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Washington Nationals right-handed pitching prospect Jarlin Susana is a name to monitor in spring training. The right-hander is currently considered the No. 87 overall prospect on MLB.com and the No. 4-ranked prospect in the Washington system. He began the 2025 campaign with High-A but needed only nine innings to prove he was ready to join Double-A Harrisburg. With the Senators, Susana flashed immense strikeout upside, tallying 79 across 47 1/3 innings of work. In this stint, the 21-year-old posted a solid 3.61 ERA with a 1.39 WHIP. However, Susana underwent right lat surgery late in the second half, which could potentially limit him in spring training. While Susana was not in the mix to debut in Washington in the first half of 2026, if he continues this high-end production, he could make a strong case to debut later in the year.

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Pittsburgh Pirates left-handed prospect pitcher Hunter Barco is expected to compete for a role in the starting rotation during spring training. Last season, the southpaw was promoted in September for his MLB debut. Across three innings of work (all out of the bullpen), the lefty did not allow a run and struck out three hitters. He began 2025 with Double-A but needed only 25 2/3 innings to prove he was ready to join Triple-A. During this brief stint at Double-A, the left-hander did not allow a run and held a dominant 0.70 WHIP. At Triple-A Indianapolis, Barco logged 73 2/3 innings with a 3.79 ERA and a 1.37 WHIP. He tallied 82 strikeouts and 42 walks. Managers in deeper leagues should keep an eye on his progress in camp, as he will likely be competing for a starting role alongside Thomas Harrington. If he can crack the rotation, he would have sleeper appeal in deeper 12+ team formats, given his strikeout potential.

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Milwaukee Brewers right-handed pitching prospect Logan Henderson looked quite comfortable in his first taste of the majors last season and appears primed to take on a large role in 2026. Through his first 25 1/3 innings with the Brewers (five starts), the former fourth-round pick posted an elite 1.78 ERA with a 0.99 WHIP. Henderson struck out 33 batters and allowed free passes at an 8.1% rate. He generated a strong 32.8% hard-hit rate and a 32.6% chase rate, suggesting his strikeout totals should remain high over a full season. However, the right-hander saw his workload closely monitored and dealt with injuries and was eventually shut down with a flexor strain in the second half. Fortunately, he is not expected to face any limitations in spring training. With Freddy Peralta's name in many trade discussions, Henderson appears poised not only for a spot in the rotation but also to take on a significant role in the pitching staff in the upcoming season.

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New York Mets right-handed pitching prospect Jonah Tong is a name to closely monitor in spring training. Tong progressed through the Mets' system quite quickly in 2025, but stumbled as soon as he reached the big leagues. Through his first 18 2/3 innings with the Mets, Tong posted a hefty 7.71 ERA with a 1.177 WHIP. He struck out only 22 hitters while allowing walks at a high 10.3% rate. However, in the minor leagues, Tong looked like a budding ace as he tossed 113 1/3 innings (primarily at Double-A) to the tune of a 1.43 ERA, 0.92 WHIP, and a 179:42 K:BB. At Double-A, he held an incredible 1.59 ERA across 102 innings. While he possesses high upside, he may not be guaranteed a spot in the rotation out of camp, as he will likely be in contention for the final spot alongside Clay Holmes and Brandon Sproat. Given his unexpected role, he is only worth targeting in deep 12+ team leagues in early drafts.

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Boston Red Sox left-handed pitching prospect Connelly Early could enjoy a breakout season in 2026. The team's No. 4-ranked prospect (according to MLB Pipeline) made his MLB debut in the second half and looked quite comfortable, logging 19 1/3 innings to the tune of a 2.33 ERA and a 1.09 WHIP. During this stint, the southpaw struck out an eye-catching 29 hitters while allowing only four free passes. He began the 2025 campaign with Double-A but was able to reach Triple-A Worcester after just 71 2/3 innings. With Double-A, he tallied 96 punchouts with a 2.51 ERA and contended to show similar productivity at Triple-A, logging 28 2/3 innings with a 2.83 ERA. However, managers should closely monitor his status in camp as he may not be guaranteed a spot in the rotation. With the Red Sox bringing in Ranger Suarez and having other budding arms like Payton Tolle, Early may have to earn his spot in spring training. If he can claim the No. 5 spot, he would become a top late-round target in all formats, given his high-end command and elite strikeout upside.

