July 17, 2025
Cincinnati Bengals wide receiver
Ja'Marr Chase told CBS Sports this week that he expects the NFL to see its first 2,000-yard receiving season in the next three years. He continued to say that he thinks it will be either him or
Justin Jefferson who accomplishes the feat. That being said, a reverse of fortune in Cincinnati is likely more important to the young receiver as the Bengals have missed the playoffs for two straight seasons. While the team's offense has been elite, the defensive side of the ball has been an issue of late. Chase stated, "The defense is going to have to step up...and make some stops." He went on to say, "That's all we ask them to do." The team added a new defensive coordinator, hiring Al Golden after letting long-time DC Lou Anarumo go following the 2024 season. From a fantasy perspective, Chase remains a locked-in WR1 in any format regardless of the state of the Cincy defense.
--Matt TerelleSource: NFL.com
July
17,
2025
The
Miami
Marlins
have
exceeded
expectations
this
season,
but
are
still
expected
to
be
sellers
at
the
trade
deadline
to
some
extent.
The
team
is
listening
to
offers
for
starting
pitchers
Sandy
Alcantara
and
read more...
July 17, 2025
Cincinnati Reds third baseman
Noelvi Marte is entering the second half swinging a hot bat and could continue to find success. Marte has dealt with injuries this season, but has been effective when on the field. Over his final seven games of the first half, Marte went 7-for-22 with a double and three home runs. He swiped one bag, tallied four RBI, and scored four runs. Through 28 total games this season, Marte has posted a .284/.337/.547 slash line with five doubles, six home runs, and five stolen bases. Under the hood, the former top prospect has generated a .335 xwOBA, .464 xSLG, and a 73.8 mph bat speed, which are all above the average marks. Additionally, he ranks in the 93rd percentile in sprint speed. Marte is worth adding in all category formats as he has the skill set to contribute to all five standard categories. If he continues to see consistent playing time, he could push for a 20/20 season.
--Andy SmithSource: MLB.com
July 17, 2025
Washington Nationals third base prospect
Brady House enjoyed a strong conclusion to the first half and could be poised to continue to improve in the second. Over his final nine games, the No. 81-ranked prospect in baseball on MLB.com posted an impressive .297/.316/.514 slash line with two doubles, two home runs, and seven RBI. During his first 14 games in D.C., House carried a modest .232/.267/.286 line with just three doubles and no home runs. The 22-year-old has generated an impressive .291 xBA with an above-average 35.2% LA sweet-spot rate, which suggests he should continue to enjoy success. However, his power has yet to fully translate to the big leagues. Earlier in the season, House hit 13 home runs and held a .519 SLG through 65 games with Triple-A. House is worth adding in all standard leagues as he could be a viable corner infielder with power upside during the final months of the season.
--Andy SmithSource: MLB.com
July
17,
2025
Chicago
Cubs
third
baseman
Matt
Shaw
is
in
danger
of
losing
playing
time
during
the
second
half.
Shaw
was
able
to
break
camp
with
the
MLB
roster
but
struggled
during
his
first
look.
Through
his
first
read more...
July
17,
2025
Tampa
Bay
Rays
right-handed
pitcher
Joe
Boyle
could
have
a
very
limited
role
when
the
Rays
open
the
second
half
with
a
weekend
series
against
the
Baltimore
Orioles.
During
the
final
two
weeks
of
the
first
read more...
July 17, 2025
Boston Red Sox infield prospect
Marcelo Mayer has begun to find his swing and could be poised to break out in the second half. Over his final five games before the All-Star break. Mayer has held a .313/.353/.500 slash line with three doubles, two RBI, and three runs. Before this recent surge, the former fourth overall pick held a .217 AVG over his last eight contests. In addition, Boston recently noted that Mayer will be the primary second baseman going forward with
Alex Bregman back in action. This is a great sign for the top prospect as he is beginning to find his swing and is not in any danger of losing playing time. Under the hood, he has generated an elite 52.5% hard-hit rate with a 74.2 mph bat speed. Despite his slow start, he is worth rostering in all 12-team formats in the second half.
