July 11, 2025
New Orleans Pelicans forward
Herbert Jones (shoulder) has signed a new deal with the organization on Thursday. According to Shams Charania, Jones has reached a three-year, $68 million extension with New Orleans. Jones will now be under contract for the next five years with a player option for the 2029-2030 season. He's currently rehabbing from shoulder surgery, but is expected to be ready for the beginning of the regular season. Before going down, Jones averaged 10.2 points, 3.9 rebounds, and 3.2 assists across 32.4 minutes per game in 20 games with New Orleans last season. He figures to be a significant part of the future in New Orleans.
--Andy WebbSource: Shams Charania
July 11, 2025
The Atlanta Hawks have signed forward
Jacob Toppin to a one-year, two-way contract on Thursday. Toppin is back with the Hawks after finishing out last season with the organization. Before that, Toppin played a minor role in the New York Knicks rotation. He averaged 0.4 points, 0.7 rebounds, and 0.2 assists across 3.1 minutes per game in 16 games with the Knicks. He played much better in the G-League, averaging 19.1 points, 7.8 rebounds, and 3.1 assists in eight games. He's unlikely to have a role in the regular rotation, but he could be a depth option if someone gets injured.
--Andy WebbSource: Michael Scotto
July 11, 2025
The Chicago Bears and general manager Ryan Poles have reached an agreement on a contract extension, according to ESPN's Adam Schefter. The new deal will keep Poles in Chicago through the 2029 season, and his contract length now matches that of first-year head coach Ben Johnson. Poles has a mixed track record in his time at the helm for Chicago. The team has struggled on the field, going 15-36 through his first three seasons in charge. However, Poles positioned the team to acquire quarterback
Caleb Williams by pulling off a trade with the Carolina Panthers that netted the Bears the number one overall pick in the 2024 draft. Poles' future with the team will be closely linked to the success of both Williams and his second head coaching hire in Johnson, but he's locked in some additional security with this extension.
--Will BradySource: ESPN - Adam Schefter
July 11, 2025
Los Angeles Lakers guard
Dalton Knecht (calf) was forced to make an early exit from Thursday's summer league contest against the Dallas Mavericks. Knecht appeared to have suffered some sort of knee or leg injury late in the game. After further evaluation, Knecht was diagnosed with a right calf cramp. This appears to be a minor issue, so Knecht should be available for Saturday's summer league contest. He finished this game with 16 points and four rebounds in 26 minutes of action. Last season, Knecht finished with 9.1 points, 2.8 rebounds, and 0.8 assists in 19.2 minutes per game in 78 contests. He'll probably play a similar if not reduced role this upcoming season.
--Andy WebbSource: Dan Woike
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July 11, 2025
The Memphis Grizzlies have signed guard
Javon Small to a two-way deal on Friday. Small was the No. 48 overall pick by Memphis during this year's draft. There is some upside here, but Small figures to spend a majority of his time in the G-League. He averaged 18.6 points, 5.6 assists, and 4.1 rebounds during his career at West Virginia. The Grizzlies do have decent depth at the guard spot, so it would take a few injuries for Small to get into the mix. However, Small could earn himself a spot with solid play in the G-League.
--Andy WebbSource: Michael Scotto
July 11, 2025
MLB.com's Jordan Bastian suggests that the Chicago Cubs could look for help at third base at this year's trade deadline with rookie
Matt Shaw continuing to struggle. The Cubs gave the slumping Shaw a day off for Wednesday's series finale against the Minnesota Twins, as the 23-year-old former first-rounder is now hitting just .200 (41-for-205) with two homers, 15 RBI, 28 runs, 11 stolen bases and 45 strikeouts in 61 games in his first year in the majors. Names like Diamondbacks third baseman
Eugenio Suarez and Pirates 3B
Ke'Bryan Hayes could be available later this month. The Cubs still believe that Shaw can be the long-term answer at third, but they may be inclined to add another third base bat if they think it will improve their chances of winning the rest of this season. Shaw's average exit velocity (83.2 mph) and hard-hit rate (26.9%) are ranked near the bottom of all MLB hitters.
--Keith HernandezSource: MLB.com - Jordan Bastian
July 11, 2025
Cleveland Browns kicker
Dustin Hopkins will "get every opportunity" to rebound from a down year in 2024, according to Chris Easterling of the Akron Beacon Journal. Hopkins had an excellent year in 2023 when he made 33 of his 36 kicks, including all eight attempts from beyond 50 yards. He was significantly worse in 2024, going just 18-27 overall and four-for-eight from 50+ yards out. Easterling notes that Hopkins' primary competition in Browns' camp is
Andre Szmyt, who has yet to record a kick in an NFL game. Hopkins is just starting a three-year contract extension that he signed in July 2024, so the team is counting on him regaining his prior form. RotoBaller currently has Hopkins ranked as kicker #27 for fantasy.
