St. Louis Cardinals infielder Nolan Gorman will have "plenty of opportunity" this year to make an impact, according to president of baseball operations Chaim Bloom. "It's a big year for him... He should have plenty of opportunity this year. We've seen it (before). He has power everywhere. He can drive the baseball to any part of the field... He knows this is a big opportunity (for him)," Bloom said. The Cardinals have two openings on the infield going into spring training at third base and second base after they traded both Nolan Arenado and Brendan Donovan this offseason. The 25-year-old Gorman is expected to take over at the hot corner, with infield prospect JJ Wetherholt having a clear path at the keystone. We know there is power in Gorman's bat after he hit a career-high 27 homers in 2023, but he has struck out 35% of the time the last two seasons while hitting 33 combined homers. If Gorman can lower his strikeout rate in 2026, he could be a nice sleeper source of power with regular playing time.

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The Houston Astros and third baseman Isaac Paredes avoided an arbitration hearing by settling on a one-year, $9.35 million deal on Tuesday, a source told Chandler Rome of The Athletic. Both sides met in the middle after exchanging figures last month. The 26-year-old's fantasy stock is down heading into the 2026 campaign, as he might not have a path to an everyday role in his second year in Houston. Paredes slashed .254/.352/.458 with 20 home runs, 53 RBI, and 53 runs scored in 438 plate appearances over 102 games played. A hamstring injury was the reason why he didn't play a full season, and he wasn't 100% percent when he returned in the final month. In addition to Paredes not having a clear path to a starting role in 2026, there's a chance he's not ready for Opening Day as the Astros bring him along slowly. A trade out of town would most likely be the best thing for Paredes' fantasy value.

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Free-agent pitcher Eduardo Salazar signed a minor-league deal with the Minnesota Twins on Tuesday, according to the New York Post's Jon Heyman. The right-hander has a foreign team inquiry clause. The 27-year-old Venezuelan right-hander appeared in 30 games out of the bullpen for the Washington Nationals in 2025 and pitched to a rough 8.38 ERA, 2.17 WHIP, and 23:16 K:BB in 29 innings. Salazar made his debut in the big leagues back in 2023 with the Cincinnati Reds and had an 8.03 ERA (11 earned runs allowed in 12 1/3 innings). In his three seasons in the majors with the Nationals, Reds, and Los Angeles Dodgers, Salazar has a 5.99 ERA, 1.87 WHIP, and weak 16% strikeout rate in 70 2/3 relief innings. Salazar is unlikely to make Minnesota's Opening Day roster and should serve as organizational relief depth if he sticks around.

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Cleveland Guardians left-hander Joey Cantillo has plenty of experience pitching in relief, but MLB.com's Tim Stebbins writes that Cantillo will compete for a rotation job in spring training. In 13 starts (67 innings) for the Guardians in the second half of last season, Cantillo had a solid 2.96 ERA, 1.21 WHIP, 72 strikeouts, and 28 walks. The 26-year-old southpaw will primarily be competing with pitching prospect Parker Messick for one of the final spots in the rotation in camp. If Messick impresses more, Cleveland can just slide Cantillo back into a relief role. He had a 3.81 ERA and 1.38 WHIP in 21 outings out of the Guardians' bullpen in 2025. Although he may have had some luck as a starter to close out the year, Cantillo did have a 25.9% strikeout rate and 10.8% walk rate while holding hitters to a .214 average. As more of a swingman than a locked-in starter, Cantillo can be ignored in mixed fantasy leagues.

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Free-agent reliever Daniel Robert re-signed a minor-league deal with the Philadelphia Phillies on Tuesday that includes an invite to major-league spring training camp, according to Jon Heyman of the New York Post. Robert missed the final month of the 2025 season with a forearm strain, and it's uncertain if he'll be limited at all for the start of spring training in a couple of weeks. The 31-year-old veteran right-hander made only 15 appearances in relief for the Phillies last year and gave up seven runs (six earned) on 11 hits (two homers) while walking 10 and striking out 15 in 13 innings pitched. He debuted in the big leagues in 2024 with the Texas Rangers, but threw only 5 2/3 frames of relief. Robert was originally a 21st-round selection by the Rangers in 2017 out of Auburn. He won't carry any fantasy value into the 2026 season.

