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Can Isiah Pacheco Re-Establish His Dynasty Value in Detroit?
Detroit Lions running back Isiah Pacheco enters 2026 looking to revitalize his career after consecutive disastrous seasons with the Kansas City Chiefs in 2024 and 2025. A fractured fibula limited Pacheco to seven games in 2024, and he recorded just 563 scrimmage yards and two touchdowns across 13 games in 2025. The Lions signed Pacheco to a modest one-year, $1.8 million contract in free agency, and he figures to serve as the RB2 behind Jahmyr Gibbs in Detroit. While Gibbs' presence obviously limits Pacheco's fantasy upside, former Lions back David Montgomery collected 716 rushing yards and eight touchdowns while playing behind Gibbs in 2025. Should Pacheco see similar usage to Montgomery, he could be a matchup-dependent flex option while carrying latent handcuff upside. His dynasty stock has obviously taken a hit over the past couple of seasons, but Pacheco may still be a decent buy-low target for dynasty managers.
Source: RotoBaller
Source: RotoBaller
Addison Barger Likely to Come Off Injured List on Saturday
Toronto Blue Jays third baseman/outfielder Addison Barger (ankles) is traveling on Friday and will "most likely" be activated from the 10-day injured list on Saturday, manager John Schneider told Shi Davidi of Sportsnet. The Blue Jays want to give Barger a day to reset and envision a busy workload for him once he's back in the big leagues. The 26-year-old left-handed hitter only played in three minor-league rehab games with Single-A Dunedin, going 2-for-9 at the plate, with both of his hits leaving the yard. The former sixth-rounder in 2018 went just 1-for-19 (.053) with two RBI, three walks, and six strikeouts in 23 plate appearances over eight games to begin the 2026 season with the Jays, but he's worth a look in deeper fantasy formats for outfield depth now that he's on the cusp of his return. Barger hit the ball hard consistently in his first full season in the majors in 2025, slashing .243/.301/.454 with a .756 OPS, 21 homers, 74 RBI, 61 runs scored, and four steals in 135 regular-season games played. He's rostered in only 28% of Yahoo leagues on the verge of his activation.
Source: Sportsnet - Shi Davidi
Source: Sportsnet - Shi Davidi
Rico Dowdle's Dynasty Ceiling Limited By Backfield Committee in Pittsburgh
Pittsburgh Steelers running back Rico Dowdle began the 2025 season as the RB2 for the Carolina Panthers behind Chuba Hubbard. However, an early-season injury to Hubbard opened the door for Dowdle, and he finished the year with 1,373 scrimmage yards and seven touchdowns on 275 touches across 17 games for Carolina. The Steelers rewarded Dowdle with a two-year, $12.25 million contract in free agency, and he now forms a two-headed backfield monster in Pittsburgh with veteran back Jaylen Warren. Warren's presence in Pittsburgh likely caps Dowdle's production ceiling, particularly in the passing game. Still, Dowdle should be the team's primary early-down and goal-line rusher, a role he's proven he can excel in in recent years. In dynasty formats, Dowdle profiles as a solid flex option with some upside heading into 2026.
Source: RotoBaller
Source: RotoBaller
Max Scherzer Receives Cortisone Shot, Shut Down for Five Days
Toronto Blue Jays veteran right-hander Max Scherzer (forearm, ankle) received a cortisone shot in his right forearm and will be shut down from throwing for five days, according to Ben Nicholson-Smith of Sportsnet. Scherzer went on the 15-day injured list at the end of April with right-forearm tendinitis and left-ankle inflammation. He said he's no longer worried about his ankle, but his right arm continues to give him problems while trying to build himself back up. The 41-year-old future Hall of Famer is most likely going to need a lengthy minor-league rehab assignment at some point before Toronto feels comfortable having him rejoin the major-league starting rotation, so fantasy managers in AL-only leagues shouldn't expect Scherzer back until June, at the earliest. The three-time Cy Young winner is running out of steam and has struggled to stay healthy in recent years, making just 26 starts over the last two seasons. In his five starts with the Jays before going on the IL this year, Scherzer struggled to a 9.64 ERA and 1.61 WHIP with only 10 K's and eight walks in 18 2/3 innings. He should no longer be rostered in the majority of fantasy leagues, and he's currently rostered in just 5% of Yahoo leagues.