--Will BradySource: Akron Beacon Journal - Chris Easterling
July 11, 2025
San Francisco 49ers wide receiver
Demarcus Robinson was sentenced to three years' probation as a result of a DUI charge he received last November, according to The Orange County Register. Robinson was a member of the Los Angeles Rams at the time but signed a two-year, $9.5 million contract with San Francisco in March. The NFL has not yet announced whether Robinson will face a suspension or any other sort of discipline. Last season, Robinson played 17 games for the Rams and caught 31 passes for 505 yards and seven touchdowns. He figures to slot in behind
Brandon Aiyuk,
Ricky Pearsall, and
Jauan Jennings on the 49ers' depth chart at receiver. However, Aiyuk may miss the start of the season as he recovers from an ACL tear he suffered last October.
--Will BradySource: The Orange County Register
July 11, 2025
Colorado Rockies infielder
Thairo Estrada (thumb) is out of the team's starting lineup on Friday against the hosting Cincinnati Reds for the third straight game while dealing with a jammed left thumb.
Kyle Farmer will get the starting nod at second base and will hit in the eight-hole in the series opener against Reds rookie right-hander
Chase Burns. The good news for Estrada is that X-rays on his injured thumb came back negative. However, it's unclear if the 29-year-old will be able to return to the Rockies lineup on Saturday or Sunday before next week's All-Star break. The Venezuelan infielder has hit a solid .284 (33-for-116) in 29 games in 2025, but he isn't going to provide fantasy managers with much power (two homers), and he's stolen only one base after putting up consecutive 20-steal seasons with the Giants in 2022 and 2023.
--Keith HernandezSource: MLB.com
July 11, 2025
Minnesota Vikings wide receiver
Jalen Nailor "will be the team's No. 3 receiver," according to Alec Lewis of The Athletic. Lewis also notes that Nailor showed up to organized team activities in the "best shape of his life." Nailor played 17 games for Minnesota last season, recording 28 receptions for 414 yards and six touchdowns. His most productive stretch of the season might have been from Week 2-3, where he tallied a combined six catches for 85 yards and two scores. That's noteworthy because those are the two games that fellow Minnesota wideout
Jordan Addison missed in 2024. Addison could be facing an early-season suspension due to a DUI citation he received last summer. If that happens, Nailor could be a sneaky end-of-roster add for fantasy managers.
--Will BradySource: The Athletic - Alec Lewis
July 11, 2025
New York Giants left tackle Andrew Thomas (foot) "makes no promises about returning in Week 1, although that very much remains his goal," according to Dan Benton of Giants Wire. Thomas underwent surgery to fix a Lisfranc foot injury in October. The 26-year-old former first-round pick was a second-team All-Pro selection in 2022, but he's been limited to just 16 games across the last two seasons. With Thomas on the field, the Giants have been significantly better (6-10 record) in that span than without (3-15). His presence impacted New York's top fantasy targets, such as wide receiver
Malik Nabers. Nabers averaged 22.9 PPR points per game when sharing the field with Thomas compared to just 16.5 PPR points without him.
--Will BradySource: Giants Wire - Dan Benton
July 11, 2025
St. Louis Cardinals outfielder
Lars Nootbaar (ribs) is starting in left field and will bat fifth in Friday's series opener against the visiting Atlanta Braves and right-hander
Grant Holmes at Busch Stadium. Nootbaar has been bothered by a rib injury dating back to last week, and he was forced out of Thursday's contest prematurely with soreness. However, the 27-year-old is feeling good going into the weekend and will wind up returning the very next day. The left-handed-hitting outfielder has hit just .230 on the season for the Cards with 12 home runs. Nootbaar has been slightly better so far in July, going 7-for-27 (.259) with a homer, two doubles, two RBI and five runs scored in eight games and 30 trips to the plate. Despite the fact he only has 12 homers in 86 games, he's only three homers shy of setting a new career-high. Nootbaar has gone hitless in just one at-bat against Holmes in his career.