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The Tampa Bay Rays have joined the list of teams interested in signing free-agent outfielder/designated hitter Marcell Ozuna, sources told MLB insider Mike Rodriguez. In addition to the Rays, the San Diego Padres and Pittsburgh Pirates are looking at the three-time All-Star slugger. Ozuna was fourth in the MVP voting in 2024 but really struggled in 2025 in his sixth season with the Atlanta Braves, slashing .232/.355/.400 with a .756 OPS, 21 home runs, 68 RBI, and 61 runs scored in 145 games and 592 plate appearances. The 35-year-old veteran Dominican was bothered by a hip injury that he suffered in June, which may have been the big reason why he struggled. Ozuna did increase his walk rate to a career-high 15.9%, but at this point in his career, he's most likely a full-time DH. There's potential for a bounce-back 2026 campaign, but at his age, Ozuna is also a pretty big risk.

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Detroit Tigers right-hander Troy Melton is set to compete for a rotation spot in 2026 coming off his impressive stretch run last year, according to MLB.com's Jason Beck. Melton was a valuable swing man for Detroit late last year, but the 25-year-old's workload will be monitored closely after he threw 129 1/3 innings in 2025 between the minor leagues, the Tigers, and the playoffs. As a rookie last year, the 25-year-old had a strong 2.76 ERAand 1.01 WHIP in 45 2/3 innings in the big leagues over 16 appearances (four starts). The top of Detroit's rotation is set with Tarik Skubal, Casey Mize, Jack Flaherty, and Reese Olson (shoulder), so Melton will be battling for the fifth and final spot to begin the season. Melton only had a 20% strikeout rate in his first taste of the big leagues, but he showed his upside down the stretch, and his fantasy arrow is pointing up now that he should be a full-time starter.

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New York Mets right-handed reliever Adbert Alzolay (elbow) is expected to be healthy as a full-go at the start of spring training, according to Will Sammon of The Athletic. The Mets signed Alzolay to a two-year minor league deal in January of last year, and the 30-year-old Venezuelan hurler spent all of 2025 rehabbing from Tommy John surgery. The 30-year-old made his major-league debut with the Chicago Cubs back in 2019 and has gone 12-25 with a 4.04 ERA (4.30 FIP), 1.16 WHIP, 27 saves, a 25.7% strikeout rate, and a 7.4% walk rate in 254 innings pitched over 121 appearances (27 starts) in six years with the Cubbies. If Alzolay stays healthy throughout spring training, he'll have a real shot to earn a spot in the Mets' Opening Day bullpen as a middle-relief arm.

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Detroit Tigers right-hander Reese Olson (shoulder) is on track to be ready for spring training after suffering a season-ending right-shoulder strain last year, according to Jason Beck of MLB.com. Olson was shut down in late July and didn't pitch again in 2025. The 26-year-old went 4-4 with a career-low 3.15 ERA and 1.21 WHIP with 65 strikeouts and 25 walks in 68 2/3 innings over his 13 starts. He hasn't exceeded 112 innings in his three years in the big leagues with the Tigers, but he has a solid 3.60 ERA (3.55 FIP) and 1.17 WHIP with a 23% strikeout rate and 7.8% walk rate in 284 2/3 total innings. Olson should have a rotation spot locked up in 2026 and has proven he can be a pretty reliable starting option for fantasy managers. If Olson can stay healthy, a step forward in his fourth big-league season is possible. He's ranked as the No. 86 starting pitcher at RotoBaller.

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San Diego third baseman Manny Machado continues to turn in consistent seasons for the Padres, and he may be a little under the radar based on his current average draft position. Machado didn't have an eye-catching season in 2025, but he did continue his run of reliable production. He finished with 27 homers in his 159 games and has 25+ homers in 10 straight seasons (not counting the shortened 2020 season). He hit .275 for the second straight year, and his wOBA ticked up from .340 to .341 while his wRC+ crept up from 122 to 123. He mixed in 14 stolen bases as well, his highest total since 2018. Even though he has been around the majors for 14 seasons, he'll still only be 33 at the start of this year, so he still should have several strong seasons left, barring any major injury. Machado has played at least 150 games in nine of the last 10 full seasons as well, and his consistency and reliability make him a solid piece to build around.