Source: Sportsnet - Ben Nicholson-Smith
Source: Sportsnet - Ben Nicholson-Smith
Ranger Suarez to Start Sometime Next Week Against Former Team
Boston Red Sox left-hander Ranger Suarez (hamstring) will start "sometime in the Philly series" next week between Tuesday and Thursday, interim manager Chad Tracy told Tim Healey of The Boston Globe. Suarez was pulled from his last start early on Sunday against the Houston Astros with tightness in his right hamstring, and the team will give the veteran lefty a little bit more time to recover before making his next appearance. Lefty Payton Tolle will start on Saturday against the Tampa Bay Rays at Fenway Park, with right-hander Brayan Bello going in the series finale on Sunday. While Suarez might be a bit more risky in his next outing next week after tweaking his hamstring, he'll also be facing a struggling Phillies lineup that currently ranks 27th in baseball with a .682 team OPS. In his first year with the BoSox, the Venezuelan hurler has been solid, going 2-2 with a 2.77 ERA (3.27 FIP) and 0.95 WHIP with 32 strikeouts and 10 walks in 39 frames across his seven starts. Against his former team in a revenge matchup, Suarez should be returned to fantasy lineups.
Source: The Boston Globe - Tim Healey
Source: The Boston Globe - Tim Healey
Rashid Shaheed a High-Risk, High-Reward Buy-Low Candidate for Dynasty Managers
Seattle Seahawks wide receiver Rashid Shaheed helped lead his team to a Super Bowl after being traded from the New Orleans Saints at the 2025 trade deadline. However, Shaheed's production cratered once he joined Seattle, as he recorded just 15 catches for 188 yards on 26 targets across nine games with the Seahawks. Despite the middling production, Seattle re-signed Shaheed to a three-year, $51 million contract in free agency. The financial commitment could be an indication of the team's dedication to expanding Shaheed's role in his second season in Seattle. Still, it could also mean that Seattle was thrilled by how Shaheed opened up the offense as a downfield threat and plans to deploy him the exact same way. With wide receivers Jaxon Smith-Njigba, Tory Horton, and Cooper Kupp demanding targets in Seattle as well, Shaheed's path to consistent fantasy relevance is unclear. Shaheed offers some buy-low appeal for dynasty managers, but his profile also carries significant risk.
Source: RotoBaller
Source: RotoBaller
Is Marcus Mariota Worth Stashing as an Injury Replacement in Dynasty Leagues?
After appearing in just six games (zero starts) between 2023 and 2024, Washington Commanders quarterback Marcus Mariota was pressed into starting duty in 2025 thanks to myriad injury issues for Washington QB1 Jayden Daniels. The veteran Mariota performed adequately, throwing for 1,695 yards, 10 touchdowns, and seven interceptions across 11 games (eight starts). Mariota's fantasy appeal comes from his ability to use his legs, as he rushed for 297 yards and a score on 50 attempts. With Daniels healthy heading into 2026, Mariota should slide back into a backup role. Given Daniels' injury track record dating back to his days in college, dynasty managers may want to consider stashing Mariota in a bench spot. Still, rostering Mariota is a deep-league play at best, as he offers little upside beyond capable QB2 production as he enters his age-33 season.
Source: RotoBaller
Source: RotoBaller
Jacoby Brissett a Clear Sell-High Candidate for Dynasty Managers
After taking over for Kyler Murray as the starter in Week 6, Arizona Cardinals quarterback Jacoby Brissett put together a surprisingly productive season in 2025. Across 14 games (12 starts), the 33-year-old completed 64.9% of his pass attempts for 3,366 yards, 23 touchdowns, and eight interceptions. Brissett topped 300 passing yards in four games and threw multiple touchdown passes in 10 out of 12 starts. Pass volume was a huge factor in Brissett's success, as he averaged over 40 attempts per game. With a new coaching staff in place in Arizona in 2026, Brissett's numbers are likely to regress. He's also not a lock to remain the starter for the entire season, as the Cardinals used a third-round pick in the 2026 NFL Draft on quarterback Carson Beck. Brissett is currently angling for a contract extension with Arizona, and whether he secures it or not could be a telling sign of how the organization feels about him as its long-term QB1. Either way, dynasty managers should be looking to sell high on Brissett, who profiles as a clear regression candidate.
