RADIO
Is Joshua Baez Still the Top Stash Target Amid Triple-A Skid?
St. Louis Cardinals outfield prospect Joshua Baez has hit a brief skid at the Triple-A level but still remains an elite stash target in all formats. Over the last 10 games, the budding outfielder has taken a massive step back at Triple-A, posting a low .104/.154/.271 line with two doubles and two home runs. However, prior to this brief stint in the batter's box, the No. 48-ranked prospect in baseball according to MLB.com carried an impressive .347/.389/.891 line with an eye-catching six doubles, 15 home runs, and two stolen bases over his last 24 games. Overall this season, Baez has held his own at Triple-A, launching 28 home runs, stealing 14 bases, and posting a .900 OPS. While there is no clear path to at-bats in the St. Louis outfield, his five-category potential keeps him atop all stash lists ahead of the All-Star break.
Source: MiLB.com
Source: MiLB.com
Kyle Karros Performing Well for Rockies, Worth a Waiver-Wire Add?
Colorado Rockies third baseman Kyle Karros has been hitting well of late, slashing .308/.419/.692 with two home runs, six runs scored, five RBI, and three stolen bases over his last seven days, and has raised his average up to .260 on the season with eight home runs, 31 RBI, 46 runs scored, three stolen bases, and a .795 OPS. The 23-year-old infielder was a former fifth-round pick, and after 156 plate appearances in 2025, he is getting a chance at a full starter workload in 2026 with 310 plate appearances on the season. The underlying data supports his solid campaign, with a .256 xBA, .341 xwOBA, and .408 xSLG. He also demonstrates solid plate discipline, with his 12.9 percent walk rate (88th percentile), 21.3 percent strikeout rate (52nd percentile), and 24.5 percent chase rate (81st percentile). With the current state of the third base position, with Jose Ramirez (hand), Matt Chapman (abdominal), and players like Austin Riley significantly underperforming, Karros should be someone fantasy managers should take a look at on the waiver wire. He plays half his games at Coors Field, is hitting near the top of the Rockies lineup, and is not highly rostered in most formats.
Source: ESPN
Source: ESPN
Kirby Yates Takes Fourth Loss, is he Falling Out of Angels Closer Committee?
Los Angeles Angels reliever Kirby Yates picked up his fourth loss of the season on Thursday, entering the contest with the game tied in the ninth inning and allowing two hits and one earned run in one-third of an inning. Yates now owns a solid 3.15 ERA and 1.00 WHIP on the season with two saves in four opportunities. Considering Yates has been sharp overall this season, and this was his first run allowed since June 8, he should remain the leader in the reliever room to pick up saves. Angels manager Kurt Suzuki appears to be committed to a closer for the most part, as evidenced by his selection of Jordan Romano as the closer earlier this season, even as Romano posted a 10.13 ERA in six save opportunities. At 39 years old, Yates may not be as sharp as he once was, but he appears to be the clear closer for the Angels at this time, as Ryan Zeferjahn appears to be his biggest competition, and he hasn't picked up a save since June 12, while Yates picked up his most recent save on June 27. The biggest downfall for Yates here is that the Angels have had only 27 save opportunities this season and are 37-57.
Source: ESPN
Source: ESPN
Will Andrew Kittredge Continue to See Ninth-Inning Opportunities?
Baltimore Orioles 36-year-old right-hander Andrew Kittredge picked up the save in Thursday's win over the Cubs, allowing one hit in a scoreless ninth inning. The Orioles had multiple relievers work on Wednesday in a game that featured 16 combined runs, which is why Kittredge picked up the save. With Ryan Helsley (elbow) currently on the IL and seeking a second opinion on his right elbow, the Orioles have been turning to several relievers for saves. Kittredge has been decent this season, posting a 4.70 ERA and 1.35 WHIP with a 22:6 K:BB ratio over 23 innings. In addition to earning his second save of the season in four save opportunities, he also has four holds on the year. The Orioles relievers are hard to figure out: Tyler Wells was last week's flavor of the week after picking up back-to-back saves over the weekend, and with Helsley's return timeline up in the air, if anyone emerges from this pack as the closer, they will have immediate fantasy value. The Orioles have nine relievers with a save opportunity this season, and for fantasy managers to pick up Kittredge, we'll need to see more than one such opportunity.
Source: MLB.com
Source: MLB.com
Diamondbacks to Recall Ryan Waldschmidt, a Must-Add in All Formats?
The Arizona Diamondbacks are recalling their No. 1-ranked prospect, Ryan Waldschmidt, back up to the majors, Steve Gilbert of MLB.com reports. Waldschmidt struggled in his first stint with the Diamondbacks, hitting .259 with a .671 OPS, 11 runs, eight RBI, five stolen bases, and no home runs. Additionally, he was outperforming his underlying data, as he wasn't impacting the ball particularly well (an 86.8 average exit velocity) and was striking out at a 33.7 percent clip, which was significantly higher than his rate in the Minors. In triple-A this season, he is slashing .288/.405/.492 with six home runs, 43 runs scored, 29 RBI, and six stolen bases. Waldschmidt profiles as a five-category contributor with good contact and power skills, but he was not able to showcase that his first time around in the Majors. In July, Waldschmidt slashed .174/.321/.161 in the Minors, so his promotion is more out of necessity, with Pavin Smith being DFA'd, than out of him tearing the cover off the ball in Triple-A. Because of Waldschmidt's prospect pedigree, he is a strong add in deeper five outfield leagues, but based on his production with the Diamondbacks the first time around, he is not a must-add, more so a strong add.
