Jul 8, 2026, 12:23 PM ET

ESPN's Kiley McDaniel and Jeff Passan believe there is a 90% chance that the San Francisco Giants will trade infielder Luis Arraez at this year's deadline. Despite being 29 years old and primarily a batting average asset, Arraez "has done more to improve himself in the eyes of teams" than most other big trade candidates around the league. His defense at second base in San Fran has been among the best in the league. The three-time All-Star and three-time batting champion is going to lead baseball in strikeout rate for the fifth straight season. His versatility -- he also has experience at first base -- will only expand his trade market, making it likely he'll join his fifth different team in five years. Arraez's MLB-best contact ability combined with newfound defensive value will have more teams interested in him than they were when he was a free agent in the offseason. The Rays, Nationals, Dodgers, Yankees, Blue Jays, Diamondbacks, Guardians, and Pirates could all be in on him. Arraez is currently slashing .327/.364/.462 with an .826 OPS, four homers, 34 RBI, seven stolen bases, and 45 runs scored in 86 games with the Gigantes.--Keith Hernandez
Source: ESPN.com - Kiley McDaniel and Jeff Passan

Jul 8, 2026, 12:13 PM ET

ESPN's Kiley McDaniel and Jeff Passan list the chances of Detroit Tigers left-hander Tarik Skubal being traded at this year's deadline at 85%. Many were wondering if Skubal's trade value would tank after he had surgery to remove bone chips from his left elbow, but he returned swiftly and is already hitting 99.9 mph with his fastball, so those concerns have been answered. Considering the hole the Tigers have dug for themselves -- they are 6.5 games back in the American League Central division and five games back of the final AL wild-card spot -- "they are far more likely than not to move Skubal." The two-time AL Cy Young winner (in back-to-back years) is the "dream deadline candidate" as an ace who has the potential to carry a team in the playoffs. But whoever lands Skubal will "pay an enormous price." Despite his elbow setback, the 29-year-old southpaw is still the same elite pitcher who relies on a mid-to-high-90s fastball with one of the best changeups in the league. ESPN lists Skubal's best fits as the Dodgers, Yankees, Braves, Brewers, Blue Jays, and Rays. Through 12 starts and 70 2/3 innings this year, Skubal is 5-4 with a 3.06 ERA (3.13 FIP) and 0.95 WHIP with 84 K's and 10 walks.--Keith Hernandez
Source: ESPN.com - Kiley McDaniel and Jeff Passan

Jul 8, 2026, 12:00 PM ET

Cleveland Browns running back Quinshon Judkins quickly became the team's lead back in 2025 after he was selected with the 36th overall pick in the second round out of Ohio State. Judkins led the Browns' rushing attack with 230 carries for 827 yards (3.6 yards per carry) and seven touchdowns in 14 starts while adding 26 receptions (36 targets) for 171 yards as a pass-catcher. "Runs incredibly hard, faster in the open field than you'd think. I think he's going to have a big year," an AFC executive said. Judkins was an honorable mention for ESPN's Jeremy Fowler in his top RB rankings for the 2026 season. The 22-year-old's first year in the NFL was cut short by a season-ending dislocated right ankle and fractured fibula in Week 16, but he took part in offseason workouts and should be good to go for Week 1 this fall. Judkins looked explosive in OTAs, but we'll get a better idea of his progress in training camp when the pads go on. In new head coach Todd Monken's offense, Judkins could have Year 2 breakout potential, and he'll come at the cost of a low-end RB2/high-end RB3 in fantasy drafts. Of course, the major drawback is Cleveland's less-than-ideal QB situation holding the entire offense hostage.--Keith Hernandez
Source: ESPN.com - Jeremy Fowler

Jul 8, 2026, 11:58 AM ET

Cleveland Guardians catcher/outfielder Cooper Ingle has gotten off to a slow start since making his MLB debut on June 26, logging just two hits in his first 24 big league plate appearances. However, Ingle is one of the highest-rated prospects in the Guardians system and was having an excellent year at Triple-A before his promotion, hitting .284/.416/.551 with 12 home runs, 41 RBI, 33 runs scored, and one stolen base across 221 plate appearances. Cleveland has deployed Ingle exclusively in either left field or at designated hitter since calling him up, which gives him more playing time upside than a typical fantasy catcher. The 24-year-old also demonstrated elite plate skills during his time in the minors, posting more walks (86) than strikeouts (85) across 510 plate appearances in 2025. Despite his early struggles, Ingle remains a priority waiver wire candidate for fantasy managers in search of power upside.--Will Brady
Source: RotoBaller