Source: RotoBaller
Source: RotoBaller
Blake Snell to Make Season Debut for Dodgers on Saturday
Los Angeles Dodgers left-hander Blake Snell (shoulder) will be reinstated from the 15-day injured list to make his 2026 season debut on Saturday at home against the visiting Atlanta Braves instead of making a final minor-league rehab appearance for Single-A Ontario, a source told Jack Harris of The California Post. The Dodgers could put right-hander Tyler Glasnow (back) on the IL in a corresponding move. The 33-year-old veteran southpaw has been out all season to this point due to left-shoulder fatigue after the Dodgers made a deep playoff run last fall that culminated in a second straight World Series championship. The two-time Cy Young winner also dealt with shoulder injuries in 2025 in his first year in L.A., being limited to just 11 starts during the regular season. Snell had a nice 2.35 ERA and 1.25 WHIP with 72 K's and 26 walks in his 61 1/3 innings, though, and he remains a must-roster pitcher in fantasy baseball because of his swing-and-miss stuff. With that said, Snell will be a volatile fantasy play this weekend against the first-place Braves in his first start in 2026. Snell threw only 55 pitches in four innings in his final rehab start, so expect him to be limited from a pitch-count perspective on Saturday.
Source: The California Post - Jack Harris
Source: The California Post - Jack Harris
Can Najee Harris Re-Establish Some Dynasty Value in 2026?
Veteran running back Najee Harris (Achilles) appeared in just three games with the Los Angeles Chargers in 2025 before suffering a torn Achilles tendon that ended his season. As he works his way back from the injury, Harris currently remains unsigned for the 2026 campaign. The 28-year-old was expected to play a complementary role in Los Angeles alongside Chargers running back Omarion Hampton, and it's unlikely that he'll land a starting gig coming off a serious injury. Harris was a productive back as recently as 2024, when he logged 1,326 scrimmage yards and six touchdowns on 299 touches across 17 games with the Pittsburgh Steelers. Now that the 2026 NFL Draft is over, it would not be surprising to see Harris sign with a team in need of a steady veteran presence in the backfield. However, big-play upside and explosiveness have never been a strength of Harris' game. With his touch volume likely going down in 2026 and beyond, Harris' fantasy production ceiling is limited. Coming off his injury, Harris' dynasty stock is fading rapidly.
Source: RotoBaller
Source: RotoBaller
Diamondbacks Calling Up Top Prospect Ryan Waldschmidt
The Arizona Diamondbacks have called up top prospect Ryan Waldschmidt from Triple-A Reno on Friday to make his major-league debut, according to MLB Pipeline. In a corresponding move, outfielder Alek Thomas was optioned to Reno. The 23-year-old outfielder is ranked as MLB Pipeline's No. 49 prospect in baseball, and he has earned his first MLB promotion after slashing .289/.400/.477 with an .877 OPS, three home runs, nine doubles, three triples, 22 RBI, six stolen bases, 30 runs scored, 19 walks, and 38 strikeouts in 34 games across 156 plate appearances with the Aces. Waldschmidt should play regularly for the Snakes in center field now that Thomas is being sent to the minors, and he'll absolutely be worth a look in single-year fantasy leagues now that he's up in the majors. The former first-rounder in 2024 out of Kentucky is currently rostered in only 5% of Yahoo leagues, so he's widely available. The 6-foot, 205-pounder has lots of fantasy upside for his above-average raw power from the right side of the plate in a hitter-friendly home environment at Chase Field.
Source: MLB Pipeline
Source: MLB Pipeline
Royals Place Cole Ragans on Injured List With Elbow Impingement
The Kansas City Royals announced on Friday that they placed left-hander Cole Ragans (elbow) on the 15-day injured list (retroactive to May 7) with a left-elbow impingement and recalled right-handers Stephen Kolek and Steven Cruz from Triple-A Omaha in corresponding moves. The Royals said on Thursday that Ragans was pulled from his last outing early on Wednesday against the Cleveland Guardians due to a valgus extension overload in his left elbow. Even though Ragans said he was feeling better on Thursday, he will be forced to miss at least the next two weeks. Kolek figures to get the first crack at replacing Ragans in the team's starting rotation in the short term. Ragans, 28, was a first-time All-Star in 2024, when he went 11-9 with a 3.14 ERA, 1.14 WHIP, and 223:67 K:BB in 186 1/3 innings pitched across a career-high 32 starts for KC. He made only 13 starts in 2025 due to injury, though, and now he's hurt again after just eight starts in 2026. Ragans has gone 1-4 with a 4.84 ERA and 1.41 WHIP with 45 strikeouts and 23 walks in 35 1/3 frames, also allowing a league-high 10 home runs. He's rostered in 95% of Yahoo leagues and is worth holding to see if he can rediscover his 2024 form once he's healthy.
