Will Riley Greene Continue to Sacrifice Contact for Power?: Detroit Tigers outfielder Riley Greene took a more aggressive approach at the plate in 2025 in his fourth year in the big leagues, which led to career highs in home runs (36) and RBI (111), but also in strikeouts (201). Greene had a career-high 30.7% strikeout rate, although his average only dropped from .262 to .258. The 25-year-old left-handed slugger's OPS also dropped over 20 points, thanks to a career-low 7.1% walk rate. He swung at more pitches and also swung and missed more, but when he did make contact, he did damage with a 17.1% barrel rate. In addition to Greene's 36 homers and 111 RBI, he added a career-high 84 runs scored but stole just two bases. Greene has a total of 14 thefts in his four seasons, so fantasy managers can't count on that as part of his game. If his aggressive approach at the plate continues in 2026, Greene should have a high floor as a power threat and run-producer while maintaining a solid but unspectacular average. RotoBaller has him ranked as the No. 20 outfielder. - as of Tue, 03 Feb 2026 20:50:41
Durability a Concern, but Trea Turner's Skills Remain Intact: For the second straight season, Philadelphia Phillies shortstop Tre Turner missed time with a hamstring injury, limiting him to 141 games. Turner still managed to win his second batting title (.304 batting average), but he was unable to reach the 20-homer mark (15 dingers) for the first time in a full season since 2019 with the Washington Nationals. In addition to his 15 homers and .304 average, the 32-year-old three-time All-Star had 69 RBI, 94 runs scored, and 36 stolen bases in his third season with the Phillies. Injuries are a concern for Turner, but he proved last year that he still has the sprint speed to swipe 30-plus bags as he nears his mid-30s. And if he manages to stay healthy, the counting stats should be there as the table-setter for a very potent Philly offense. Turner is a borderline top-25 fantasy asset and is the No. 5-ranked fantasy shortstop at RotoBaller going into the 2026 season. - as of Tue, 03 Feb 2026 20:28:36
Carlos Santana Agrees With Diamondbacks: Free-agent first baseman Carlos Santana agreed to a one-year, $2 million deal with the Arizona Diamondbacks on Tuesday, a source told John Gambadoro of Arizona Sports. The 39-year-old veteran switch-hitter will join his ninth team as he enters his 17th season in the big leagues. Santana split last season with the Cleveland Guardians and Chicago Cubs and slashed a combined .219/.308/.325 with a career-low .633 OPS, 11 home runs, 54 RBI, 49 runs scored, and seven stolen bases in 124 games and 474 plate appearances. Santana's ability to switch hit will give him an advantage in a platoon situation at first base, but he'll still likely be on the short side of a platoon with Pavin Smith at first in the desert in 2026. In his prime, Santana was an excellent source of on-base percentage due to his fantastic knowledge of the strike zone, but he's declined offensively in recent years and is likely in his final big-league season. - as of Tue, 03 Feb 2026 16:20:39
Cam Smith to See Time in Center Field This Spring: Houston Astros manager Joe Espada said that outfielder Cam Smith will play some center field in spring training, according to Brian McTaggart of MLB.com. Reports this offseason have suggested that Smith isn't a lock for an Opening Day roster spot, but adding versatility in center field definitely will help his cause. The 22-year-old former first-rounder played well defensively in right field in 2025 in his first year in the big leagues while also slashing .236/.312/.358 with a .671 OPS, nine home runs, 51 RBI, 55 runs scored, and eight stolen bases in 134 games played. The 22-year-old was brought up to the big leagues quickly, which makes his struggles less surprising. Smith carried a 27.8% strikeout rate, 90 wRC+, 6.9% barrel rate, and 45.1% ground-ball rate. Because of the possibility that Smith will start the 2026 season at Triple-A Sugar Land, he's a very risky investment in single-year fantasy leagues. - as of Tue, 03 Feb 2026 14:54:00
Thomas Saggese Could be in the Mix for Outfield Work: St. Louis Cardinals president of baseball operations Chaim Bloom said on Tuesday that infielders Thomas Saggese and Freddy Fermin could play into the competition in the outfield during spring training, according to Brandon Kiley of 101 ESPN. Entering the mix in the outfield would give Saggese a better path to more playing time, but he hasn't spent any time in the outfield yet in his professional career. The 23-year-old former fifth-round pick by the Texas Rangers in 2020 debuted in the majors in 2024 but played in only 18 games. Last year in 82 games (295 plate appearances), Saggese hit .258/.299/.342 with a .641 OPS, two home runs, 25 RBI, 25 runs scored, and three stolen bases for the Red Birds. Saggese still has time to develop, but he has so far disappointed with an elevated strikeout rate and limited power. His 44.1% hard-hit rate and 90.2 average exit velocity give hope that he can build on his offensive performance in 2026, but consistent playing time could be hard to come by. - as of Tue, 03 Feb 2026 14:05:27