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Seattle Mariners catcher Cal Raleigh had unprecedented success last year, breaking through for 60 home runs and 125 RBI. He's clearly the top bat available at a thin catcher position, and the fact that he's in the lineup almost every day, either behind the plate or at DH, makes him an even more valuable asset at one of the thinnest fantasy baseball positions. Raliegh played 159 games for the Mariners last year, hitting .247 with those 60 homers and a .392 wOBA while also adding in a sneaky 14 stolen bases. Big Dumper cut down on his strikeout rate and increased his barrel rate to a career-high 19.5%. He has at least 30 homers in three straight seasons and will be 29 when this season begins. There's likely to be some regression since no switch-hitting catcher has been so productive, but he was better than every other catcher by such a wide margin that he's still a great fantasy option for 2026. Barring injury, we should have a few more seasons of peak Raleigh, and he makes a lot of sense as an early target in most formats, where no other catcher comes close to matching his upside and production.

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Miami Marlins catcher Agustin Ramirez had a strong offensive season overall in his first year in the majors, and he showed enough upside to be a starter at the position in almost all formats in 2026. The 23-year-old made his MLB debut in April and played 136 games for Miami, totaling 33 doubles, 21 homers, 67 RBI, and a .231 batting average. His 47% hard-hit rate and 11% barrel rate back up his .302 wOBA and show the potential for even more power production as he adjusts to the league. In September, he hit just two homers in 25 games and was held to a .267 wOBA. He has been working on adjustments and improving his defense behind the plate this offseason and will look to be a regular bat in the middle of the Marlins' young lineup. He is definitely a young player with a high ceiling in 2026, and his power from the catcher position deserves attention in all formats.

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Tampa Bay Rays pitcher Ken Waldichuk was designated for assignment as a corresponding move to the Rays picking up Ben Williamson in the three-way trade that sent Brendan Donovan to Seattle. The Rays just acquired Waldichuk after the Braves designated him for assignment a few weeks ago. He actually started the offseason with the A's, who designated him for assignment when they acquired Jeff McNeil, and then the Braves claimed him off waivers. After being designated for assignment for a third time this offseason, the 28-year-old lefty could either end up being claimed again, traded, or sent to Triple-A by the Rays. After showing some promise as a prospect early in his career, he hasn't pitched in the majors since 2023. He underwent Tommy John surgery in May of 2024 and pitched in the minors after his recovery last year. He is an interesting enough project that brings enough upside for the Braves and Rays to be interested in him, and since those organizations have a good track record of turning pitchers back around, it'll be very interesting to see where Waldichuk is sitting when the music stops on his game of musical chairs this offseason.

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Free agent infielder Jeimer Candelario has reached an agreement with the Los Angeles Angels on a minor-league contract that includes an invite to spring training. Candelario started his career with the Tigers and spent time with the Nationals and Cubs before signing a three-year deal with the Reds before the 2024 season. He was released in late June last year after knee, toe, and back issues limited him to just 22 games. He spent the rest of the season in Triple-A for the Yankees, where he slashed just .203/.289/.357. He joins a crowded list of reclamation projects trying to earn playing time for the Angels. He could earn his way onto the Opening Day roster or get called up at some point this season if he can prove that his bat still has a little pop after his last several injuries. He's well off the fantasy radar for now, but it's good to know where he landed and keep an eye on his progress this spring.

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Cleveland Guardians left-handed pitcher Parker Messick is a name to monitor during spring training. Messick made his MLB debut last season and looked quite comfortable at the MLB level. Across his first 39 2/3 innings in Cleveland, Messick held a 2.72 ERA with a 1.38 WHIP. He struck out 38 batters while generating an elite 3.6% walk rate and a 29.8% hard-hit rate. He spent the majority of his campaign with Triple-A Columbus. Through 98 2/3 innings with the Clippers, Messick posted a 3.47 ERA with a 1.22 WHIP. During this stretch, the southpaw racked up 119 punchouts with 42 free passes. Currently, Messick is expected to compete for the No. 5 role in camp alongside Joey Cantillo and Slade Cecconi. While Messick may not have the same track record, he has shown significant upside in the minors and is worth closely monitoring in spring training.

