Eric KarabellJan 15, 2026, 11:44 AM ETCloseEric Karabell is a senior writer for fantasy baseball, football and basketball at ESPN. Eric is a charter member of FSWA Hall of Fame and author of “The Best Philadelphia Sports Arguments”.Follow on X
Jan. 15: Arizona Diamondbacks with new plan for Jordan Lawlar
Jan. 15: San Diego Padres announce no innings cap for RHP Joe Musgrove
Jan. 8: Brice Matthews to extend his versatility to outfield
It’s January and the fantasy baseball offseason is, pardon the pun, in full swing. Right now, most sports fans are devoting the majority of their attention to the NFL, NBA and NHL, where the games (both real and fantasy) take center stage — and understandably so.
Arizona’s acquisition of future Hall of Fame 3B Nolan Arenado might seem to bury longtime infield prospect Lawlar, but fantasy managers should not run away. It might feel like a year ago, when the Diamondbacks signed SS Geraldo Perdomo to a long-term contract, despite Perdomo’s middling production, pushing Lawlar off shortstop. Then Perdomo delivered a monster season, and he was arguably a fantasy MVP, considering draft-day investment. Perhaps Arenado bounces back, too.
The Diamondbacks intend to use Lawlar, 23, in the outfield, where there is opportunity alongside star Corbin Carroll. Lourdes Gurriel Jr. underachieved in his 546 plate appearances as the regular left fielder. He might miss at least the first half of the season recovering from an ACL tear in his knee. Jake McCarthy was traded to the Colorado Rockies. Alek Thomas produced a .659 OPS. Lawlar hit .313/.403/.564 at Triple-A Reno. Ignore his big-league numbers in brief playing time. Lawlar will have an opportunity to star.
Musgrove has certainly been a relevant fantasy option for much of his career, especially over four seasons with the Padres (3.20 ERA, 1.10 WHIP, 9.4 K/9). He missed the 2025 season after undergoing Tommy John surgery late in 2024, but the good news is that the organization expects him to be fully ready for spring training — and there will be no limitations on his volume this season. Musgrove has reached 181 innings twice with the Padres, though that last happened in 2022. Perhaps we cannot rely on him for 30 starts, but there is definite sleeper potential here.
The Astros seem set in the infield with veterans Jose Altuve, Jeremy Pena and Carlos Correa at second base, shortstop and third base, and we saw how poorly Altuve’s attempt to play left field went. The outfield is far from settled, unless the Astros aren’t done adding this offseason. Matthews played some center field for the Space Cowboys at Triple-A and, with his raw power and electric speed, he would become an instant deep-league fantasy sleeper if the Astros could use him there this season. Watch this story in spring training. Matthews might not be recognized as one of baseball’s top prospects, but opportunity is everything. He might well earn his.
CloseEric Karabell is a senior writer for fantasy baseball, football and basketball at ESPN. Eric is a charter member of FSWA Hall of Fame and author of “The Best Philadelphia Sports Arguments”.Follow on X
Jan. 13: Kansas City Royals move their outfield fences in!
Read on and find out whether these breaking developments are truly news or if they’re just noise.
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Fantasy impact: Potential news, if he can stay healthy.
Fantasy impact: Consider this information for drafting and keeper purposes, but do not overrate it.
Fantasy impact: Potentially relevant news, if he gets the chance
Fantasy impact: News. Lawlar is going to break out.