RADIO
Walker Jenkins Holds League-Winning Upside Ahead of MLB Debut
Minnesota Twins top outfield prospect Walker Jenkins has massive potential in fantasy leagues prior to his promotion to the major leagues. The talented outfielder has the ability to win fantasy leagues for managers late in the season following news of his call-up. Jenkins played 69 games for Triple-A St. Paul before his call-up and hit .308 in 263 at-bats with 12 homers and 28 RBI. The 21-year-old left-handed hitter has five-category upside for fantasy leagues with a 60-grade hit tool, 60-grade power and 55-grade speed. Jenkins will likely reward fantasy managers who stashed him in redraft leagues. He has the potential to be a difference-maker and provide that extra boost to fantasy teams in all five categories. Jenkins missed some time this season with a shoulder injury but is back, fully healthy, and ready to contribute at the big-league level.
Source: Minor League Baseball
Source: Minor League Baseball
Jhoan Duran a High-End Fantasy Closer as Phillies Push for Playoffs
Philadelphia Phillies right-handed closer Jhoan Duran continues to be a high-end fantasy closer for a team that is currently locked into the second National League wild-card position. Since Duran's last blown save on July 27 against the division-rival Miami Marlins, he has gone 4-for-4 in save opportunities, including three saves in a row from Aug. 16 through Aug. 19. In 12 appearances (12 innings pitched) in the month of August, Duran has allowed just one earned run on 11 hits while walking two and striking out 14 batters. The 28-year-old Dominican hurler is 1-4 in his first full season in the City of Brotherly Love with a sparkling 1.71 ERA (1.22 FIP) and a 1.03 WHIP with 67 strikeouts and only eight walks all year in 47 1/3 innings out of the Phillies' bullpen. Duran's 28 saves are only four off his career high, set last year with the Phillies and Minnesota Twins. His 28 saves are tied with Atlanta Braves closer Raisel Iglesias for the eighth-most in the league. Duran has blown only two of his 30 save opportunities in 2026 and should have many more chances to set a new career high in saves over the final month of the regular season.
Source: Baseball Reference
Source: Baseball Reference
Yoshinobu Yamamoto One of Baseball's Best Pitchers Again in 2026
Los Angeles Dodgers right-hander Yoshinobu Yamamoto has been one of the best and most consistent pitchers in baseball again in 2026, even after a heavy postseason workload last fall to help the Dodgers win their second straight World Series title over the Toronto Blue Jays. Yamamoto took a tough-luck loss on Thursday night against the Atlanta Braves, allowing just a solo home run and four hits while walking one and striking out eight in 6 1/3 innings for his eighth loss of the year. The only run the 28-year-old Japanese hurler allowed was a solo home run to catcher Drake Baldwin on the first pitch of the game. The reigning World Series MVP was otherwise dominant, generating 20 swings and misses for his third straight quality start. Yamamoto is now 12-8 with a 2.56 ERA (3.26 FIP) and 0.89 WHIP with 153 strikeouts and 36 walks in 158 innings across 24 starts in his third MLB season. Since the All-Star break, he has not allowed more than two earned runs in an outing for a 1.90 ERA with 11 walks and 47 strikeouts in 47 1/3 frames across his seven starts. It will be interesting to see how Yamamoto holds up as we get closer to the postseason, but right now, his heavy workload from last year doesn't appear to be affecting him at all.
Source: MLB.com
Source: MLB.com
Jonah Tong Could be on Verge of Return to the Majors
MLB.com's Anthony DiComo writes that New York Mets right-handed pitching prospect Jonah Tong, who is ranked as the team's No. 5 prospect per MLB Pipeline, could supplant Robert Stock in the major-league rotation if he pitches well this weekend at Triple-A Syracuse. "I think we'll continue to keep an eye on him, continue to watch, continue to see how he performs," interim manager Andy Green said. "Definitely somebody that we think highly of and will be excited when the time comes." The 36-year-old Stock does not factor into the Mets' future plans in a meaningful way. Mets officials want to make sure that when Tong returns to the majors for the third time, he is well-prepared to stick around. When Tong was called up earlier in 2026, he had a 5.68 ERA at Syracuse. He had a 3.60 ERA in three appearances with the Mets in May and early June, but he was shaky on the mound. The 23-year-old Canadian has expanded his arsenal this year and has added a cutter to the mix. In his last six minor-league starts, Tong has a 2.48 ERA while holding opponents to a .198 average. If he returns to the majors, Tong will be a risky fantasy option because of his inconsistent control -- he has issued 15 free passes in a 29-inning stretch in his last six starts at Syracuse.