Jul 8, 2026, 11:50 AM ET

Athletics infield prospect Joshua Kuroda-Grauer has gotten off to a hot start since making his MLB debut on June 29, logging 12 hits in his first 27 big-league plate appearances. The 23-year-old opened 2026 in Double-A before being promoted to Triple-A in mid-May, hitting .323/.367/.478 with seven home runs, 44 RBI, 76 runs scored, and 15 stolen bases across 365 plate appearances split between the two levels. Kuroda-Grauer has gotten near-everyday run since his promotion and has a chance to emerge as the Athletics' primary third baseman if he can continue to produce. His power upside for fantasy managers is minimal, as he logged a 2.2% barrel rate at Triple-A this season. However, Kuroda-Grauer owns elite contact skills and stole 27 bases across 121 minor league games in 2025. For fantasy managers looking for some batting average and speed upside, Kuroda-Grauer could be worth targeting on the waiver wire.--Will Brady
Source: RotoBaller

Jul 8, 2026, 11:40 AM ET

Since being promoted to the big leagues in early June, Boston Red Sox infielder Anthony Seigler is hitting .298/.375/.456 with one home run, three RBI, 10 runs scored, and two stolen bases. The 27-year-old has emerged as Boston's near-everyday second baseman and leadoff hitter in recent games. Seigler may not carry much power upside for fantasy managers, as he owns a 2.2% barrel rate across 137 career MLB plate appearances. Still, he logged a 16.4% walk rate across 159 Triple-A plate appearances before his promotion this season and a 16.9% walk rate across 307 Triple-A plate appearances in 2025. Seigler also stole 23 bases across 72 minor league games last season, so he carries some speed upside to go along with his stable batting average and on-base production. In deeper league formats, Seigler could be a worthy waiver wire target for fantasy managers.--Will Brady
Source: RotoBaller

Jul 8, 2026, 11:34 AM ET

Milwaukee Brewers right-hander Logan Henderson (back) will be reinstated from the 15-day injured list and start in Thursday's series finale against the division-rival St. Louis Cardinals, according to Adam McCalvy of MLB.com. Henderson will be making his first start for the Brew Crew since landing on the 15-day injured list in late May with a back strain. He made two minor-league rehab appearances and threw 6 2/3 innings while giving up two earned runs, striking out 11, and walking two. Henderson should be considered a priority waiver-wire pickup for fantasy managers in all leagues who are searching for some rotation upgrades. He's currently rostered in just 46% of Yahoo leagues, so he's widely available. The 24-year-old former fourth-rounder in 2021 out of McLennan Community College will be a shaky option for starting lineups on Thursday, though, just because he might not be stretched out enough for a full workload in his first game back. Henderson threw only 68 pitches in his final rehab start. Since debuting with Milwaukee in 2025, he's been solid, going 5-1 with a 2.23 ERA (2.73 FIP) and 1.01 WHIP with 63 K's and 14 walks in 48 1/3 innings across 10 starts.--Keith Hernandez
Source: MLB.com - Adam McCalvy

Jul 8, 2026, 11:32 AM ET

Across 25 1/3 innings (24 games) in 2026, Athletics right-hander Elvis Alvarado has recorded a 5.33 ERA, 1.22 WHIP, 32 strikeouts, and two saves. While Alvarado's surface-level numbers are not amazing, he's averaged 99.1 miles per hour on his fastball and owns a 31.1% strikeout rate. The Athletics have largely operated with a committee approach in the ninth inning so far this season, and Alvarado has not recorded a save since mid-June. Still, the 27-year-old's electric stuff makes him a higher-upside option for the A's than left-hander Hogan Harris, who currently leads the team with six saves. Alvarado is not a guaranteed source of production for fantasy managers, but he may still be worth stashing off the waiver wire in deeper leagues for his second-half breakout potential.--Will Brady
Source: RotoBaller

