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Boston Red Sox outfielder/infielder Ceddanne Rafaela might not shift positions as frequently in 2026. Recently, Red Sox manager Alex Cora said it was unlikely that Rafaela would play second base this season. Due to their logjam in the outfield, Rafaela played 24 games at second base in 2025. His defensive abilities are a much better fit in center field, as Rafaela committed three errors in a little over 20 games at the keystone. The Red Sox would rather have Rafaela in center field, a position where he won a Gold Glove this past season. If he remains in the outfield, Rafaela would likely lose his second-base eligibility, which would be a bummer for fantasy managers. The elite defensive ability in the outfield should keep Rafaela in center field on an everyday basis.

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Arizona Diamondbacks outfielder Lourdes Gurriel Jr. (knee) is well ahead of schedule in his rehab work, according to the team's general manager Mike Hazen. Gurriel underwent surgery to repair a torn ACL in his right knee during September of last year. Even with a great recovery, Gurriel is likely going to be sidelined until at least mid-season. When healthy, Gurriel is a viable middle-of-the-order bat that could give this lineup a boost once he's back. He slashed .248/./295/.418 with 19 home runs, 80 RBI, and 10 steals in 129 games in 2024. He's not an ideal stash option given he'll probably miss half of the season, but fantasy managers should monitor his status closer to Spring Training.

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Boston Red Sox starting pitcher Kutter Crawford (wrist) has progressed to throwing off the mound. Crawford is reportedly a bit behind schedule, but is expected to be ready for the start of the regular season. He missed all of the 2024 campaign due to a wrist issue that required surgery. Crawford has been a viable back-end option for the Red Sox, but it's unclear if he'll remain in the starting rotation. The expectation is that youngsters Connelly Early and Payton Tolle will make a push for a rotational spot. Also, Patrick Sandoval and recently acquired Johan Oviedo should get a chance to earn a spot in camp. Crawford could end up in a swingman-type role, which could be beneficial to the Red Sox, but won't offer much long-term fantasy value.

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Arizona Diamondbacks outfielder Jake McCarthy was traded to the Colorado Rockies on Saturday. In exchange, the D-Backs will receive right-handed pitcher Josh Grosz from Colorado. On paper, this seems like an ideal landing spot for the speedy outfielder. He figures to get a chance to play regularly and should be a strong fit in the outfield at Coors Field. McCarthy is looking to rebound after posting disappointing numbers with the D-Backs last season. In 2024, McCarthy slashed .285/.349/.400 with eight home runs, 56 RBI, and 25 steals in 142 games. He offers interesting late-round appeal with his above-average speed, and his power could see an uptick in Colorado. As for Grosz, he was traded to Colorado in the deal that sent Ryan McMahon to the New York Yankees. He only pitched in seven games for the Rockies' Single-A team last season. The walk numbers are concerning, but 135 strikeouts in 23 games (22 starts) is promising. He won't see the big leagues for a few years, but he offers decent upside.

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Outfielder Will Robertson has passed through waivers unclaimed and has been outrighted to Triple-A Norfolk. Robertson was designated for assignment earlier but went unclaimed on waivers and will remain in the Baltimore organization. Last season, Robertson made his MLB debut, sharing time with the Blue Jays and White Sox. Across 27 games, Robertson posted a .129/.173/.143 slash line with a 27:2 K:BB. The former fourth-round pick out of Creighton has spent the majority of their career in the minor leagues. Through 208 career games at the Triple-A level, Robertson has carried a .253/.348/.490 line with a promising .838 OPS. Managers should expect Robertson to spend the majority of the season in the minor leagues. If he can continue to flash some power upside, he could earn a stint in Baltimore.

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Right-handed pitcher Seth Martinez has signed a minor league deal with the Boston Red Sox, which includes an invitation to Spring Training. Martinez spent his first four MLB seasons in Houston before moving to Miami in 2025. With the Marlins, Martinez logged just 6 2/3 innings in the big leagues and allowed four earned runs with a 4:3 K:BB. While Martinez saw a similar result in 2023 and 2024, the right-hander showed some upside back in 2022. Through 38 2/3 innings with the Astors that season, the Arizona State product turned in a strong 2.09 ERA with a 1.03 WHIP. Managers should expect Martinez to compete for a low-leverage role in the Boston bullpen. However, given his struggles over the past three seasons, he will likely begin the campaign in the minor leagues.

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According to Robert Murray of FanSided.com, the Los Angeles Angels have signed infielder Nick Madrigal to a minor-league contract that includes an invite to Spring Training. Madrigal was unable to play during the 2025 campaign after suffering a shoulder injury last February. However, the former fourth-round pick should be in the mix to compete for a role on the Opening Day roster during Spring Training. In 2024, Madrigal appeared in 51 games with the Cubs and posted a .221/.280/.256 line with three doubles and one stolen base. However, in the previous season, Madrigal posted a much higher .263 AVG with 10 stolen bases. While he is not a power hitter, Madrigal has shown high contact upside at times. He is worth monitoring in deeper 15-team formats as he could carve out a role in the Angels' infield.