--Andy SmithSource: MiLB.com
July
17,
2025
Houston
Astros
infield
prospect
Brice
Matthews
has
struggled
to
find
his
footing
during
his
first
taste
of
the
major
leagues.
Matthews
made
his
MLB
debut
on
July
11
but
has
gone
0-for-7
during
his
first
two
read more...
July 17, 2025
Los Angeles Dodgers right-handed pitcher
Bobby Miller spent most of the 2025 season with Triple-A Oklahoma City, and he has struggled. Across 64.2 innings at Triple-A, Miller owns a 5.15 ERA, 1.56 WHIP, and just a 2.4 percent strikeout minus walk rate. The latter mark is the fourth worst among all starters at Triple-A this season with at least 50 innings. It's been a frustrating couple of years for the flamethrowing right-hander, as he's made just one start in the majors this season at home against the Rockies, and coughed up six runs in three innings. After looking like one of baseball's brightest young starters in 2023, it's been a nightmarish two years to follow. Only 26 years old, he'll look to bounce back in the second half and generate some positive momentum.
--Kyle McCarthySource: FanGraphs
July 17, 2025
Baltimore Orioles outfield prospect
Dylan Beavers enjoyed an exciting first half as he stuffed the stat sheet, hitting .311/.405/.482 (141 wRC+) with 10 homers and 20 stolen bases in 305 plate appearances. He is one of only six hitters at Triple-A this season to record at least 10 homers and 20 steals, including the recently promoted
Brice Matthews. Beavers pairs this enticing power and speed skillset with a refined approach at the plate, with 41 walks to 52 strikeouts for the year. The quality of contact is more modest, however, with a 39 percent hard-hit rate and 8.2 percent barrel rate. While the upside may not be as high as other guys, Beavers still ranks as the number five prospect in the Orioles system and could debut after the trade deadline.
--Kyle McCarthySource: FanGraphs
July 17, 2025
New York Mets pitching prospect
Nolan McLean was excellent over 60 2/3 innings in the first half at Triple-A Syracuse, holding a 2.52 ERA with a 1.15 WHIP. His strikeout rate was solid at 26.1%, but he could stand to improve his control, as his walk rate was in the double digits. But it is important to consider how the ABS system at Triple-A can negatively impact pitchers' walk rates. He has a wide six-pitch mix that he distributes fairly evenly, and all of his pitches are capable of generating swing and miss. The right-hander could be in consideration for a promotion to the big leagues in the second half given his performance and the number of injuries in the Mets' rotation. He'd be worthy of an add in most formats if that time comes due to the favorable home ballpark and overall strength of the Mets team.
--Kyle McCarthySource: MiLB.com
July 17, 2025
New York Mets shortstop prospect
Jett Williams performed admirably in the first half of 2025, hitting .288/.396/.495 with eight homers and 26 stolen bases over 334 plate appearances. His batting average and stolen base totals both rank in the top five among all Double-A hitters. In addition, Williams' 164 wRC+ is the highest in the league. The 21-year-old has a sound approach at the plate with the ability to spray line drives to all parts of the field, which is an excellent combination with his amazing speed. He has some pop as well, with 13 homers over 534 plate appearances across multiple levels in 2023. Williams is moving quickly through the Mets' system, and a promotion to Triple-A Syracuse could soon be on the horizon. He should be viewed as a strong asset in dynasty leagues.
--Kyle McCarthySource: MiLB.com
July
16,
2025
Minnesota
Twins
outfielder
Byron
Buxton
has
never
looked
like
a
realistic
trade
candidate
approaching
the
July
31
deadline.
Nevertheless,
Buxton
addressed
speculation
at
All-Star
festivities
in
Atlanta
this
week
and
made
it
clear
that
he
isn't
read more...