Source: Kansas City Royals
Source: Kansas City Royals
Jets Sign Breece Hall to Three-Year Extension Worth $45.75 Million
The New York Jets and running back Breece Hall agreed to a three-year contract extension on Friday worth up to $45.75 million, making him the league's third-highest-paid RB, multiple sources told Jordan Schultz of FOX Sports. Only the Eagles' Saquon Barkley and the 49ers' Christian McCaffrey will make more than Hall at the position on an annual basis. The 24-year-old earned himself a new deal in New York by having a career year in 2025 in his fourth year in the NFL with 1,065 rushing yards and four touchdowns on 243 carries across 16 starts. The former second-rounder in 2022 out of Iowa State also added 36 receptions for 350 yards and another score on 48 targets in the passing game despite being in one of the worst offenses in the league. He has averaged 1,453 scrimmage yards and 7.3 touchdowns per season in his four years with Gang Green. Unfortunately for Hall's fantasy ceiling, New York's offense could be atrocious yet again in 2026 with veteran QB Geno Smith expected to lead them. Because of how bad the Jets have been, he should be considered a volume-based RB2 in fantasy drafts this fall. RotoBaller has Hall ranked as the No. 19 fantasy RB.
Source: FOX Sports - Jordan Schultz
Source: FOX Sports - Jordan Schultz
Eugenio Suarez Slowly Ramping Up From Oblique Injury
Cincinnati Reds third baseman Eugenio Suarez's oblique injury is around 50% better, according to FOX 19's Charlie Goldsmith. He took 50 swings on Thursday and will now cool it down for the next few days. Goldsmith mentions that Suarez's injury is one that you have to be patient with. The veteran right-handed slugger is dealing with a left-oblique strain and isn't exactly close to returning to the major-league roster after being placed on the 10-day injured list. The 34-year-old Venezuelan infielder is still 89% rostered in Yahoo leagues, though, for his power stroke in a hitter-friendly home ballpark in Cincy. The two-time All-Star tied a career high with 49 home runs while driving in a career-high 118 runs in 159 games last year with the Reds and Seattle Mariners. Before his oblique injury this year, Suarez was hitting .231 (21-for-91) with three homers, 11 RBI, and 10 runs scored in 25 games. Suarez won't boost your batting average, but the 13-year veteran is still capable of being a power- and run-producing asset in mixed fantasy leagues when he's healthy and playing every day. Left-handed-hitting first baseman Nathaniel Lowe should continue to benefit from regular playing time in Cincy between first and designated hitter with Suarez on the shelf.
Source: FOX 19 - Charlie Goldsmith
Source: FOX 19 - Charlie Goldsmith
Rhett Lowder Not Dealing With Structural Damage in his Shoulder
Cincinnati Reds right-hander Rhett Lowder (shoulder) avoided any structural damage in his right shoulder after being pulled from his start early on Thursday against the Chicago Cubs, according to Charlie Goldsmith of FOX 19. He received an injection in his AC joint, though, and the Reds will monitor him before deciding if he needs to go on the 15-day injured list. The odds are that Lowder will go on the IL, with manager Terry Francona saying that the team wants to err on the side of caution. It will all depend on how the former first-rounder feels in a couple of days following his injection, and there's a chance he'll throw a bullpen session on Sunday. Fantasy managers should know by Sunday whether Lowder will have to miss a few turns in the starting rotation. The 24-year-old Wake Forest product missed all of 2025 due to various injuries and has a 5.40 ERA (3.82 FIP) and 1.41 WHIP with 27 strikeouts and 18 walks in 38 1/3 innings across his first eight starts with the Reds in 2026 in his first full season in the majors. Lowder is only rostered in 13% of Yahoo leagues right now.
