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Free-agent right-handed reliever Ryan Brasier is finalizing an undisclosed deal with the Texas Rangers on Friday, sources told Chris Cotillo of MassLive.com. Injuries limited Brasier to only 26 relief innings in 2025 with the Chicago Cubs, and he held a 4.50 ERA (3.17 FIP) and 1.23 WHIP with 20 strikeouts and five walks in 28 appearances (one start). The 38-year-old veteran has nine years of big-league experience (six seasons with the Boston Red Sox), so he'll add some much-needed experience and depth to a Rangers' bullpen that could use some help. However, Brasier is unlikely to be much more than a middle-relief arm who might not have much left in the tank as he nears 40 years old. Fantasy managers shouldn't expect Brasier to be much of a high-leverage bullpen option, as he's recorded just 10 saves in 325 major-league appearances.

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MLB.com's Christina De Nicola writes that Miami Marlins infielder Graham Pauley's defense gives him an advantage in the third base competition, as his six outs above average tied for fifthmost among MLB third basemen in 2025. De Nicola suggests that Pauley, who hits left-handed, and Connor Norby could platoon at the hot corner to open the year if neither player stands out in spring training. Along with his stellar defense, Pauley's bat picked up in the second half last year, going from a .529 OPS in the first half to an .840 OPS in nearly the same amount of plate appearances. The 25-year-old lacks power -- he has six home runs in his first 75 MLB games over the last two years -- and he's unlikely to have an everyday role. Pauley has excellent plate discipline, though, and could make for a nice corner-infield option in deep NL-only fantasy leagues.

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Miami Marlins third baseman Connor Norby began last season on the injured list and was on the IL three separate times in 2025. Overall, it was a disappointing first full season in Miami for the former second-round pick, as Norby finished with a .251/.300/.389 slash line, .689 OPS, eight home runs, 34 RBI, 42 runs scored, and eight steals in 88 games (337 plate appearances). MLB.com's Christina De Nicola writes that the right-handed-hitting Norby could fall into a platoon at third base with Graham Pauley if neither player stands out in spring training or early in the regular season. Pauley also might have an advantage at the hot corner because of his stellar defense. Norby is expected to get some reps in the outfield this spring, so the Marlins may be grooming him for a potential utility role. Norby is merely a deep-league flier with a career strikeout rate just south of 30%.

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Miami Marlins left-hander Braxton Garrett (elbow), who missed all of last season while rehabbing from his second Tommy John surgery, is expected to be a full-go for spring training, according to MLB.com's Christina De Nicola. Garrett was in the Marlins' starting rotation before his left-elbow injury, but he hasn't pitched in a major-league game since June 17 of 2024. The 28-year-old southpaw is a former first-rounder (seventh overall) and has shown flashes of upside in Miami, and he should be a lock for the No. 4 rotation spot in 2026 behind Sandy Alcantara, Eury Perez, and Max Meyer (hip) if he's fully healthy by Opening Day. The Marlins traded both Edward Cabrera and Ryan Weathers this offseason, leaving three open rotation spots to begin the 2026 season. Garrett held a 3.66 ERA with 156 K's and 29 walks in 30 starts. There's talent in Garrett's profile, but the volume is unlikely to be there in his first season back from TJ surgery.

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Miami Marlins right-hander Max Meyer (hip) is expected to be full-go for spring training, according to Christina De Nicola of MLB.com. Meyer opened last year with a 2.10 ERA, 41 strikeouts, and seven walks through five starts before posting a 7.10 ERA over his next seven starts and eventually needing season-ending left-hip surgery. The 26-year-old should be a lock for a starting-rotation spot (if healthy) behind Sandy Alcantara and Eury Perez after the Marlins traded both Edward Cabrera and Ryan Weathers in the offseason. Meyers' hip injury in 2025 most likely contributed to him falling apart before he was shut down, so if he's completely past his hip injuries this year, there is true breakout potential for the former third overall pick. At an average ADP of 433, Meyer is going undrafted in most leagues, but he could end up being a great waiver-wire pickup in 2026.

