Fantrax: Key MLB Players Returning from Injury – 2026 Fantasy Baseball Outlook

As the 2026 Major League Baseball season approaches, many eyes are on players returning from significant injuries. For fantasy baseball enthusiasts using platforms like Fantrax, understanding these players’ recovery timelines and potential impact is crucial for building a winning team. This article provides an update on ten notable players and their expected return to the field.

Gerrit Cole (New York Yankees)

Cole, the 2023 Cy Young Award winner, faced setbacks due to injury, limiting him to 17 starts in 2024. Tommy John surgery in March 2025 initially projected a return around Opening Day, but the Yankees now anticipate his return in June. Despite the delay, Cole is expected to rejoin the Yankees before the season’s midpoint, offering a significant boost to their rotation and a valuable asset for Fantrax players.

Zack Wheeler (Philadelphia Phillies)

Wheeler’s 2024 season was cut short in August due to thoracic outlet decompression surgery. He’s recovering well, having opted to keep the removed rib as part of the operation. While he won’t be ready for Opening Day, he’s projected to return sometime during the first half of the season. In his first six seasons with the Phillies, Wheeler has maintained a 146 ERA+ and consistently finished in the top 10 in Cy Young Award voting, making him a highly sought-after player on Fantrax.

Jared Jones (Pittsburgh Pirates)

Before Paul Skenes, there was Jared Jones. Jones impressed in his rookie season in 2024, with 22 starts and a 100 ERA+. He underwent internal brace surgery to address a tear in his ulnar collateral ligament, sidelining him for the entirety of 2025. Currently on the 60-day injured list, he’s expected to return in late May, potentially becoming a key contributor for the upstart Pirates and a valuable addition to Fantrax rosters.

Lucas Giolito (New York Yankees)

Rodón is an exception, having logged a career-high 33 starts and 195 innings in 2025. He underwent surgery in October to address a bone spur and loose bodies in his throwing arm. The Yankees are optimistic about his recovery, suggesting a potential return by the end of April, offering a significant boost to their pitching staff and a potential steal in Fantrax drafts.

Kyle Hendricks (Chicago Cubs)

Steele was limited to just four starts in 2024 due to revision repair surgery on his UCL. The Cubs have ruled out an Opening Day return, but expect him back before the All-Star Game. His previous three seasons showcased a 3.10 ERA (134 ERA+) and a 3.55 strikeout-to-walk ratio in 78 starts, making him a reliable option for Fantrax managers.

Joe Musgrove (San Diego Padres)

Musgrove hasn’t pitched since the 2024 National League Wild Card Series, suffering a torn UCL that required Tommy John surgery. He’s now healthy and aiming for 20-plus starts in a season for the first time since 2022, when he earned his first All-Star selection. His return will be a welcome sight for Padres fans and a potential boost for Fantrax teams.

Triston Casas (Boston Red Sox)

Casas underwent season-ending surgery last May after rupturing his patellar tendon. The Red Sox haven’t provided a firm timetable for his return, but it won’t be during spring training or for Opening Day. The acquisition of Willson Contreras provides a temporary solution, but the Red Sox will need to find a spot for Casas when he’s healthy, making him a player to watch in Fantrax.

Austin Riley (Atlanta Braves)

Riley earned MVP consideration from 2021-2023 but struggled in 2025, posting his worst OPS+ since 2020 (106) and missing time due to a core-muscle injury. A healthy Riley is crucial for the Braves’ success and a potential fantasy baseball star on Fantrax.

Shane McClanahan (Tampa Bay Rays)

McClanahan established himself as a top left-handed starter, compiling a 3.02 ERA (130 ERA+) and a 3.93 strikeout-to-walk ratio in 74 starts. He underwent Tommy John surgery and then experienced a nerve issue in his triceps. He’s expected to be part of Tampa Bay’s Opening Day rotation, bringing a renewed perspective and valuable arm to the Rays and Fantrax leagues.

DL Hall (Los Angeles Angels)

Rodriguez, once a top prospect, hadn’t fully lived up to expectations in his first 43 appearances. Elbow woes sidelined him in 2025, requiring surgery to remove bone spurs. Traded from the Orioles to the Angels, his 2026 debut will also mark his first appearance with his new club, offering a fresh start and potential for growth in Fantrax.

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