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Houston Astros shortstop Jeremy Pena missed time in 2025 due to both rib and oblique issues. However, around the injuries, the 28-year-old elevated his game to a new level. Across 543 plate appearances, Pena posted a .304/.363/.477 slash line with 17 home runs, 62 RBI, 68 runs scored, and 20 stolen bases. He boosted his hard-hit rate to a career-best 42.9% and was on pace to steal 25 bases over 155 games. Heading into 2026, Pena should be locked in to an everyday role at the top of the Astros lineup. While his batting average may regress closer to his career mark of .271, Pena should rack up counting stats and has a chance to provide average to above-average production across all five traditional rotisserie scoring categories. He profiles as a top-10 fantasy shortstop in 2026, and with a current average draft position of pick 93, Pena could be a value selection for fantasy managers.

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After bouncing around the league for a few years without a stable ninth-inning role, Boston Red Sox left-hander Aroldis Chapman re-established himself as one of the best closers in baseball in 2025. Across 61 1/3 innings pitched (67 games), the 37-year-old posted a 5-3 record with a 1.17 ERA, 0.70 WHIP, 85 strikeouts, and 32 saves. Chapman has always been a whiff machine, and he struck out batters at an excellent 37.3% clip in 2025. The biggest change in his profile this past season was control: After recording walk rates of at least 14.5% for four consecutive seasons, Chapman walked just 6.6% of the batters he faced last year. The Red Sox signed Chapman to a one-year contract extension with a vesting option for 2027 last September, so he appears to be locked in as the team's closer for 2026. If Chapman can post another season with even a single-digit walk rate in 2026, there's no reason to think he can't be one of the game's elite closers for a second straight season.

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After getting promoted to the big leagues in late April, Athletics first baseman Nick Kurtz showed elite power potential on his way to winning the 2025 American League Rookie of the Year award. Across 489 MLB plate appearances, the 22-year-old posted a .290/.383/.619 slash line with 36 home runs, 86 RBI, 90 runs scored, and two stolen bases. Kurtz's underlying power metrics support his dominance, as he posted an 18.3% barrel rate and 50.9% hard-hit rate. If there's one area of concern for Kurtz, it's swing-and-miss. He struck out in 30.9% of his plate appearances as a rookie, which could indicate some batting average regression is coming for him in 2026. However, Kurtz profiles as a classic left-handed slugger who has a chance to be among the MLB leaders in home runs and RBI. He also gets the benefit of playing his 2026 home games in a minor-league ballpark in Sacramento with an Athletics lineup that finished sixth in the American League in runs scored in 2025. Kurtz should be one of the first few first basemen off the board in fantasy drafts over the next few months.

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In his first season with the Boston Red Sox in 2025, left-handed pitcher Garrett Crochet emerged as one of the best pitchers in MLB. Across 205 1/3 innings (32 starts), the 26-year-old posted an 18-5 record with a 2.59 ERA, 1.03 WHIP, and 255 strikeouts. Crochet struck out 31.3% of the batters he faced while walking hitters at just a 5.7% clip. He also showed the ability to handle a significant workload, jumping nearly 60 innings from his previous career high of 146 innings pitched in 2024. Fantasy managers could have some level of concern that the innings spike could increase Crochet's injury risk. However, he's healthy heading into 2026 and projects to lead a Boston team that should provide him with plenty of run support. Crochet profiles as a no-doubt fantasy SP1 and has a chance to be the number one overall pitcher in fantasy in 2026.

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New York Mets shortstop Francisco Lindor (elbow) won't represent Team Puerto Rico in the 2026 World Baseball Classic this spring due to elbow surgery he had last October and "insurance constraints" of the international tournament, according to a statement from the MLB Players Association. Lindor is expected to be ready for the start of spring training after having debridement surgery to clean up his right elbow. The 32-year-old veteran switch-hitter had ups and downs in 2025 in his fifth year in Queens, but he was an All-Star for the fifth time in his career and finished with a third straight 30-homer season in 160 games, adding 86 RBI, 117 runs scored, and a career-high 31 stolen bases. Lindor had a slash line of .267/.346/.466 with an .811 OPS. Despite getting up there in age, Lindor should have the opportunity for another 30-30 campaign in 2026, making him a top-five fantasy shortstop.

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Free-agent outfielder Austin Hays and the Chicago White Sox agreed on a one-year, $6 million contract on Saturday, Joel Sherman of the New York Post reports. Hays should have a regular path to playing time in Chicago in 2026, especially after the team traded Luis Robert Jr. to the New York Mets this offseason. The 30-year-old is coming off one of the best seasons of his career in 2025 with the Cincinnati Reds, when he slashed .266/.315/.453 with a .768 OPS, 15 home runs, 64 RBI, 60 runs scored, and a career-high seven stolen bases in 103 games and 416 plate appearances. Hays went on the injured list three separate times with calf, hamstring, and foot injuries, and he also missed some time in the final month with back spasms. Chicago is a good landing spot as far as playing time goes, and he should hit in the middle of the order, but durability is an issue for an outfielder with moderate power.

