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Yankees Acquire Luis Garcia Jr. From the Nationals
The New York Yankees are acquiring infielder Luis Garcia Jr. from the Washington Nationals on Sunday, sources told Jeff Passan of ESPN. Per Spencer Nusbaum of The Athletic, the Nationals will receive right-handers Ben Grable, Yovanny Cruz, Jack Cebert, and Jake Bird. The 26-year-old left-handed hitter leads the National League with a .560 slugging percentage and is hitting .283/.313/.560 with 23 home runs on the year. He's also under club control through the end of the 2027 season. Garcia is a bit of an odd fit for the Yanks, who were believed to be seeking a right-handed bat at the trade deadline this year. Not only does he hit from the left side, but he's been playing first base, where New York is already set with Ben Rice and Paul Goldschmidt. However, the Yankees still have Aaron Judge, Cody Bellinger, and Giancarlo Stanton on the injured list, and they've scored the fifth-fewest runs since Judge got hurt. Garcia will most likely split time at DH (until the Yankees get healthier) and second base, but he could continue to be shielded against left-handed pitchers (he has only 57 plate appearances against them in 2026).
Source: ESPN.com - Jeff Passan
Source: ESPN.com - Jeff Passan
Yankees in Talks to Acquire Luis Garcia Jr.
The New York Yankees are reportedly in talks to acquire infielder Luis Garcia Jr. from the Washington Nationals. Garcia was scratched ahead of Sunday's game without a reason. According to Joel Sherman, the two sides are discussing a trade that could include Yankees' Double-A starting pitcher Jack Cebert. This season, Garcia is slashing .283/.313/.560 with a career-high 23 home runs, 76 RBI, and four stolen bases in 104 games. The 26-year-old would be a welcome sight to a lineup that has been crushed by injuries lately. Fantasy managers should stay tuned to see if this deal gets done before Monday's trade deadline.
Source: Joel Sherman
Source: Joel Sherman
Jacob Wilson is Dealing with Patellar Tendonitis
Athletics shortstop Jacob Wilson (knee) is being held out of the starting lineup during Sunday's game against the Detroit Tigers. A's manager Mark Kotsay said Wilson is out due to patellar tendonitis in his right knee. He added that this injury is manageable and he believes Wilson will be back in the lineup for Tuesday's game against the Cincinnati Reds. Wilson has been struggling at the plate lately, so maybe this injury has played a part in that. Fantasy managers shouldn't be worried about a lengthy absence, as this sounds like a day-to-day issue. Alika Williams will cover shortstop and bat seventh versus right-hander Keider Montero on Sunday. Fantasy managers should check back on Tuesday for another update.
Source: Martin Gallegos
Source: Martin Gallegos
Aidan Smith Headlines Prospect Haul for Mets in Trade With Rays
Tampa Bay Rays outfield prospect Aidan Smith, along with two other prospects, is heading to the New York Mets in exchange for right-hander Freddy Peralta. The Rays bulk up their starting rotation, but it costs them three prospects. Smith is the most notable, as he ranked as the Rays' 15th-best prospect in their system. The Mets also acquired right-hander Gary Gill Hill and second baseman Emilien Pitre in exchange for Peralta. According to MLB Pipeline, Hill and Pitre ranked as the 26th and 27th-best prospects in the Rays system. Between the three, Smith holds the most upside, but he still needs time in the minor leagues. None of these players is likely to contribute right away, but it's not a terrible return on Peralta, who is a free agent after the season.
Source: Mark Feinsand
Source: Mark Feinsand
Will Smith Needs 3-4 Weeks to Ramp Up
Los Angeles Dodgers catcher Will Smith (neck) was able to throw ahead of Saturday's game against the Boston Red Sox. That is an encouraging sign in what is still a long road to recovery for Smith. Dodgers manager Dave Roberts said on Saturday that Smith will need at least 3-4 weeks to ramp back up, which includes a rehab assignment. He has been out since the middle of June due to neck inflammation. Given this current timetable, Smith should be able to get back in the mix by late August or early September. Fantasy managers with an IL spot available should continue to hold Smith. Dalton Rushing figures to continue doing a majority of the catching, with Eliezer Alfonzo getting mixed in as well.
