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Jake Burger a Viable Power Target in Fantasy Baseball?
Texas Rangers first baseman Jake Burger has a .240/.304/.423 slash line with a .727 OPS, 16 home runs, 58 RBI, 41 runs scored, and two stolen bases in 92 games across 372 plate appearances in 2026 at the halfway point. If he stays healthy the rest of the way, Burger could reach the 30-homer mark for the second time in his career, yet he's only rostered in 24% of Yahoo leagues. He hit .270 (24-for-89) with four home runs, three doubles, 15 RBI, nine runs scored, and a steal in 26 games in June, but in nine games in July before the All-Star break, Burger hit .118 (4-for-34) with two homers, six RBI, three runs, two walks, and 12 strikeouts. The former 11th overall pick by the Chicago White Sox in 2017 out of Missouri State University has a 26.3% strikeout rate, which is his highest mark since 2023 with Chicago and the Miami Marlins. Burger's swing-and-miss tendencies aren't going to help fantasy managers' average or on-base percentage, but the power is still real. He sits in the 77th percentile in hard-hit rate, 65th percentile in barrel rate, and 48th percentile in xSLG.
Source: Baseball Reference
Source: Baseball Reference
Josh Bell Still a Cheap Source of Power Off the Waiver Wire
Minnesota Twins first baseman Josh Bell, 33, doesn't have the high-end upside that most fantasy managers are looking for when targeting players off the waiver wire, but he can still help those in need of power as we head into the second half of the 2026 season later this week. The veteran switch-hitter is batting .248/.307/.429 with a .735 OPS, 13 home runs, 60 RBI, 48 runs scored, and a stolen base in 343 at-bats this year in his first season with the Twins. The former second-rounder by the Pittsburgh Pirates in 2011 out of Jesuit College Preparatory School of Dallas was hot going into the break, too, going 13-for-47 (.277) with four home runs, five doubles, nine RBI, and seven runs scored in his last 12 games. Bell has been better average-wise (.264) as a righty against lefties, but most of his power comes from the left side (10 of his 13 homers). Most of his power production this year has also come away from Target Field, with nine of his long balls coming on the road. Bell isn't an elite power bat, but for those in deeper leagues scrounging for power, Bell is widely available (25% rostered in Yahoo leagues).
Source: Baseball Reference
Source: Baseball Reference
Rookie Travis Bazzana Still Worth a Roster Spot for Speed?
Cleveland Guardians rookie second baseman Travis Bazzana, the first overall pick from Oregon State University in 2024, was hitting .294/.389/.450 with an .838 OPS, three homers, eight doubles, 11 RBI, eight stolen bases, and 13 runs scored in his first 30 games after debuting with Cleveland on April 28. Since June 2, though, he has hit just .193 (26-for-135) with four homers, six doubles, a triple, 17 RBI, 17 runs scored, five steals, 17 walks, and 37 strikeouts in 35 games to drop his overall line to .238/.330/.389 in his first 282 MLB plate appearances. Bazzana goes into this week's All-Star break hitting .200 (8-for-40) with three doubles, three RBI, four runs, a stolen base, five walks, and 13 K's in 10 games in July. The 23-year-old left-handed-hitting Aussie is known for his advanced plate discipline, and he has backed that up with a walk rate in the 75th percentile and a chase rate in the 71st percentile. However, his xOBP is in just the 40th percentile thanks to a hard-hit rate in the 27th percentile and a barrel rate in the 18th percentile. Bazzana has the plate skills, but he's not squaring the ball up enough consistently yet at the big-league level. Still, he's useful for his speed (13 steals) in deeper fantasy formats going into the second half.
