RADIO
Is Max Muncy a Worthy Power Target for Deep-League Managers?
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.
Source: RotoBaller
Source: RotoBaller
Is Kahlil Watson an Emerging Power/Speed Threat on the Waiver Wire?
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.
Source: RotoBaller
Source: RotoBaller
Elmer Rodriguez Strikes Out Six in Latest Start, Back on Stash Radar?
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.
Source: MiLB.com
Source: MiLB.com
Ryan Jeffers Continuing his Rehab Assignment
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.
Source: The Athletic - Aaron Gleeman
Source: The Athletic - Aaron Gleeman
Quinn Mathews Trending Up, is He a Stash Ahead of Eventual Debut?
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.
Source: MiLB.com
Source: MiLB.com
Is Hagen Smith Worth Stashing Despite Injury?
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.
Source: MiLB.com
Source: MiLB.com
Sean Keys' Elite Power Metrics Make Him a Buy-Low Stash
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.
Source: MLB.com
Source: MLB.com
Tristan Peters Continues Breakout, Emerging as Strong Waiver-Wire Add
Chicago White Sox outfielder Tristan Peters continues to impress during his first season with the club, emerging as an intriguing waiver wire target in fantasy leagues. The 25-year-old is slashing .291/.347/.451 with a .798 OPS and five home runs across 86 games. He has been even better recently, hitting .314 with a .510 slugging percentage over his last 15 games while earning everyday playing time for the surging White Sox. Peters has provided consistent production at the plate and continues to create value with his all-around game. His 98th percentile fielding range should help keep him in the lineup on a regular basis. Fantasy managers looking for a productive outfielder should consider adding Peters before his roster percentage climbs.
Source: MLB.com
Source: MLB.com
Walker Jenkins Returns to Form at Triple-A, is He a Must-Stash?
Minnesota Twins outfield prospect Walker Jenkins recently returned from the injured list and has hit the ground running. The Twins' top-ranked prospect had been dealing with a sprained AC joint in his shoulder, but has quickly returned to form for Triple-A St. Paul, going 11-for-35 (.314) in the nine games since his return, including two doubles, two triples, a home run, and two stolen bases. For the season, the former fifth-overall draft pick is slashing .272/.385/.440 with three home runs, seven steals, and nearly as many walks (21) as strikeouts (23) in 34 games for the Saints. The talent is there, but injuries have limited him over the past few years and slowed his progression to the majors. However, if he can remain healthy, the 21-year-old should be in a position to make his big league debut sometime after the All-Star break, and he has the tools to be a multi-category producer, so fantasy managers in deeper 12-team leagues should consider stashing the 6-foot-3 slugger ahead of time.
Source: MiLB.com
Source: MiLB.com
Agustin Ramirez Still a Top Stash Option with Five-Category Upside?
Miami Marlins catcher Agustin Ramirez remains an intriguing stash candidate despite an underwhelming sophomore campaign. The 24-year-old is slashing .230/.318/.345 with a .663 OPS, but his underlying metrics continue to point toward untapped offensive upside. Ramirez owns a 116.9 mph max exit velocity, which ranks in the 98th percentile across Major League Baseball. He also posted an 11.0 Barrel% during the 2025 season, highlighting his ability to consistently make contact while generating above-average power. Fantasy managers in deeper leagues should consider stashing Ramirez now before his bat starts to heat up.
Source: MLB.com
Source: MLB.com
George Lombard Jr. Remains Shelved, is He Still Worth Stashing?
New York Yankees infield prospect George Lombard Jr. (finger) was placed on the 7-day injured list for Triple-A Scranton/Wilkes-Barre back on June 18 and has yet to return to the field. Despite the injury, the Yankees' top-ranked prospect was nominated to the AL All-Star Futures Team after starting the season at Double-A and earning a promotion to Triple-A at the end of April. The former first-round draft pick had begun to find his footing at that level just before the injury, riding a nine-game hit streak before that, during which time he went 12-for-34 (.353) with seven doubles, two home runs, and two steals. Not only that, but he also saw his strikeout rate hold steady after the jump to Triple-A (21.1 percent to 21.3 percent) and the 21-year-old's walk rate actually jumped higher (13.3 percent to 17.8 percent). If he can return shortly after the All-Star break and get rolling again, there's a good chance the 6-foot-2 slugger will be summoned for his major league debut later in the second half, and with some fantasy-friendly tools, he makes for a worthwhile stash in deeper 12-team leagues.