Source: Katie Woo
Source: Katie Woo
Kyle Harrison is Expected to Return Against Pirates
Milwaukee Brewers starting pitcher Kyle Harrison (forearm) is expected to return from the 15-day Injured List during their upcoming series against the Pittsburgh Pirates. The series begins on Monday and goes through Thursday, but the Brewers haven't said which day Harrison is going to pitch. His lone rehab start was with High-A Wisconsin on Thursday, so a return on Wednesday seems likely. Harrison was struggling a bit before the injury, but has mostly been solid this season. The southpaw deserves to be rostered in most fantasy formats down the stretch of the season.
Source: Todd Rosiak
Source: Todd Rosiak
Bryan Bresee to Undergo Season-Ending ACL Surgery
New Orleans Saints defensive tackle Bryan Bresee (knee) will undergo season-ending surgery after tearing his ACL, according to Katherine Terrell of ESPN. Head coach Kellen Moore confirmed the news Sunday. Bresee suffered the injury during the Saints' first training camp practice Wednesday, ending his fourth NFL season before it began. The 24-year-old started all 15 games he played last year, finishing with 37 tackles, 2.5 sacks, five tackles for loss, eight quarterback hits, and one forced fumble. He has recorded 14.5 sacks in 49 career games since New Orleans selected him 29th overall in the 2023 NFL Draft. The Saints exercised Bresee's fifth-year option during the offseason, keeping him under contract through 2027. Vernon Broughton, Nathan Shepherd, John Ridgeway III, and second-round rookie Christen Miller are among the defensive linemen who could receive more work in his absence.
Source: Katherine Terrell
Source: Katherine Terrell
Luis Arraez Returns for Series Finale in San Diego
San Francisco Giants infielder Luis Arraez (leg) is back in the starting nine for Sunday's series finale against the division-rival San Diego Padres at Petco Park, starting at second base and batting leadoff against left-hander Kyle Hart, per MLB.com. Arraez was pulled from Friday's contest against his former team due to cramps in his leg, and he was also scratched from Saturday's loss as a precaution. Despite facing a southpaw to begin Sunday's game, the 29-year-old left-handed hitter and three-time batting champion should be returned to starting lineups in all traditional formats. Arraez could be on his way to a fourth batting title in 2026 in his first year in San Fran, as he's currently hitting a league-best .328 (136-for-415) with four home runs, 43 RBI, 10 steals, and 52 runs scored in 104 games and 459 plate appearances. While Arraez provides almost no power upside for fantasy managers, he's an excellent source of batting average, and his fantasy value could improve if he's dealt to a contender before Monday's Aug. 3 trade deadline.
Source: MLB.com
Source: MLB.com
John Bates to Miss a Couple of Weeks With Hamstring Injury
Washington Commanders tight end John Bates (hamstring) will miss a couple of weeks after straining his hamstring during Thursday's practice, according to Ben Standig. Head coach Dan Quinn confirmed the timetable Saturday. Bates caught 11 passes for 103 yards and one touchdown in 15 games last season, but his bigger role comes as Washington's primary blocking tight end. That makes his absence more important to the offense than his receiving numbers suggest, especially with new coordinator David Blough expected to use multiple-tight-end sets. Chig Okonkwo and Ben Sinnott should handle more work while Bates is sidelined, while Colson Yankoff and Lawrence Cager could also see additional practice reps. Bates does not carry much standalone fantasy value, and this injury is unlikely to create a clear waiver target. It does give Washington's other tight ends more time to earn roles before he returns. The initial timetable leaves room for Bates to get back during the preseason.
Source: Ben Standig
Source: Ben Standig
Chris Rodriguez Jr. Takes First Team-Drill Reps of Camp
Jacksonville Jaguars running back Chris Rodriguez Jr. (foot) took his first team-drill reps of training camp Sunday, receiving two carries after being limited to individual work during the first three practices. Sports Illustrated reported that one handoff came from Nick Mullens and the other from Trevor Lawrence. Rodriguez underwent surgery on his left foot after suffering the injury during the offseason conditioning program, and Jacksonville has been cautious with his workload. He signed with the Jaguars in March after setting career highs with 112 carries, 500 rushing yards, and six touchdowns in 13 games for Washington last season. Bhayshul Tuten has handled much of the important backfield work while Rodriguez has been limited, so two carries are not enough to clarify the pecking order. Still, getting into team drills is a meaningful step for a player Jacksonville added to compete for touches following Travis Etienne Jr.'s departure. Rodriguez remains a name to monitor, but his fantasy outlook will stay uncertain until he is able to handle a fuller practice workload.