Source: FOX 19 - Charlie Goldsmith
Source: FOX 19 - Charlie Goldsmith
Sean Strickland An Underdog At UFC 328
Former middleweight titleholder Sean Strickland will try to become the new middleweight champion as he faces off against Khamzat Chimaev in the main event of UFC 328 on Saturday. Strickland was last seen in action in February at UFC Houston, where he returned to the win column by beating Anthony Hernandez via third-round TKO. Prior to that, Strickland suffered a unanimous decision loss to former middleweight champion Dricus Du Plessis. DraftKings sees Strickland as a massive underdog with a salary of $6,700.
Source: UFC
Source: UFC
Khamzat Chimaev Set For UFC 328 Main Event
Khamzat Chimaev is scheduled for his first title defense against former middleweight champion Sean Strickland in the main card of UFC 328 on Saturday. In his last bout, Chimaev completely dominated former champion Dricus Du Plessis to win a unanimous decision and become the new middleweight champion. He enters this fight with an MMA record of 15-0. DraftKings sees Chimaev as a massive favorite with a salary of $9,500.
Source: UFC
Source: UFC
Cubs Looking to Trade for Freddy Peralta?
The Chicago Cubs are one of the teams the New York Mets have talked to about acquiring right-hander Freddy Peralta, industry sources told Bruce Levine of the Marquee Sports Network. June 1 is a target date for the Mets to either get back into the race or move the soon-to-be veteran free agent. Peralta and Cubs manager Craig Counsell share a mutual bond from their time together with the Milwaukee Brewers, and the decimated Cubs' pitching staff could use a boost to their starting rotation for the rest of the season. The Mets are currently 14-23 and in last place in the National League East division, so they could be sellers at this year's trade deadline. The Cubs, meanwhile, despite their injury woes at pitcher, sit in first place in the NL Central right now with a record of 26-12. The Mets sent pitcher Brandon Sproat and infielder Jett Williams to the Brewers for Peralta over the winter, but he could be heading back to the NL Central this year. The two-time All-Star has pitched well with a 3.12 ERA, 1.20 WHIP, and 43:18 K:BB in 43 1/3 innings over his eight starts with the Mets to begin the 2026 season. His fantasy value wouldn't change all that much if he's moved back to the NL Central.
Source: Marquee Sports Network - Bruce Levine
Source: Marquee Sports Network - Bruce Levine
Tatsuro Taira Can Become The New Flyweight Champion
Tatsuro Taira will look to become the new flyweight champion when he takes on Joshua Van in the co-main event of UFC 328 on Saturday. Taira was last seen in the Octagon last December at UFC 323, where he defeated former two-time flyweight champion Brandon Moreno via second-round TKO. Since signing with the leading promotion, Taira has gone 8-1. DraftKings sees Taira as the favorite with a salary of $8,700.
Source: UFC
Source: UFC
Joshua Van Set For His First Title Defense
Joshua Van is scheduled for his first title defense against challenger Tatsuro Taira in the co-main event of UFC 328 on Saturday. Given the strange nature of how Van captured his title, many still think that he has to establish himself as champion. Van won his flyweight title at UFC 323 in just 26 seconds when Alexandre Pantoja dislocated his elbow after Van shoved him to the ground. DraftKings sees Van as the underdog with a salary of $7,500.
Source: UFC
Source: UFC
Alexander Volkov Looks To Win Back-To-Back Fights
UFC veteran Alexander Volkov will look to win back-to-back fights when he takes on Waldo Cortes-Acosta on the main card of UFC 328 on Saturday. Volkov was last seen in action in October 2025 at UFC 321, where he returned to the win column by defeating Jailton Almeida via split decision. Prior to that, he suffered a controversial split decision loss to Ciryl Gane. DraftKings sees Volkov as the favorite with a salary of $8,600.
Source: UFC
Source: UFC
Waldo Cortes-Acosta Looks To Extend His Win Streak
Waldo Cortes-Acosta will look to extend his win streak when he faces off against Alexander Volkov on the main card of UFC 328 on Saturday. Cortes-Acosta won four of his last five fights, with victories over Serghei Spivac, Ante Delija, Shamil Gaziev, and Derrick Lewis. In those five fights, Cortes-Acosta only dropped a decision to Sergei Pavlovich. He was last seen in action in January at UFC 324, where he finished former title challenger Lewis via second-round TKO. DraftKings sees Cortes-Acosta as the underdog with a salary of $7,600.