Source: MiLB.com
Source: MiLB.com
Hogan Harris Still Worth Adding Despite Recent Struggles
Athletics left-hander Hogan Harris continues to provide steady production out of the bullpen in his fourth major league season. The 29-year-old owns a 3.38 ERA and a 1.55 WHIP, establishing himself as a reliable late-inning option for the Athletics. Harris struggled in June, posting a 6.30 ERA, but he has consistently shown the ability to bounce back from difficult stretches. His underlying metrics remain encouraging, highlighted by a .188 expected batting average that ranks in the 95th percentile across Major League Baseball. That elite contact suppression suggests better results could be on the way. Fantasy managers should remain patient despite his recent rough patch, as Harris profiles as both a strong buy-low candidate and a worthwhile waiver wire addition.
Source: MLB.com
Source: MLB.com
Jordan Romano Earns Another Save for Rockies, Is he the Reliever to Roster?
After being released by the Angels on April 27 following a rocky start to the season with a 10.13 ERA, Rockies right-hander Jordan Romano is beginning to turn things around with his new club. Romano earned his second save with Colorado on Tuesday, tossing a scoreless inning while allowing one hit and one walk with one strikeout. He has yet to allow a run in three appearances for the Rockies, giving fantasy managers reason for optimism despite his poor overall season numbers. Romano's 30.9 K% is his highest mark in the last five seasons and sits well above league average, showing his swing-and-miss stuff remains intact. If he continues to build momentum, Romano has a strong chance to secure the ninth-inning role and become a worthwhile waiver wire addition for fantasy managers seeking saves.
Source: MLB.com
Source: MLB.com
Cubs Turn to Trent Thornton for Tuesday's Save, Can he Claim the Closer Job?
Cubs right-hander Trent Thornton picked up his second save of the season on Tuesday, continuing to build momentum in Chicago's unsettled closer situation. Thornton tossed a scoreless inning and struck out one batter to secure the victory over the Orioles. The 32-year-old has quietly put together an impressive first season with the Cubs, posting a 2.63 ERA and 0.99 WHIP across 22 appearances. No Cubs pitcher has recorded more than three saves this season, leaving the ninth inning very much up for grabs. Thornton's recent performances have made him a strong candidate to claim the role outright. Fantasy managers looking for saves should consider adding Thornton now before he establishes himself as Chicago's primary closer.
Source: MLB.com
Source: MLB.com
Taj Bradley's Swing-and-Miss Stuff on Display Again on Tuesday
In his second straight outing, Minnesota Twins right-hander Taj Bradley reached double-digit strikeouts on Tuesday evening in the Twins' 3-1 win over the division-rival Cleveland Guardians at Target Field. Bradley was very impressive in picking up his eighth win of the year, allowing only an earned run on three hits (one homer) while walking none and striking out 10 in seven innings of work. The 25-year-old former fifth-rounder in 2018 by the Tampa Bay Rays now has 21 strikeouts and three walks while giving up two earned runs in 12 innings in his last two starts against the Guardians and Houston Astros. The only run that Bradley allowed came in the form of a solo homer off the bat of Rhys Hoskins in the second inning. Bradley induced 25 swings and misses on the night, and he now has three double-digit strikeout performances in 2026. He has a 2.25 ERA with 32 punchouts and eight walks in 24 innings with three wins in his last four outings. Bradley will have a tough test to kick off the second half with a matchup against the Chicago Cubs, but his strikeout upside clearly warrants more interest off the waiver wire in fantasy baseball leagues. Bradley is rostered in just 67% of Yahoo leagues.
Source: MLB.com
Source: MLB.com
