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When Will Joshua Baez Earn the Call to St. Louis?
St. Louis Cardinals outfield prospect Joshua Baez has enjoyed an incredible stretch at the plate at Triple-A and is on the verge of earning the call to the big leagues. Through 64 total games with the Memphis Redbirds, the outfielder has held a dominant .275/.343/.628 line with 24 home runs and 12 stolen bases. Over his last 14 contests (since June 2), the outfielder has been even more impressive at the dish, launching eight of these home runs with a .368/.381/.877 line. On June 16, Baez made headlines across the minor leagues, slugging four long balls in a single game. However, despite this level of play, the Cardinals have yet to turn to him. Even though Lars Nootbaar and Nathan Church are both back in action, Baez's current production should pave the way for him to join the MLB roster before the end of the month, especially if they remain in the Wild Card race. He remains an elite prospect to stash in all standard leagues ahead of Week 13.
Source: MiLB.com
Source: MiLB.com
Mike Babcock Cleared to Work in NHL
Mike Babcock has been cleared to coach in the NHL again, ESPN's Emily Kaplan reports. Babcock has been unemployed since 2023, when he departed the Columbus Blue Jackets less than three months into his tenure following controversy over his requests to view players' personal photos on their phones. The Edmonton Oilers are interested in hiring Babcock, and the NHL recently launched an investigation into the 2023 events. The investigation was requested by the NHL Players' Association. "The League has completed its review of Mike Babcock's tenure in Columbus, and of certain alleged conduct associated therewith. Our investigation has concluded that, even in a light least favorable to Mr. Babcock, there is no current basis to restrict his employment in the League," the NHL announced in a statement. Babcock led the Detroit Red Wings to the Stanley Cup win in 2008 and ranks 12th all-time with 700 regular-season wins in 1,301 games.
Source: Emily Kaplan
Source: Emily Kaplan
Is Kade Anderson the Top Pitching Prospect to Stash?
Seattle Mariners left-handed pitching prospect Kade Anderson has seen his short-term fantasy stock take a hit this past week, but the budding ace remains firmly on the stash radar. The Mariners acknowledged that they will be looking to "piggyback" each of their MLB starters and do not view Anderson as part of their immediate plans. While this could change in the second half, for now it appears the former LSU superstar will remain in the minor leagues for the foreseeable future. However, during his first taste of professional baseball, the southpaw has looked nothing short of dominant, posting an elite 1.13 ERA, 0.66 WHIP, and an 82:7 K:BB over 55 2/3 innings of work. While his path to the majors is not overly clear, his upside remains elite, making him a top-stash candidate in standard formats with NA spots.
Source: MiLB.com
Source: MiLB.com
Quinn Mathews Quickly Emerging as Priority Stash Target?
St. Louis Cardinals left-handed pitching prospect Quinn Mathews has begun to turn the corner at Triple-A and is quickly emerging as a top prospect to stash among pitchers. Mathews turned in a dominant debut season in the St. Louis system in 2024 but has yet to return to that level of play. In 2025, he logged only 99 innings and saw those troubles linger early in 2026. Through his first 35 2/3 innings this season, the southpaw posted a hefty 5.55 ERA with a 1.63 WHIP. During this stint, Mathews posted a rough 44:30 K:BB. However, over his last 21 innings of work (four starts), the former Stanford standout has held a stellar 1.71 ERA with a much-improved 28:9 K:BB. While he may need to show this success over a longer stretch, he has a clear path to the majors given St. Louis' weak rotation. He is a viable target in the 12+ team leagues ahead of Week 13, but can quickly enter priority stash range if he turns in a strong conclusion to June.
Source: MiLB.com
Source: MiLB.com
Troy Terry Out 5-6 Months After Hip Surgery
Anaheim Ducks right wing Troy Terry (hip) is expected to miss the start of next season after undergoing surgery on June 9 to repair a hip impingement and a labral tear. He is expected to miss 5-6 months following the procedure. Hip issues limited Terry to 61 regular-season appearances in 2025-26, though he played in all 12 playoff games. Despite being hurt, Terry still averaged nearly a point per game. His absence will hurt Anaheim at the start of next season, but it will give other players an opportunity to step up. Both Cutter Gauthier and Beckett Sennecke could have more fantasy value due to Terry's absence.