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The Chicago Cubs and agent Scott Boras have continued to talk about free-agent right-hander Zac Gallen, according to Bruce Levine of 670 The Score. "Those talks are ongoing. My reporting is the possibility is that it'll be a shorter-term type of deal," Levine said. Gallen has been connected with the Cubs in free agency since early December, but the two sides have been unable to work anything out. The 30-year-old All-Star is coming off a career-worst 4.83 ERA and 1.26 WHIP with 175 strikeouts and 66 walks in 33 starts over 192 innings in 2025 in his seventh year in the big leagues. Going with a shorter deal would allow Gallen to build some of his value back up before potentially hitting free agency one more time as he nears the tail end of his career. Gallen is probably past his prime, but going to Wrigley Field could help lower his home run rate, which was a career high in 2025.

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Free-agent outfielder Miguel Andujar, who is coming off a big season with the Athletics and Reds, is drawing significant interest from the Texas Rangers, San Diego Padres, St. Louis Cardinals, Cincinnati Reds, Chicago Cubs, and A's. Andujar hit a combined .318/.352/.470 with an .822 OPS, 10 home runs, 44 RBI, and 36 runs scored in 94 games with the A's and Reds. He missed time with a Grade 2 right-oblique strain and a quadriceps injury. The 30-year-old was a lefty killer and will most likely be a candidate for a platoon outfielder role wherever he lands. Fantasy managers definitely shouldn't expect him to come anywhere close to his 208 production with the New York Yankees, when he hit a career-best 27 home runs and drove in 92 in 149 games. In deeper fantasy leagues, Andujar is attractive for his power and dual eligibility at third and outfield.

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The Atlanta Braves announced on Monday that they signed free-agent infielder Jorge Mateo to a one-year, $1 million deal. Mateo will essentially be insurance after it was announced over the weekend that infielder Ha-Seong Kim (finger) will miss around the first six weeks of the 2026 season due to finger surgery. Like Kim, the 30-year-old Dominican has been injured in recent seasons, playing in only 110 combined games the last two years with the Baltimore Orioles, slashing .214/.253/.362 with six home runs, 21 RBI, 39 runs scored, and 28 stolen bases. He hit only .177 in 42 games for the O's last year. The most likely scenario to open the year with Kim injured is that utility man Mauricio Dubon will begin as the primary shortstop in Atlanta. If Mateo does get an extended chance at the 6 or another position for the Braves, he could be interesting for his speed (he stole a league-high 35 bags in 2022).

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Cleveland Guardians top prospect Travis Bazzana is expected to begin the 2026 season with Triple-A Columbus. The Guardians selected the second baseman with the top pick in the 2024 MLB Draft out of Oregon State. Following the draft, Bazzana was given a brief 27-game taste of High-A to conclude 2024, where he struggled, holding a modest .238 AVG with a .738 OPS. In 2025, Bazzana began the season with Double-A and was eventually able to earn a promotion to Triple-A. Across 77 games split between the top two levels in the Cleveland system, Bazzana held a .246/.383/.430 line with an .813 OPS, nine home runs, and 11 stolen bases. Unfortunately, multiple oblique injuries significantly limited his total playing time. While Bazzana figures to compete for a first-half MLB debut, fantasy managers should expect the top prospect to begin 2026 at Triple-A.

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Seattle Mariners top prospect Colt Emerson is a name to keep a close eye on during camp, as he could push for an early MLB debut in 2026. Last summer, the No. 9-ranked prospect in the sport according to MLB Pipeline began the season in High-A and finished the season with Triple-A Tacoma. With High-A, Emerson posted a .281/.388/.453 line with 16 doubles, 11 home runs, and six stolen bases. Through his first taste of Double-A, Emerson held a .282 AVG with a solid .790 OPS across a 34-game stint. Then, during his brief six-game taste of Triple-A, Emerson continued to play at a high level, hitting two home runs with a .364/.444/.727 line. While Emerson figures to earn a full stint at Triple-A to start 2026, he could debut in Seattle much earlier than expected if he can continue his current trajectory.