Source: MLB.com - Anthony DiComo
Source: MLB.com - Anthony DiComo
Roman Anthony Unlikely to Return to Red Sox on Friday
Boston Red Sox outfielder Roman Anthony (finger) is unlikely to return from the 60-day injured list before the team's series opener on Friday against the division-rival New York Yankees, according to Tommy Cassell. Anthony is still at Triple-A Worcester on Friday and could continue his minor-league rehab assignment through the weekend. If Anthony remains with the WooSox through the weekend, he could come off the IL for Monday's series opener at Fenway Park against the Seattle Mariners. Fantasy managers have been patient all year long, as the former top outfield prospect has been out since early May due to a partially torn tendon in his right ring finger. The good news is that the left-handed power/speed threat is on the verge of a return to the big leagues, and he has gone 7-for-23 at the plate with two home runs in seven rehab games on the farm. Although the 22-year-old was hitting just .229 (25-for-109) with a homer, five RBI, and 12 runs scored in 109 at-bats this year before his injury, he should be picked up off the waiver wire everywhere that he is available. Anthony is currently rostered in just under 80% of Yahoo leagues.
Source: Tommy Cassell
Source: Tommy Cassell
Jacob Lopez an Intriguing Streaming Option for Friday
Athletics starting pitcher Jacob Lopez has been extremely sharp on the mound over the last month or so. Since July 10, Lopez has a 2.23 ERA, 0.99 WHIP, and a 48:13 K:BB ratio across eight starts. During that span, Lopez has allowed two earned runs or fewer in every start. Lopez was strong during his last outing with nine strikeouts against the Houston Astros on August 22. He'll take the mound versus the Baltimore Orioles in hitter-friendly Sacramento on Friday. It's not an ideal matchup for Lopez, but he has been pitching too well on the mound to be ignored right now.
Source: Baseball Reference
Source: Baseball Reference
George Lombard Jr. is Slumping at the Plate
New York Yankees infielder George Lombard Jr. came into the league swinging a hot bat, but has cooled down recently. Over the last week, Lombard is slashing .179/.207/.250 with zero home runs and one RBI. Despite a bit of a slump, Lombard's overall numbers remain fairly solid right now. The rookie infielder is slashing .264/.316/.389 with two homers and six RBI. His little slump has caused him to lose some traction in fantasy leagues. Fantasy managers shouldn't be too worried right now and should continue to hold Lombard through this slump. His overall upside is too good to warrant dropping him over a week slump.
Source: Baseball Reference
Source: Baseball Reference
Edward Cabrera to Begin Throwing on Saturday
Chicago Cubs starting pitcher Edward Cabrera (finger) will resume his throwing program on Saturday, according to Bruce Levine. Cabrera has been sidelined since the middle of August due to a finger blister. When healthy, Cabrera has struggled this season with a 5.68 ERA, 1.44 WHIP, and a 67/32 K/BB ratio across 15 starts with the Cubs. Given his durability issues and lack of success as a starter, the Cubs plan to bring Cabrera back as a reliever for the rest of the season. He shouldn't need a long rehab assignment if he's coming back as a relief pitcher. His fantasy value will be limited unless he's going to pitch in a high-leverage role, which is unlikely.
Source: Bruce Levine
Source: Bruce Levine
Matt Shaw Activated off Injured List on Friday
Chicago Cubs infielder/outfielder Matt Shaw (hand) was activated off the 10-day Injured List ahead of Friday's game against the Cincinnati Reds. Shaw has been out of action since late June due to a sprained left hand. He was hitting the ball well during his rehab assignment and appears ready to make an impact in Chicago again. It's unclear how Shaw is going to fit into the puzzle down the stretch of the season. Pedro Ramirez is playing very well, so it'll be tough for Shaw to cut into his playing time. Through 56 games, Shaw is slashing .246/.322/.415 with four home runs, 20 RBI, and four steals. Given he probably won't have a full-time role, Shaw is only worth considering in deep leagues. In a corresponding move, outfielder Kevin Alcantara was optioned to Triple-A Iowa.
Source: Chicago Cubs
Source: Chicago Cubs
Yordan Alvarez Keeps Mashing the Ball
Houston Astros designated hitter Yordan Alvarez has been posting unbelievable numbers at the plate this season. Through 132 games, Alvarez is slashing .319/.434/.609 with a league-leading 36 home runs and 91 RBI. His overall power numbers have declined lately, with only one long ball over the last month. Fantasy managers are hopeful that his power comes back soon, with the fantasy playoffs quickly approaching. Despite a lack of homers in August, Alvarez is still the MVP favorite in the American League and remains a great source of production in basically every other category right now.
Source: Baseball Reference
Source: Baseball Reference
Joshua Baez's Power Upside Makes him a Waiver-Wire Target
St. Louis Cardinals outfield prospect Joshua Baez turned heads with a record-setting major-league debut on Aug. 15 against the division-rival Chicago Cubs at Wrigley Field, going 3-for-4 at the plate with three home runs and five RBI. But since that day, he has gone 4-for-41 (.098) with a homer, a double, four RBI, three runs scored, two stolen bases, three walks, and 20 strikeouts in 12 games for the Red Birds. St. Louis' No. 3 prospect, per MLB Pipeline, should still be on the waiver-wire radar in fantasy baseball leagues, though, for his power/speed upside to close out the 2026 season. The 23-year-old former second-rounder hit .256/.328/.573 with a .901 OPS, 34 home runs, 90 RBI, 21 stolen bases, and 79 runs scored in his 103 games at Triple-A Memphis this year before his call-up. Baez can struggle to make contact at times, but his power/speed upside should not be ignored for fantasy managers looking for power production in the outfield to close things out. It has been far from perfect early on, but Baez is still the Cardinals' right fielder of the future.