Source: NHL.com
Source: NHL.com
Lazaro Montes Flashing Elite Raw Power in Minor Leagues, Can He Debut in 2026?
Seattle Mariners outfield prospect Lazaro Montes has had a strong start to the Double-A regular season and is establishing himself as one of the top emerging power hitters in the minor leagues. Across 64 games with Double-A Arkansas, the young slugger has gone deep 20 times while holding a .237/.346/.543 line and an .889 OPS. Since the start of June, Montes has been even more dominant at the plate, launching eight of these long balls and carrying a .316/.409/.772 line. This elite play has put himself in strong contention to earn the call to Triple-A, which will open the door for a second-half debut. While fantasy managers will need to wait for him to move up to Triple-A before declaring him a top stash candidate, he is firmly on the watch list, given his elite power upside. If he maintains this pace, he could provide a major spark to a Mariners lineup as they look to clinch a spot in the postseason down the stretch.
Source: MiLB.com
Source: MiLB.com
Zack Gelof a Must-Add Player Off the Waiver Wire
Athletics infielder/outfielder Zack Gelof has been a hitting machine for the Athletics in June. Slashing .350/.409/.683 with 15 runs scored, five home runs, 10 RBI, and two stolen bases. Gelof is currently riding a 22-game hitting streak and has multiple position eligibility in fantasy baseball. In most formats, he has third base, second base, and outfield eligibility, which helps fantasy managers be flexible with their lineups to fill in vulnerable spots. On the season, Gelof is now hitting .286/.336/.508 with 11 home runs, eight stolen bases, 36 runs scored, and 29 RBI. While everything on the surface looks incredible, and he is a must-add player off the waiver wire right now, it is important to note that he has a .224 xBA and a .291 xwOBA, which are both in the bottom 25th percentile of the entire league. Most of his underlying data does suggest regression, but in situations like this, ride the hot streak until the wheels fall off. Especially for a hitter, because with hitters, you can notice the regression slowly as time goes on, instead of a pitcher that has a singular blow-up outing. For fantasy managers hurting for some immediate production due to losing someone like Jose Ramirez (hand), Gelof is a nice replacement.
Source: Baseball Savant
Source: Baseball Savant
Josh Cameron Too Far Down the Jaguars Depth Chart to Offer Value?
The Jacksonville Jaguars clearly viewed wide receiver Josh Cameron as one of the top remaining players on their board when they traded up to select him in the sixth round of the 2026 NFL Draft, but in a receiver room already difficult enough to sort at the top, there is no realistic potential of fantasy relevance so close to the bottom. With Brian Thomas Jr., Parker Washington, Jakobi Meyers, and Travis Hunter all expected to hold their own roles in Jacksonville's offense, Cameron's clearest path to a roster spot is likely to come through special teams. Over the past three seasons at Baylor, Cameron returned 45 punts at a highly respectable 14.0-yard average, but, built more like a running back than a traditional X-receiver, his brightest future in the league could come as a kickoff returner. With some fantasy leagues adapting to the NFL's dynamic kickoff changes and rewarding return points, Cameron is not entirely unworthy of a roster spot, but in most formats, he is best left on waivers.
Source: RotoBaller
Source: RotoBaller
Is Wei-En Lin the Next Athletics Prospect to Debut?
Athletics pitching prospect Wei-En Lin recently moved up to Triple-A and is positioning himself to compete for a second-half debut. While Gage Jump, the team's higher-ranked pitcher, earned the call earlier this season, Lin is waiting in the wings and could find himself high on the star radar in the coming weeks. Lin opened the 2026 regular season with Double-A Midland, where he was near-perfect, holding a 1.93 ERA with a stellar 0.84 WHIP. Over this 51 1/3-inning stint, Lin struck out 53 hitters while walking just 13. This strong start earned him a ticket to Triple-A, where he has encountered some growing pains. Over two outings (1 2/3 innings), Lin has allowed eight earned runs with a 1:4 K:BB. While it will take the No. 90-ranked prospect in baseball some time to adjust to the Triple-A hitters, he could climb the stash ranking in the second half, making him a top prospect to monitor in deeper leagues.