Jul 8, 2026, 11:23 AM ET

Across 175 plate appearances so far this season, Athletics infielder Max Muncy is hitting .227/.303/.396 with five home runs, 20 RBI, 24 runs scored, and three stolen bases. The 23-year-old opened the year as the near-everyday third baseman for the Athletics, but he suffered a fractured hand in late April that sidelined him until early June. Since his return, Muncy has been limited to more of a part-time role and is currently behind infield prospect Joshua Kuroder-Grauer on the A's depth chart at third base. Still, Muncy owns an 11.1% barrel rate and a 48.5% hard-hit rate this season. If Kuroder-Grauer runs into some early-career struggles, Muncy could work his way back into a regular role for the Athletics. In deeper league formats, fantasy managers may want to consider targeting Muncy on the waiver wire for his power upside.--Will Brady
Source: RotoBaller

Jul 8, 2026, 11:21 AM ET

After missing the cut in his U.S. Open title defense, J.J. Spaun bounced back nicely with a T7 finish at the Travelers Championship, his seventh top-25 result in his last 10 starts. He now turns to the Scottish Open, where he has a missed cut and a T59 in two previous appearances. This season, Spaun ranks eighth in strokes gained tee to green (+1.124 per round), fifth on approach (+0.710), 34th off the tee (+0.283), and 45th in total driving, all key stats at The Renaissance Club. The biggest concern remains the putter, where he ranks 128th on Tour, losing -0.367 strokes per round. He also lacks elite length off the tee, ranking 103rd in driving distance. Spaun is playing great golf right now, but at $8,500 on DraftKings, is a boom-or-bust candidate given his shaky history at this tournament. --Dakota Legg - RotoBaller
Source: PGA Tour

Jul 8, 2026, 11:19 AM ET

Free-agent cornerback Rasul Douglas is planning to sign a one-year deal with the Washington Commanders for up to $3.8 million, sources told Adam Schefter of ESPN. The 30-year-old veteran signed with the Miami Dolphins last year and played in 15 games, recording 62 tackles (37 solo), one sack, two interceptions, 13 pass breakups, and a forced fumble. He was moved into the starting lineup in Week 1 after an injury to Storm Duck, and by season's end, he had established himself as Miami's best cornerback. Douglas missed two games with ankle and foot injuries, but he returned in Week 13 and had interceptions in two straight games. He was named the AFC's Defensive Player of the Week after breaking up five passes and picking off a pass in Week 14 against the division-rival New York Jets. Douglas allowed 54 catches for 515 yards and three TDs on the year. He'll bring plenty of experience to D.C., having started 93 games for five teams during his nine-year NFL career.--Keith Hernandez
Source: ESPN.com - Adam Schefter

Jul 8, 2026, 11:10 AM ET

Across 62 plate appearances since making his MLB debut on June 18, Cleveland Guardians outfielder Kahlil Watson is hitting .233/.258/.333 with one home run, nine RBI, three runs scored, and six stolen bases. With Guardians outfielder Angel Martinez (foot) currently on the injured list due to a fractured foot, Watson has emerged as a near-everyday player for Cleveland. The 23-year-old's underlying plate skills are concerning, as he's logged just a 3.2% walk rate while striking out in 35.5% of his plate appearances. However, Watson owns a strong 10.5% barrel rate, and he posted a 49.7% hard-hit rate across 254 plate appearances at Triple-A this season before being promoted. Watson also stole 15 bases in the minors, so he carries some power/speed upside for fantasy managers. In deeper league formats, Watson could be worth taking a flier on as a waiver wire pickup.--Will Brady
Source: RotoBaller