Source: Baseball Reference
Source: Baseball Reference
Kody Clemens Still a Waiver Target for Power Going into Second Half
Minnesota Twins infielder/outfielder Kody Clemens heads into this week's All-Star break only four home runs shy of a new career high in that category. The 30-year-old veteran has a .243/.303/.482 slash line with a .785 OPS, 16 home runs, 46 RBI, 45 runs scored, and six stolen bases in 301 at-bats at the halfway mark in what has turned out to be a career year in his first full season in Minnesota (fifth in the majors). The former third-round pick by the Detroit Tigers in the 2018 MLB draft out of the University of Texas at Austin homered in three straight games to begin the month of July and had a span of five home runs and 12 RBI in eight games from June 26 through July 4. Clemens went hitless in 17 plate appearances with an RBI, a run scored, a walk, and seven strikeouts across four games going into the All-Star break, but that shouldn't take away from the fact that he's a sneaky waiver-wire addition for power-hungry fantasy managers going into the second half of the season. Clemens is rostered in just under half of Yahoo leagues, so he's widely available. Making him more attractive is the fact that he's eligible at first base, second base, and the outfield in those same formats.
Source: Baseball Reference
Source: Baseball Reference
Rookie Outfielder Cole Carrigg Still Worth Rostering During Cold Spell?
Colorado Rockies rookie outfielder Cole Carrigg, who is ranked by MLB Pipeline as the team's No. 6 prospect, has been one of the more intriguing power/speed prospects to stash in fantasy baseball this year, but he's in a bit of a slump going into the All-Star break. Carrigg went 27-for-85 (.318) with four homers, six doubles, three triples, 21 RBI, 23 runs scored, and two stolen bases in his first 26 major-league games after debuting with Colorado on June 9. He's fallen into a funk offensively going into this week's All-Star break, though, going hitless in his last 18 plate appearances with an RBI, two walks, and seven strikeouts in his last five games to drop his season slash line to .273/.356/.515 with an .871 OPS in 119 plate appearances. The midway point of the season is coming at a good time for the 24-year-old switch-hitter, who was a second-round pick in 2023 out of San Diego State University. Going into the second half, Carrigg is still a fine upside outfielder to roster in mixed fantasy leagues, although he has struggled away from hitter-friendly Coors Field, batting .208 with two of his homers, eight walks, and 15 strikeouts.
Source: Baseball Reference
Source: Baseball Reference
Garrett Crochet Still hasn't Been Cleared to Throw
Boston Red Sox left-hander Garrett Crochet (shoulder) still has not been cleared to throw, interim manager Chad Tracy told MassLive.com's Chris Cotillo. Instead, Crochet is still playing catch with weighted plyometric balls as he tries to recover from inflammation in his left shoulder. The talented southpaw was put on the injured list way back on April 29 with shoulder inflammation before he had a setback with a low-grade lat strain while facing hitters at the end of May. The 27-year-old two-time All-Star has essentially recovered from his lat strain but now needs to get over the hump with his shoulder injury. The fact that Crochet hasn't resumed throwing essentially rules out a return before the end of July, and with a lengthy minor-league rehab assignment now probably necessary, fantasy managers may not see him again until mid-to-late August. It's been a frustrating development in 2026 for those who have Crochet rostered after he finished second in the American League Cy Young voting last year. In his six starts with Boston this year before going down, he struggled to a 6.30 ERA, 1.47 WHIP, and 37:11 K:BB in 30 innings. Crochet's high-end upside makes him stash-worthy in all fantasy leagues, though.
Source: MassLive.com - Chris Cotillo
Source: MassLive.com - Chris Cotillo
Roman Anthony to Continue to Rehab in Florida
Boston Red Sox interim manager Chad Tracy confirmed that outfielder Roman Anthony's (finger) follow-up appointment with Dr. Gary Lourie in Georgia revealed no new information about the finger/hand injury that has kept Anthony on the injured list since May 5, according to Chris Cotillo of MassLive.com. Anthony will continue to build up strength at the team's spring training complex in Fort Myers, Florida. "Everything's healing, going the way it should, so he'll go down to Florida and continue to do his thing so we can get ramped up quicker," Tracy said. The 22-year-old former top prospect has been out since May 7 due to a partially torn tendon in his right ring finger. Anthony is quickly developing an injury-prone label after he was shut down late last season due to injury. Although there is no clear timetable for Anthony's return, this might be the perfect time to buy low on him in dynasty/keeper leagues. When healthy, Anthony still has one of the best power/speed profiles of any young outfielder in the game, and he'll be a lineup regular for the BoSox whenever he returns to action in the second half. Anthony was hitting .229 (25-for-109) with a homer, five RBI, 12 runs, and two stolen bases before going down earlier this year.