Source: MiLB.com
Source: MiLB.com
William Karlsson Undergoes Wrist Surgery
Vegas Golden Knights center William Karlsson underwent wrist surgery on Wednesday. The 33-year-old was hurt in Game 5 of the Stanley Cup Finals against the Carolina Hurricanes, and Golden Knights general manager Kelly McCrimmon revealed that Karlsson needed to have wrist surgery. Karlsson has had tough luck with injuries recently and ended up playing more playoff games (15) than regular-season contests (14) in 2025-26. The Swedish veteran sustained a lower-body injury in early November and didn't return to action until Round 2 of the playoffs. Next season, Karlsson will finish an eight-year, 47.2 million contract. His injury history makes Karlsson a tough player to trust in fantasy hockey.
Source: 8 News Now
Source: 8 News Now
James Tibbs III Slugging His Way to Major-League Promotion
Los Angeles Dodgers outfield prospect James Tibbs III has been among the top power hitters at the Triple-A level this season and is making a strong case to join the MLB roster in the immediate future. On Thursday, Tibbs launched his 20th long ball of the campaign when he went 1-for-5 against Sacramento. Through 69 total games with Oklahoma City this season, the 23-year-old has held a .297/.413/.602 line with a dominant 1.015 OPS. This is even more impressive as Tibbs did not log a single bat at the Triple-A level prior to the 2026 campaign. Currently, the Dodgers have turned to fellow prospect Ryan Ward to replace the injured Teoscar Hernandez on the MLB roster. However, given Tibbs' current play and much higher upside, they could turn to the Florida State product to add a spark to their lineup. His path to at-bats and elite raw power upside makes him a top stash target among hitting prospects.
Source: MiLB.com
Source: MiLB.com
Can Cole Payton Develop into a High-Value Dynasty Handcuff?
Eagles quarterback Cole Payton currently sits fourth on the Philadelphia depth chart behind Jalen Hurts, Tanner McKee, and Andy Dalton, but his long-term fantasy upside is as high as any of the non-first-round quarterbacks selected in the 2026 NFL Draft. Both McKee and Dalton are in the final year of their contracts, and while the former could potentially seek greener pastures elsewhere in 2027, the soon-to-be-39-year-old Dalton may choose to call it a career after his 16th season in the league. Ironically, it is the lefty Payton who is perhaps best equipped to run an offense similar to the one helmed by Hurts, serving as the only other dual-threat quarterback on the roster after rushing for more than 2,000 yards and 30 touchdowns during his collegiate career at North Dakota State. At 6'3" and 223 pounds, and with the luxury of developing behind the scenes, Payton could eventually grow into one of the most fantasy-relevant backup quarterbacks in the league and is a must-stash player in superflex dynasty leagues.
Source: RotoBaller
Source: RotoBaller
Jacob Latz Continues to be a Top Priority Closer on the Waiver Wire
Texas Rangers left-hander Jacob Latz has been fantastic thus far in 2026, converting on 12 of his 14 save opportunities with an impressive 1.62 ERA and 0.60 WHIP with 35 strikeouts in 33 1/3 innings pitched. Under the hood, he has a 2.23 xERA (99th percentile) and a .168 xBA (99th percentile) and is completely dominating the ninth inning of games. The only downfall for Latz is that the Rangers are sitting four games under .500, and have not earned him as many opportunities as some of the other top closers in the game. To put the 14 opportunities into perspective, Cade Smith of the Guardians, who leads the league, has 26 opportunities. While 14 isn't bad, it still leaves more to be desired for fantasy managers and Latz. That being said, the Rangers are still in the hunt in the AL West, as it's been one of the weaker divisions in baseball, with the Mariners leading the division at 39-37, meaning the Rangers should be motivated to make a push, considering they have guys like Jacob deGrom, Nathan Eovaldi, and Corey Seager as a veteran core. Due to the lack of consistent closers for fantasy baseball in 2026, Latz remains a top option if available on your waiver wire.
