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Pittsburgh Pirates infield prospect Konnor Griffin is considered the No. 1 prospect in the entire sport on MLB.com and is quickly climbing the minor leagues. Last summer, the former ninth-overall pick from the 2024 MLB Draft made his professional debut with Low-A but finished the season with Double-A Altoona. Through 101 games split between Low-A and High-A, the 19-year-old posted an elite .332/.414/.524 line with a .937 OPS. He hit 16 home runs and swiped 59 bases. Then, during his first 21 games at Double-A, Griffin continued to play at an elite level, carrying a .337/.418/.542 line with five home runs and six stolen bases. Given his impressive rise through the minor leagues, Girffin could be in play to not only make his MLB debut early in 2026 but potentially out of spring training. Reports earlier this offseason suggest that the Pirates may give Griffin an opportunity to claim the shortstop job. Even if it is unlikely for Griffin to debut in the majors at the start of this season, he should be in the mix to reach the big leagues by the second half.

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Detroit Tigers outfield prospect Max Clark has continued to progress at a steady pace through the system and is nearing the top level of the minor leagues. In 2025, the former third overall pick began the season with High-A, but eventually made his debut at Double-A Erie in the second half. Through 68 games with High-A, Clark posted a strong .285/.430/.427 line with an elite 56:65 K:BB. During his first taste of Double-A action, the 21-year-old took a bit of a step back but remained productive, carrying a .251/.360/.439 line with a.799 OPS. He continued to show a strong eye at the plate, drawing 29 walks compared to 34 strikeouts. If Clark can see his production reach a new level with Double-A to begin the 20226 campaign, Clark could reach Triple-A early in the first half, which may leave the door open for a late-season MLB debut.

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Boston Red Sox left-handed pitching prospect Payton Tolle made his MLB debut during the 2025 season and had mixed results. The southpaw logged 19 1/3 innings to the tune of a 6.09 ERA and a 1.59 WHIP. Tolle was deployed out of the rotation in each of his first three outings but was then shifted to the bullpen over his last four. Through six innings of relief, Tolle looked much more stable, allowing only two runs while striking out seven hitters. Earlier in 2025, Tolle made his professional debut with High-A and was able to quickly progress through the Boston system, which earned him the late-season promotion. Through 91 2/3 innings split between High-A, Double-A, and Triple-A, the No. 28-ranked prospect in baseball posted a 3.04 ERA, 0.99 WHIP, and a dominant 133:23 K:BB. However, managers should keep an eye on him during spring training, as he may not be guaranteed a spot in the team's starting rotation given his inconsistent debut. Additionally, the Red Sox recently signed left-hander Ranger Suarez, which will add yet another pitcher to a largely crowded rotation. For now, Tolle is best left for deeper redraft leagues given his unknown role.

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Philadelphia Phillies top pitching prospect Andrew Painter was in the mix to make his MLB debut last season, but was unable to earn the call from Triple-A. After battling numerous injuries throughout his young career, including Tommy John surgery, Painter was able to log a career-high 118 innings in the minor leagues last season, most of which were spent with Triple-A Lehigh Valley. Through his first 106 2/3 innings with the top team in the Phillies' system, Painter struggled, posting a 5.40 ERA and 1.55 WHIP. During this stretch, Painter struck out 111 hitters but allowed a rather high 46 walks. Over the last 38 2/3 innings of the season, the former 13th overall pick struggled even further, posting a high 6.05 ERA. However, with Zack Wheeler (shoulder) working his way back from injury and Ranger Suarez now in Boston, Painter could make a case to make the Opening Day roster out of spring training, given the state of their rotation. He is worth monitoring as he could be an intriguing late-round option if Wheeler's recovery is delayed.

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Minnesota Twins top outfield prospect Walker Jenkins made his Triple-A debut late in the second half of the 2025 season and could be in the mix for his MLB debut sooner than expected. He began the 2025 season with Double-A, where he continued to perform at an elite level, carrying a .309/.426/.487 line with 11 doubles, seven home runs, and 11 stolen bases. He then earned the call to Triple-A St. Paul, where Jenkins took a bit of a step back, carrying an overall .242/.324/.396 line through 23 contests. However, the former fifth-overall pick from the 2023 MLB Draft showed significant progress over his last 16 games as he posted a much-improved .273/.333/.439 line, suggesting he had already begun to take strides forward. While managers should expect Jenkins to open the season at Triple-A, he may only need a brief stint before proving he is ready to join the MLB roster. Given his ability to get on base at an elite rate while showing nearly 20-SB upside in each season, he is a prime early-season stash option in deeper redraft leagues.

