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The Boston Red Sox have reportedly tried to trade for Los Angeles Angels shortstop Zach Neto, but the Angels have set a very high bar for him. The Red Sox were unable to re-sign third baseman Alex Bregman in free agency, but they have traded for first baseman Willson Contreras and third baseman Caleb Durbin to boost their infield depth this offseason. Neto would be a clear upgrade over the injury-prone and aging Trevor Story, but Boston would likely have to part with several high-end prospects to land him. As things currently stand, Durbin and Marcelo Mayer figure to compete for playing time at third base, with Story at the 6 and Kristian Campbell manning the keystone. Neto has emerged as one of the best young shortstops in the game after hitting a combined .253/.318/.458 with a .776 OPS, 49 home runs, 139 RBI, 152 runs scored, and 56 stolen bases in the last two seasons.

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The Milwaukee Brewers acquired left-hander Kyle Harrison, infielder David Hamilton, and pitcher Shane Drohan from the Boston Red Sox on Monday in exchange for third baseman Caleb Durbin, shortstop Andruw Monasterio, third baseman Anthony Seigler, and a Compensation B draft pick, sources told Jeff Passan of ESPN. Harrison, 24, went from the San Francisco Giants to the Red Sox last year in the trade that involved infielder Rafael Devers, and now he's on the move again. The former third-round pick only appeared in 11 games (six starts) for the Giants and BoSox in 2025, posting a 4.04 ERA and 1.37 WHIP with 38 strikeouts and 14 walks in 35 2/3 frames. It wasn't a great sign that Harrison's walk rate sat at 11.8% at Triple-A Worcester last year, but the Brew Crew will try to get more out of him. Harrison will be in the mix for the competition for one of the final rotation spots in Milwaukee in spring training this year.

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Boston Red Sox infielder Romy Gonzalez (shoulder) is dealing with shoulder inflammation that popped up during the end of the regular season and got worse in early offseason workouts, according to Chris Cotillo of MassLive.com. Gonzalez said he received a platelet-rich plasma injection 2 1/2 weeks ago. He's currently behind schedule, but the goal remains to be ready for Opening Day. The 29-year-old former 18th-round pick by the Chicago White Sox in 2018 out of the University of Miami slashed .305/.343/.483 with an .826 OPS, nine home runs, 53 RBI, 47 runs scored, and six stolen bases in 96 regular-season games in 2025 in his second year with Boston. Gonzalez had an impressive 99th-percentile hard-hit rate and 123 wRC+ in what was a breakout year, and he also dominated left-handed pitchers with a .331 average. Playing time will be the biggest issue for Gonzalez, who figures to open the season in a utility infield role if he's healthy.

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Arizona Diamondbacks left-handed reliever Andrew Saalfrank (shoulder) posted a photo of himself on Monday on his Instagram account and announced that he underwent shoulder surgery, according to Alex D'Agostino of Sports Illustrated. MLB.com's Steve Gilbert reports that Saalfrank will miss the entire 2026 season. The 28-year-old southpaw was a key bullpen piece during the team's 2023 run to the World Series. The former sixth-round pick made a career-high 28 relief appearances for the Snakes last year, posting a 1.24 ERA, 1.00 WHIP, his first three career saves, five holds, 19 strikeouts, and 10 walks in 29 innings pitched. Saalfrank's injury is another blow to a banged-up Diamondbacks bullpen that will also be without relievers Justin Martinez (elbow) and A.J. Puk (elbow) for a good chunk of the 2026 season.

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Houston Astros All-Star closer Josh Hader (shoulder) has been throwing lightly and on flat ground as spring training begins for the Astros, according to Buster Olney of ESPN. Hader and the Astros hope to learn more about where he stands in his preparation for the 2026 season in the middle of this week. The 31-year-old southpaw missed the last seven-plus weeks of last season with a left-shoulder strain, but he said earlier in the offseason that he feels "back to normal," and he should be ready for Opening Day, barring a setback in spring training. Hader is a bit more of a risk for fantasy managers entering the 2026 campaign, but with his nasty fastball/slider mix, he showed last year before his shoulder injury that he's still one of the most dominant closers in the game. He held a 2.05 ER and 0.85 WHIP with a 29.1 K-BB percentage, which was fifth among qualified relievers. If Hader has a setback before or during the season, Bryan Abreu would likely be the favorite to take over the closing job in Houston.