Source: Sports Illustrated
Source: Sports Illustrated
Willson Contreras Returns for Sunday Night in L.A.
Boston Red Sox first baseman Willson Contreras (head) is starting at first base and will bat cleanup for the BoSox in Sunday night's series finale on the road against the Los Angeles Dodgers and right-hander Emmet Sheehan, according to MLB.com. Contreras was hit in the head by a pitch in Friday's series opener against the Dodgers, and Boston held him out of Saturday's lineup as a result. However, he avoided a concussion and is returning to action on Sunday. Fantasy managers will want to get the 34-year-old veteran Venezuelan slugger back in their starting lineups in all leagues as he looks to stay hot in August. The four-time All-Star is having a heck of a season in 2026 in his first year in Beantown, hitting .288/.396/.547 with a .943 OPS, 23 home runs, 67 RBI, 55 runs scored, and three stolen bases in 102 games played across 419 plate appearances. Contreras was red-hot in July, going 20-for-62 (.323) at the plate with five home runs, four doubles, 14 RBI, 14 runs scored, and a stolen base in 20 games played and 82 plate appearances.
Source: MLB.com
Source: MLB.com
Buccaneers Don't Plan to Trade Vita Vea
Tampa Bay Buccaneers defensive tackle Vita Vea remains unhappy with his contract situation, but the team does not plan to trade him, according to Jeremy Fowler of ESPN. Fowler added that Vea has drawn interest from other teams and is "highly upset." The 31-year-old requested a trade after extension talks failed to produce a new deal. Vea is entering the final year of the four-year, $73 million extension he signed in January 2022, which began with the 2023 season. He started all 17 games last year and recorded 34 tackles, 4.5 sacks, and 13 quarterback hits. Vea has spent his entire career in Tampa Bay and remains a key part of the team's defensive front. The Buccaneers' current stance does not resolve the contract dispute, but it makes a trade appear unlikely unless their position changes. His presence remains especially important to a defense built around stopping the run and creating pressure from the interior.
Source: Jeremy Fowler
Source: Jeremy Fowler
Nick Kurtz Out Again on Sunday, to Visit With Hand Specialist
Athletics first baseman Nick Kurtz (thumb) is not in the team's starting lineup for Sunday's series finale against the visiting Detroit Tigers, according to MLB.com. Jeff McNeil will make the start at first base and will hit eighth against Tigers right-hander Keider Montero in Sacramento. Kurtz played on Thursday and Friday after being hit by a pitch on Wednesday, but the 23-year-old left-handed slugger is now out on Sunday for a second straight game and is scheduled to visit with a hand specialist on Monday in Los Angeles. Manager Mark Kotsay said initial X-rays on Kurtz's hand were "kind of unclear," so the A's want more clarity moving forward. The good news is that the A's have a scheduled day off on Monday, but it seems unlikely that Kurtz will be ready to roll on Tuesday for the series opener in Cincinnati against the Reds, even if doctors like what they see in L.A. on Monday. Fantasy managers need to prepare for a potential trip to the injured list. Kurtz is an elite source of power in just his first full MLB season in 2026, but he's been banged up so far in the second half and hit just .114 (5-for-44) with a .454 OPS, two homers, five RBI, three runs scored, four walks, and 23 strikeouts in 14 games in July.
Source: MLB.com
Source: MLB.com
Isaac Guerendo Appears to Be Progressing in Recovery
San Francisco 49ers running back Isaac Guerendo (pectoral) appears to be making progress in his recovery from a torn pectoral muscle, according to Nick Wagoner of ESPN. Guerendo suffered the injury while lifting weights during the offseason and opened training camp on the active/physically unable to perform list. Kyle Shanahan said in May that the third-year back could return near the end of camp, and Wagoner's observation is a welcome sign, though Guerendo has not yet been cleared to practice. He appeared in 14 games last season but played exclusively on special teams after rushing for 420 yards and four touchdowns as a rookie. Christian McCaffrey remains the clear starter, while rookie Kaelon Black has gained valuable reps with Guerendo sidelined and Jordan James dealing with fractured ribs. Guerendo still has time to work his way back into the competition for a reserve role, but his fantasy value will remain limited until he returns to practice and shows where he stands in the backfield.