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Cleveland Guardians top catching prospect Cooper Ingle is expected to be in the mix for an early MLB debut in 2026. Ingle joined the Guardians in the fourth round of the 2023 MLB Draft out of Clemson. Ingle began 2025 by making his second appearance at the Double-A level. Through 92 games, the young backstop looked quite comfortable, posting a .273/.391/.441 line with a strong .882 OPS. He would hit nine home runs, while showing a strong eye at the plate, posting a 70:65 K:BB. He would then earn a second-half ticket to Triple-A Columbus. However, Ingle stumbled in his first look facing the top pitching in the minor leagues, posting a modest .207/.383/.329 line. He would hit just one round-tripper during this stint. Given his struggles, managers should expect MLB.com's No. 99-ranked prospect to begin the season at Triple-A. However, if he can find his footing early, he should contend for a first-half 2026 promotion.

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Milwaukee Brewers infield prospect Luis Pena will likely begin the 2026 season at High-A Wisconsin. Pena is considered one of the top prospects in the sport. On MLB.com, the 19-year-old infielder sits as the No. 2-ranked prospect in the system, behind only Jesus Made, and is the sport's No. 18 overall prospect. Pena joined the Brewers in 2024 and made his professional debut in the Dominican Summer League. In 2025, Pena began the campaign with Low-A Carolina. Throughout this 71-game stint, Pena held his own, posting a .308/.375/.469 line with six home runs and 41 stolen bases. He was then bumped up to High-A, where he took a step back, carrying a .168/.220/.297 line through 25 games. Given his struggles to adjust to High-A pitching, dynasty managers should expect the young infielder to spend most of the first half of 2026 there. If he can find his footing quickly, he could reach Double-A later in the summer.

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Colorado Rockies left-handed pitching prospect Sean Sullivan will attend MLB spring training. Sullivan is one of the top budding arms in the Colorado system and now has a path to make his MLB debut later in 2026. The southpaw is currently ranked as the team's No. 12 prospect on MLB.com. The former second-round selection out of Wake Forest spent the majority of his 2025 campaign with Double-A Hartford. Across 97 1/3 innings, the southpaw posted a strong 3.14 ERA with a 1.09 WHIP. While he only struck out 95 hitters, he continued to keep his ratios low. In 2024, Sullivan carried a similar 2.11 ERA with a 0.91 WHIP across 115 1/3 innings split between Low-A and High-A. If he turns in a productive camp, managers should expect the left-hander to be in the mix for a first-half MLB debut.

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The New York Yankees have invited right-handed pitching prospect Carlos Lagrange to MLB spring training. Lagrange is currently viewed as the team's No. 2-ranked prospect on MLB.com and the No. 74 overall prospect in baseball. Lagrange began the 2025 campaign with High-A Hudson Valley, but would eventually spend the second half with Double-A Somerset. Through 41 2/3 innings at High-A, the right-hander would hold a modest 4.10 ERA with a 1.03 WHIP. He would rack up 64 punchouts during this stint. However, once he made the jump to Double-A, Lagrange looked far more productive. Across 78 1/3 innings, the right-hander struck out 104 hitters while carrying a 3.22 ERA and a 1.29 WHIP. While his strikeout upside remained high, Lagrange walked 50 batters. If Lagrange can improve his command, he should be in the mix to reach Triple-A early in 2026, opening the door for a midseason MLB promotion.

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Colorado Rockies outfield prospect Jared Thomas earned an invite to big-league spring training. Thomas will join several of the other top prospects in the Colorado system, including Charlie Condon and Cole Carrigg. Thomas is currently ranked as the team's No. 8 prospect on MLB.com. Thomas joined the Rockies in the second round of the 2024 MLB Draft out of Texas and is quickly progressing through the minor leagues. After a short taste of Low-A in 2024, Thomas would spend the 2025 campaign splitting time between High-A and Double-A. With High-A, Thomas posted a .330/.427/.495 slash line with 11 home runsand 22 stolen bases. At Double-A, Thomas took a step back, holding a .245/.347/.374 line with only three long balls, across a 45-game stint. Given his struggles at Double-A, managers should expect Thomas to begin the 2026 season there, but he has the path to push for a second-half MLB debut.