--Keith HernandezSource: MLB.com
July 11, 2025
Milwaukee Brewers left-hander
DL Hall will serve as the opener for Friday's series opener at American Family Field against the visiting Washington Nationals, with right-hander
Quinn Priester serving as the bulk reliever, according to MLB.com's Adam McCalvy. Hall could give a bit more length than a traditional opener, as he's gone three innings in both of his opening assignments for the Brew Crew. Still, he won't be around long enough to potentially pick up a win for fantasy managers, so he's not really worth any streaming consideration against the Nats. The 26-year-old southpaw has pitched well overall in just 10 outings (two starts) in 2025, posting a 2.29 ERA and 0.86 WHIP with 13 K's in 19 2/3 frames. Priester, who has a 3.59 ERA, 1.27 WHIP and 65:30 K:BB this year in 82 2/3 innings, will be the much more attractive fantasy starter on Friday over Hall.
--Keith HernandezSource: MLB.com - Adam McCalvy
July 11, 2025
Mass Live's Chris Cotillo expects Boston Red Sox third baseman
Alex Bregman (quadriceps) to come off the 10-day injured list to rejoin the team before Friday's game at Fenway Park against the division-rival Tampa Bay Rays. Bregman should be in the starting lineup on Friday against Rays right-hander
Drew Rasmussen after missing 43 games with a strained right quad muscle that he suffered on May 23. With the team sending
David Hamilton to Triple-A Worcester on Thursday, it appears that rookie
Marcelo Mayer will now occupy second base with Bregman returning. However,
Romy Gonzalez, who has started five of the last six games at the keystone, will likely also be in the mix. The 31-year-old Bregman will be Boston's everyday third baseman again, but he'll be rested on Saturday before playing on Sunday in the final game of the first half of the season.
--Keith HernandezSource: MassLive.com - Chris Cotillo
July 11, 2025
Sammy Levitt of 97.3 The Fan San Diego reports that San Diego Padres starting pitcher
Ryan Bergert (forearm) will be activated from the 15-day injured list ahead of their series opener against the visiting Philadelphia Phillies on Friday. Bergert has been shelved for a few weeks with a right-forearm contusion after a comebacker hit him during his last start against the Washington Nationals, but he's progressed quickly. He'll take the mound against a Phillies squad that's scored the ninth-most runs per game thus far (4.62). The 25-year-old was solid for the Friars before his injury, posting a 2.67 ERA, 1.15 WHIP, and 1-0 record through five starts (nine appearances), but won't have an easy ask against a strong Philadelphia lineup.
--Alex CiullaSource: Sammy Levitt
July 11, 2025
Shannon Drayer of Sports.MyNorthwest.com reports that Seattle Mariners outfielder
Julio Rodriguez will not be able to participate in this season's All-Star game. Per the team, "He will take the break to recuperate, rest, and prepare for the second half." It's an interesting way for that statement to be worded, though the sentiment is clear. The Dominican Republic native has missed only one of Seattle's 93 games thus far, even while dealing with back and ankle ailments, so a few extra days of rest wouldn't be the worst thing for him. Despite the strange syntax, fantasy managers shouldn't worry about any underlying issues, as the organization is likely just keeping their star player fresh for the second half. He's slashing a disappointing .244/.301/.386 in his worst pre-All-Star stretch to date.
--Alex CiullaSource: Shannon Drayer
July 11, 2025
The Kansas City Chiefs welcomed back franchise-tagged offensive guard Trey Smith to mandatory minicamp last month, a good sign that both sides will eventually work out a new long-term contract extension, according to The Athletic's Zak Keefer. "There's no secret we'd like to get Trey locked up," general manager Brett Veach said earlier this year. The 26-year-old allowed only 1.5 sacks in 2024 and has been part of two of the team's Super Bowl championships. If the two sides cannot agree on an extension before the start of the 2025 season, Smith will make $23.4 million, which would make him the highest-paid guard in the NFL. He has started 67 of 68 regular-season games for KC and all of their 13 playoff games since he was selected in the sixth round back in 2021. Smith has become one of the best right guards in the league.
--Keith HernandezSource: The Athletic - Zak Keefer
July 11, 2025
Chicago White Sox shortstop
Colson Montgomery won't be in his team's lineup for the first game of their doubleheader with the Cleveland Guardians on Friday. Teammate
Chase Meidroth will take his place in the field and bat leadoff against southpaw Logan Allen. It appears to be just a routine game off for the 23-year-old, who has started each of the past six contests since the White Sox promoted him. Montgomery is hitting a crisp .333 (6-for-18) over that span, and a .315 expected batting average shows it isn't a fluke. The quality of contact might not be there, but he certainly hasn't looked overmatched in his professional debut.