Source: MassLive.com - Chris Cotillo
Source: MassLive.com - Chris Cotillo
Ronald Acuna Jr. Starting Rehab Assignment on Monday
The Atlanta Braves announced that outfielder Ronald Acuna Jr. (hamstring) is starting his minor-league rehab assignment on Monday with the rookie-level Florida Complex League Braves. It means that if Acuna can avoid a setback with his hamstring, he could be ready to roll for the Braves coming out of the All-Star break this Friday in the series opener against the Texas Rangers. The former MVP has been on the 10-day injured list for over a month due to a strained left hamstring that put him on the IL for the second time this year. The 28-year-old Venezuelan outfielder has high-end power/speed upside on one of the better teams in baseball, but injuries continue to make him a big risk/reward asset. Now is probably the last time that interested fantasy managers might be able to buy low on him before he returns for the second half. Before his second left-hamstring injury, Acuna was batting .251 (49-for-195) with seven long balls, 22 RBI, 15 stolen bases, and 31 runs scored across his 53 games and 236 plate appearances. The five-time All-Star could be a difference-maker in the second half for Atlanta if he can just stay on the field.
Source: Atlanta Braves
Source: Atlanta Braves
Shohei Ohtani has his Knee Drained on Sunday
Los Angeles Dodgers two-way superstar Shohei Ohtani (knee) was set to have his bothersome left knee drained on Sunday evening, according to Fabian Ardaya of The Athletic. The Dodgers scratched Ohtani from his scheduled start on the mound in Friday's series opener against the division-rival Arizona Diamondbacks, but the 32-year-old four-time MVP served as the designated hitter all weekend and even clubbed his 22nd home run of the year in Sunday's loss. The Dodgers are having Ohtani get his knee taken care of during the All-Star break, and unfortunately, we won't get to see the unicorn play in the Midsummer Classic on Tuesday. The good news for fantasy managers is that Ohtani is expected to be ready to rejoin L.A.'s starting rotation for the start of the second half this weekend. The six-time All-Star and four-time Silver Slugger winner isn't running as much, but otherwise, he's been a beast offensively, slashing .293/.403/.549 with a .953 OPS, 22 home runs, 58 RBI, and 65 runs scored in 335 at-bats. As a pitcher, he's in the National League MVP conversation with an 8-2 record, 1.79 ERA (2.61 FIP), and 0.95 WHIP with 95 strikeouts and 26 walks in 14 starts over 85 2/3 innings.
Source: The Athletic - Fabian Ardaya
Source: The Athletic - Fabian Ardaya
Liam Doyle Emerging as Potential Late-Season Call-Up?
St. Louis Cardinals top pitching prospect Liam Doyle appeared in a relief role during the Futures Game. Doyle tossed an inning where he struck out two hitters and served up two free passes. He did not allow a run. Doyle was selected by the Cardinals with the No. 5 overall pick in last year's MLB Draft and has spent the 2026 season at Double-A. While he has struggled at times, the former Tennessee Volunteer has begun to find his footing and is putting himself in position for a late-season call-up. Over his last two Double-A starts, Doyle has logged 8 2/3 innings with two earned runs and an 11:6 K:BB. His command has been an issue this season, but he has managed to strike out 75 hitters in just 56 frames. If he can carry this success into the early part of the second half, a late-season cup of coffee with the MLB roster will not be out of the question.
Source: MLB.com
Source: MLB.com
Seth Hernandez Dominates in Brief Appearance in Futures Game
Pittsburgh Pirates pitching prospect Seth Hernandez continued his impressive debut season by tossing a perfect frame in the Futures Game on Sunday afternoon. Entering the game in the second inning, the former No. 6 overall pick tossed a shutout inning with no hits, no walks, and two punchouts. The 20-year-old made his pro debut at Low-A this season but has already been bumped up to High-A and is putting himself in a strong position to reach Double-A later in the second half of the season. At Low-A, Hernandez logged 28 innings with a 0.96 ERA and 0.71 WHIP, prompting the early promotion. While the right-hander has hit some roadblocks at High-A, he has continued to flash elite strikeout potential, totaling 61 strikeouts in just 41 innings. If Hernandez can continue this trajectory, he should reach Double-A later this season and establish himself as the clear No. 1 pitching prospect in the game, alongside Seattle's Kade Anderson.