Source: Steve Gilbert
Source: Steve Gilbert
Jesus Luzardo Keeps Rolling, Shuts Down Reds on Thursday
Philadelphia Phillies left-hander Jesus Luzardo is on a strong run, and that continued as he shut down the Cincinnati Reds on the road on Thursday in a 1-0 victory. Luzardo threw seven shutout innings, allowing just two hits, walking two, and striking out 11 to win his eighth game of the 2026 season. The 28-year-old southpaw from Peru has had some uneven performances this year for sure, but he has also allowed two or fewer runs in 13 of his 19 starts in his second year in Philly. He will take an 8-4 record, 3.52 ERA, and 136:35 K:BB in 110 1/3 innings into next week's All-Star break after posting his fourth start of the season with double-digit strikeouts. Since allowing five earned runs in six innings in a no-decision against the Chicago White Sox on June 5, Luzardo has given up only six earned runs while walking 14 and striking out 56 in 37 1/3 innings pitched in six starts versus the Reds, Toronto Blue Jays, Miami Marlins, Washington Nationals, New York Mets, and Kansas City Royals. He's rolling going into the break, and fantasy managers can only hope he keeps this form to begin the second half later this month.
Source: MLB.com
Source: MLB.com
Gavin Williams Strikes Out 11 to Win his 10th Game
Cleveland Guardians right-hander Gavin Williams was dominant on Thursday to pick up his 10th win of the season in the team's 5-2 victory over the division-rival Minnesota Twins at Target Field. Williams allowed just two earned runs on three hits (one home run) while walking one and striking out 11 in seven innings of work. It was the 26-year-old's fourth outing this year with double-digit strikeouts and his sixth start with at least seven innings pitched. He will head into next week's All-Star break with a nice 3.81 ERA, 1.15 WHIP, and 134:37 K:BB in 113 1/3 innings pitched. Since allowing a season-high seven earned runs in five innings in a loss to the Milwaukee Brewers on June 17, Williams has allowed nine earned runs with 31 strikeouts and seven walks in 21 1/3 innings pitched against the Twins, Seattle Mariners, and the Chicago White Sox twice. The former 23rd overall pick in 2021 from East Carolina University is sporting a career-best 28.3% strikeout rate in 2026 and has lowered his walk rate from a career-high 11.8% last year to a career-low 8.3% this season.
Source: MLB.com
Source: MLB.com
Ben Rice Getting Back on Track, Clubs Two Homers on Thursday
New York Yankees catcher/first baseman Ben Rice is heating up once again as we near the end of the first half of the 2026 season. In Thursday's 12-4 win over the division-rival Tampa Bay Rays at Tropicana Field, Rice went 2-for-4 at the plate with two home runs, a season-high five RBI, three runs scored, a walk, and a strikeout as the team's designated hitter. The 27-year-old left-handed slugger delivered his first multi-homer game of the year and the fourth of his career. Rice hit under the Mendoza Line in June, but he already has five home runs and 11 RBI in his 29 at-bats so far in July to raise his season slash line to .275/.366/.590. Rice has added 28 home runs, 65 RBI, and 63 runs scored in his 377 plate appearances in just his second full season in the Bronx. He has proven his breakout in 2025 was no fluke, setting a new career high in long balls in the first half of the season after hitting 26 homers and driving in 65 runs in 138 regular-season games in 2025. Under the hood, Rice ranks in the 79th percentile in hard-hit rate, the 90th percentile in barrel rate, the 91st percentile in xwOBA, and the 88th percentile in xOBP, backing surface stats.
Source: MLB.com
Source: MLB.com
Shota Imanaga is Prime Sell-High Candidate
Chicago Cubs starting pitcher Shota Imanaga has been putting together quality numbers on the mound over the last month or so. Over the last five outings, Imanaga has allowed two earned runs or less in four of those starts. The southpaw struck out eight batters during his most recent outing against the St. Louis Cardinals. The biggest problem for Imanaga has been keeping the ball in the park. Across 18 starts, Imanaga has allowed 21 long balls this season. The 32-year-old has pitched well against some lackluster lineups, but could see his stats take a dip in the second half. Fantasy managers should take advantage of his recent stretch and trade him during the All-Star break.
Source: Baseball Reference
Source: Baseball Reference
Jacob Lopez to Serve as Opener on Friday
Athletics pitcher Jacob Lopez is set to serve as the opener for Friday's game against the Chicago White Sox. Lopez last pitched on Tuesday, when he allowed four runs on five hits across three innings of work against the Detroit Tigers. Overall, Lopez owns a 7.04 ERA, 1.84 WHIP, and a 42/32 K/BB ratio across 13 games (10 starts) with the A's this season. Lopez has been knocked around during each of his last two starts, so fantasy managers shouldn't bother trusting him here. Aaron Civale figures to operate as the bulk option once Lopez is out of the game.