July
16,
2025
Los
Angeles
Angels
third
baseman
Yoan
Moncada
is
garnering
interest
from
"multiple"
teams
leading
up
to
the
July
31
trade
deadline,
Francys
Romero
reports.
Romero
names
the
Yankees,
Cubs,
Brewers,
and
Mariners
as
potential
fits
for
read more...
July 16, 2025
The San Diego Padres have activated first baseman/outfielder
Gavin Sheets from the paternity list, according to Kevin Acee of the San Diego Union-Tribune. He'll take the roster spot of catcher
Luis Campusano, whom the Padres optioned to Triple-A El Paso. Sheets ended up missing just one game, a 2-1 loss to the Philadelphia Phillies on Sunday. The 29-year-old was a surprise success story in the first half of the season for the Padres after settling for a minor-league contract over the winter. While Sheets generally struggled with the White Sox from 2021-24, he has slashed a productive .265/.324/.451 with 14 homers, 50 RBI, and 36 runs scored in 349 plate appearances this year. He's already just one HR and three RBI away from tying his career-high marks in those categories. Furthermore, Sheets ranks in the league's 82nd percentile or better in xwOBA, xBA, xSLG, hard-hit rate, and bat speed, which bodes well heading into the stretch run.
--Connor ByrneSource: Kevin Acee - San Diego Union-Tribune
July
16,
2025
The
San
Diego
Padres
have
their
rotation
in
place
for
this
weekend's
road
series
against
the
Washington
Nationals.
They'll
begin
the
second
half
of
the
season
with
right-handers
Dylan
Cease
(Friday),
Yu
Darvishread more...
July 16, 2025
The Miami Marlins announced on Wednesday that they acquired right-hander
Michael Petersen from the Atlanta Braves in exchange for cash considerations and optioned him to Triple-A Jacksonville. In a corresponding move, the team transferred right-hander
Jesus Tinoco (forearm) from the 15-day injured list to the 60-day IL. Petersen made four relief appearances for the Braves this year, allowing three earned runs on seven hits (one homer) while walking two and striking out five in 6 2/3 frames. The 31-year-old has only thrown 26 1/3 innings in the big leagues and has a 5.47 ERA, 1.56 WHIP and 19:13 K:BB in 20 relief appearances. Tinoco has been out since early June with a strained right forearm and won't be eligible to return from the IL until Aug. 5. The Venezuelan reliever had a 5.12 ERA, 1.29 WHIP, a career-high four saves and 10 K's in 19 1/3 innings before his injury.
--Keith HernandezSource: Miami Marlins
July 16, 2025
Baltimore Ravens rookie third-round offensive tackle Emery Jones (shoulder) will start training camp this summer on the Non-Football Injury list as he rehabs from shoulder surgery, according to Jeff Zrebiec of The Athletic. It shouldn't come as a surprise after head coach John Harbaugh said last month that Jones wouldn't be ready for the start of camp. Now the question becomes whether he'll be ready for the start of the regular season in early September. It's unclear when the 21-year-old from LSU will be able to get back on the field for Baltimore, but it now puts into question whether he will be able to compete for the starting right guard job early in 2025. The 6-foot-5, 315-pounder was a quality starter for the Tigers in college and should eventually push for a starting job in his rookie season, it's just a matter of when that will happen.
--Keith HernandezSource: The Athletic - Jeff Zrebiec
July 16, 2025
Eight-time Pro Bowl outside linebacker Von Miller is signing an undisclosed deal with the Washington Commanders on Wednesday, sources tell NFL Network's Tom Pelissero. Miller has already won two Super Bowl rings with the Denver Broncos and Los Angeles Rams and will now try for his third ring with an up-and-coming team that was one win away from getting to the Super Bowl last season. The 36-year-old former second overall pick in 2011 by the Broncos out of Texas A&M is no longer in his prime, though, and will be a rotational pass-rusher in D.C. in 2025. He didn't have a single sack in 12 games with the Buffalo Bills in 2023 before bouncing back with six QB takedowns in 13 regular-season games in 2024, adding 17 tackles (13 solo), seven tackles for loss and eight QB hits. Fantasy managers in IDP formats can avoid Miller at this stage of his career.
