RADIO
Elvis Alvarado Still in the Mix for Saves in Sacramento
Athletics right-handed reliever Elvis Alvarado may not have the best numbers in his second season in the big leagues, but he's still in the late-inning mix in Sacramento for the A's, making him worth a look in deep fantasy leagues for managers desperate for saves. The 27-year-old Dominican hurler went 3-3 with a 4.94 ERA (4.02 FIP), 1.13 WHIP, his first two career saves, 35 strikeouts, and 10 walks in 27 1/3 innings out of the bullpen in the first half of 2026. Alvarado's last save came way back on June 13 against the Colorado Rockies, but since his last blown save on June 24 against the San Francisco Giants, he has tightened things up, allowing just one earned run on three hits while walking three and fanning 10 in seven innings over seven appearances out of the bullpen. His blown save against the Giants was his only blown save of the year, and he should see more high-leverage, late-inning work to begin the second half after his recent strong run. Alvarado is rostered in only 4% of Yahoo leagues and is probably only worth pursuing if you're absolutely desperate for saves.
Source: Baseball Reference
Source: Baseball Reference
Ryan Clifford Remains Far From 2026 Call-Up?
New York Mets No. 2-ranked prospect Ryan Clifford was expected to be in serious contention for a call-up to Queens in the 2026 season. However, the first base/corner outfield has endured some serious growing pains at Syracuse, delaying a potential promotion. However, over the last week, the slugger has begun to show substantial progress, which could keep the door open for a late call-up. Over his last six games, the 22-year-old has gone deep twice and added a double. However, prior to this brief surge, Clifford endured a lengthy 20-game home run drought. On the season, Clifford has hit 16 home runs but holds an underwhelming .196/.283/.395 slash line. If the Mets were to sell some veteran pieces from their lineup ahead of the trade deadline, Clifford could have a clear path to second-half at-bats. For now, his struggles at Triple-A keep him off the stash radar in all standard redraft leagues.
Source: MiLB.com
Source: MiLB.com
Is Jacob Melton a Top Stash Target?
Tampa Bay Rays outfield prospect Jacob Melton has been among the top hitters across Triple-A since returning from injury. Melton had been on the shelf since mid-April due to a left ankle sprain. However, since the No. 5-ranked prospect in the Tampa Bay system returned to the Triple-A diamond on June 24, the young outfielder has been playing at an elite level. Over this nine-game stretch, Melton has carried a dominant .394/.487/.758 line with three doubles, three home runs and two stolen bases. During this stretch, he has struck out just nine times and drawn five walks. On the season (29 contests), Melton has held a .286 AVG with a .933 OPS, four home runs and an elite 19 stolen bases. Given his high-end contact skills and speed, Melton could emerge as an immediate fantasy contributor once he earns the call to Tampa Bay, making him a worthy stash option in deeper 12+ team leagues.
Source: MiLB.com
Source: MiLB.com
Tyler Tolbert Back to Bench Role After Historic Three-Game Stretch?
Kansas City Royals shortstop/outfielder Tyler Tolbert made history last week when he recorded hits in 12 straight at-bats over a three-game stretch to tie the MLB record for most hits in consecutive at-bats, but he started on the bench in the final three games before the All-Star break. Tolbert's move back to the bench coincided with first baseman Vinnie Pasquantino rejoining the lineup after returning from the injured list. The 28-year-old will now most likely open the second half of the 2026 season in more of a utility role for the Royals, limiting his fantasy baseball upside to AL-only leagues for his speed on the basepaths. In 32 games (60 plate appearances) in the first half of his second MLB season, Tolbert hit .370 (20-for-54) with two homers, five RBI, 10 steals, and 17 runs scored. Tolbert also had 21 stolen bases in 64 games as a rookie in 2025, so speed is clearly his biggest draw in deeper leagues. Fantasy managers shouldn't expect Tolbert to be as good in the second half, but his speed can play against left-handed pitchers.
Source: Baseball Reference
Source: Baseball Reference
Owen Murphy Set to Make First Big-League Start on Saturday
Atlanta Braves right-handed pitching prospect Owen Murphy is slated to make his first major-league start this Saturday versus the Texas Rangers, according to Mark Bowman of MLB.com. The Braves' No. 5 prospect, per MLB Pipeline, was recalled from Triple-A Gwinnett last weekend and appeared in two games out of the bullpen, allowing two runs (one earned) on one hit while walking none and striking out four. The 22-year-old former 20th overall pick in 2022 made 16 starts in the minors with Gwinnett and Double-A Columbus before his call-up, going 5-7 with a 4.44 ERA, 1.26 WHIP, and 92:38 K:BB in 81 innings pitched. The 6-foot-1, 190-pounder knows how to spin the ball and has displayed solid command and control of the baseball on the farm. Murphy is in his first season post-Tommy John surgery, so the Braves are probably going to be very cautious of his workload down the stretch. Murphy's start on Saturday could end up being a spot start to open the second half of the season, so fantasy managers in single-year leagues shouldn't spend much to land him on the waiver wire.