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The Atlanta Braves have claimed right-handed pitcher George Soriano off waivers from the Baltimore Orioles. In a corresponding move, the Braves have opted to designate infielder Brett Wisely for assignment. Soriano was claimed by the Orioles earlier this offseason but will now look to compete for a spot in Atlanta. Last season, the 26-year-old spent his third MLB season with the Miami Marlins. Through 36 2/3 innings of relief, Soriano posted a rough 8.35 ERA with a 1.77 WHIP. During this stint in the big leagues, he earned one save but held a 36:19 K:BB. During his debut season in 2023, the right-hander turned in his best campaign, logging 52 innings to the tune of a 3.81 ERA and a 1.33 WHIP. Managers should not expect Soriano to hold much fantasy value in 2026 as he will compete for a low-leverage role in the Atlanta bullpen.

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The Atlanta Braves have designated infielder Brett Wisely for assignment. This transaction opened a spot on the roster for relief pitcher Greg Soriano, whom the team claimed off waivers from the Baltimore Orioles on Friday. Wisely spent the 2025 campaign with the Giants and Braves. Through 26 games in the majors last summer, Wisely posted a .185/.279/.315 slash line with four doubles and one home run. In 2024, Wisely logged a career-high 91 games in the majors (with the Giants) and held a .238/.278/.345 line with a low .623 OPS. Across 195 games at the Triple-A level, the former 15th round selection carries a .275/.372/.433 line. Managers should expect Wisely to draw some interest on waivers, given his defensive versatility and previous big league experience. If he goes unclaimed, he will begin the campaign with Triple-A Gwinnett.

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The Texas Rangers have claimed right-handed pitcher Zak Kent off waivers from the St. Louis Cardinals. The Cardinals designated Kent for assignment earlier this week but the reliever was able to find a new club quickly. Last season, the 27-year-old made his MLB debut with the Cleveland Guardians and posted a 4.58 ERA with a 1.42 WHIP across 17 2/3 innings of work. He struck out 16 hitters but served up free passes at a high 10.5% rate. He spent most of his 2025 season with Triple-A Columbus where he logged a strong 2.84 ERA with a 1.34 WHIP across 38 innings of relief. During this stint, Kent tallied two saves and totaled an impressive 50 punchouts. Managers should expect Kent to compete for a middle-relief role in the Texas bullpen during Spring Training.

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Free-agent right-handed reliever Ryne Stanek and the St. Louis Cardinals agreed on an undisclosed major-league contract on Friday, sources familiar with the deal told Robert Murray of FanSided.com. It's a worthwhile low-risk investment for a Cardinals team looking to rebuild its bullpen. The 34-year-old Stanek struggled in 2025 with the New York Mets, posting a bloated 5.30 ERA (4.40 FIP), 1.57 WHIP, three saves, 58 strikeouts, and 32 walks in 56 innings out of the bullpen. The nine-year veteran only has 14 career saves in 458 1/3 career innings, so he probably won't be a closing option to begin the year, especially because of his struggles last year with the Mets. However, St. Louis' closing situation is still up for grabs among Riley O'Brien and JoJo Romero, so Stanek could be involved if he bounces back and proves himself in his new digs. At the very least, Stanek could be worth a league in deeper holds leagues.

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The Los Angeles Dodgers have claimed infielder Ryan Fitzgerald off waivers from the Minnesota Twins. Fitzgerald made his MLB debut with the Twins last summer. Through his first 24 games in the big leagues, Fitzgerald posted a .196/.302/.457 line with four home runs and one stolen base. He showed a strong eye at the plate, drawing walks at an elite 13.2% rate and striking out at a 15.2% rate. While he only swiped one bag, Fitzgerald showed above-average speed, placing in the 79th percentile in sprint speed. Through 59 games in Triple-A St. Paul last season, Fitzgerald posted a .277/.367/.469 line with 16 doubles, seven round-trippers, and five stolen bases. Managers should expect Fitzgerald to compete for a depth role on the MLB roster during Spring Training.

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According to Matt Gelb and Ken Rosenthal of The Athletic, the Philadelphia Phillies have shown interest in Minnesota Twins backup Ryan Jeffers on the trade market. The Phillies are currently in discussions to re-sign catcher J.T. Realmuto, but have been unable to agree on a contract. Additionally, Gelb and Rosenthal noted that they could also look to sign free agent Victor Caratini if they cannot reach an agreement with Realmuto. Jeffers has spent his entire six-year MLB career with the Twins. Last season, Jeffers posted a .266/.356/.397 line with 26 doubles and nine long balls. In 2024, Jeffers hit a career-best 21 home runs. Jeffers could be worth a look in deeper two-catcher leagues if he were to sign in Philadelphia, as he would be joining a deeper lineup, which could boost his counting stats.