Jul 8, 2026, 11:09 AM ET

Former Detroit Lions cornerback Terrion Arnold, who is facing legal issues in Florida, was released by the Lions last week and cleared waivers on Monday to become a free agent, according to ESPN. Arnold was released after he was arrested on felony charges of armed robbery and kidnapping. He's expected to visit NFL teams that have shown an interest in signing him. The 23-year-old defensive back turned himself in on June 24 after authorities accused him of orchestrating the abduction and beating of three men whom prosecutors believe he wrongly suspected of having stolen luxury goods and $100,000 in cash from him. Arnold was a former first-round pick by the Lions in 2024 out of the University of Alabama, and he was scheduled to start outside opposite D.J. Reed this year before his release last week. He had two years and $4.8 million left on his rookie contract. It's unclear at this time if any other NFL team is willing to take on Arnold's baggage and give him another chance.--Keith Hernandez
Source: ESPN.com

Jul 8, 2026, 11:01 AM ET

Despite the offseason acquisition of running back David Montgomery, the Houston Texans still plan on giving second-year RB Woody Marks "lots of opportunities" in 2026, according to Aaron Wilson of KPRC 2 Sports. Marks emerged as Houston's lead back in his first year in the NFL, with Joe Mixon (ankle, foot) missing all year and Nick Chubb fading. He led the team with 703 rushing yards and two touchdowns and caught 24 passes for 208 yards and three more TDs. The 25-year-old former fourth-rounder out of USC is now adapting to what will be a complementary role alongside Montgomery, but the Texans still envision a solid workload for him in Year 2 that includes third-down pass-catching duties and carries, along with a new role on kickoff returns. While Marks may not be Houston's "lead back" now that Monty is in town, he can still be useful for their offense and as an RB4/flex target for fantasy managers in PPR leagues. In dynasty/keeper leagues, Marks is a prime buy-low target after the Texans traded for Montgomery.--Keith Hernandez
Source: KPRC 2 Sports - Aaron Wilson

Jul 8, 2026, 10:55 AM ET

Aaron Rai continued his impressive stretch of golf at the Travelers Championship, recording a T30 finish, his eighth result of T30 or better this season. He now turns to the Scottish Open, where he has three missed cuts and three top-10 finishes, including a win in 2020. On the year, Rai ranks 21st in strokes gained tee to green (+0.716 per round), 51st off the tee (+0.183), 26th on approach (+0.394), and second on Tour in driving accuracy. His biggest inconsistency remains the putter, where he has been average, ranking 83rd and losing just -0.005 strokes per round. His long-iron play has also been a concern, ranking only 111th in proximity from over 200 yards, a distance that accounted for more than 36% of approach shots at The Renaissance Club last year. At $7,800 on DraftKings, Rai still offers strong value for fantasy managers looking for a player in excellent form who should consistently find fairways.--Dakota Legg - RotoBaller
Source: PGA Tour

Jul 8, 2026, 10:51 AM ET

Jordy McElroy of Patriots Wire writes that the New England Patriots are "desperately clinging to hope" that rookie third-round tight end Eli Raridon "can contribute right out of the gate" in 2026. If Raridon doesn't look like he can handle TE2 duties behind starter Hunter Henry in training camp this summer, it "wouldn't be a surprise" to see the Patriots bring in a veteran at the position to boost the competition. As of right now, McElroy lists Raridon as the No. 2 TE behind Henry, with Tanner Arkin, Jack Westover, and CJ Dippre behind him. Raridon, 22, is a versatile option at the position with the ability to be a solid receiver and blocker. He has a clear path to rookie-year snaps with Julian Hill (knee) going on season-ending Injured Reserve and with Austin Hooper leaving in free agency to sign with the Atlanta Falcons. The 6-foot-6, 245-pounder needs to improve his blocking, but if he can do that, he could have a meaningful role in 2026. And if Henry were to go down with an injury, Raridon would gain lots of steam off the waiver wire in all fantasy football leagues.--Keith Hernandez
Source: Patriots Wire - Jordy McElroy