Source: Baseball Savant
Source: Baseball Savant
Ryan Craig Takes Charge in Vegas
The Vegas Golden Knights have named Ryan Craig as their new head coach. The 44-year-old has spent the last three seasons as the head coach of the Golden Knights' AHL affiliate, the Henderson Silver Knights. Craig has also worked for six years as the Golden Knights' assistant coach, helping the franchise win its first Stanley Cup in 2023. Additionally, he has 198 games of NHL experience under his belt as a player. The Golden Knights appear to be extremely high on Craig. They preferred him to John Tortorella, who was interested in returning next season after posting a 21-8-1 record (including the playoffs) with the team in 2025-26.
Source: NHL.com
Source: NHL.com
Jac Caglianone Continues to be a Priority Target on the Waiver Wire
The Kansas City Royals' 2024 first-round pick, first baseman/outfielder Jac Caglianone, has been heating up at the plate in June, slashing .356/.441/.610 with four home runs, 11 RBI, 12 runs, and seven walks. While his strikeouts remain an issue on the season (29.7 percent), his underlying data on how he is impacting the ball and his quality of contact remain elite. He has a 93.4 mph average exit velocity (96th percentile), 14.5 percent barrel rate (89th percentile), 56.5 percent hard-hit rate (98th percentile), and a 76.9 mph bat speed (96th percentile). On the season, Caglianone's slash line is up to .266/.338/.439 with nine home runs, three stolen bases, 30 runs scored, and 22 RBI. While the batting average looks nice, his counting stats are still down, mostly due to a lack of a power surge in April and May, and the Royals' offense not producing at a high level. Nonetheless, he is doing what he needs to do with how he's impacting the ball, and ultimately, that is all a player can control. He may have a second half where he can hit fifteen-plus home runs and drive up those numbers for fantasy managers. Caglianone has much more value in category formats than he does in points leagues due to his poor plate discipline.
Source: ESPN
Source: ESPN
Taylen Green's Fantasy-Friendly Skill Set Makes him a Must-Stash Dynasty QB
When the Cleveland Browns selected Taylen Green in the sixth round of the 2026 NFL Draft, he became their third quarterback taken in the last two drafts. With Dillon Gabriel and Shedeur Sanders still on the roster, and veteran Deshaun Watson currently battling Sanders for the starting job, Green will presumably have the opportunity to develop behind the scenes. Still an incredibly raw prospect who went 2-9 as a starter in his final season at Arkansas, Green possesses traits rare for his (or any) position. At 6'6" and 227 pounds, he ran a 4.36-second 40-yard dash at the NFL Combine, and while the player and team have both insisted that his future is at quarterback, it isn't difficult to envision a specific package of plays designed to get him the ball in space. While it may take until 2027 or beyond to truly gain a sense of Green's fantasy viability, as RotoBaller's dynasty QB33, he is one of the most obvious stash candidates in the later rounds of rookie drafts, and in best ball formats, he adds potential value as a player who could feasibly be given a late-season opportunity that coincides with the fantasy playoffs.
Source: RotoBaller
Source: RotoBaller
Michael Kesselring Traded to Sharks
Defenseman Michael Kesselring will suit up for the San Jose Sharks in 2026-27. He was traded by the Buffalo Sabres, along with the 27th pick in the 2026 draft, in exchange for the No. 20 pick in 2026. Kesselring is scheduled for restricted free agency but is expected to sign a new deal with the Sharks after completing a two-year, $2.8 million contract. The Sabres acquired Kesselring last offseason in a trade that sent J.J. Peterka to Utah. Following a pair of strong seasons, he hit a roadblock in 2025-26. Kesselring dealt with several health issues, making only 34 appearances. His offensive contributions were limited to two assists. The 26-year-old will aim to re-establish himself in San Jose.