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Free agent catcher Victor Caratini could be an option for the Philadelphia Phillies, according to Ken Rosenthal and Matt Gelb of The Athletic. The Phillies are currently in discussions to re-sign long-time backup J.T. Realmuto, but if they are unable to reach an agreement, they could look to sign Caratini. Last season, Caratini appeared in 114 games for the Houston Astros and posted a .259/.324/.404 line with 14 doubles, 12 home runs, and one stolen base. Under the hood, he placed in the 59th percentile in xwOBA and xBA. Rosenthal and Gelb noted that if Caratini were to sign with the Phillies, he would likely operate in a timeshare with Rafael Marchan, which would likely limit both of their fantasy values. Caratini projects to be a serviceable low-end C2 in two-catcher leagues in 2026.

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The Washington Nationals claimed left-handed pitcher Paxton Schultz off waivers on Friday from the Toronto Blue Jays. The southpaw was designated for assignment by the Blue Jays earlier this week. The 28-year-old made his MLB debut with the Blue Jays last summer and logged 24 2/3 innings to the tune of a 4.38 ERA and a 1.42 WHIP. Across this stint, the left-hander Schultz struck out 28 hitters and served up eight free passes. While his ratios seem high on the surface, he generated a promising 3.77 xERA with an above-average .219 xBA, suggesting he could enjoy a strong sophomore season in the big leagues. Through 203 1/3 career frames at the Triple-A level, Schultz has posted a 4.47 ERA with a 1.41 WHIP. Managers should expect Schultz to compete for a role in the Washington bullpen during Spring Training.

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According to Ari Alexander of 7News, the New York Yankees have claimed right-handed pitcher Kaleb Ort off waivers from the Houston Astros. The Astros designated the relief pitcher for assignment earlier in January and will compete for a spot on the Yankees' Opening Day roster. Ort struggled during the 2025 campaign, logging 46 innings to the tune of a 4.89 ERA and a 1.35 WHIP. However, during the 2024 season, Ort was one of the most reliable relievers in the Houston bullpen. Through 24 2/3 innings, the 33-year-old posted an impressive 2.55 ERA with a near-perfect 0.81 WHIP. During this campaign, he tallied 26 punchouts and added three holds. Managers in deeper holds leagues should monitor his status during spring training, as he could carve out a high-leverage role in the Bronx.

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Free-agent infielder Andy Ibanez agreed to terms on an undisclosed one-year big-league deal with the Los Angeles Dodgers on Friday that is pending a physical, a source told ESPN insider Kiley McDaniel. The 32-year-old Ibanez became a free agent when he was non-tendered by the Detroit Tigers in November. The 32-year-old Cuban right-handed hitter spent the last three years with the Tigers and hit a combined .251/.304/.392 with a .696 OPS, 20 home runs, 94 RBI, 96 runs scored, and seven steals in 304 regular-season games. Ibanez hit .239 (42-for-176) in 91 regular-season games in 2025, adding four home runs, 21 RBI, 24 runs, and a career-high four stolen bases. Because he's out of minor-league options, he's a good bet to make L.A.'s Opening Day roster as infield depth off the bench. As a light-hitting utility infielder, Ibanez should be ignored in all mixed fantasy leagues in 2026.

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Free-agent outfielder Max Kepler has received an 80-game suspension related to a performance-enhancing drug, according to Alden Gonzalez of ESPN. Major League Baseball said that Kepler tested positive for the performance-enhancing substance Epitrenbolone. This is obviously a major hit for the 32-year-old's fantasy stock going into the 2026 season, but also for his prospects of signing with a new team moving forward. Kepler spent the 2025 campaign with the Philadelphia Phillies, slashing .216/.300/.391 with a .691 OPS, 18 home runs, 52 RBI, 58 runs scored, and three stolen bases in 127 games played. It was the seventh time in his 10 seasons that he produced a wRC+ under 100. Kepler isn't aging well defensively, and his bat might be even worse. At best, if he lands a contract with another MLB team, he'll be competing for a platoon role in a corner-infield or DH spot against righties.

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Baltimore Orioles shortstop Gunnar Henderson (shoulder) said on WBAL Radio on Thursday night that he had a shoulder impingement "pretty much for three-quarters of the year," according to Roch Kubatko of MASN Sports. Henderson dropped off in the home run department from 37 in 2024 to 17 last year, and also in RBI from 92 to 68. His slugging percentage fell from .529 to .438, and his OPS dropped from .893 to .787. "I just wasn't able to hold the plane, and my body was adjusting to it, not feeling great, so that didn't really set me up in the right spot to leverage the ball like I normally do," Henderson said. "So getting over that and ready to roll this season." An intercostal strain suffered in spring training also got the 24-year-old off to a late start in early April. Fantasy managers might be able to get a slight discount on a player who should be in a great spot to bounce back as one of the best all-around position players in baseball.

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The Arizona Diamondbacks are reportedly open to signing free-agent third baseman Alex Bregman, the New York Post's Jon Heyman reports. The Diamondbacks pulled their star second baseman, Ketel Marte, off the trade market on Friday after not receiving a return package that they desired, and they appear to be in the mix to sign the highly sought-after Bregman. The 31-year-old has a robust market, with the Red Sox, Blue Jays, and Cubs all among the reported teams that are interested in signing him. The former Astros third baseman put together an impressive campaign in his first year in Boston, slashing .273/.360/.462 (125 wRC+) with 18 homers in 114 games.

From RotoBaller