--Alex CiullaSource: MLB.com
July 11, 2025
The Athletic's James Boyd writes that Indianapolis Colts left tackle Bernhard Raimann is a candidate to receive a contract extension from the team, possibly as early as this summer. The former third-round selection in 2022 is entering the final year of hi four-year, $5.3 million rookie deal. Raimann initially struggled when he was thrust into a full-time starting role halfway through his rookie campaign, but he's now become one of the better left tackles in the league since that point. According to Spotrac, the 27-year-old tackle is projected to earn $20 million annually on his next deal. If the Colts fail to extend him, Raimann will have plenty of suitors on the open market next March. In the meantime, he'll be protecting the blind side in 2025 for either quarterback
Daniel Jones or Anthony Richardson (shoulder).
--Keith HernandezSource: The Athletic - James Boyd
July 11, 2025
If Houston Texans quarterback
C.J. Stroud has a strong 2025 season, it's more likely that the team will work out a multi-year contract extension with him before the start of the 2026 campaign, writes The Athletic's Mike Jones. Stroud took the league by storm in 2023 as a rookie but regressed last year because of poor offensive line play and struggles by then-offensive coordinator Bobby Slowik. If Stroud and the Texans offense are able to rebound in 2025, Jones thinks that Stroud could follow San Francisco 49ers QB
Brock Purdy as the next signal-caller to get a five-year, $250 million-plus contract. Given Stroud and the offense's struggles in 2024, RotoBaller now has him ranked as the No. 20 fantasy QB going into the 2025 campaign. The Texans remade their O-line, but there's no guarantee it will be better and give Stroud more time to find his weapons.
--Keith HernandezSource: The Athletic - Mike Jones
July 11, 2025
Chicago White Sox catcher
Kyle Teel is out of the lineup for the first game of his team's home doubleheader against the visiting Cleveland Guardians. Teel will take a seat with left-handed hurler Logan Allen taking the bump -- marking the second straight outing he'll sit against a southpaw. Switch-hitting backstop
Edgar Quero will occupy behind home plate and bat cleanup for the Pale Hose. It makes sense that Chicago would prefer Quero to Teel against lefties, as the former's .435 (27-for-62) average is far superior to the latter's (.125). The White Sox's No. 2 prospect has been decent in his big-league debut, but has yet to leave the yard -- something he did eight times over 20 games earlier in the year with Triple-A Charlotte.
--Alex CiullaSource: MLB.com
July 11, 2025
San Francisco 49ers fullback
Kyle Juszczyk said that running back
Christian McCaffrey (knee) "looks incredible. He looks so healthy, he looks so explosive." McCaffrey got a late start to the 2024 season due to bilateral Achilles tendinitis before spraining the PCL in his knee in Week 13. All in all, the 29-year-old All-Pro back played in just four games for the Niners last year, putting up 348 scrimmage yards and one touchdown. He was an absolute bust for fantasy managers after going off the board first overall in many drafts, but CMC is now fully healthy and was a full-go for minicamp practices this offseason. McCaffrey's extensive injury history makes him a pretty big risk-reward as a top-five fantasy RB, but he's still a high-end, three-down threat out of the backfield when he's healthy. If he stays healthy, McCaffrey could easily bounce back in 2025 and carry fantasy squads.
--Keith HernandezSource: The Athletic - Vic Tafur
July 11, 2025
Seattle Mariners shortstop prospect
Colt Emerson went 3-for-5 with a double, a home run, and two RBI during their contest against High-A Tri-City. This outing extended his current hitting streak to four games. Through this four-game stretch, the top-ranked prospect in Seattle has posted two multi-hit games and tallied three extra-base hits. Over his last 22 games, Emerson has been swinging a hot bat, posting an elite .341/.424/.600 slash line with eight doubles, one triple, four home runs, two stolen bases, 13 RBI, and a 13:12 K:BB. Through 72 games at High-A this season, the No. 18-ranked prospect in baseball on MLB.com has held an overall .271/.369/.429 line. If Emerson continues to find his footing, he should be in the mix to debut at Double-A in the second half.
--Andy SmithSource: MiLB.com
July 11, 2025
Per the team's transaction log, the New York Mets have optioned right-handed pitcher
Austin Warren to Triple-A Syracuse. The 29-year-old was up with the big-league squad to serve as an extra man for their doubleheader with the Baltimore Orioles on Thursday, but isn't needed beyond that role. Warren retired the only batter he faced in a third of an inning of work and will head back to Triple-A, where he holds a 3.82 ERA, 1.27 WHIP, and 38:12 K:BB ratio across 30 2/3 innings (20 appearances).