Source: UFC
Source: UFC
Nick Lodolo Officially Activated, Making Season Debut on Friday
The Cincinnati Reds officially announced on Friday that they reinstated left-hander Nick Lodolo (finger) from the 15-day injured list and optioned right-hander Jose Franco to Triple-A Louisville in a corresponding move. Lodolo will make his season debut at home on Friday against the visiting Houston Astros at Great American Ballpark. While the 28-year-old southpaw makes for more of a risky fantasy option on Friday in his season debut, the former first-rounder out of TCU should be rostered in most leagues for his high-strikeout upside. Injuries, most recently blister issues on his left index finger, have kept Lodolo from reaching his true potential. In 76 big -league outings (75 starts) since making his MLB debut with the Reds in 2022, Lodolo has a 24-22 record, 4.06 ERA (4.04 FIP), 1.21 WHIP, 26.2% strikeout rate, and a 6.7% walk rate over 409 2/3 innings pitched. He's currently rostered in 89% of Yahoo leagues.
Source: Cincinnati Reds
Source: Cincinnati Reds
Broncos Sign GM George Paton to New Five-Year Deal
The Denver Broncos signed general manager George Paton to a new five-year deal on Friday, sources told Tom Pelissero of the NFL Network. Paton, who is one of the league's most respected executives, built a Broncos roster that reached the AFC Championship last year. He was entering the final year of the six-year contract that he signed with the organization in 2021. Paton got off to a nice start to his tenure in Denver by drafting All-Pro cornerback Patrick Surtain II and offensive lineman Quinn Meinerz, plus linebacker Jonathan Cooper, in the 2021 draft, his first with the team. Things didn't go well when Paton hired Nathaniel Hackett as the head coach and when he traded for Russell Wilson, but head coach Sean Payton has helped stabilize the team in recent seasons before the Broncos reached the AFC title game this past season. With young QB Bo Nix (ankle) at the helm, the Broncos' arrow is pointing up for years to come.
Source: NFL Network - Tom Pelissero
Source: NFL Network - Tom Pelissero
Packers Release Kicker Brandon McManus
The Green Bay Packers released veteran kicker Brandon McManus on Friday after drafting University of Florida kicker Trey Smack in the sixth round last month, a source told Adam Schefter of ESPN. McManus' run in Green Bay comes to an end after two seasons with the Packers, in which he made 44 of his 51 field-goal attempts (6-for-8 from 50-plus yards) and 62 of his 63 extra-point attempts in 25 regular-season games. The 34-year-old, 12-year veteran and former Super Bowl champion with the Denver Broncos is nearing the end of the line in the NFL after a solid career that has seen him make 82% of his field-goal attempts in 186 regular-season games. With McManus gone, the Packers figure to have a kicking competition this summer between Smack and Lucas Havrisik. McManus wasn't 100% healthy last year in Green Bay and was successful on 24 of his 30 field-goal tries and 32 of his 33 extra-point attempts in his 14 regular-season games. Fantasy managers in 12-team leagues will want to avoid the Packers' kicking situation in 2026.
Source: ESPN - Adam Schefter
Source: ESPN - Adam Schefter
Jets Talking to a "Number of Veteran Quarterbacks"
New York Jets head coach Aaron Glenn said he has no update on free-agent quarterback Russell Wilson and said that the team is talking to a "number of veteran quarterbacks," according to Rich Cimini of ESPN. Glenn added that he's "happy" with the current QB room, which includes veteran starter Geno Smith, rookie Cade Clubnik, Brady Cook, and Bailey Zappe. The Jets brought Wilson in for a visit last week and have reportedly offered him a contract for the 2026 season as a backup to Smith, but Wilson is non-committal on his NFL future and is considering getting into television for the upcoming season. The 37-year-old 10-time Pro Bowler and former Super Bowl champion with the Seattle Seahawks has been a shell of his former self since his final season in Seattle back in 2021. He's bounced around with the Denver Broncos, Pittsburgh Steelers, and New York Giants since then and threw for 831 yards with three touchdowns and three interceptions in six appearances (three starts) with New York in 2025. Wilson is no longer worth holding in dynasty leagues, as he'll be the clear backup to Smith if he signs with the Jets.