Jul 8, 2026, 10:45 AM ET

The Tampa Bay Buccaneers and quarterback Baker Mayfield, who is heading into the final year of his contract in 2026, are "not close" to reaching a contract extension, according to Mike Garafolo of the NFL Network. "It's about finding that middle ground," Mayfield said. There is a lot of work to be done here, and Garafolo adds that the Bucs are in no rush to work something out with the 31-year-old signal-caller. The pressure to get something done before the start of the 2026 season could start to pick up at the start of training camp at the end of this month, but right now, nothing is close to being worked out. In the end, the two sides are expected to find that middle ground and get Mayfield locked up. Mayfield was a Pro Bowler in each of his first two seasons in Tampa, throwing for over 4,000 yards both years, but he took a step back in 2025, throwing for 3,693 yards, 26 touchdowns, and 11 interceptions in 17 starts. Injuries are a concern, as well as the fact that he lost his No. 1 target in receiver Mike Evans in free agency in the offseason. The hope is that new offensive coordinator Zac Robinson can get Mayfield going in the right direction again, but he'll be a low-end QB2 with a lower floor heading into 2026 fantasy drafts.--Keith Hernandez
Source: NFL Network - Mike Garafolo

Jul 8, 2026, 10:44 AM ET

New York Yankees pitching prospect Elmer Rodriguez struck out six in his latest start at Triple-A, though he also yielded eight hits (one home run) and a pair of walks across 6 1/3 innings pitched. The Yankees' third-ranked prospect is biding his time at Scranton/Wilkes-Barre until he is needed again in the big leagues. The team has already called him up twice this season, and the results were not great. The right-hander made four starts and pitched to a 4.76 ERA (6.11 xFIP), 1.76 WHIP, and walked more batters (11) than he struck out (10) in 17 innings of work. The 6-foot-4 hurler is slated to pitch for the RailRiders again on Thursday, though the Yankees also do not currently have a starter announced for their Thursday matchup against Tampa Bay, so perhaps Rodriguez could be an option. Nevertheless, fantasy managers desperate for pitching help should monitor the situation as the 22-year-old could be in line for another call-up shortly, even if it doesn't come Thursday, though there is little reason to stash him in most leagues.--Jarod Rupp
Source: MiLB.com

Jul 8, 2026, 10:41 AM ET

Robert MacIntyre has put together a solid season, recording seven top-25 finishes, including four top-10s, in 16 starts. He now returns to the Scottish Open, where he finished runner-up in 2023 before winning the tournament in 2024. Last year, in his title defense at The Renaissance Club, MacIntyre struggled off the tee, losing more than 5.1 strokes and finishing T65. This season, he ranks 18th in strokes gained off the tee (+0.470 per round), 11th in putting (+0.554), and 27th in total driving. The main concern remains his approach play, where he ranks 120th on Tour, losing -0.224 strokes per round. At $9,000 on DraftKings, MacIntyre will undoubtedly be one of the more popular options this week, but his success at this event makes him well worth consideration for fantasy lineups. --Dakota Legg - RotoBaller
Source: PGA Tour

Jul 8, 2026, 10:31 AM ET

Minnesota Twins catcher Ryan Jeffers (wrist) will continue his minor-league rehab assignment with Triple-A Salt Lake on the Saints' road trip to Triple-A Iowa, according to Aaron Gleeman of The Athletic. Manager Derek Shelton said that Jeffers is likely "going to be with them for at least the next three or four days" as he ramps up his catching workload. The Twins most likely want to see Jeffers catch in back-to-back games before reinstating him from the 10-day injured list. At this point, with the All-Star break coming on July 13-16, it seems unlikely that Jeffers will rejoin the Twins before the end of the first half of the season this Sunday. He's gone 6-for-13 with two home runs in his four rehab games, so he's already looking good with the bat. Jeffers is recovering from surgery in late May to repair a broken hamate bone in his left hand, but this is a reminder to check whether he's available on your waiver wire if you need catching help. He was hitting .295 (36-for-122) with seven homers, 26 RBI, and 26 runs before his injury as the Twins' starting catcher. Jeffers is rostered in only 28% of Yahoo leagues.--Keith Hernandez
Source: The Athletic - Aaron Gleeman

Jul 8, 2026, 10:23 AM ET

St. Louis Cardinals pitching prospect Quinn Mathews has been pitching well all season for Triple-A Memphis, but has really been making the case for a major league debut since late May. Over his last seven starts, the Cards' sixth-ranked prospect has pitched to a 2.23 ERA, 0.91 WHIP, and a 21.4 percent K-BB% with 46 strikeouts in 36 1/3 innings pitched. The southpaw's opponent batting average is just .178 on the year, but he has been prone to allowing home runs this season, with a gaudy 24.0 percent HR/FB%, and together with a 15.2 percent walk rate, it has likely factored into why he hasn't already made his debut in the majors. But with zero walks allowed in his last start, perhaps he's finally ready for the jump. The 25-year-old could be up by August, and with his strikeout potential, he could be a worthwhile stash option in deeper 12+ team leagues for managers looking for pitching help.--Jarod Rupp
Source: MiLB.com