Source: Nick Wagoner
Source: Nick Wagoner
Deshaun Watson Throws Six Interceptions in Four Practices
Cleveland Browns quarterback Deshaun Watson has thrown six interceptions through the first four practices of training camp, according to ESPN. The rough start comes as Watson tries to win the starting job after he and Shedeur Sanders handled most of the first-team work during the offseason. Saturday brought more trouble, including a short pass that was tipped before being returned for a touchdown and another throw intercepted by safety Donovan McMillon. Watson has not played in a regular-season game since tearing his right Achilles in October 2024. He completed 63.4% of his passes for 1,148 yards, five touchdowns, and three interceptions across seven starts that season. Cleveland has not named a starter, and Dillon Gabriel and Taylen Green are also part of the competition. Watson still has time to settle into the new offense, but six interceptions in four practices is a concerning start. He remains only a speculative Superflex option unless he wins the job and shows a significant improvement during the preseason.
Source: ESPN
Source: ESPN
Matt Chapman Not Ready to Return From the Injured List
San Francisco Giants third baseman Matt Chapman (abdomen), who was supposed to be ready by the All-Star break in mid-July and then again this weekend in San Diego against the division-rival Padres, is still not ready, according to Evan Webeck of The California Post. Chapman was scheduled to meet with team doctors on Sunday to reassess his situation. He has been able to swing the bat and play defense, but he's still having trouble running the bases. The 33-year-old veteran has not played since suffering an abdominal strain on June 30 against the Arizona Diamondbacks, and there is no timetable for his return. Because of his injury, Chapman doesn't figure to be traded before Monday's Aug. 3 deadline. Before his injury, the former All-Star was a disappointment for fantasy managers offensively, slashing .235/.324/.368 with a .692 OPS, seven home runs, 42 RBI, and 35 runs scored across his 307 at-bats in his third year in the Bay Area. Chapman should return this season, but his activation from the IL is no longer imminent. UPDATE: Per the San Francisco Chronicle's Susan Slusser, Chapman will have another MRI exam on Monday.
Source: The California Post - Even Webeck
Source: The California Post - Even Webeck
Mariners Acquire Catching Prospect Boston Smith From the White Sox
The Seattle Mariners acquired catching prospect Boston Smith, right-handed reliever Seranthony Dominguez, and outfielder Nolan Jones from the Chicago White Sox on Saturday in exchange for veteran right-hander Luis Castillo, sources told Jeff Passan of ESPN. The 23-year-old Smith will immediately become Seattle's No. 14 prospect, per MLB Pipeline. He heads to the American League West after slashing .291/.450/.589 with a 1.038 OPS, 22 home runs, 58 RBI, 10 stolen bases, and 68 runs scored in 79 games across 347 plate appearances with Single-A Kannapolis, High-A Winston-Salem, and Double-A Birmingham this year. Smith was originally drafted in the sixth round by the Washington Nationals out of Wright State University before they sent him to Chicago in the Curtis Mead trade in March. The 5-foot-10, 195-pounder can also play the outfield, and he has an uppercut left-handed swing that takes full advantage of his power to the pull side. Smith is an above-average athlete, but he still needs work on defense, and strikeouts could be an issue as he works his way closer to the big leagues.
Source: ESPN.com - Jeff Passan
Source: ESPN.com - Jeff Passan
Rashod Bateman's Starting Job Does Not Make Him a Redraft Sleeper
Baltimore Ravens wide receiver Rashod Bateman remains in line to start opposite Zay Flowers, but that job has not produced enough volume to make him an appealing redraft pick. He played 69% of the offensive snaps in 2025 and still finished with only 19 catches for 224 yards and two touchdowns in 13 games. A high ankle sprain cost him time and Lamar Jackson also battled injuries, so last season was not a clean evaluation. It was still a major step backward from Bateman's 45-catch, 756-yard, nine-touchdown campaign in 2024. That season now carries even less weight with Ja'Kobi Lane and Elijah Sarratt joining Devontez Walker as younger options behind Flowers. Baltimore expects Bateman to remain a significant part of Declan Doyle's new offense, but opportunity needs to show up in the target column before fantasy managers buy back in. RotoBaller ranks him WR90 in PPR, half-PPR, and standard formats, with no current ADP listed. That is low enough to make him a watch-list name, not a draft priority. Dynasty managers in deep leagues can hold through camp, but Bateman is expendable when a better upside stash becomes available.