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Cincinnati Reds infield prospect Sal Stewart is primed to build off his strong MLB debut. The team's top prospect earned a call to the majors late in the second half and held an impressive .255/.293/.545 line over his first 18 gamd as the MLB level. However, over his last 10 games, Stewart took an even larger step forward, posting a .323/.382/.645 with three long balls. Early in the campaign, Stewart spent most of his time with Double-A and had a brief taste of Triple-A shortly before his MLB debut. Through 118 games in the Reds' system, Stewart posted a .309/.383/.524 line with a .907 OPS, 20 home runs, and 17 stolen bases. This upcoming season, managers should expect Stewart to operate as a super utility option in the infield, earning starts at first base, second base, and third base. His five-category skill sets set him up for a prime breakout season.

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According to Bob Nightengale of USA Today, the Philadelphia Phillies are the "overwhelming" favorite to sign top free agent infielder Bo Bichette. On Thursday evening, the Dodgers signed outfielder Kyle Tucker to a four-year, $240 million contract, leaving Bichette as the top available hitter. Throughout the winter, the Phillies have been in active pursuit of the 27-year-old and appear to be the clear favorites to land him in the coming weeks. Last season, Bichette turned in one of the most productive campaigns of his seven-year MLB career, posting a .311/.357/.483 line with 18 home runs and four stolen bases. Under the hood, he generated a .353 xwOBA with a 48.8% hard-hit rate. If he were to join the Phillies, the team would likely pursue a trade partner for current third baseman Alec Bohm, as Bichette would take on an everyday role at the hot corner.

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The New York Mets and New York Yankees are expected to enter a bidding war for free agent outfielder Cody Bellinger. Throughout the winter, both teams were in discussions with Kyle Tucker before he signed with the Los Angeles Dodgers on Thursday night. Additionally, Bellinger has been linked to both teams, but with Tucker off the board, Bob Nightengale of USA Today expects both New York franchises to be in heavy pursuit of Bellinger. Last summer, Bellinger spent the season with the Yankees, where he posted a .272/.334/.480 line with 29 home runs and 13 stolen bases. While he only generated a low .327 xwOBA, his left-handed swing was a perfect match for Yankee Stadium. If he were to go to the Mets, he could block outfield prospect Carson Benge from an early-season MLB debut. Bellinger projects to carry mid-end OF2 value in standard leagues given his ability to hit for power and steal double-digit bases.

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According to Jim Duquette of SNY, the New York Mets offered superstar free agent Kyle Tucker a four-year contract worth $220 million before he opted to sign with the Los Angeles Dodgers on Thursday evening. Tucker's contract offer with the Dodgers was slightly higher, at $240 million over the same four years. The Mets have been in heavy pursuit of Tucker since opting not to re-sign first baseman Pete Alonso and relief pitcher Edwin Diaz. The Mets could now turn their attention to the other high-end remaining free agents, such as Cody Bellinger, Eugenio Suarez, or Bo Bichette. In addition to pursuing another bat, the Mets have also been linked to top trade target Freddy Peralta. With Tucker opting to sign with the Dodgers, top outfield prospect Carson Benge has a clearer path to breaking camp with the Opening Day roster and is seeing his fantasy value grow as a late-round target.

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The Baltimore Orioles have designated outfielder Marco Luciano for assignment. In a corresponding move, the Orioles have claimed left-handed pitcher Jose Suarez off waivers. Luciano was once considered a top prospect with the Giants, but has struggled to find his footing throughout his early MLB career. Luciano made his MLB debut in 2024 and held a .231/.333/.308 line across 14 contests. In 2025, he remained with the Giants but took a further step back, carrying a .211/.250/.303 line with a .562 OPS through 27 games. Through 226 career games at the Triple-A level, Luciano struggled as well, posting a .227/.351/.401 line. If Luciano draws interest on waivers, he could be in the mix to compete for a spot on an Opening Day roster. If he were to go unclaimed, he would begin the season with Triple-A Norfolk.