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Philadelphia Phillies right-hander Zack Wheeler (shoulder) is unlikely to be ready for Opening Day this year, but the team is hopeful he'll be back shortly after, according to manager Rob Thomson. Wheeler is recovering from venous thoracic outlet surgery, which is the less severe version of the surgery. Still, the 35-year-old most likely won't be a part of Philly's Opening Day rotation in 2026 even though he resumed throwing back in December. If Wheeler doesn't have any setbacks through spring training, fantasy managers should have the right-handed ace at some point in April. The three-time All-Star was limited to 24 starts with the Phillies in 2025 in his sixth year with the team, going 10-5 with a 2.71 ERA and 0.93 WHIP with 195 strikeouts and 33 walks in 149 2/3 innings pitched. Wheeler has been one of the most consistent high-end starting pitchers in baseball in recent years, but there's no guarantee he'll bounce back to that form after his surgery. Proceed with caution.

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Athletics infielder Max Schuemann was traded to the Yankees on Monday for pitching prospect Luis Burgos. The A's designated Schuemann for assignment this past Friday, but he'll now head to the Yankees and should compete for a backup role in the spring. The 28-year-old spent time at third base, shortstop, and second base last year, as well as every outfield spot, so he is versatile. However, over his two seasons in the majors, the right-handed hitter has registered a .212/.306/.297 slash line with a .275 wOBA and 78 wRC+, so there isn't much there in the way of offense or fantasy relevance. Burgos posted a 2.44 ERA, 1.16 WHIP, and 11.8 percent K-BB% last season in the Dominican Summer League, but the 20-year-old has yet to pitch stateside professionally. Recently acquired outfielder Yanquiel Fernandez was DFA'd in order to make room for Schuemann.

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Free agent pitcher Chris Paddack is expected to sign with the Miami Marlins. The two are in agreement on a one-year, $4 million contract that also has some performance-based incentives. The right-hander should begin the season as the team's fifth starter and will look to right the ship after a poor 2025 campaign. The 6-foot-5 hurler spent most of the year with Minnesota before being traded to the Tigers at the end of July. Overall, the former eighth-rounder recorded a 5.35 ERA, 1.28 WHIP, and struck out just 112 batters in 158 innings pitched. Until he proves otherwise, the 30-year-old should be left off 2026 fantasy rosters.

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Free Agent pitcher Erick Fedde and the Chicago White Sox are in agreement on a one-year deal, pending a physical. The veteran saw some success in his return from the KBO in 2024, pitching to a 3.30 ERA, 1.16 WHIP, and a 14.0 percent K-BB%, but was unable to parlay that production into 2025. The 6-foot-4 hurler played for three different teams (Cardinals, Braves, Brewers) and registered an unsightly 5.49 ERA, 1.52 WHIP, and just a 2.6 percent K-BB%. The former first-rounder tentatively slots in as the fifth starter, although he'll likely face competition for the job this spring from the team's top pitching prospects, Noah Schultz and Hagen Smith, as well as another offseason acquisition, Sean Newcomb. Still just 32 years old, Fedde could have something left in the tank, but he's off the season-long fantasy radar for now.

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Free agent pitcher Nick Martinez and the Tampa Bay Rays agreed to a one-year deal on Monday, pending a physical. The contract is for $13 million and includes a mutual option for 2027. Martinez had an up-and-down season last year, going 11-14 with a 4.45 ERA and 1.21 WHIP, however, he fared much better as a reliever. His final 11 appearances came in relief, and the right-hander posted a 2.61 ERA and 0.92 WHIP in 20 2/3 innings pitched out of the bullpen. The Rays are expected to use the 35-year-old as a starter, but his experience as a reliever will give them some flexibility. Be that as it may, and although the veteran hurler had been effective in the three seasons prior to 2025, recording sub-3.50 ERAs in those campaigns, the 6-foot-1 pitcher doesn't move the needle in most standard-sized fantasy leagues right now.