Source: Baseball Reference
Source: Baseball Reference
Kade Anderson Can Make a Difference Down the Stretch
The Seattle Mariners called up their top pitching prospect last weekend in left-hander Kade Anderson, and he nearly recorded a quality start in his major-league debut against the Chicago Cubs, allowing three runs (two earned) on five hits (two homers) while walking two and striking out five in 5 2/3 innings pitched last Saturday. The 22-year-old southpaw, who is ranked as Seattle's top overall prospect at MLB Pipeline, threw four shutout innings last Saturday before allowing two solo home runs in the sixth frame. MLB Pipeline also has Anderson ranked as the top left-handed pitching prospect in all of baseball after the former third overall pick from LSU went 10-1 with a 1.06 ERA, 0.64 WHIP, and 135:13 K:BB in 93 1/3 innings across 18 starts at Double-A Arkansas this year before getting the call to the Show. Anderson, who is already rostered in nearly 60% of Yahoo leagues, can absolutely be a difference-maker for fantasy pitching staffs in the final month of the regular season in September, and he will have a plus second matchup as a member of the M's this weekend in Toronto against the Blue Jays. Scoop him up now if you need starting pitching help.
Source: Baseball Reference
Source: Baseball Reference
Tristan Peters a Priority Waiver Target Amid Ongoing Power Binge
Chicago White Sox outfielder Tristan Peters is somehow rostered in only 31% of Yahoo leagues, despite homering in each of his last five games. During his five-game homer span, Peters has gone 10-for-18 (.556) with five home runs, two doubles, nine RBI, seven runs scored, and a stolen base. The Canadian outfielder is now slashing .282/.346/.475 on the season with an .821 OPS, 12 home runs, 52 RBI, 53 runs scored, and seven stolen bases in his 358 at-bats in his first year with the Pale Hose and his first full season in the majors. He debuted in 2025 with the Tampa Bay Rays but played in just four games. Even if Peters regresses in the final month of the season (he is sporting a .255 expected batting average and .315 xwOBA), the left-handed slugger should no longer be ignored while he's white-hot at the plate for Chicago. Peters has hit .349 (22-for-63) with a 1.169 OPS, six homers, six doubles, 14 RBI, 13 runs scored, and two stolen bases in 23 games in August, but he's hitting .159 (7-for-44) with only one of his 12 homers on the year against southpaws.
Source: Baseball Reference
Source: Baseball Reference
Jac Caglianone Peaking Late in the Season
Kansas City Royals first baseman/outfielder Jac Caglianone recently missed a few games with ankle soreness, but he is back now and just had a monster performance offensively in Thursday night's 13-2 blowout win on the road against the Toronto Blue Jays. Caglianone carried the Royals' offense, going 5-for-6 at the plate with a home run, a double, a career-high six RBI, three runs scored, and a strikeout to raise his season batting average to .282 and his OPS to .832 in his first full year in the majors. The five hits by Cags were also a career high to boost his overall season line to .282/.332/.500 with 23 home runs, 66 RBI, and six stolen bases in 479 plate appearances. The former first-rounder and two-way player from the University of Florida has come into his own in 2026 after a slow start at the plate, and he should now be rostered in all fantasy baseball leagues. Caglianone has been one of the hottest hitters in all of baseball in August, coming into Thursday's big game with a .382/.405/.658 slash line and a 1.063 OPS, five home runs, six doubles, 20 RBI, 12 runs scored, and three steals in 20 games played. Scoop him up immediately if he is available in your league.
Source: MLB.com
Source: MLB.com
Jackson Chourio in Top Form in Win Over Mets on Thursday
Milwaukee Brewers outfielder Jackson Chourio had one of his best games of the season in Thursday night's 8-2 win over the hosting New York Mets at Citi Field, going 4-for-5 at the plate with two two-run home runs and four runs scored to boost his season average to .283 and his OPS to .822. He added a stolen base for good measure. The 22-year-old Venezuelan outfielder has missed some time due to injury in 2026, but otherwise he has been as advertised for fantasy managers, slashing .283/.345/.477 with 19 home runs, 54 RBI, 68 runs scored, and 14 stolen bases across his 447 plate appearances. Chourio is having one of his better months in August, as he came into Thursday's big game with a .287/.380/.460 slash line with an .840 OPS, four home runs, three doubles, eight RBI, 12 runs scored, and three stolen bases in 23 games played in the month. It was his first round-tripper since Aug. 9 against the Minnesota Twins. Chourio remains a must-start in all fantasy baseball leagues and will be looking to stay hot going into the start of a weekend series on Friday at home against the Texas Rangers.
Source: MLB.com
Source: MLB.com