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Kansas City Royals relief pitcher Carlos Estevez surpassed all expectations during the 2025 campaign. In his debut season in Kansas City, Estevez would tally 42 saves, which were the most in the major leagues. Through 66 innings, the right-hander would post a strong 2.45 ERA with a 106 WHIP. Even though he would strike out only 54 batters (at a low 20.1% rate), he would be a must-start option given his effectiveness in the closer role. However, managers should expect Estevez to see some significant regression in 2026. The 33-year-old generated a 3.69 xERA with a .228 xBA, suggesting his ratios could take a step back. Additionally, he generated a 10.6% barrel rate (14th percentile) and a low 25.4% ground-ball rate (first percentile), suggesting his 2025 production is not sustainable. While he remains a safe bet for 20+ saves, managers should draft him expecting his ratios to return to his career averages of a 3.97 ERA and a 1.31 WHIP.

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Atlanta Braves first baseman Matt Olson continues to carry a high floor for fantasy purposes heading into the 2026 regular season. Olson has played in all 162 games since joining the Braves in 2022 and has continued to deliver high-end counting stats. Since 2022, Olson has hit at least 29 home runs in each campaign and even surpassed the 30-HR mark in two of them, including a career-best 54-HR season. During this four-year stretch, Olson has logged at least 95 RBI in each season and scored over 85 runs in all but one. Even though he fell short of the 30-HR mark for the second-straight season in 2025, managers should still be looking to invest in the 31-year-old this summer. He generated a strong 53.5% hard-hit rate with a .360 xwOBA, both of which were increases from 2024. Additionally, he drew walks at 12.4% rate, the second-highest mark during his time in Atlanta. With a healthy Ronald Acuna Jr. leading the lineup, Olson has a clear path to remain a high-end contributor for counting stats and could even see a slight uptick in power.

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New York Yankees relief pitcher David Bednar continues to hold value as one of the top relievers in fantasy baseball heading into the 2026 regular season. Bednar joined the Yankees shortly before the 2025 trade deadline and was quite impressive during his first stint in the Bronx. Over his first 24 2/3 innings in New York, Bednar tallied 10 saves while carrying a 2.19 ERA, 0.93 WHIP, and a 35:9 K:BB. He began the season in Pittsburgh, where he looked just as strong, holding a 2.37 ERA with a 1.11 WHIP across a larger 38-inning stint. This was a much-needed bounce-back season for the right-hander, as he posted a high 5.77 ERA in 2024. With Devin Williams and Luke Weaver now with the Mets, Bednar figures to have minimal competition for save opportunities in 2026. He remains a high-end No. 1 closer in all formats and should make a strong push to reach the 30-save mark for the second time in his career.

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Free agent first baseman Ty France remains linked to several clubs on the open market. According to Chris Cotillo of MassLive.com, the veteran infielder could sign in Cleveland, Colorado, or San Diego. The Padres recently added depth outfielder Miguel Andujar, but have shown interest in France. Last summer, France began the campaign with the Minnesota Twins and would eventually spend the back half of the season with the Toronto Blue Jays. With the Twins (101 games), France held a .251/.320/.357 line with a modest .677 OPS. He hit 19 doubles and six home runs. As a Blue Jay, the 31-year-old posted a much higher .277/.320/.360 across a short 31-game look. Managers should view France as a depth corner infielder in 15+ team formats. He would likely be kept in a platoon role to open the season, which would limit his overall fantasy value.

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The Los Angeles Angels are closing in on a contract with relief pitcher Brent Suter, according to Chris Cotillo of MassLive.com. Suter has bounced between the rotation and bullpen throughout his 10-year MLB career, but has begun to settle in as a primary reliever over the past five campaigns. Last summer, the reliever spent his second season with the Reds and logged 67 2/3 innings to the tune of a 4.52 ERA with a 1.29 WHIP. He struck out 53 hitters while showing above-average command, posting a 6.2% walk rate. He also limited hard contact at a stellar 32.9% rate while generating groundballs at a high 45.4% rate, suggesting he may see some positive regression in 2026. With the Angels, managers should expect Suter to operate in a middle-relief role, with the upside to earn occasional starts.