Source: RotoBaller
Source: RotoBaller
Rebuilders Should Test the Market on Javonte Williams
Dallas Cowboys running back Javonte Williams finally gave dynasty managers the season they had been waiting for, and Dallas made sure it was not a one-year stop. He rushed 252 times for 1,201 yards and 11 touchdowns in 2025, then added 35 catches for 137 yards and two more scores. The Cowboys followed that breakout with a three-year, $24 million extension that includes $16 million guaranteed. Just as important, Jaydon Blue, Phil Mafah, and Malik Davis are still sorting out the backup job. None of them is pushing Williams for the lead role. A contender should be happy to keep him. For a rebuilding team, this is probably the time to ask around. Williams is 26, last season was his first 1,000-yard campaign, and his 13 total touchdowns set a career high. RotoBaller has him at RB21 in its July dynasty rankings, which reflects both the strong setup and the risk of buying after a career year. The path to another heavy workload is clear, but running back value can turn quickly. Rebuilders do not need to force a deal. Still, a younger receiver or a strong package of picks would be worth considering while Williams' contract, role, and market value are all working in their favor.
Source: RotoBaller
Source: RotoBaller
Sam Antonacci a Speed and Batting Average Asset to Target on the Waiver Wire
Across 361 plate appearances entering play on Sunday, Chicago White Sox outfielder/second baseman Sam Antonacci had hit .279/.369/.413 with eight home runs, 32 RBI, 58 runs scored, and 14 stolen bases. The 23-year-old does not profile as a high-end power source, as he's posted just a 6.6% barrel rate and a 36.3% hard-hit rate. The lefty swinger has also logged just a .519 OPS against left-handed pitching this season, which has led the White Sox to deploy him in a big-side platoon role. However, Antonacci has displayed an impressive plate approach for a young player, limiting his strikeout rate to 15.8%. He also offers high-end speed that helps him run a high batting average on balls in play. As a quality source of batting average, stolen bases, and runs scored, Antonacci profiles as a must-add waiver wire target across most league formats.
Source: RotoBaller
Source: RotoBaller
Cam Ward Could be Ready for Year 2 Jump
Multiple front-office executives have expressed optimism that Tennessee Titans head coach Robert Saleh and offensive coordinator Brian Daboll's arrival "could spark a major uptick" in second-year quarterback Cam Ward's development, according to Matt Lombardo of Between the Hashmarks. "The Titans have added a lot of really good pieces who fit what they do," an AFC East personnel executive said. "I think Robert Saleh has hired an excellent staff, and I believe in the quarterback. Cam Ward is going to take a jump, and I expect them to be solid enough on defense to win some games." Daboll was with the Buffalo Bills when Josh Allen became a perennial MVP front-runner, and the Titans added receiving weapons in rookie first-rounder Carnell Tate and Wan'Dale Robinson. On top of it, Ward already has strong chemistry with second-year tight end Gunnar Helm. The 24-year-old former first overall pick from the University of Miami mostly struggled as a rookie, completing 59.8% of his 540 pass attempts for 3,169 yards, 15 touchdowns, and seven interceptions in 17 starts in 2025. All signs are pointing to Ward growing in Year 2, making him an intriguing low-end QB2 in superflex leagues with high-end upside.
Source: Between the Hashmarks - Matt Lombardo
Source: Between the Hashmarks - Matt Lombardo
Pat Freiermuth Worth a Look Late in Redraft Leagues
Pittsburgh Steelers tight end Pat Freiermuth is coming off a disappointing season, but there is at least a path back to usable fantasy production. He caught 41 passes for 486 yards and four touchdowns in 2025, well below the 65 catches, 653 yards, and seven scores he posted the year before. Jonnu Smith is gone after drawing 38 receptions last season, and Freiermuth said during the spring that he expects his role to grow in Mike McCarthy's offense. Aaron Rodgers is also back, and the two connected for a 25-yard touchdown during the fourth practice of training camp. None of that makes Freiermuth a breakout pick. Darnell Washington earned a new five-year contract after setting career highs with 31 catches and 364 yards, while Michael Pittman Jr. joins DK Metcalf as another established target. RotoBaller ranks Freiermuth as the TE23 in redraft and TE36 in dynasty. That makes sense. He is worth a late look for managers who wait at tight end, but the volume is too uncertain to treat him as more than a TE2. In dynasty, he is closer to a hold or modest sell than a player worth aggressively buying.