--Alex CiullaSource: New York Mets
July 11, 2025
Chicago Cubs infield prospect
Jefferson Rojas went 2-for-6 with a home run and two RBI during their contest against High-A Wisconsin. Since the start of July, Rojas has been one of the best hitters in the minor leagues. During this nine-game stretch, the No. 64-ranked prospect in the sport on MLB.com has posted an impressive .333/.385/.667 slash line with three doubles and three home runs. Before this recent surge at the plate, Rojas held a modest .176/.391/.294 line with just two extra-base hits. Rojas has spent the entire campaign with High-A South Bend and held a solid .282/.387/.483 slash line with 13 doubles and nine home runs. Even though Rojas remains several seasons away from his MLB debut, he appears to be quickly progressing in the Chicago system. If he continues to produce at this level, he could be in the mix to reach Double-A later in the second half.
--Andy SmithSource: MiLB.com
July 11, 2025
Los Angeles Rams running backs coach Ron Gould has noticed this offseason that running back
Kyren Williams is more explosive. Williams ranked seventh in the league with 1,299 rushing yards in 2024 and tied for fifth with 14 rushing touchdowns. However, his 27 explosive rushes of 10-plus yards ranked tid for 11th in the NFL. They were also the second-fewest of any RB with over 250 carries. Williams' five fumbles tied for second-most among backs. "The first thing that stood out to us was his explosiveness," Gould said. The 24-year-old's numbers have been solid, but his lack of size and speed leave him less room for error than most feature backs, and he's expected to face more competition for touches, mostly from
Blake Corum. Williams is still L.A.'s featured back, but he's on the RB1/2 borderline in fantasy.
--Keith HernandezSource: TheRams.com - Wyatt Miller
July 11, 2025
St. Louis Cardinals right-handed pitching prospect
Tekoah Roby struck out six batters across 5 2/3 innings of work against Triple-A Charlotte. In this start, Roby picked up the victory as he allowed just six hits, no runs, and one free pass. Since allowing six runs in each of his first starts at Triple-A this season, Roby has flipped the script and been very productive. Over his last 21 innings of work, the No. 10-ranked prospect in the system has posted a near-perfect 0.86 ERA with a 1.10 WHIP. During this stretch, Roby has tallied 21 strikeouts while allowing just five free passes. Earlier this season, Roby logged 47 innings with Double-A and posted a 2.49 ERA with an impressive 0.96 WHIP. Fantasy managers should continue to monitor his progression as he could have a chance to make his MLB debut in the second half.
--Andy SmithSource: MiLB.com
July 11, 2025
Boston Red Sox left-handed pitching prospect Payton Tolle tossed five innings of one-run ball during his outing against Double-A Hartford. In this outing, Tolle allowed just four hits, one walk, and struck out five hitters. Since earning the promotion to Double-A on June 28, Tolle has been nothing short of impressive, logging 14 innings (three starts) to the tune of a 1.93 ERA and a 0.71 WHIP. During this stretch, the southpaw has struck out 22 hitters and allowed only three walks. Tolle opened the campaign with High-A Greenville, where he logged 49 2/3 innings. During this stint, Tolle posted a 3.62 ERA and a 1.17 WHIP. He struck out 79 hitters and allowed only 14 walks. The 22-year-old has continued to impress in his debut campaign after being drafted with the 50th pick in last year's draft. If he continues this level of production, he could earn a taste of Triple-A later in the second half.
--Andy SmithSource: MiLB.com
July 11, 2025
New York Mets right-handed pitching prospect
Brandon Sproat tossed seven shutout frames on Thursday evening in their matchup against Triple-A Lehigh Valley. In this start, Sproat allowed just three hits and one walk. He struck out four. Since allowing four runs on June 22, Sproat has logged 18 straight shutout frames (across three starts). During this stretch, Sproat has struck out 18 batters and allowed just seven hits and five walks. This is an excellent sign for the budding right-hander, as he posted a hefty 7.33 ERA and a 1.74 WHIP over his last 46 2/3 innings at Triple-A before this recent surge. Fantasy managers should continue to keep an eye on Sproat's development at Syracuse, as he should be in the mix to make his MLB debut in the second half. Given his recent production, he is worth stashing in all 12+ team leagues.
--Andy SmithSource: MiLB.com
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