UPDATE: Miller's one-year deal is worth $6.1 million, and he can make up to $10.5 million with incentives.--Keith HernandezSource: NFL Network - Tom Pelissero
July 16, 2025
The San Francisco 49ers and second-round rookie defensive tackle Alfred Collins (calf) agreed to a four-year, $10.3 million deal that includes over $9 million guaranteed, according to ESPN's Adam Schefter. The No. 43 overall selection in April signing his rookie deal is now expected to trigger multiple second-round signings. Until now, 30 of the 32 second-round picks were unsigned. The 23-year-old will have 88 percent of his deal guaranteed, which is a big jump over last year's No. 43 overall pick. Collins missed valuable practice time during minicamp with a calf injury, but he's expected to be back on the field for training camp this month. If he's healthy and up to speed for the start of the 2025 regular season this fall, Collins is expected to have a prominent role on the interior of San Fran's defensive line, a spot that really struggled to generate pressure in 2024.
--Keith HernandezSource: ESPN - Adam Schefter
July 16, 2025
Los Angeles Dodgers right-handed reliever Blake Treienen (forearm) made his third minor-league rehab appearance on Tuesday in the rookie-level Arizona Complex League and allowed a solo home run while walking none and striking out one in his inning of work. In his three innings on the farm during his rehab assignment, the 36-year-old veteran hurler has allowed two runs (one earned) while striking out four and walking one. It's unclear how much longer he'll be on his rehab assignment, but barring a setback with his forearm, we'd suspect he'll rejoin the big-league bullpen shortly after the start of the second half of the season this Friday. Treinen has two saves in just eight appearances in 2025 and 82 saves in 11 big-league seasons, so he could see more work in the ninth inning in the second half for the Blue, especially if lefty
Tanner Scott continues to be inconsistent.
--Keith HernandezSource: Milb.com
July
16,
2025
Detroit
Tigers
left-hander
Tarik
Skubal
will
make
his
first
start
of
the
second
half
of
the
season
this
Sunday
in
the
series
finale
on
the
road
against
the
Texas
Rangers
at
Globe
Life
Park,
per
the
read more...
July
16,
2025
The
Texas
Rangers
will
open
the
second
half
of
the
season
this
Friday
at
Globe
Life
Park
against
the
visiting
Detroit
Tigers
with
left-hander
Patrick
Corbin
on
the
mound,
per
Evan
Grant
of
The
Dallas
Morning
read more...
July 16, 2025
According to Dan Woike and Joe Vardon of The Athletic, the Dallas Mavericks aren't interested in "gutting its roster" in a deal for Los Angeles Lakers forward
LeBron James (knee). It was reported that the multi-time All-Star hasn't had discussions with the Lakers involving a trade. However, James' no-trade clause, age, and $52.6 million salary are barriers preventing teams, not just the Mavericks, from engaging in meaningful discussions about a potential deal. The 40-year-old is still playing at an exceptional level, most recently finishing the 2024 campaign by averaging 24.4 points, 8.2 assists, 7.8 rebounds, and 1.0 steals in 70 contests. Of course, there will be more updates and rumors regarding James and his future moving ahead. With that in mind, he should continue to provide consistent fantasy production, assuming he stays healthy, no matter where he suits up before calling it a career.