Source: RotoBaller
Source: RotoBaller
Tommy Edman a Versatile Depth Piece to Target on the Waiver Wire
After missing the start of the 2026 season while recovering from offseason ankle surgery, Los Angeles Dodgers utility man Tommy Edman has been a standout performer since his return. Across 129 plate appearances, the 31-year-old is hitting .313/.394/.455 with two home runs, 18 RBI, 19 runs scored, and three stolen bases. Edman does not profile as a high-end power source, as he's logged just a 6.7% barrel rate and a 38.2% hard-hit rate. His batting average may be due for some regression as well, as his current .388 batting average on balls in play is significantly higher than his career mark of .294. Still, Edman brings a balanced profile at the plate, and his presence in the Dodgers lineup should allow him to continue racking up runs and RBI. Particularly given his multi-positional eligibility, Edman profiles as a must-roster depth piece for fantasy managers to target on the waiver wire.
Source: RotoBaller
Source: RotoBaller
Blake Corum Looking Leaner This Year
Los Angeles Rams running back Kyren Williams noticed that backfield mate Blake Corum is looking fit in training camp this summer, according to Zach Edwards and Stu Jackson of the team's official website. "I would say he's a lot leaner for sure, he looks a lot more explosive," Williams said. The 25-year-old has shown plenty of explosiveness early in practices, and he's primed for a key role in the Rams' backfield alongside Williams yet again in 2026. The former third-rounder in 2024 from the University of Michigan saw his role increase significantly last year in L.A., carrying the ball 145 times for 746 yards (5.1 yards per carry) and six touchdowns while adding eight receptions for 36 yards in 17 regular-season games. Corum had only 58 carries for 207 yards and zero touchdowns as a rookie. Corum's lack of receiving upside hurts his overall ceiling in fantasy, but he should at least be considered a nice RB3/flex as he heads into his third year in the league. And if Williams were to go down with an injury, Corum would become a weekly must-start in fantasy lineups.
Source: TheRams.com - Zach Edwards and Stu Jackson
Source: TheRams.com - Zach Edwards and Stu Jackson
Tyler Shough Is a Better Redraft Swing Than a Dynasty Buy
New Orleans Saints quarterback Tyler Shough enters 2026 in a much cleaner spot than he did as a rookie. He is the unquestioned starter, Chris Olave is still in place, and New Orleans added first-round receiver Jordyn Tyson and running back Travis Etienne Jr. Shough also gave fantasy managers something to work with last year. In nine starts, he went 5-4, and he finished the season with 2,384 passing yards, 10 touchdowns, six interceptions, plus 186 yards and three scores on the ground. There is upside here. There is also a reason to separate his redraft and dynasty prices. Shough turns 27 in September, was only a second-round pick, and has nine NFL starts behind him. RotoBaller lists him at QB21 in both redraft and dynasty, while its overall dynasty board has him 140th. At a QB21 redraft ADP, he is a reasonable late target because the job is secure and the offense improved. Dynasty managers should be more careful. A strong 2026 could push his value higher, but a slow start would raise questions quickly. He is worth drafting as a QB2 in redraft, though he looks more like a hold or selective sell than an aggressive dynasty buy.
Source: RotoBaller
Source: RotoBaller
Tyler Wells Emerging as a Worthy Deep-League Waiver-Wire Target
Across 54 innings (43 games) in 2026, Baltimore Orioles right-hander Tyler Wells has recorded a 2.67 ERA, 0.96 WHIP, 53 strikeouts, 10 holds, and four saves. With Orioles closer Ryan Helsley (elbow) on the injured list due to elbow inflammation, Baltimore has utilized multiple relievers in the ninth inning. However, Wells earned the team's most recent save on Friday and may be establishing himself as Baltimore's preferred closer. Wells has notched a strong 19.0% K-BB rate this season. He's also been difficult to square up, as he's allowed just a 31.5% hard-hit rate and 1.00 HR/9. Even if Wells does not see every save chance for Baltimore the rest of the way, he profiles as a reliable source of quality ratios, and his ability to work multiple innings in high-leverage spots puts him in a position to steal wins. Particularly in deeper leagues, Wells looks like a worthy waiver wire target.