Jul 8, 2026, 10:21 AM ET

Oklahoma City Thunder guard Brooks Barnhizer finished with 15 points, 10 rebounds, one assist, and one steal across 21 minutes in Tuesday's 103-69 Salt Lake City Summer League loss to the Utah Jazz. The No. 44 pick in the 2025 NBA Draft kept producing even as Oklahoma City rested Aday Mara and Bennett Stirtz. Barnhizer's fantasy case is built more on activity than scoring, as his college profile included rebounds, steals, and secondary playmaking. He still has to prove the jumper will hold, but the multi-category flashes give him a useful developmental lane.--Brian Dailisan
Source: NBA

Jul 8, 2026, 10:15 AM ET

Atlanta Hawks center Henri Veesaar recorded 11 points, five rebounds, four assists, one steal, and one block across 24 minutes in Tuesday's 96-82 Salt Lake City Summer League win over the Memphis Grizzlies. The No. 52 pick shot 4-for-9 from the field and 2-for-5 from deep, showcasing the floor-spacing element that made him intriguing at North Carolina. While his versatile skill set gives him long-term appeal, he opens his rookie campaign buried on the depth chart. With Onyeka Okongwu, Jock Landale, Mouhamed Gueye, and fellow rookie Zuby Ejiofor all competing for frontcourt minutes, Veesaar lacks a clear path to playing time. He must carve out a definitive reserve role in training camp before managers can trust him for regular-season production.--Brian Dailisan
Source: NBA

Jul 8, 2026, 10:13 AM ET

After his third-place finish at the U.S. Open, Tom Kim took a step back at the John Deere Classic, finishing T46 while losing more than 3.2 strokes with his short game. He now looks to get back on track at the Scottish Open, where he has recorded a third-place finish, T6, T15, and T17 in four appearances. Across those starts at The Renaissance Club, Kim has gained more than 17.6 strokes on approach and over 23.7 strokes tee to green. This season, he ranks 24th in strokes gained tee to green (+0.654 per round), 11th on approach (+0.562), and 38th in total driving. He has also turned his putting around, gaining strokes in four of the last six events. At just $7,600 on DraftKings, Kim offers very high upside in this price range.--Dakota Legg - RotoBaller
Source: PGA Tour

Jul 8, 2026, 10:05 AM ET

Chicago White Sox pitching prospect Hagen Smith (shoulder) was placed on the injured list back on June 16 with a shoulder impingement that was expected to keep him out for at least a month. That puts a return to the mound in late July looking like the most optimistic of scenarios, though a more realistic scenario may point to an August return. Even though his last start before the injury was his worst of the year (seven earned in 4 1/3 innings pitched), the southpaw had been showing well at Triple-A Charlotte before that, posting a 3.72 ERA, 1.34 WHIP, and 72 strikeouts in 47 2/3 IP over the 12 starts prior to the last one. The White Sox even considered calling him up to make a start in June, so he could make his MLB debut later this season if he can get back on track upon his return. There is real strikeout upside here, with a career K% in the minors of 33.2 percent, although the walk rate of 16.2 percent still needs work. Even so, with an opponent batting average of .183, the former first-rounder could be a worthy stash option in deeper leagues once there is a clearer timeline for his return.--Jarod Rupp
Source: MiLB.com

Jul 8, 2026, 10:02 AM ET

Brian Harman has been steady, though somewhat lackluster, this season, recording five top-25 finishes while missing just three cuts in 17 events. He now turns to the Scottish Open, where he has recorded a missed cut, T12, T21, and T50 in four previous appearances. Harman ranks 93rd in strokes gained tee to green (-0.043 per round), 124th off the tee (-0.249), 67th on approach (+0.141), and 87th in total driving, all important stats this week. Where he creates some intrigue is with his precision, ranking 29th in driving accuracy and 43rd in proximity from over 200 yards, a distance that accounted for more than 36% of approach shots at The Renaissance Club last year. At $7,300 on DraftKings, Harman carries some upside, but he profiles as more of a gamble than a safe DFS option.--Dakota Legg - RotoBaller
Source: PGA Tour