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The Cincinnati Reds are acquiring left-handed reliever Brock Burke from the Los Angeles Angels on Friday in a three-team deal that also includes the Tampa Bay Rays, according to Jeff Passan of ESPN. The Reds sent infielder Gavin Lux and right-hander Chris Clark to the Rays, and the Rays sent outfielder Josh Lowe to the Angels. Burke, 29, probably isn't going to be closing games for Cincinnati, but he should fill a late-inning, high-leverage role in his new digs. In 61 2/3 innings pitched for the Halos last year, Burke posted a 3.36 ERA (4.16 FIP) and 1.23 WHIP with 52 strikeouts and 18 walks in 69 outings (one start). Burke has been in high-leverage roles the last couple of seasons with the Angels and Texas Rangers, but he still has no career saves in five big-league seasons. He sports a career 3.88 ERA, 1.25 WHIP, and 22.5% strikeout rate.

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The Tampa Bay Rays are acquiring infielder Gavin Lux and right-hander Chris Clark from the Cincinnati Reds on Friday in a three-team deal that also involves the Los Angeles Angels, sources told ESPN's Jeff Passan. In his first and only season with the Reds in 2025, Lux slashed .269/.350/.374 with only five home runs, 53 RBI, and 49 runs scored in 140 games played. The trade from the Los Angeles Dodgers to the Reds allowed Lux to accumulate a career-high 503 plate appearances in an everyday role. The problem is that he hit just .179/.270/.196 against left-handed pitchers, which makes it unlikely he'll have an everyday role at second base in his new home in Tampa. Lux has a good command of the strike zone and takes plenty of walks, but he doesn't help himself with poor defensive metrics. He lost 2B eligibility going into 2026 and lacks power and speed, leaving him very little fantasy appeal.

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The Los Angeles Angels are acquiring outfielder Josh Lowe from the Tampa Bay Rays on Friday in a three-team trade that also involves the Cincinnati Reds, sources told Jeff Passan of ESPN. The Reds are sending infielder Gavin Lux and right-hander Chris Clark to the Rays, and the Angels are sending right-hander Brock Burke to the Reds. Lowe will give the Angels more outfield depth after they traded Taylor Ward to the Baltimore Orioles this offseason for right-hander Grayson Rodriguez. Lowe, a 27-year-old left-handed hitter, has struggled with injuries the last two years with Tampa, but his power/speed upside makes him worth a late-round gamble. The former first-rounder hit 20 homers and stole 32 bases in 2023, and he combined for 21 homers and 43 steals in 214 the last two years in Tampa. In addition to durability concerns, Lowe has struggled against left-handers. A change of scenery could help Lowe, but he still has to stay healthy, and he could be limited to a strong-side platoon outfield role.

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According to Jeff Passan of ESPN, the Los Angeles Dodgers have agreed to terms with superstar free agent Kyle Tucker on a four-year, $240 million contract. Tucker was considered the top available hitter on the open market and was linked to numerous teams, including the Toronto Blue Jays and New York Mets, before inking his deal with the Dodgers. After spending one season with the Chicago Cubs, Tucker will now join the two-time reigning World Series Champions. Last summer, the 28-year-old battled through a lingering calf injury in the second half but still turned in a strong .266/.377/.464 line with an .841 OPS. He hit 22 home runs and swiped 25 bags. Under the hood, he generated a 93rd percentile .373 xwOBA, suggesting he could be in store for an even more productive 2026 season. Batting alongside a top-tier lineup featuring Shohei Ohtani, Freddie Freeman, and Mookie Betts will provide Freeman with elite scoring opportunities to go along with his power and speed skill set. He will carry top-5 OF upside in all formats in 2026 drafts.

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The Baltimore Orioles have agreed to a minor-league contract with free-agent catcher Sam Huff, according to MASNsports.com's Roch Kubatko. Huff is expected to attend big league spring training as a non-roster invitee. The 28-year-old has appeared in parts of five major league seasons, hitting 12 home runs while slashing .247/.301/.430 across 272 plate appearances. A former seventh-round pick out of Arizona, Huff was once a top prospect for the Rangers but has not been able to establish himself at the MLB level. He owns a 35.7% career strikeout rate and defensively struggles with blocking balls in the dirt and controlling the running game. To make the Orioles' roster, Huff would likely need to outperform catcher Maverick Handley, who appeared in 16 games last season. From a fantasy perspective, Huff would only be relevant if he made the team and starting catcher Adley Rutschman or top prospect Samuel Basallo suffered an injury. For now, he can safely be left off fantasy radars.