Source: ESPN New York - Rich Cimini
Source: ESPN New York - Rich Cimini
Gregory Soto a Top Waiver-Wire Option for Saves?
Pittsburgh Pirates relief pitcher Gregory Soto is off to a terrific start on the mound this season, and he's getting onto the fantasy radar as he starts to rack up save opportunities. Soto has earned a save on back-to-back days, and each of his last three outings has either been a save or a win. Across 19 appearances (19.0 innings) this year, he owns a 1.42 ERA with 11.84 K/9, 3.32 BB/9, and 0.47 HR/9. The 31-year-old lefty also has three saves this season, tying his highest single-season mark since 2022, when he recorded 30. It seems like Soto is firmly established in the closer's role for now, so as long as the Pirates keep their winning percentage above .500, he'll have the potential to rack up saves in fantasy baseball. Rostered in just 28% of leagues, Soto represents an intriguing target for managers seeking a leverage bullpen arm on the waiver wire. He currently ranks #26 among relievers in RotoBaller's latest fantasy baseball rankings.
Source: RotoBaller
Source: RotoBaller
Casey Schmitt a Versatile Fantasy Option with Extra-Base Upside
San Francisco Giants infielder Casey Schmitt is off to an impressive start to the season at the plate, and his defensive versatility makes him a particularly appealing waiver wire option in fantasy baseball. After posting a mere .706 OPS last year, he's slashing .296/.344/.539 with six homers and 146 wRC+ in 2026. There are still some holes in his game, such as his 4.0% walk rate and 20.8% strikeout rate. He's also not very fast, swiping just two bags. Still, his potential to launch home runs (and deliver extra-base hits in general) bodes well for his fantasy outlook. He's also getting into the lineup on an everyday basis because of how well he's hitting. The 27-year-old is finally living up to his second-round draft capital, and it comes at a perfect time for fantasy managers looking for reinforcements in their lineup. In RotoBaller's latest fantasy baseball rankings for 2026, Schmitt is the #21 first baseman, #11 second baseman, and #16 third baseman. There's a good chance he's available for you on the waiver wire, because he's rostered in just 30% of leagues right now.
Source: RotoBaller
Source: RotoBaller
Travis Etienne Jr. a Reliable Dynasty Starter Entering First Season With Saints
After a down year in 2024, New Orleans Saints running back Travis Etienne Jr. bounced back in a big way while playing for the Jacksonville Jaguars in 2025. Across 17 games, Etienne Jr. recorded 1,399 yards from scrimmage and 13 touchdowns on 296 touches. His resurgence earned him a significant commitment from the Saints, who signed him to a four-year, $48 million contract in March. While legendary Saints running back Alvin Kamara currently remains on the team's roster, the organization's financial ties to Etienne Jr. signify a changing of the guard. Etienne Jr. offers a three-down skill set and should dominate touches and playing time in the Saints' backfield. The offense around him in New Orleans should also be an improved unit in the team's second year with Tyler Shough at quarterback and head coach Kellen Moore calling plays. As he enters his age-27 season, Etienne Jr. profiles as a reliable starting running back option for dynasty managers.
Source: RotoBaller
Source: RotoBaller
Jared Jones a Priority Injured Player to Stash?
Pittsburgh Pirates starting pitcher Jared Jones (elbow) is currently on the 60-day injured list, but he's an intriguing player to stash in fantasy baseball leagues ahead of his eventual activation. Although he must remain on the IL through May 26, he has started his rehab assignment in the minors, suggesting that he'll be activated as soon as he's eligible (barring a setback). Jones was highly impressive as a rookie in 2025, posting a 3.78 xFIP with 9.78 K/9, 2.88 BB/9, and an average fastball velocity of 97.4 mph. That type of production is worthy of a roster spot in fantasy leagues, so managers who can afford to stash Jones for a few weeks should add him while he's still available. He currently ranks #68 among starters in RotoBaller's latest fantasy baseball rankings, and his stock will only rise as his return gets closer.
Source: RotoBaller
Source: RotoBaller