From RotoBaller

According to Jeff Passan of ESPN, the Boston Red Sox have acquired infielder Caleb Durbin from the Milwaukee Brewers. In exchange, the Red Sox are sending left-handed pitcher Kyle Harrison, infielder David Hamilton, and left-handed pitcher Shane Drohan. Additionally, the Red Sox are also acquiring infielder Andrew Monasterio, third baseman Anthony Seigler, and a Comp B pick. Durbin put together a solid MLB debut with the Brewers last summer, holding a .256/.354/.387 line. He hit 11 home runs and showcased his high-end speed, swiping 18 bags. Additionally, he showed an elite eye at the plate, striking out at a low 9.9% rate. With Boston, managers should expect Durbin to compete for a starting role at the hot corner, alongside Marcelo Mayer. He would have sleeper appeal in deeper category formats if he earns a full-time role.

From RotoBaller

The Pittsburgh Pirates have signed designated hitter Marcell Ozuna to a one-year, $12 million contract. Ozuna was one of the top remaining bats on the open market and will look to provide a power spark to an improving Pittsburgh lineup. Last summer, Ozuna had a down year by his standards, hitting a low .232/.355/.400 line with a modest .755 OPS. He hit just 21 home runs. However, the year prior, Ozuna launched 39 long balls with a stellar .302/.378/.546 slash line. Despite the underwhelming 2025 season. Ozuna still generated a strong .354 xwOBA with an 11.4% barrel rate, suggesting he should see some positive regression in 2026. While his counting statistics may drop moving to this new lineup, he is a prime bounce-back candidate as he should return to the 30-HR mark in the Steel City.

From RotoBaller

Detroit Tigers infield prospect Max Anderson could compete for a role on the team's Opening Day roster during spring training. Anderson, the team's No. 9-ranked prospect, is often underrated in the system, given Detroit's elite prospects at the top, including outfielder Max Clark and top infielder Kevin McGonigle. However, Anderson tuned up solidly in 2025 and earned a non-roster invite to the team's MLB spring training. In 2025, Anderson began the campaign with Double-A Erie, where he posted a .306/.358/.499 linewith 14 long balls. He was then bumped up to Triple-A Toledo, where he took a slight step back, carrying a .267/.327/.422 line with a .749 OPS. The 23-year-old Nebraska product is a name to monitor in deeper formats, as he could begin the season in the depth role in Detroit.

From RotoBaller

New York Mets first base/outfield prospect Ryan Clifford is unlikely to break camp with the MLB roster, but should be in the mix to reach Queens early in the campaign. Per MLB.com, Clifford is the team's No. 6 prospect and is considered the sport's No. 5 overall first base prospect. Clifford was drafted in the 11th round of the 2022 MLB Draft by the Houston Astros. Last summer, Clifford spent the majority of his campaign (105 games) at Double-A. During this stint, Clifford held a .243/.355/.494 line with a strong .848 OPS. He hit 24 home runs while swiping four bases. He was then bumped up to Triple-A, where he logged 34 games with a much lower .219/.359/.393 line with a .754 OPS. Clifford will likely need to find his footing at Triple-A during the opening months before making a strong push to join the major leagues.

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New York Mets third baseman Brett Baty is expected to shift positions this season. According to Anthony DiComo, Baty spent the latter part of his offseason getting reps in left field. The Mets brought in Bo Bichette to be the everyday third baseman, so Baty is without a full-time spot right now. He could very well get regular at-bats in the outfield, assuming he can prove himself to be a viable fielder in the corner outfield. According to Baseball Reference, Baty has played 1.0 inning in left field during his big league career. He has mostly been playing third base with some second base mixed in as well. Baty did a nice job with the bat last season, slashing .254/.313/.435 with 18 home runs and 50 RBI in 130 games. The 26-year-old figures to get a fair shot at the left field job during Spring Training.