Source: Martin Gallegos
Source: Martin Gallegos
Robbie Ray Raises His Value During Hot Stretch
San Francisco Giants starting pitcher Robbie Ray has been putting together a handful of strong outings on the mound. Most recently, Ray tossed six innings, allowing three runs, while striking out four batters in the win over the Colorado Rockies. Before that outing, Ray had thrown three straight scoreless outings. It has been an impressive run for Ray, but we know that he'll come back down to Earth at some point. The walks are still a problem as Ray has issued 46 free passes across 101.2 innings of work this season. Fantasy managers might be able to take advantage of the moment and sell-high on Ray during the All-Star break. He has pitched well enough lately that fantasy managers in need of pitching should be willing to take a chance on him.
Source: Baseball Reference
Source: Baseball Reference
Sal Frelick Could be a Sneaky Deep-League Option
Milwaukee Brewers outfielder Sal Frelick is having a down year at the plate, but fantasy managers shouldn't write him off yet. Across 86 games, Frelick is slashing .236/.304/.323 with three home runs, 31 RBI, and six steals. His overall numbers aren't pretty, but Frelick has been able to limit his strikeouts with only 28 in his 300 plate appearances. He continues to put the ball in play, but isn't having the best of luck at the moment. Frelick has posted back-to-back strong campaigns, so a rebound in the second half seems possible. The 26-year-old should continue getting regular playing time in the Brewers outfield. Fantasy managers in deep leagues should consider buying low on Frelick during the All-Star break.
Source: Baseball Reference
Source: Baseball Reference
Christian Yelich is a Sell-High Candidate
Milwaukee Brewers outfielder Christian Yelich is not having a very successful year at the plate. Fantasy managers were hopeful Yelich would continue to succeed after blasting 29 home runs a year ago. Instead, it appears that time is finally catching up to the 34-year-old veteran outfielder. Through 56 games, Yelich is slashing .242/.326/.381 with six home runs, 31 RBI, and six steals. Despite his struggles at the plate, Yelich remains rostered in 89% of Yahoo leagues coming into Thursday's game against the St. Louis Cardinals. The Brewers have been cautious with Yelich by giving him plenty of rest days and action at designated hitter. Yelich has been able to stay on the field, but it's not helping him at the plate. Fantasy managers should attempt to sell-high on Yelich at the deadline and try to score something to help their team down the stretch of the season. Yelich has enough name value that fantasy managers should be able to move him for something of value.
Source: Baseball Reference
Source: Baseball Reference
White Sox Considering Three Players With First Overall Pick in Upcoming Draft
The Chicago White Sox are deciding between UCLA shortstop Roch Cholowsky, Georgia Tech catcher Vahn Lackey, and Texas high school shortstop Grady Emerson with the first overall pick in this year's MLB draft, according to Jesse Rogers of ESPN. Emerson closed the gap on Cholowsky during his senior year of high school, but vice president of amateur scouting Mike Shirley said Cholowsky "held serve" during his junior year with the Bruins, hitting .320 with 21 home runs. Shirley called Lackey a "supreme catcher who could define the position." The White Sox are expected to take the best overall player, but the conversations on who that will be on Saturday are still ongoing up to the minute. The White Sox have a lot to be excited about with the first overall pick, as well as the fact that after three straight 100-loss seasons, they are currently in first place in the American League Central. "I don't want to pick 1-1 again," Shirley said. "I want to pass this on to someone else, and I want the White Sox to win a championship here real soon."
Source: ESPN Chicago - Jesse Rogers
Source: ESPN Chicago - Jesse Rogers
Marlins to Give Max Meyer Extra Rest Going into the All-Star Break
Miami Marlins right-hander Max Meyer will not make his scheduled start in Sunday's series finale against the Cleveland Guardians, according to Kevin Barral of Fish on First. The Marlins will go with a bullpen game to close out the first half of the regular season with the All-Star break coming on Monday. Meyer isn't hurt, but the Marlins want to give him some extra rest going into the second half. The 27-year-old will not pitch in the All-Star Game next week, either. Meyer, who has already exceeded 100 innings pitched this year for the first time in his career, is in the midst of a breakout season in his fourth year with the Fish. The Marlins could continue to manage his innings in the second half, too, considering he hasn't thrown more than 64 2/3 frames in the big leagues before this year. Meyer has gone 9-1 with a 2.58 ERA (3.54 FIP) and 1.11 WHIP with 116 strikeouts and 38 walks in his 19 starts. He's a must-hold in keeper leagues, but in redraft formats, fantasy managers may want to consider selling high on Meyer, who has a 3.78 xERA and .302 xwOBA (wOBA of .280).
Source: Fish On First - Kevin Barral
Source: Fish On First - Kevin Barral