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Detroit Tigers relief pitcher Kyle Finnegan may not see many save opportunities to open the season. On a recent podcast, Tigers manager A.J. Hinch broke down his bullpen plan for the start of the season. While he suggested that Kenley Jansen would be the favorite to open the season as the team's primary night-inning option, given his history and track record, Hinch did say that all of his high-leverage options would be available at all times of the game. Finnegan has served as a primary closer for most of his career with the Washington Nationals. In 2023 and 2024, he tallied 28 saves in each campaign. Last summer, he was on pace to hit this mark again, but fell short after he was traded to Detroit and appears ticketed for a setup role once more. Managers in formats that reward holds should still view Finnegan as a primary target, given his experience as a high-leverage option. However, for those in shallower standard formats, Finnegan should be avoided in drafts.

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Detroit Tigers outfielder Javier Baez has been suspended from playing for Team Puerto Rico in the 2026 World Baseball Classic after testing positive for marijuana during the 2023 tournament, according to Evan Petzold of the Detroit Free Press. It will prevent Baez from playing in the WBC for the third time. The good news for the 33-year-old veteran and the Tigers is that he will not face a suspension for the 2026 regular season. The three-time All-Star hit a combined .221/.262/.347 with a .610 OPS, 32 home runs, 163 RBI, and 29 stolen bases in his first full three seasons in Motown before bouncing back in 2025 to the tune of a .257/.282/.398 slash line, .680 OPS, 12 homers, 57 RBI, 55 runs scored, and five steals in 126 regular-season games. It wasn't a fantastic showing by any means, but it was much-needed. Baez adds positional versatility now after basically becoming a super-utility man last year, but there is still plenty of downside and swing and miss to his game.

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The Boston Red Sox have signed infielder Brendan Rodgers to a minor-league contract with an invitation to spring training, according to Chris Cotillo of MassLive.com. Rodgers is a former first-round pick who was selected by the Rockies third overall in 2015. He debuted in 2019 and spent six seasons in Colorado before joining the Astros for the 2025 campaign. He struggled across 43 games in Houston, slashing .191/.266/.278 with an 8.6% walk rate and 35.9% strikeout rate. He posted just 55 wRC+ while playing replacement-level defense at second base. He'll need to really wow the front office and coaching staff this spring to make the Opening Day roster. At the moment, he's off the 40-man roster and is presumably competing for a roster spot with players like Nick Sogard, Nate Eaton, Kristian Campbell, and Mickey Gasper.

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Atlanta Braves outfielder Michael Harris II posted mixed results at the plate in 2025, but there's no denying that he delivered impressive contributions in a variety of ways. Most notably, Harris joined the 20/20 club for the first time in his career, slugging exactly 20 homers and stealing exactly 20 bases. His overall slash line wasn't as flashy, though, as he slashed .249/.268/.409. All three of those marks were the worst of his career, and the same can be said about his 2.5% walk rate and 20.0% strikeout rate. He fared better in center field, where he posted 8 OAA and 7 FRV across 1,396 innings. Unfortunately for fantasy managers, Harris' bat will impact his fantasy value more than his glove. If it's any consolation, though, the home runs and stolen bases should help counteract the negative effect of the high K/BB rate. As it stands, he ranks as the #24 outfielder in RotoBaller's latest fantasy baseball draft rankings for 2026.

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Colorado Rockies catcher Hunter Goodman broke out in 2025, slashing .278/.323/.520 with a whopping 31 home runs, 91 RBI, and 118 wRC+. His discipline numbers weren't great; he had a 5.7% walk rate and 26.3% strikeout rate. Still, the power arguably outweighs the whiffs, especially from a fantasy baseball perspective. He also took major strides behind the plate, posting 4.2 defensive fWAR, the first positive mark of his career. Furthermore, Goodman amassed 2 FRV. The 26-year-old is locked into the Rockies' starting catcher role for 2026. Between swinging the bat well, playing almost every day, and getting half of his games at Coors Field, Goodman is an intriguing fantasy backstop. He ranks #6 among catchers in RotoBaller's latest fantasy baseball rankings for 2026.

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