Source: MLB.com - Mark Bowman
Source: MLB.com - Mark Bowman
Brewers Acquiring Lance McCullers Jr. From the Astros
The Milwaukee Brewers are acquiring veteran right-hander Lance McCullers Jr. (shoulder) from the Houston Astros on Wednesday, a source told Brian McTaggart of MLB.com. It's unclear what the Astros are receiving in return. McCullers could be on the verge of coming off the 15-day injured list due to a right-shoulder impingement that has kept him sidelined since the middle of May. The 32-year-old has made three minor-league rehab starts already and might only need one more before Milwaukee activates him for the second half of the season. Arm injuries have been the story of McCullers' career. He missed all of the 2023 and 2024 seasons with arm troubles before posting a rough 6.51 ERA in 16 appearances for Houston in his return last year. The former first-rounder from 2012 could be an option for the Brewers' banged-up starting rotation in the second half, but fantasy managers should look to stay away. Before getting hurt again in 2026, McCullers was 2-3 with a 6.86 ERA and 1.52 WHIP with 43 strikeouts and 22 walks in 39 1/3 innings across eight starts in his ninth year in the majors.
Source: MLB.com - Brian McTaggart
Source: MLB.com - Brian McTaggart
Noah Schultz Remains a High-Upside Breakout Candidate to Target
Chicago White Sox left-hander Noah Schultz has bounced back and forth between Triple-A and the big leagues so far this season. The 22-year-old has largely struggled at the MLB level in 2026, recording a 3-6 record with a 5.60 ERA, 1.36 WHIP, and 47 strikeouts across 53 innings (11 starts). However, Schultz pitched well in his final start before the All-Star break, throwing five innings of one-run ball with zero walks and four strikeouts against the Athletics. The young lefty has been utterly dominant in his time at Triple-A this year, recording a 38.6% strikeout rate across 23 innings. Command and consistency remain question marks in Schultz's profile, but his upside for fantasy managers is tantalizing. Particularly in deeper leagues, Schultz's second-half breakout potential could make him a worthy waiver wire target.
Source: RotoBaller
Source: RotoBaller
Is Jonah Heim a Worthy Power Bat to Target on the Waiver Wire?
Since being acquired from the Atlanta Braves in early May, Athletics catcher Jonah Heim has re-established his MLB career. Across 135 plate appearances with the A's, Heim is hitting .232/.281/.464 with eight home runs, 21 RBI, and 16 runs scored. The presence of star Athletics catcher Shea Langeliers limits Heim's playing time behind the plate. However, Heim has emerged as a regular at first base and designated hitter with A's first baseman Nick Kurtz (thumb) currently on the injured list. Heim's playing time may eventually dissipate once Kurtz returns to the Athletics lineup. Still, Heim has found a rhythm in his new hitter-friendly home park and profiles as a short-term source of power for fantasy managers to target on the waiver wire.
Source: RotoBaller
Source: RotoBaller
Jasson Dominguez Emerging as a Second-Half Breakout Candidate to Target
Across 140 plate appearances in 2026, New York Yankees outfielder Jasson Dominguez is hitting .235/.273/.409 with five home runs, 11 RBI, 13 runs scored, and six stolen bases. With Yankees outfielders Aaron Judge (ribs) and Giancarlo Stanton (calf) both currently on the injured list and facing uncertain return timelines, Dominguez has emerged as an everyday player in New York. The 23-year-old's overall stat line may not leap off the page, but he showed signs of improvement leading into the All-Star break. Across 44 plate appearances in July, Dominguez is hitting .262 with two home runs, two stolen bases, and a 13.6% strikeout rate. A former top prospect, Dominguez has consistently flashed five-category upside throughout his time in the Yankees' minor-league system. With an extended runway of playing time at the big-league level, Dominguez profiles as a second-half breakout candidate to target on the waiver wire.
Source: RotoBaller
Source: RotoBaller
Kyle Teel Remains a High-Upside Waiver-Wire Target Despite Slow Start to 2026
Chicago White Sox catcher Kyle Teel had the start of his 2026 season delayed by hamstring and knee injuries that kept him out until late June. The 24-year-old has gotten off to a bit of a slow start since returning, hitting .204/.295/.333 with two home runs, 13 RBI, nine runs scored, and a 36.1% strikeout rate across 61 plate appearances. However, Teel owns a 12.4% barrel rate and a 50% hard-hit rate, indications that his batted ball luck will start to turn over a larger sample size of at-bats. While the elevated strikeout rate is somewhat concerning, Teel struck out in a far more manageable 25.9% of his 297 plate appearances after making his MLB debut in 2025. Once he gets his timing down at the plate, Teel could emerge as one of the better-hitting catchers in baseball. Despite his early struggles this season, Teel remains a second-half breakout candidate worth prioritizing on the waiver wire.
