New York Yankees starting pitcher Max Fried may not get the nod on Opening Day. Manager Aaron Boone noted that "it might not line up" for Fried to take the mound that day. Fantasy managers should monitor his status, but it seems Carlos Rodon may be the likely candidate to open their season. Earlier in the offseason, the Yankees signed Fried to a massive eight-year $218 million contract. With Gerrit Cole (elbow) set to undergo Tommy John and Luis Gil (lat) expected to miss at least three months of action, Fried and Rodon are set to lead the rotation. Last season, Fried logged 174 1/3 innings of work with a 3.25 ERA and a 1.16 WHIP. He tallied 166 strikeouts and generated an elite 59.2 percent ground-ball rate. If Rodon were to get the nod, he would be a risky play in DFS facing the reigning NL Central Champions, the Milwaukee Brewers. Last season, Rodon held a 3.96 ERA with a 1.22 WHIP.

According to Scott Merkin of MLB.com, Chicago White Sox infielder Josh Rojas is projected to the be their Opening Day second baseman. Even though Rojas has spent most of his MLB career at the hot corner, he does have experience at the keystone. The White Sox signed Rojas to a one-year deal worth $3.5 million during the offseason after being non-tendered by Seattle. Last season, the 30-year-old posted a .225/.304/.336 slash line with eight home runs and 10 stolen bases. He generated a modest .223 xBA but generated a strong 22.0 percent chase rate. If Rojas were to struggle at second base, Lenyn Sosa would likely replace him. Even though he carries little offensive upside, Rojas is a solid bench option in deeper AL-only formats, as he should have a role in the everyday lineup.

Free-agent catcher Yasmani Grandal declined an offer from the Atlanta Braves. The Braves will be without their No. 1 catcher, Sean Murphy (ribs), for at least the next four to six weeks and were looking to strengthen that position. However, with Grandal declining the offer, this will open the door for top prospect Drake Baldwin to serve as their clear top backstop during the start of the regular season. Last summer, Grandal spent his entire campaign in Pittsburgh. Across 72 contests, he posted a .228/.304/.400 slash line with nine home runs and one stolen base. He showed a strong eye at the plate, holding a 9.9 percent walk rate and an 18.9 percent strikeout rate. During the 2023 season, Grandal held a .234/.309/.339 slash line. If Grandal is unable to find other opportunities, he will likely consider retirement.

Free agent right-handed pitcher Kyle Gibson has been drawing interest from several clubs. According to Ken Rosenthal and Patrick Mooney, interest for Gibson has begun to increase due to the recent string of pitcher injuries. The Yankees lost two of their starters (Gerrit Cole (elbow) and Luis Gil (lat)), the Mariners could be without George Kirby (shoulder) and Baltimore's Grayson Rodriguez (elbow) will open the season on the injured list. Gibson has continued to throw regularly and would not need much time to build up. Last season, Gibson spent his entire season with the St. Louis Cardinals. Across 169 2/3 innings, the 37-year-old had a 4.24 ERA with a 1.35 WHIP. He tallied 151 punchouts and held a high 9.4 percent walk rate. If Gibson were to find a suitor, he will only carry value in deeper formats given his low strikeout upside.

New York Yankees starting pitcher Clarke Schmidt (back) allowed four hits and three earned runs across 1 2/3 innings during his spring debut on Tuesday. He tallied four punchouts and allowed one walk. Most of his damage was on a three-run shot by Baltimore first baseman Ryan Mountcastle in the opening frame. Schmidt was delayed during the start of camp due to a back injury. Even though he struggled in this outing, seeing him back on the mound suggests he remains on pace to make his scheduled regular-season debut on April 3. Last season, Schmidt posted a solid 2.85 ERA with a 1.18 WHIP across 85 1/3 innings of work. He tallied 93 strikeouts but held a modest 8.5 percent walk rate. Fantasy managers should expect the 29-year-old to serve as the No. 3 option in the rotation during most of the season with Gerrit Cole (elbow) set to miss the entire season and Luis Gil (lat) set to miss at least three months.