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The Los Angeles Angels have agreed to a minor-league contract with veteran free-agent reliever Miguel Castro, according to Jon Heyman of the New York Post. Castro will attend big league spring training as a non-roster invitee. The 31-year-old righty has pitched for seven MLB teams over 11 seasons. For his career, he holds a 4.24 ERA (4.73 FIP) with a 1.386 WHIP and 414 strikeouts across 466 2/3 innings. Last season with the Chicago White Sox, he pitched just six innings, allowing five earned runs with four strikeouts and five walks. Castro is not expected to make the Angels' major league roster, and even if he does, he is unlikely to be fantasy relevant in 2026.

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The Arizona Diamondbacks have signed free-agent reliever Taylor Clarke to a one-year, $1.5 million contract that includes incentives and could be worth just over $2 million, reports Nick Piecoro of The Arizona Republic. In a corresponding move, the Diamondbacks designated right-hander Gus Varland for assignment. Clarke spent the past three seasons with the Kansas City Royals, posting a 4.46 ERA with 157 strikeouts and a 1.22 WHIP across 163 1/3 innings. In 2025, he made 51 appearances and recorded a 3.25 ERA (3.69 xERA) while holding opponents to a .194 batting average. For Arizona, Clarke projects as another bullpen depth arm, and from a fantasy standpoint, he is unlikely to hold value in 2026.

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The Seattle Mariners are set to acquire right-hander Yosver Zulueta from the Cincinnati Reds, according to Francys Romero of BeisbolFR.com. Zulueta was designated for assignment earlier today following Cincinnati's official signing of Pierce Johnson. The return for the Reds is currently unknown. Seattle's 40-man roster is full, so a corresponding move will be required to complete the transaction. Zulueta, 28, has spent the majority of his professional pitching career in the minor leagues and in his native Cuba. Over five minor-league seasons, he has compiled a 3.73 ERA and 1.38 WHIP, striking out 300 batters across 234 innings. In the majors, he owns a 5.32 ERA with 25 strikeouts and 11 walks in 23 2/3 innings. At this point, Zulueta does not appear likely to make the Mariners' Opening Day roster, and even if he reaches the big leagues in 2026, he is unlikely to provide fantasy value.

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According to Ken Rosenthal of The Athletic, the Seattle Mariners are viewed as the leading suitor to land St. Louis Cardinals second baseman Brendan Donovan, largely because Seattle possesses the strongest farm system to facilitate a deal. Rosenthal added that the San Francisco Giants and Kansas City Royals have also expressed interest. However, he believes the Giants lack the prospect capital to entice the Cardinals, while the Royals could make a competitive offer only by parting with some of their minor-league pitching depth. Donovan has posted a 115 wRC+ or better in each of the past four seasons with St. Louis. In 2025, he slashed .287/.353/.422 with 10 home runs, 50 RBI, 64 runs scored, and three stolen bases across 515 plate appearances. If Donovan is traded to any of these clubs, his draft value should remain largely unchanged. For fantasy purposes, the 28-year-old profiles as a solid middle-infielder in 12- or 15-team leagues who can help improve batting average.

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Retired left-hander Clayton Kershaw will suit up one last time for Team USA in the 2026 World Baseball Classic, USA Baseball announced on Thursday. After winning back-to-back World Series titles, Kershaw, an 11-time All-Star, three-time National League Cy Young winner, and 2014 NL MVP, will ride off into the sunset after representing his country. It will be Kershaw's first time taking part in the WBC after he had to withdraw from the 2023 edition due to insurance issues. "I learned a long time ago, you just want to be a part of great things, and this team seems like a really fun, awesome group," the 37-year-old future Hall of Famer said. Kershaw was an all-time great in his 18 big-league seasons, also winning five ERA titles and becoming the fourth lefty to join the 3,000-strikeout club. The Dodgers legend just wants to be an insurance option for Team USA's pitching staff and most likely won't be on the mound much.

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