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Miami Marlins starting pitcher Sandy Alcantara is expected to be the Opening Day starter, according to Christina De Nicola. This isn't shocking news, given the Marlins traded Edward Cabrera and Ryan Weathers this offseason. The only competition for the Opening Day start would be Eury Perez. The Marlins are expected to give the starting nod to the veteran Alcantara, who has certainly earned this honor. Alcantara mostly struggled last season, but showed signs of life down the stretch of the season. Over his final eight starts, Alcantara posted a 2.68 ERA, 0.86 WHIP, and a 52/10 K/BB ratio across 53.2 innings. Fantasy managers will need to see a strong showing in Spring Training before jumping on the Alcantara hype train again.

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Toronto Blue Jays starting pitcher Jose Berrios might not have a guaranteed spot in the starting rotation to begin the 2026 season. Berrios endured a tough campaign where he finished the regular season on the injured list and was left off the postseason roster. The right-hander finished with a 4.17 ERA, 1.30 WHIP, and a 138/56 K/BB ratio across 31 games (30 starts) in 2025. His 166.0 innings were his lowest since the shortened 2020 season. The Jays have added Dylan Cease and Cody Ponce to the mix this offseason. They'll have Kevin Gausman, Shane Bieber, and Trey Yesavage returning from last season. It's looking like Berrios could be the odd man out and headed to a swingman type of role in the bullpen. The Jays are still on the hook for $67 million over the next three years, so Berrios will have a role, but it might not be a full-time starter.

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The New York Mets have signed free-agent outfielder MJ Melendez to an MLB deal on Sunday. They've agreed on a one-year, $1.5 million contract for the upcoming 2026 season. Hopefully, a change of scenery will help Melendez, who has struggled during his first four years with the Kansas City Royals. He only played 23 big league games last season and spent most of his time in Triple-A. Melendez slashed .261/.323/.490 with 20 home runs, 64 RBI, and 20 stolen bases in 107 games at Triple-A Omaha last season. The former second-round pick continues to post strong numbers in the minor leagues, but can't seem to translate them to the MLB level. Clearly, the Mets believe that they can tap into his potential, but he'll likely be a fourth outfielder.

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After he posted the best season of his career with the San Diego Padres in 2024, outfielder Jurickson Profar landed a three-year, $42 million contract from the Atlanta Braves heading into the 2025 season. Unfortunately for Atlanta, Profar was handed an 80-game PED suspension early in the year, immediately starting his Atlanta tenure on a sour note. Around the suspension, the 32-year-old quietly posted solid production. Across 371 plate appearances, Profar hit .245/.353/.434 with 14 home runs, 43 RBI, 56 runs scored, and nine stolen bases. Profar also held his barrel rate (7.3%) steady relative to his 2024 breakout, while improving his walk rate from 11.4% to 12.9%. Heading into 2026, the switch-hitting Profar should be locked into an everyday role at or near the top of the lineup in Atlanta. With a full season's worth of plate appearances, Profar could provide steady production across all five categories for fantasy managers in traditional rotisserie scoring formats.

From RotoBaller

After posting consecutive seasons with front-line numbers in 2023 and 2024, Cleveland Guardians starting pitcher Tanner Bibee's production fell back down to earth in 2025. Across 182 1/3 innings (31 starts), the 26-year-old posted a 12-11 record with a 4.24 ERA, 1.23 WHIP, and 162 strikeouts. Bibee's strikeout rate dropped from 26.3% in 2024 to 21.3% in 2025, while his walk rate jumped from 6.2% to 7.1%. Still, Bibee's 3.62 xERA in 2025 suggests he suffered from some poor luck. His 71.9% strand rate was well below his career average of 76%. Additionally, Bibee was much better down the stretch of the season, logging a 1.30 ERA with 26 strikeouts across 27 2/3 innings in September and October. Heading into 2026, Bibee remains locked into a starting rotation spot in Cleveland and looks like a quality bounce-back candidate. With a current average draft position of pick 185, Bibee could end up as a value selection for fantasy managers.

From RotoBaller