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Chicago Cubs catcher/first base prospect Moises Ballesteros could see a full-time role on the MLB roster in the 2026 season. The team's top catching prospect made his MLB debut last season and showed flashes in his limited 20-game stint. During this small taste, the 22-year-old held a .298/.394/.474 line with two homeruns. However, with Kyle Tucker off the roster, the team's primary designated hitter last season, Seiya Suzuki, will likely shift back to right field, opening a spot in the lineup for Ballesteros. Additionally, the backstop could serve as the No. 2 option to Carson Kelly, further opening up opportunities. Through 114 games at Triple-A last summer, Ballesteros flashed immense uspdie, holding a .316/.385/.473 line. He is a name to closely monitor during camp, as he could be a top late-round power target if he claims the primary DH role.

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Detroit Tigers top prospect Kevin McGonigle is a name to closely monitor early in the season. McGonigle enjoyed an impressive 2025 campaign and is quickly approaching the top level of the Detroit system. Last season, the No. 2-ranked prospect on MLB Pipeline, trailing only Pittsburgh's Konnor Griffin, opened the season at Low-A but quickly reached Double-A by the second half. Across 88 total games, McGonigle held an elite .305/.408/.583 line. Through 46 games with Double-A Erie, the 21-year-old posted a .254/.369/.550 line with 10 doubles, 12 home runs, and seven stolen bases. While McGonigle remains at least one stop away from the majors, he could be in the mix for a second-half MLB debut if he can carry this production into Triple-A. He remains a high-end dynasty asset that could hold redraft value late in the regular season.

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Cincinnati Reds prospect Sal Stewart is expected to earn opportunities at first base during camp. Charlie Goldsmith of The Dayton Daily News reported that, given Cincinnati's crowded infield, the Reds will look to provide Stewart as many opportunities as possible instead of keeping him in the DH spot. Last summer, the team's top hitting prospect made his MLB debut and spent most of his time at first base. However, coming up in the minor leagues. Stewart never saw a game at first base and instead covered second and third. However, with Ke'Bryan Hayes at the hot corner and Matt McLain at second, the 22-year-old has had to learn a new position. Managers should monitor his status during camp, as Stewart could shift between first base and DH if his bat can continue to produce. During his first 18 games with the Reds, Stewart flashed solid upside, hitting five home runs with an .838 OPS.

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Kansas City Royals first baseman/outfielder Jac Caglianone appears ticketed to see a near-everyday role at the start of the 2026 campaign. The former sixth overall pick from the 2024 MLB Draft made his MLB debut last season but struggled as he held a .157/.237/.295 line with just six doubles and seven home runs across a 62-game stint. However, during his time at Triple-A, the former Florida Gator flared immense upside, hitting an elite .357/.426/.705 line with six doubles and 11 home runs. Earlier in the offseason, the Royals appeared interested in acquiring Boston Red Sox outfielder Jarren Duran in a trade. However, Ken Rosenthal of The Athletic reported that this trade appears unlikely, leaving Caglainone facing even less competition for an everyday role. Currently, he is slated to cover right field while Kyle Isbel, Isaac Collins, and Lane Thomas split center and left field. Given his power upside, Caglianone could enjoy a massive breakout season if he can see every day at-bats.

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According to Ben Nicholson-Smith of Sportnet, the Toronto Blue Jays have had meetings with free agent left-hander Framber Valdez and remain in the mix to sign him. The Blue Jays have had a very active offseason, including signing Kazuma Okamoto to a four-year deal and starting pitcher Dylan Cease to a seven-year contract. Additionally, they were heavily linked to Kyler Tucker and even offered him a massive $350 million, 10-year deal before he signed with the Dodgers. With Tucker off the board, the Blue Jays have remained active among the top free agents and could look to further bolster their rotation by adding Valdez. The southpaw has been one of the most stable workhorse pitchers in the sport as he has logged over 190 innings in three of his last four seasons. During these four campaigns, the southpaw has held a 3.21 ERA with a 1.16 WHIP. Valdez projects to carry solid SP2 upside in all formats heading into 2026.