Source: RotoBaller
Source: RotoBaller
Tucker Kraft Could Participate in Joint Practice Later This Month
Green Bay Packers head coach Matt LaFleur said that it's realistic for tight end Tucker Kraft (knee) to take part in the team's joint practice with the Arizona Cardinals later in the month, according to Tom Silverstein of the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel. LaFleur said that Kraft will have to hit all of his benchmarks to be cleared to do so. The 25-year-old started training camp on the Physically Unable to Perform list while recovering from a torn ACL that he suffered in Week 9 of last year, but the Packers have already activated him, and he took part in his first practice on Friday. Barring a setback as he continues to ramp up, Kraft is trending toward being a full-go for Week 1 of the 2026 regular season in early September, and despite his serious knee injury from 2025, he should be considered a top-five fantasy TE. The former third-rounder from South Dakota State was in the midst of a breakout last year before his torn ACL, catching 32 passes for 489 yards and six touchdowns in eight games played for Green Bay.
Source: Milwaukee Journal Sentinel - Tom Silverstein
Source: Milwaukee Journal Sentinel - Tom Silverstein
Jonathan Taylor has "Faith" in Colts Giving him a New Deal
Indianapolis Colts running back Jonathan Taylor said "there's been some good conversations" regarding his contract talks with the team, and that he has "faith" in the Colts coming through with a new deal, according to Stephen Holder of ESPN. There was some speculation that Taylor would be a hold-in to begin training camp this summer like the Detroit Lions' Jahmyr Gibbs and Atlanta Falcons' Bijan Robinson, but he has been participating in practices as he seeks another big deal with Indy. Both sides appear to be making good progress on an extension, with owner Carlie Irsay-Gordon recently saying that she wants Taylor to be a Colt for the rest of his career. The 27-year-old former second-rounder in the 2020 NFL draft from the University of Wisconsin should be viewed as a top-five fantasy RB in 2026, even though there has been talk of the Colts looking to manage his workload after carrying the ball a league-high 323 times in 2025. The three-time Pro Bowler had 1,583 rushing yards last season in 17 starts and also led the league with 18 rushing touchdowns, adding a career-high 46 catches for 378 yards and two more TDs as a receiver. The Colts don't really have great options behind JT, so he's projected for another heavy workload, giving him a strong fantasy floor as long as he stays healthy.
Source: ESPN.com - Stephen Holder
Source: ESPN.com - Stephen Holder
Troy Franklin Still Looks More Like a Late Flier Than a Sleeper
Denver Broncos wide receiver Troy Franklin made a legitimate jump in his second season, catching 65 of 104 targets for 709 yards and six touchdowns. That was real progress. It may also be the high-water mark for his target volume. Denver gave up a first-round pick, a third-round pick, and a fourth-round swap to acquire Jaylen Waddle, who now joins Courtland Sutton at the top of the receiver room. Franklin is left competing with Marvin Mims Jr. and Pat Bryant for what remains. Mims opened camp making plays in consecutive practices, while Bryant caught a long touchdown from Bo Nix on Day 2. Franklin's long history with Nix still helps, but it does not reserve another 104 targets for him. RotoBaller ranks Franklin as the WR82 in PPR leagues, so taking him near the end of a deep draft is not a major gamble. Calling him a sleeper is harder. At 23, Franklin remains a reasonable dynasty hold, but redraft managers should treat him as a late bench flier until Denver shows it has a steady role for him.
Source: RotoBaller
Source: RotoBaller
Brandyn Garcia Emerging as a Must-Add Saves Source
Arizona Diamondbacks left-hander Brandyn Garcia has emerged as one of his team's better bullpen arms so far this season, recording a 2.10 ERA and 0.80 WHIP with 36 strikeouts, 13 holds, and three saves across 30 innings (36 games). Garcia has logged an impressive 31.9% strikeout rate while posting just a 6.2% walk rate. He also owns a stellar 65.6% ground ball rate and has not allowed a home run yet in 2026. The 26-year-old appears to be establishing himself as the preferred closer in Arizona, as he's notched saves in each of his last two appearances. In leagues where he's not already rostered, Garcia should be a priority waiver wire target for fantasy managers in need of saves.
Source: RotoBaller
Source: RotoBaller