Source: NHL.com
Source: NHL.com
Gage Jump is A Must-Add Player Coming Off Career-Best Effort Thursday
Athletics left-hander Gage Jump was lights-out on Thursday night at home against the Los Angeles Angels, throwing seven shutout innings of zero-run ball, racking up seven strikeouts, and allowing only one hit. This season, and in his career, Jump has now made five starts for the Athletics and has an excellent 2.37 ERA and 0.99 WHIP in 30 ⅓ innings pitched (five starts), with a 22 percent strikeout rate. While his strikeout rate is lacking, he did have a 33.1 percent strikeout rate in Triple-A this season and a 28.4 percent strikeout rate in the Minors last year across Double-A and High-A, meaning there is more room for improvement at the Major League level. Nonetheless, he has been spectacular for the Athletics, and the 23-year-old has become a must-add player in all formats due to his production thus far and the upside he could show if he starts generating more whiffs and strikeouts, as he has at other levels of his professional career. Up next for Jump is a road game against the San Francisco Giants.
Source: ESPN
Source: ESPN
Maple Leafs Acquire Darren Raddysh in Sign-And-Trade Deal
The Toronto Maple Leafs have acquired defenseman Darren Raddysh from the Tampa Bay Lightning in a sign-and-trade deal. Raddysh is a pending unrestricted free agent and is expected to sign an eight-year, $68 million extension. In the deal, Tampa Bay received a 2026 fifth-round draft pick. Raddysh burst onto the scene this season, scoring 70 points (22 goals, 48 assists) in 74 games -- the seventh most among defensemen. Only two blue-liners scored more goals than Raddysh. He had previously been a 30-point scorer in back-to-back seasons. Raddysh, who will turn 31 in February, has a lot to live up to in 2026-27, but the Maple Leafs clearly believe he can replicate his success from this campaign.
Source: Toronto Maple Leafs
Source: Toronto Maple Leafs
Jack Endries a Long-Shot Dynasty Stash, at Best
Cincinnati Bengals tight end Jack Endries was a seventh-round pick in the 2026 NFL Draft, and while the depth chart in front of him is not insurmountable, he still faces a long road to making an NFL roster. Endries was the 19th of 22 tight ends selected in April, and while the league is moving toward heavier personnel usage, Cincinnati was one of the least efficient teams in 2025 when operating with multiple tight ends on the field. Mike Gesicki's contract runs through 2027, and 2024 fourth-round pick Erick All Jr. is steadily gaining steam as he works his way back from the complicated ACL injury that caused him to miss all of the 2025 season. Drew Sample has played 95 games for the team over his seven-year career and would appear to be locked into his dedicated blocking role. Should the Bengals opt to keep four tight ends, Endries would still need to beat out Tanner Hudson, and even then, as the third or fourth tight end on an offense run through wide receivers Ja'Marr Chase and Tee Higgins, there is no realistic path to fantasy relevance. At RotoBaller's dynasty TE44, Endries is not a player who needs to be rostered in most leagues.
Source: RotoBaller
Source: RotoBaller
Warriors Want Kristaps Porzingis Back on a Shorter, Cheaper Deal
Golden State Warriors center Kristaps Porzingis is headed for unrestricted free agency, and the team wants him back at a reduced rate, ESPN's Anthony Slater reports. The 30-year-old arrived from Atlanta at February's deadline on a $30.7 million expiring deal, and Golden State holds his Bird rights but prefers a shorter, cheaper contract this time. In 15 games as a Warrior, Porzingis averaged 16.1 points, 5.3 rebounds, 2.3 assists, and 1.1 blocks, giving Stephen Curry and Jimmy Butler a floor-spacing big with rim-protection upside. The catch is availability. He played just 32 regular-season games last season and has dealt with recurring health issues in recent years. A healthy Porzingis remains a points, threes, and blocks source worth rostering, but his games-played history keeps him a draft-day gamble.
Source: Anthony Slater
Source: Anthony Slater
Hawks Weighing Options at No. 8 Pick in the Draft
The Atlanta Hawks are actively weighing trade-up and trade-down scenarios with the No. 8 pick in the 2026 NBA Draft, according to Sam Vecenie of The Athletic. Houston guard Kingston Flemings is reportedly among the players drawing serious consideration at that spot and is not expected to slide far, if he gets out of the top 10 at all. The 19-year-old built a strong case as one of the better lead guard prospects in the class, averaging 16.1 points, 4.1 rebounds, 5.2 assists, and 1.5 steals while shooting 47.6 percent from the field. If Atlanta stays put, Flemings would give the franchise another on-ball creator with enough defensive activity to push for early rotation minutes.
