Bo Bichette landed on the 10-day IL with a sprained left knee, retroactive to Sept. 7, prompting Toronto to summon Joey Loperfido from Buffalo. Bichette leads the league with 181 hits and 44 doubles and sits .311 with 18 homers and 93 RBIs in 139 games. His absence could test Toronto’s depth as Loperfido and others fill the order.

The Blue Jays, two games ahead of the Yankees with 19 left, open at home vs Houston. A bruising weekend in New York—collision at home plate and a rain delay—highlights the scramble for fantasy managers tracking Toronto’s lineup.

Cody Bellinger is expected to opt out of his $25 million option with the Yankees, hitting free agency at age 30 after a strong season that could land him a nine-figure deal. The Mets are floated as a potential landing spot, while New York’s club remains inclined to view him as a long-term first baseman. The Cubs’ past involvement adds context to a market dynamic that could shift with his decision. Fantasy players should watch how this shapes Yankee and cross-town lineups.

Volpe’s struggles loom large for the Yankees, making Bellinger’s market movement even more consequential for counting stats and lineup protection. If Bellinger returns to free agency, the decision could ripple through the Yankees’ outfield balance and batting-order leverage, influencing both one-season value and short-term dynasty considerations.

Yankees eye a power-packed 1B overhaul this offseason. Pete Alonso tops the target list if the Mets part with him, while Goldschmidt could be pursued as a veteran anchor. Ben Rice would be a long-term option, with Bellinger back in the mix and Volpe powering a revamped lineup. The drama around Alonso’s opt-out and a potential cross-town swap reshapes fantasy value across the league.

Fantasy readers should note: Alonso would spike HR and RBI in Yankee Stadium; Goldschmidt’s OBP adds batting-average stability; Rice offers future upside; Bellinger provides bounce-back power and versatility; Volpe could accelerate with protection and lineup depth.