--Dennis ClausenSource: Dan Woike, Joe Vardon
July 16, 2025
New York Knicks forward
Josh Hart (finger) underwent a procedure on his right ring finger. He sustained the injury during the postseason. Fortunately, the 30-year-old is expected to resume basketball activities "later in the summer." Even better, he's not projected to miss any time to begin the 2025 campaign. Hart is coming off another quality year, finishing the 2024 season by averaging 13.6 points, 9.6 rebounds, 5.9 assists, and 1.5 steals. He's also one of the most durable players in the National Basketball Association, logging 234 games in the last three seasons. Hart is always a triple-double threat whenever he's on the floor. His willingness to play through injuries is an added bonus for fantasy managers. While his shooting percentages could improve, his contributions in the other statistical categories gives him plenty of value from a fantasy standpoint.
--Dennis ClausenSource: Christian Arnold
July 16, 2025
According to Daniel Popper, left tackle Rashawn Slater is expected to practice while he discusses an extension with the Los Angeles Chargers. The team's general manager Joe Hortiz said he expects Slater to practice during ongoing contract talks. That being said, it seems the two sides should be close on a deal, considering Slater is willing to practice. Slater is in the final year of his deal and has shown good faith by showing up for minicamp and team activities. The expectation is that the two-time Pro Bowl left tackle will get a similar deal to Tristan Wirfs. Right now, Wirfs is currently the highest-paid left tackle, but Slater should be able to land a deal in a similar ballpark.
--Andy WebbSource: Daniel Popper
July 16, 2025
According to Albert Breer of Sports Illustrated, New England Patriots wide receiver
Stefon Diggs (knee) is trending towards being cleared to play in Week 1 of the regular season. That would be pretty incredible, considering Diggs tore his ACL in Week 8 of last season. This offseason, Diggs signed a three-year, $69 million deal with the Patriots. When healthy, Diggs is expected to be the primary passing option for quarterback
Drake Maye. Despite Breer's belief in Diggs, it's hard to imagine Diggs being 100 percent ready by Week 1. The assumption is that the Pats are going to bring Diggs along slowly. Right now, fantasy managers should view Diggs as a high-end WR3 in most fantasy formats. The first year coming off an ACL injury is usually tough for players.
--Andy WebbSource: Albert Breer
July 16, 2025
Minnesota Twins
Zebby Matthews (shoulder) struck out nine and allowed no hits and one walk over four shutout innings in Sunday's rehab start for Triple-A St. Paul. This was the first time on the mound for Matthews since June 4 while recovering from a shoulder strain. His fastball topped out at around 97 to 98 mph. The 25-year-old went (1-1) with a 5.21 ERA, 1.47 WHIP, and 25:8 K:BB in only 19 innings over his first four starts for the Twins. Matthews could be headed back to the majors soon after the All-Star break, and fantasy managers in 12+ team leagues should continue to stash him for the second half.
--Dr. Reuven GuySource: Aaron Gleeman
July 16, 2025
Houston Astros right-hander
Spencer Arrighetti (thumb) could begin a rehab assignment in seven to 10 days, according to Astros general manager Dana Brown. Brown said that Arrighetti has resumed throwing live batting practice sessions and could start his rehab assignment soon. The 25-year-old made just two starts before being placed on the injured list in April with a fractured right thumb. He will likely need multiple outings to build up his pitch count before he would be cleared to rejoin the Astros rotation. Fantasy managers with an IL spot should continue to stash Arrighetti as he could return to the Astros at some point in early to mid-August.
--Dr. Reuven GuySource: Brian McTaggart
July 16, 2025
New York Yankees right-hander
Luis Gil (lat) made a pitching appearance in a game for the first time since October 2024, allowing two hits, a walk, and an earned run while striking out six across 3 1/3 innings. Gil continues to recover from a lat strain and was pulled after 50 pitches. He will likely need a few more rehab outings as the Yankees could consider activating him from the injured list once he reaches 75 pitches. If not, 90 pitches would be the return threshold. Gil posted a 3.50 ERA and 1.19 WHIP over 151 2/3 innings with 171 strikeouts last season. Fantasy managers should continue to stash Gil as he could rejoin the Yankees' rotation by the end of July.
--Dr. Reuven GuySource: Chris Kirschner
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