Source: Sam Vecenie
Source: Sam Vecenie
Hunter Greene a Must-Stash Ahead of Approaching Return
Lance McAlister, host of 700 WLW Sports Talk + Reds Inside Pitch, reported on Thursday that Cincinnati Reds right-hander Hunter Greene (elbow) topped out at 101 mph in his first rehab outing, and threw three innings, allowing two hits, zero earned runs, zero walks, and six strikeouts. He threw 45 pitches, 34 of which were strikes. It was an extremely sharp outing for Greene, who has been out all season due to recovering from a March 11 surgery to remove bone chips from his right elbow. Greene is slated to return from the injured list sometime over the next few weeks, and this is likely fantasy managers' last chance to capitalize on Greene potentially being on your waiver wire. Greene was a consensus top-20 starting pitcher coming into the 2026 season, due to his elite fastball and swing-and-miss upside. Last season, Greene had a 2.76 ERA and 0.94 WHIP with a 31.4 percent strikeout rate in 107 ⅔ innings pitched. Greene has a league-winning type of upside, and fantasy managers will want to take advantage of that if they can.
Source: LanceMcAlister
Source: LanceMcAlister
CJ Daniels a Low-Priority Dynasty Stash
No strangers to bundling draft picks in pursuit of the players they covet, the Los Angeles Rams sent two additional seventh-round picks to the Philadelphia Eagles to move up 10 spots in the 2026 NFL Draft and select wide receiver CJ Daniels in the sixth round. While many expected the Rams to use an earlier pick at the position, Daniels was the only offseason addition to a room topped comfortably by one of the league's most dynamic duos in Puka Nacua and Davante Adams. Behind that pairing, the number three role is less decided, with a potential training camp battle expected to sort out a rotation between Daniels, Jordan Whittington, Konata Mumpfield, and Xavier Smith. Unfortunately, whoever claims the Rams' third receiver spot will hold very little fantasy relevance in an offense at the forefront of the tight end revival. That said, Adams is 33 years old, and Nacua plays a physical brand of football that has caused him to miss seven games over the past two seasons, so if Daniels can earn himself a roster spot, he has the size and versatility to handle an expanded role as an injury fill-in for either. At RotoBaller's dynasty WR117, he is by no means a player who needs to be targeted as aggressively as he was by the Rams in April, but he's worthy of an end-of-bench or taxi squad stash in deeper leagues.
Source: RotoBaller
Source: RotoBaller
Luka Doncic Wants Lakers to Add High-Level Center
Los Angeles Lakers guard Luka Doncic has made his preference clear for the franchise to add an A-list center, according to ESPN's Dave McMenamin. Walker Kessler and Jalen Duren have been mentioned as restricted free-agent targets the Lakers have done due diligence on, while Los Angeles is expected to evaluate other trade and free-agent options. Kessler would give the Lakers a shot-blocking, low-usage finisher, while Duren would bring more scoring, rebounding, and physical roll-man production. Either move would clean up Doncic's playmaking environment, but the bigger fantasy swing may come for whichever center lands next to one of the league's best passers.
Source: Dave McMenamin
Source: Dave McMenamin
Magic Add Mfon Udofia to Sean Sweeney's Staff
The Orlando Magic are adding Mfon Udofia to new head coach Sean Sweeney's staff as an assistant, HoopsHype's Michael Scotto reports. Udofia spent the past three seasons running Long Island, Brooklyn's G League affiliate, where the 35-year-old became the winningest head coach in franchise history and helped build a strong development program. Long Island reached the Eastern Conference Final in 2024, and Udofia's program produced three NBA call-ups this past season. He also carries an international resume, serving as Nigeria's head coach during the FIBA AfroBasket 2021 Qualifiers and as an assistant at the 2019 FIBA World Cup. An assistant hire rarely moves fantasy values on its own, but Udofia and fellow addition DJ Bakker give Sweeney a development-heavy staff as the first-time NBA head coach builds around Orlando's young core.