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Boston Red Sox starting pitcher Brayan Bello continues to emerge in trade talks, according to Jen McCaffrey of The Athletic. Boston currently has a surplus of starting pitchers, with the signings of Ranger Suarez and Sonny Gray and the emergence of young arms like Payton Tolle and Connelly Early. Through the offseason, reports have suggested the Red Sox have also begun to "quietly" shop for the right-hander, indicating they have been looking for a suitor. The Red Sox were linked to several of the top free-agent third basemen but were unable to agree to terms with any. However, reports suggest they have also shown interest in Houston's Isaac Paredes, and Bello would likely be included in this package if both sides reached an agreement. Bello logged a career-high 166 2/3 innings with the Red Sox last season and held a 3.35 ERA with a 1.24 WHIP. If he were to remain in Boston, he would likely serve as the team's No. 4 starter.

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Philadelphia Phillies left-handed starting pitcher Jesus Luzardo has yet to begin discussions for a contract extension with the club. However, Charlotte Varnes of The Athletic reported that the team could look ot start preliminary discussions once spring training begins. Team president Dave Dombrowski has expressed interest in the southpaw, and both sides could look to discuss it before the regular season begins. Earlier this offseason, both sides agreed to an $11 million contract to avoid arbitration. Luzardo made his Phillies debut in 2025 and performed quite well, tossing a career-high 183 2/3 innings and posting a 3.92 ERA with a 1.22 WHIP. He struck out 216 hitters and generated a strong 3.33 xERA. Lucardo projects to remain the team's No. 2 pitcher, behind Cristopher Sanchez, while Zack Wheeler (shoulder) works his way back from injury. Given his high strikeout upside, Luzardo holds mid-end SP2 upside in all formats.

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Chicago White Sox infielder Luisangel Acuna is expected to compete for the starting center field role during spring training, according to Dan Bartels of The New York Post. Acuna was shipped to the White Sox from the New York Mets earlier this winter in exchange for outfielder Luis Robert Jr. Acuna made his MLB debut during the 2024 season, but earned his first extended stint in the big league last summer. Across a career-high 95 games with the Mets in 2025, Acuna held a .234/.293/.274 slash line with seven doubles and 16 stolen bases. Through 159 career games at Triple-A, Acuna has held a .265/.307/.360 line with seven long balls and 48 stolen bases. Even though Acuna has primarily been an infielder coming up through the New York system, he will have an opportunity to carve out a role in the Chicago outfield. He is a name to watch in deeper category formats given his high-speed upside.

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According to Charlotte Varnes of The Athletic, Philadelphia Phillies infield prospect Aidan Miller is not expected to break camp with the MLB roster. While Varnes noted that a 2026 MLB debut remains in play, he will likely not be on the team's Opening Day roster given the team's current infield depth. Miller is considered the team's No. 2-ranked prospect on MLB.com and overall No. 32 prospect in the sport. Miller joined the organization with the 23rd overall pick in the 2023 MLB Draft out of J.W. Mitchell HS. Miller spent the majority of the 2025 season with Double-A before finishing the season with a brief taste at Triple-A. Through 108 games at Double-A, Miller held a .259/.382/.427 line with 13 home runs and 52 stolen bases. During his brief eight-game stint at Triple-A, Miller posted a .333/.514/.519 line. Even though he is not expected to break camp with the MLB roster, he could become a top stash candidate in deeper category formats early in the season, given his five-category skill set.

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Seattle Mariners infield prospect Colt Emerson has earned an invite to big-league spring training. Emerson is currently viewed as the top prospect in the Seattle system on MLB.com and the No. 9-ranked overall prospect in the sport. Emerson joined the Mariners with the 22nd overall pick in the 2023 MLB Draft out of John Glenn HS. Last summer, Emerson began the season with High-A Everett but finished it at Triple-A. Through 90 games at High-A, Emerson posted a .281/.388/.453 slash line with 16 doubles, 11 home runs, and six stolen bases. Through 40 games shared between Double-A and Triple-A, Emerson held a .293/.372/.470 line. Managers should closely monitor his progress during camp as he could be in the mix to crack the Opening Day roster.

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Chicago White Sox catcher Edgar Quero was working at Driveline in the offseason to improve his swing. Quero has been looking to increase his bat speed and quality of contact for the upcoming campaign. The young backstop made his MLB debut last summer and posted a .268/.333/.356 line with 17 doubles and five home runs. While he showed a strong eye at the plate with a 17.6% K%, he struggled to generate hard contact, posting a low .290 xwOBA and 67.5 mph bat speed, which placed him in the fourth percentile. Coming up in the minor leagues, Quero posted an .829 OPS across 98 games at the upper levels during the 2024 season. This season, Quero is slated to share catching duties with Kyle Teel, but he could carve out a role as a primary DH if he were to increase his power upside. For now, he is a name to monitor in deeper two-catcher formats.

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Seattle Mariners starting pitcher Logan Evans (elbow) will miss the entire upcoming 2026 campaign. Evans had surgery to repair a torn ulnar in his right elbow last week. Sadly, the 24-year-old won't be able to take the mound this season after having Tommy John surgery. Evans posted a 4.32 ERA, 1.38 WHIP, and a 59/31 K/BB ratio across 16 games (15 starts) with the Mariners last season. Evans wasn't expected to be a top option in the rotation, but was likely going to be counted on as a back-end pitcher. The Mariners will now need to look to free agency for help or find another internal option to help fill the void.