Jul 8, 2026, 10:01 AM ET

Carolina Panthers running back Chuba Hubbard was one of the biggest surprises in fantasy in 2024, racking up 1,366 yards and 11 touchdowns in a season that would earn him a four-year, $33 million extension with the team. Injuries and inconsistency derailed his 2025 campaign, and he finished the year as the clear backup to Rico Dowdle, handling double-digit carries only one time after Week 8. With Dowdle departing in free agency and the Panthers making no significant additions to the position, Hubbard potentially faces a training camp battle with 2024 second-round pick Jonathon Brooks. Reports out of the non-padded setting of minicamp praised Brooks for the explosiveness he's recaptured since an ACL tear ended his rookie season, but it's important to remember the injury was the second of its kind in 13 months, sandwiched around only nine professional carries. It's extremely unlikely that Brooks would step fully into Dowdle's vacated role and inherit the bulk of his 282 opportunities from a season ago. With Hubbard now also nearly ten months removed from the calf injury that landed him on injured reserve and reportedly tested his confidence upon his return, a split backfield in Carolina could lead to one of the league's more ambiguous situations and depressed ADPs for both players. Neither Hubbard nor Brooks is currently being drafted within the top 30 of the position, and with Dave Canales producing a top 16 fantasy back in each of his three seasons calling plays for Carolina and Tampa Bay, the opportunity is there for one or both to return difference-making value in 2026.--Patrick McGrath
Source: RotoBaller

Jul 8, 2026, 10:00 AM ET

New Orleans Pelicans center Hunter Dickinson re-signed with the team on a two-way contract, according to Paul Garcia of The Spot Up Shot. The 25-year-old appeared in only five NBA games last season, averaging 2.4 points, 1.0 rebounds, and 0.4 assists. He was far more productive in the G League, where he posted 17.6 points, 11.0 rebounds, and 3.3 assists per game. This two-way deal keeps him in New Orleans' developmental pipeline, but his fantasy ceiling is virtually non-existent. With Derik Queen, Yves Missi, and Karlo Matkovic firmly ahead of him on the depth chart, Dickinson will likely spend most of his time with the Birmingham Squadron. He remains completely off the fantasy radar unless multiple injuries decimate the Pelicans' frontcourt.--Brian Dailisan
Source: Paul Garcia

Jul 8, 2026, 9:59 AM ET

Buffalo Sabres center David Kampf has signed a three-year deal with HC Litvínov in the Czech Extraliga. He will return to his home country after nine seasons in the NHL. Kampf split the 2025-26 campaign between the Vancouver Canucks and Washington Capitals. He couldn't establish himself on either squad, tallying only six points (two goals, four assists) in 40 games. In June, Washington traded his rights to the Buffalo Sabres as part of the Alex Tuch deal. Kampf also played for the Chicago Blackhawks and Toronto Maple Leafs in the NHL, scoring 50 goals and 149 points in 576 career games. Given his age -- Kampf turned 31 in January -- it appears unlikely that he will return to North America.--Taavi Pailk
Source: HC Litvinov

Jul 8, 2026, 9:57 AM ET

Toronto Blue Jays infielder Sean Keys has struggled to find consistent production in limited opportunities during his first MLB season, but his underlying power metrics suggest significant upside. The 24-year-old is slashing .207/.207/.345 with a .552 OPS across eight games while carrying a 37.9 K%. Despite the early struggles, Keys has displayed elite contact quality with a 93.1 mph average exit velocity and a 61.1 Hard-Hit% that both rank among the best in the league. His ability to consistently drive the ball with authority gives him a strong foundation for future success. If Keys can improve his contact rate against major league pitching, he could develop into a valuable power option. Fantasy managers should view him as a buy-low stash with long-term upside.--Julian Brooke
Source: MLB.com