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Washington Nationals first base prospect Yohandy Morales is expected to compete for the starting first base job during spring training. Jessica Camerato of MLB.com reported that a mix of Matt Merivis, Andres Chaparro, Trey Lipscomb, and Morales is expected to compete for the lead role at first base. Morales began the season with Double-A but was able to spend the majority of the campaign with Triple-A. Across 33 games at Double-A, Morales posted a .315/.366/.520 slash line with 120 doubles, four home runs, and two stolen bases. At Triple-A, the team's No. 21-ranked prospect held a lower .241/.330/.401 slash line with a modest .731 OPS. Managers in deeper formats should keep an eye on Morales's progression as he could crack the Opening Day roster.

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Chicago Cubs manager Craig Counsell has said that budding prospect Moises Ballesteros is expected to see opportunities behind the plate during camp. Ballesteros progressed through the minor leagues as a primary catcher but is expected to shift to a designated hitter role with the Cubs in 2026 and with the potential to see occasional starts at backstop. Jordan Bastian of MLB.com reported that, currently, Carson Kelly and Miguel Amaya are ahead of Ballesteros on the catching depth chart and that the DH spot is his best path for consistent at-bats early in 2026. However, Bastian noted the team has seen Ballesteros make strides defensively, but there is still "more development to go." Ballesteros spent most of the 2025 campaign with Triple-A Iowa, where he hit .316/.385/.473 line. While the young backstop will likely be in a primary DH role to begin the season, he could eventually carve out time behind the plate if his bat continues to produce at the MLB level. Given his potential to see nearly every day at-bats, he is a top breakout candidate at the catcher position.

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Washington Nationals catching prospect Harry Ford is expected to compete alongside Keibert Ruiz for the starting catcher role in spring training. The Nationals acquired Ford from the Mariners earlier this offseason. Ford is currently viewed as the No. 42-ranked prospect in the sport on MLB.com and one of the top young backstops. Last summer, Ruiz struggled at the plate, holding a modest .247/.277/.318 slahs line across a short 68-game stint. Ford spent the majority of the campaign with Triple-A Tacoma, where he carried a .283/.408/.460 slash line with 18 doubles, 16 home runs, and seven stolen bases. He showed an elite eye at the plate, posting an 88:74 K:BB. Even though Ford has only eight games of MLB experience, he is in serious consideration to see the majority of time behind the dish in D.C. He is a name to closely monitor in camp, as he would carry high-end sleeper appeal in two-catcher leagues.

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According to Jordan Bastian of MLB.com, Chicago Cubs outfield prospect Kevin Alcantara is expected to be in the mix for one of the final spots on the Opening Day roster. However, the outfielder does have one more minor league option, which could push him to Triple-A to begin the regular season. Bastian noted that the Cubs currently need a fourth outfielder, and Alcantara should "push" for that role. Last summer, the 23-year-old appeared in just 10 MLB games and held a .364/.417/.364 line. He spent the majority of his season at the Triple-A level, where he posted a solid .266/.349/.470 with 26 doubles, 17 long balls, and 10 stolen bases. While Alcantara will not win a starting job out of camp, he could carve out a depth role, making him a name to watch in deeper NL-only formats.

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Los Angeles Dodgers prized outfield signing Kyle Tucker remains a top-tier fantasy baseball option heading into the 2026 season. Tucker inked a four-year deal with the Dodgers after a season in Chicago, bringing even more firepower to a World Series-winning roster. The 29-year-old had a "down" year by his standards in 2025, but he still slashed .266/.377/.464 with 22 home runs, 22 stolen bases, a 14.6% walk rate, and a 14.7% strikeout rate. His ISO dipped below .200 for the first time since his rookie season, but he still contributed a whopping 136 wRC+. Meanwhile, he posted at least 4.2 fWAR for the fifth year in a row. As a Dodger, Tucker will have extreme protection in the lineup with less weight on his shoulders. He projects to bat second or third, and he will play right field on an everyday basis. As it stands, he ranks as the #5 outfielder and #8 hitter in RotoBaller's latest fantasy baseball rankings for 2026.

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