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Chicago White Sox infielder Miguel Vargas is excited about the chance to primarily be a third baseman this upcoming season. Vargas said he's 100 percent happy with playing third base, and it's a position he has been playing since he was a kid. He did see action at the hot corner last season, but also played 63 games at first base. Given these comments, it seems likely that Munetaka Murakami is going to be the everyday option at first base. The shift to full-time third baseman is a downgrade defensively for Vargas, who made nine errors in 79 games at the hot corner last season. He doesn't offer a ton of upside with the bat, but he did produce decent power numbers last season. Vargas slashed .234/.316/.401 with 16 home runs, 60 RBI, and six steals in 138 games in 2025. He figures to be the everyday man at third base with Lenyn Sosa mixed in as well.

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Chicago White Sox catcher Kyle Teel has reportedly put on some muscle this offseason. According to Scott Merkin, Teel has added about 20 pounds of muscle mass as he prepares for the 2026 season. The 23-year-old put together solid numbers during his time on the South Side last season. Teel slashed .273/.375/.411 with eight home runs and 35 RBI in 78 games in 2025. The hope is that the addition of muscle mass will help Teel in the power category this upcoming season. The former first-round pick is hopefully going to be a big part of the future on the South Side of Chicago. Fantasy managers should be excited to see what a full season of Teel looks like at the big league level.

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The Philadelphia Phillies have signed infielder/outfielder Dylan Moore to a minor-league deal with an invite to spring training. Moore can earn up to $3.25 million with incentives for the 2026 season, assuming he makes the roster. The 33-year-old doesn't offer a ton of upside with the bat. His upside comes from his versatility to play just about every position on the diamond. Last season, Moore slashed .201/.267/.374 with 11 home runs, 25 RBI, and 14 stolen bases in 106 games between the Seattle Mariners and Texas Rangers. Moore is a much better hitter against left-handed pitching, so he'll likely be a platoon player in Philly. His fantasy value is unlikely to be consistent, as he probably won't be an everyday player.

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First baseman Vinnie Pasquantino and the Kansas City Royals agreed to a two-year contract on Friday to avoid salary arbitration, sources told Anne Rogers of MLB.com. The deal is worth more than $11 million guaranteed and can max out at close to $16 million with incentives. The 28-year-old left-handed slugger played in all but two games in 2025 in his fourth year in the big leagues and slashed .264/.323/.475 with a .798 OPS, career-high 32 home runs, career-high 113 RBI, and career-high 72 runs scored in 682 plate appearances. Pasquantino managed to have a career year because he stayed off the injured list for the first time since 2022. He's one of the best sources of left-handed power at the first base position, but Pasquantino will need to improve against lefties if he wants to continue his upward trajectory. The former 11th-rounder in 2019 has top-five upside at his position.

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Veteran right-handed reliever David Robertson announced his retirement from professional baseball on Friday, according to Bob Nightengale of USA Today Sports. The 40-year-old veteran signed with the Philadelphia Phillies in the second half of last season and posted a 4.08 ERA, 1.47 WHIP, two saves, 22 strikeouts, and eight walks in just 17 2/3 innings pitched in the regular season. Robertson was originally drafted by the New York Yankees in 2006 out of Alabama in the 17th round. After 17 seasons in the big leagues, Robertson will walk away with a career 2.93 ERA, 1.16 WHIP, 179 saves, and a 31.9% strikeout rate in 894 1/3 regular-season innings. His lone All-Star season came back in 2011 with the Yankees, when he had a sharp 1.08 ERA, 1.12 WHIP, one save, and a 100:35 K:BB in 66 2/3 frames. Robertson won a World Series ring in 2009 with the Yankees.

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The Chicago White Sox have signed relief pitcher Lucas Sims to a minor-league deal with an invite to Spring Training. Sims is looking to bounce back after posting ugly numbers with the Washington Nationals last season. He allowed 19 earned runs with 14 walks across 18 appearances with the Nats in 2025. The 31-year-old hasn't been successful since leaving the Cincinnati Reds mid-way through the 2024 season. In seven years with the Reds, Sims registered a 3.94 ERA, 1.19 WHIP, with nearly 300 strikeouts in over 200 appearances. It's a low-risk move for the White Sox, who could get a decent middle reliever if Sims bounces back.

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The Washington Nationals have claimed relief pitcher George Soriano off waivers from the Atlanta Braves. Soriano was designated for assignment earlier this week after they added Jose Suarez to their roster. Soriano is looking to bounce back in 2026 after a disastrous season with the Miami Marlins in 2025. The 26-year-old finished with an 8.35 ERA, 1.77 WHIP, and a 36/19 K/BB ratio in 24 appearances. Somehow, Soriano almost allowed more earned runs (34) than he struck out batters (36). The Nationals are hopeful that Soriano can return to form and pitch as he did during his rookie season in 2023. He's expected to compete for a middle relief role during Spring Training.

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