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Before signing a three-year, $45 million extension with the Philadelphia Phillies, catcher J.T. Realmuto was linked to the Tampa Bay Rays. According to Ken Rosenthal of The Athletic, the Rays were interested in the veteran backstop but were unable to match Philadelphia's contract offer. The 34-year-old has spent the majority of his 12-year MLB career in Philadelphia. Last summer, he saw his offensive production take a hit, posting a low .257/.325/.384 line with 12 home runs and eight sotlen baes. Under the hood, he generated a .316 xwOBA with a slightly above-average 45.5% hard-hit rate. With the Rays missing out on Realmuto, managers should expect Nic Fortes, Hunter Feduccia, and Dominic Keegan to compete for starting opportunities. Fortes will likely be the starting option but holds minimal fantasy value outside of 15+ team AL-only formats.

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The New York Mets remain interested in the top hitter available on the free agent market, outfielder Cody Bellinger, even after signing infielder Bo Bichette to a three-year, $126 million contract on Friday afternoon. According to Will Sammon of The Athletic, the Mets would prefer to sign Bellinger to a short-term deal after signing Bichette to that high contract. While Bellinger has been heavily linked to the Yankees on a longer-term deal as well, the Mets would likely offer a higher annual value, albeit for a shorter term. With the Yankees last season, Bellinger posted a strong .272/.336/.480 line with 29 home runs and 13 stolen bases. His home run total was the highest since his incredible 2019 campaign. If Bellinger were to join the Mets, he could potentially block top prospect Carson Benge from an everyday role early in the season.

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According to Ken Rosenthal of The Athletic, the Kansas City Royals are unlikely to land either of the two hitters they have been pursuing in trade talks, Brendon Donovan of the St. Louis Cardinals, or Jarren Duran of the Boston Red Sox. Through the winter, both the Cardinals and Red Sox have been listening to offers for these two players, but have yet to strike a deal. However, Rosenthal believes that the Royals appear to be out of the running to bolster their lineup ahead of spring training. Donovan is a super-utility infielder who turned in a productive 2025 campaign, posting a .287/.353/.422 line with 10 home runs and three stolen bases. Duran took a step back in 2025 as he held a lower .256/.332/.442 line compared to the impressive .285/.342/.492 line he held in 2024. With the Royals likely missing out on both bats, managers should expect Jonathan India to remain the primary second baseman heading into camp, while Lane Thomas, Kyle Isbel, and Jac Caglianone hold the positions in the outfield. This is an excellent sign for former top prospect Caglianone, as he will face even less competition for a full-time role.

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The Los Angeles Dodgers could look to shop outfielder Ryan Ward following the signing of star outfielder Kyle Tucker. As reported by Ken Rosenthal of The Athletic, the Dodgers are "likely" to explore trade offers for the 27-year-old ahead of spring training. While initial reports suggested they could shop Teoscar Hernandez, the Dodgers are likely to shift him to left field and instead move the long-time minor leaguer. Last season, Ward turned in an impressive campaign with Triple-A Oklahoma City and was making a strong push to join the Dodgers down the stretch. The Pacific Coast League MVP posted a remarkable .290/.380/.557 line with a .937 OPS, 31 doubles, 36 home runs, and 16 stolen bases. Ward is a name to closely monitor as he would become an intriguing sleeper for deeper leagues if he can join a club that would give him an opportunity to crack an Opening Day roster.

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According to Ken Rosenthal of The Athletic, the Los Angeles Dodgers could look to shop right-handed pitcher Bobby Miller in a potential trade. Rosenthal noted that while reports suggested Teoscar Hernandez could be on the trade block following the signing of Kyle Tucker, Rosenthal believes the Dodgers would instead look to move young right-hander Miller. Miller flashed immediate upside in his debut season back in 2023. He logged 124 1/3 innings to the tune of a 3.76 ERA with a 1.10 WHIP. However, in 2024, Miller would take a massive step back, logging 52 innings with a hefty 8.52 ERA and a 1.77 WHIP. Last summer, Miller tossed only five innings with the Dodgers as he spent the majority of the season with Triple-A Oklahoma City. Miller could be an intriguing buy-low asset for some teams, given his prospect pedigree. For now, he does not expect to carry any value in standard redrat leagues.

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