Source: Michael Scotto
Source: Michael Scotto
Warriors Continue to Eye Trey Murphy III
New Orleans Pelicans guard/forward Trey Murphy III could be more obtainable during this transaction cycle, according to ESPN's Anthony Slater. The Warriors have reportedly viewed Murphy as a long-term wing target, with his age, size, and fit in Golden State's system all part of the appeal. The 25-year-old took another step forward in 2025-26, averaging 21.5 points, 5.7 rebounds, and 3.8 assists while shooting 47.0 percent from the field. A trade to Golden State could trim his shot volume, but his three-point shooting, defensive tools, and ability to play off stars would still give him a clear path to fantasy value in a more competitive environment.
Source: Anthony Slater
Source: Anthony Slater
Suns Tender Qualifying Offers to Mark Williams and Koby Brea
The Phoenix Suns have tendered qualifying offers to center Mark Williams and guard Koby Brea, making both restricted free agents, Spotrac's Keith Smith reports. Williams drew a reported $9.6 million offer after the 24-year-old started 55 of 60 games and averaged 11.7 points and 8.0 rebounds. A late-season foot issue that sidelined him during Phoenix's first-round series against Oklahoma City clouds both his market and durability profile. If Phoenix loses or moves Williams, Oso Ighodaro and 2025 lottery pick Khaman Maluach would be candidates for larger center minutes. Ighodaro carries the cleaner near-term fantasy appeal, while Brea remains off fantasy radars after averaging 15.0 points in the G League.
Source: Keith Smith
Source: Keith Smith
Brandon Valenzuela Still Worth Rostering With Blue Jays Starter Back?
Toronto Blue Jays rookie catcher Brandon Valenzuela has impressed with his bat, glove, and arm in his first year in the big leagues in 2026. Offensively, Valenzuela has exceeded expectations with a .254/.338/.454 slash line, .792 OPS, seven home runs, 18 RBI, 17 runs scored, and a stolen base across his first 47 games and 149 plate appearances. The 25-year-old also has above-average arm strength behind the dish and has been solid defensively for the Jays while helping fill in after Alejandro Kirk fractured his thumb. The Mexican native has gone 9-for-28 (.321) at the plate with three home runs, two RBI, eight RBI, and four runs scored in nine games in June, but with Kirk now back from the injured list, Valenzuela's playing time is quickly drying up. Valenzuela definitely has earned more opportunities in his rookie season, but those chances might be fewer and further between with Kirk now healthy. He's currently rostered in 9% of leagues and is merely a catcher handcuff to keep stashed in deep two-catcher fantasy leagues.
Source: Baseball Reference
Source: Baseball Reference
Lars Nootbaar a Waiver Option Despite Sitting Against Lefties?
St. Louis Cardinals outfielder Lars Nootbaar didn't make his 2026 season debut until June 5 after having surgery on both of his heels in the offseason. The 28-year-old left-handed-hitting outfielder has appeared in 12 games and has gone 11-for-41 (.268) with two home runs, two doubles, six RBI, seven runs scored, seven walks, and 13 strikeouts in his 49 plate appearances. He has only had nine plate appearances against lefty pitchers, though, and he was out of the starting lineup again on Thursday against the Kansas City Royals for the third time that the Cardinals have faced a traditional southpaw starter. Nootbaar has teased multi-category upside in his first five seasons in the big leagues, but injuries have held him back, and he's never exceeded 14 home runs, 48 RBI, or 11 stolen bases for the Red Birds. The Cardinals are most likely easing Nootbaar in this year after his long absence, so he won't necessarily be in a strict platoon going into the second half of the season. With better health in both of his feet, Nootbaar could finally be ready to break out the rest of the way, making him worth a waiver flier in deeper mixed fantasy leagues. He's rostered in just 5% of Yahoo leagues right now.
Source: Baseball Reference
Source: Baseball Reference