Source: RotoBaller
Source: RotoBaller
Brayan Rocchio Emerging as a Breakout Candidate to Target on the Waiver Wire
Cleveland Guardians shortstop Brayan Rocchio is quietly in the midst of a breakout season in 2026. Across 359 plate appearances on the year, the 25-year-old is hitting .276/.343/.408 with eight home runs, 44 RBI, 40 runs scored, and 15 stolen bases. Rocchio's quality of contact metrics remain subpar, as he's logged just a 2.9% barrel rate and a 31.5% hard-hit rate. However, Rocchio has cut down on his swing-and-miss in a big way so far this season, lowering his strikeout rate from 20.1% in 2025 to 13.6% in 2026. As a switch-hitter who also brings plus defense at a premium position, Rocchio is a lock for everyday playing time in Cleveland as long as he remains healthy. He's also moved into the top third of the Guardians' batting order in recent weeks, which should help him rack up counting stats. In any league where he's not already rostered, Rocchio should be considered a priority waiver wire target.
Source: RotoBaller
Source: RotoBaller
Bailey Ober a Waiver-Wire Target Following Injury Return?
Minnesota Twins starting pitcher Bailey Ober was placed on the 15-day injured list due to a right flexor strain in late May, but he returned to his team's rotation on July 9 and pitched five innings of one-run ball against the Cleveland Guardians. Across 71 2/3 innings (13 starts) this season, Ober has recorded a 6-3 record with a 4.40 ERA, 1.19 WHIP, and 51 strikeouts. The 31-year-old's average fastball velocity currently sits at a career-worst 89.0 miles per hour, and he's struck out just 17% of the batters he's faced in 2026. Ober also continues to struggle with the long ball, as he owns a 1.63 HR/9 on the year. However, pitching through arm troubles may help explain Ober's diminished velocity. If he can regain some pop on his fastball now that he's healthy, Ober could pair an improved strikeout rate with his already stellar command (6.3% walk rate). His profile carries some risk, but Ober could be worth targeting on the waiver wire coming out of the All-Star break.
Source: RotoBaller
Source: RotoBaller
Walker Jenkins Heads Into Second Half on a Roll, is He a Must-Stash?
Minnesota Twins outfield prospect Walker Jenkins picked up where he left off after spending a month on the injured list with a sprained shoulder, going 16-for-51 (.314) with four doubles, two triples, a home run, and two steals in the 13 games since his return. The Twins' top prospect recorded a .277/.386/.440 slash line with three home runs, seven steals, and nearly as many walks (23) as strikeouts (26) in 38 games for St. Paul, earning a spot on the 2026 AL All-Star Futures team. In the Futures game, the left-handed hitter walked twice, scored a run, and was caught trying to steal third, putting a bow on a fine first half for the promising prospect. The former fifth-overall draft pick appears poised for an MLB debut, possibly shortly after the All-Star break, and with a strong all-around game that includes contact, power, and speed, the 21-year-old should be considered one of the top stash candidates in all leagues.
Source: MiLB.com
Source: MiLB.com
Hector Rodriguez Still Trending Up at Triple-A, a Top Stash for Power?
Cincinnati Reds outfield prospect Hector Rodriguez produced a strong first half at Triple-A Louisville, finishing 11-for-33 (.333) with five home runs over his final nine games before the break. For the season, the Reds' fifth-ranked prospect is slashing .284/.364/.546 with 23 home runs and six steals for the Bats. The left-handed hitter spent 53 games at Louisville last year, and though his strikeout rate increased from 16.5 percent to 20.2 percent from 2025 to 2026, his walk rate also increased from 5.2 percent to 10.4 percent, with both stats now sitting right around the Triple-A average. Though he logged at least 12 steals each season from 2022 through 2025, it isn't something fantasy managers looking for a stash option should count on, but his power is. With a barrel rate of 10.6 percent (81st percentile) and a max exit velocity of 113.7 mph (96th percentile), the power is legit. Fantasy managers in deeper 12-team leagues should consider stashing the 22-year-old who could help with home runs and RBI upon his call-up, which could happen by mid-August.
Source: MiLB.com
Source: MiLB.com
Now at Triple-A, is Lazaro Montes a Top Stash Option for Power?
Seattle Mariners outfield prospect Lazaro Montes was recently promoted to Triple-A Tacoma, and although it didn't take long (five games) for him to show off his power with a majestic 436-foot home run, the 6-foot-5 slugger's swing-and-miss tendency has been exploited at the minors' highest level. Through six games and 31 plate appearances for the Rainiers, the Mariners' third-ranked prospect has struck out 13 times, which is a 41.9 percent rate (12.9 percent walk rate). Still, if the left-handed hitter can get that down to a more tolerable level, he could make a major league debut later in the second half of the season, and his prodigious power should land him on the stash radar for fantasy. Home run-needy managers should monitor his progress, and if he gets on a roll, the 21-year-old could quickly become a top stash for his power potential.
Source: MiLB.com
Source: MiLB.com
