given the power upside he showed at High-A, Briceno would be a popular stash candidate once he is nearing an MLB promotion.

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The Kansas City Royals have invited catching prospect Blake Mitchell to spring training. Mitchell missed most of the first half of the 2025 season after suffering a broken wrist in February. However, once he returned to action, the top prospect struggled to find his footing. The team's No. 2-ranked prospect spent most of the campaign with High-A Quad Cities and posted an underwhelming .207/.372/.296 slash line with seventeen doubles, two home runs, and nine stolen bases. During this stretch, he carried a 71:45 K:BB. In 2024, Mitchell spent most of the season with Low-A Columbia, where he hit .238/.376/.439 line across a 106-game stint. The No. 56-ranked prospect in baseball, according to MLB Pipeline, is not expected to compete for his MLB debut this season but is a name to watch in dynasty formats.

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The Milwaukee Brewers have invited recently acquired infield prospect Jett Williams to big-league spring training. Williams was sent to Milwaukee alongside right-hander Brandon Sproat in the deal that sent right-hander Freddy Peralta to New York. Williams was viewed as the top prospect in the Mets system prior to the trade and now sits as the No. 3 prospect in Milwaukee (on MLB.com), trailing only Jesus Made and Luis Pena. Last season, Williams began the campaign with Double-A, where he posted a strong .281/.390/.477 slash line with 29 doubles, 10 home runs, 32 stolen bases. He was then promoted to Triple-A Syracuse, where he took a slight step back, carrying a lower .209/.285/.433 line with seven long balls across a 34-game stint. Managers should expect Williams to open the season at Triple-A but should be in contention for an early MLB debut, especially if Joey Ortiz continues to struggle in the batter's box.

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Milwaukee Brewers top prospect Jesus Made is being invited to big-league spring training. The 18-year-old shortstop is currently viewed as the No. 4-ranked overall prospect in the entire sport on MLB.com. He made his professional debut in 2024 in the Dominican Summer League and held a .331/.458/.554 with a strong 1.012 OPS. In 2025, Made began the season in Low-A but quickly progressed through the Milwaukee system, finishing the season in Double-A. Across 83 games with Low-A, Made posted a solid .267/.373/.388 line with four home runs and 40 stolen bases. Through 32 games split between High-A and Double-A, Made took his level of play even higher, carrying an elite .331/.392/.474 line. While a 2026 MLB debut is unlikely, if he continues this current trajectory, he could make a strong case in the second half.

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The Milwaukee Brewers have invited shortstop prospect Cooper Pratt to big-league camp. Pratt is currently considered the No. 53 overall prospect on MLB.com and the No. 3-ranked prospect in the Milwaukee system. Pratt joined the Brewers in the sixth round of the 2023 MLB Draft but has progressed through the minor leagues fairly quickly. After a brief stint in the Arizona Complex League in 2023, Pratt would spend the 2024 season with Low-A and High-A. Through 96 games, Pratt posted a .277/.362/.406 line with 15 doubles, eight home runs, and 25 stolen bases. In 2025, the Magnolia Heights HS product would spend the entire season with Double-A Biloxi, where he posted a .238/.343/.348 line with eight home runs and 31 stolen bases. Managers should closely monitor his development in camp, as he could begin the season at Triple-A.

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According to Andrew Baggarly of The Athletic, the San Francisco Giants recently made an aggressive push to acquire Washington Nationals shortstop CJ Abrams. According to sources, the Giants made it clear they would offer top prospect Josuar Gonzalez as part of a package to acquire Abrams. Additionally, top pitching prospects Carson Whisenhunt and Jacob Bresnahan were likely to be moved to Washington if they reached an agreement. The Nationals recently traded top pitcher MacKenzie Gore to the Texas Rangers and have expressed willingness to shop Abrams as well. While the Giants were unsuccessful in this offer, they remain focused on improving their infield before spring training. The Giants have also been linked to St. Louis Cardinals infielder Brendan Donovan throughout the offseason. If the Giants were to fall short in these trade talks, Casey Schmitt would likely open the season as the starting second baseman, while Willy Adams would cover shortstop.

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