Source: MLB.com
Source: MLB.com
Nathan Flewelling Claims MVP Honors in Futures Game
Tampa Bay Rays catching prospect Nathan Flewelling was named Futures Game MVP after his impressive showing on Sunday afternoon. In this contest, the No. 75-ranked prospect in baseball went 1-for-1 with a two-run home run. Flewelling joined the Rays system in the third round of the 2024 MLB Draft and has spent his entire 2026 campaign at the High-A level. Through 73 games with Bowling Green, the young backstop has carried a .261/.394/.496 line with 12 doubles, 16 home runs, and six stolen bases. However, over his last 19 contests, Flewelling has taken his production to a much higher level, posting a .324/.484/.662 line with three doubles and six home runs. Given his current trajectory, dynasty managers should expect the No. 2 prospect in the system to receive a taste of Double-A ball in the coming weeks.
Source: MLB.com
Source: MLB.com
Is Hector Rodriguez the Priority Stash Target for Home Run Potential?
Cincinnati Reds outfield prospect Hector Rodriguez has continued to showcase high-end power at the top club in the minor leagues and is a high-end stash heading into the All-Star break. Despite carrying a modest .260 AVG over his last 14 games at Triple-A Louisville, Rodriguez has launched five home runs over this stretch with a .931 OPS. Overall on the season, the team's No. 5-ranked prospect (according to MLB.com) has hit 14 doubles, 23 home runs, and swiped six bags, while carrying a .284/.364/.564 line with a .910 OPS. The corner outfielder is worth a close look in the second half, as he may not need to wait long to earn the call, with both Noelvi Marte and JJ Bleday beginning to show some inconsistencies in the majors. For now, Rodriguez is a viable stash candidate in 12+ team leagues for managers needing late-season home run potential.
Source: MiLB.com
Source: MiLB.com
Walker Jenkins a Must-Stash With MLB Debut Approaching?
Minnesota Twins outfield prospect Walker Jenkins has been very productive in his return to Triple-A. The team's top-ranked prospect missed time this season due to a shoulder injury but has quickly put himself back on the stash radar since being cleared to return. Over his last 13 contests with St. Paul, the former fifth overall pick has posted an elite .314/.364/.529 line with a .893 OPS. During this stretch, the 21-year-old has hit four doubles, gone deep once and chipped in two stolen bases. This surge is worth emphasizing as Jenkins carried a much lower .256/.296/.389 line with just two round-trippers over the first 25 games of the Triple-A regular season. With the Twins sitting outside the current playoff picture, they could look to sell at the upcoming deadline, which would allow Jenkins to face minimal competition for second-half at-bats at the big-league level.
Source: MiLB.com
Source: MiLB.com
Should Managers Still Stash Dodgers Top Pitching Prospect River Ryan?
Los Angeles Dodgers pitching prospect River Ryan put himself at the top of the stash rankings during the first half of the season, as he was not only flashing elite potential at the Triple-A level but also had a clear path to MLB innings. With both Blake Snell and Tyler Glasnow on the shelf, Ryan appeared to be on the doorstep of returning to Los Angeles. However, on June 17, Ryan took a massive step back, serving up a season-worst eight earned runs and 10 hits before ultimately being placed on the 7-day injured list with a hamstring strain. Since moving to the IL, Ryan has not progressed in his recovery and is without a clear timetable. While managers should continue to monitor his status, it appears Ryan may face an uphill battle to return to the majors in 2026. With Blake Snell set to embark on his rehab stint, managers in all 12-team formats should no longer view Ryan as a viable stash target, as his path to MLB innings will be far more challenging down the stretch.
Source: MiLB.com
Source: MiLB.com
