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KJ Jackson Favored to Win Arkansas QB1 Job?
Arkansas quarterback KJ Jackson remained with the program despite the coaching change from Sam Pittman to Ryan Silverfield, and On3 projects the redshirt sophomore to be the team's Week 1 starter. Jackson is competing with transfers AJ Hill (Memphis) and Braeden Fuller (Angelo State) for QB1 duties, but Pete Nakos says Jackson is "the name to watch exiting the spring." Jackson appeared in six games during his first two years in Fayetteville, completing 37 of his 54 passing attempts for 500 yards, three touchdowns, and zero interceptions. He added 55 yards and two scores as a runner. All that said, Silverfield says the competition between Jackson and Hill remains a "dead heat."
Source: On3
Source: On3
Are Predictions of Davante Adams' Demise Premature?
Los Angeles Rams wide receiver Davante Adams put together a stellar first season in Los Angeles in 2025, recording 60 receptions for 789 yards and 14 touchdowns on 114 targets across 14 games. Adams finished as the WR9 in both per-game and total PPR scoring, even while missing three games with a hamstring injury. Entering 2026, there are several reasons to expect regression from Adams. For one, the veteran wideout is entering his age-34 season. Additionally, his production last year was highly dependent on touchdown scoring, which is typically an unreliable predictor of future success. However, Adams remained a high-volume target option in 2025, averaging over eight targets per game. Even if his touchdown production falls off to some degree, Adams' catch rate could easily improve from last year's career-worst mark of 52.6%. While Adams should not be drafted as the WR9, he could once again provide positive value for fantasy managers at his current redraft ADP of WR25.
Source: RotoBaller
Source: RotoBaller
Victor Bericoto a Deep-League Injury Stash for Power?
San Francisco Giants right fielder Victor Bericoto landed on the 10-day injured list with a left oblique strain on July 10, cutting short a useful first look. He hit .293/.305/.552 with four home runs, nine RBI, seven runs, and one steal in 59 plate appearances. Bericoto is rostered in only 1% of Yahoo leagues. The power gives deep-league managers a reason to wait. Bericoto posted a 14.0% barrel rate and 46.5% hard-hit rate, with four homers closely matching his 3.9 expected total. The approach is far less settled: one walk, 15 strikeouts, and a .217 expected average. San Francisco recalled Grant McCray in the corresponding move, and there is no firm return date yet. RotoBaller ranks Bericoto 98th for Week 16 and recommends him in 15-team leagues. He is worth stashing with an open IL spot, but shallower formats can leave him alone.
Source: RotoBaller
Source: RotoBaller
Blaze Berlowitz to be Vanderbilt's Week 1 Starting Quarterback?
On3 is projecting senior quarterback Blaze Berlowitz to be Vanderbilt's Week 1 starter, despite the addition of No. 1 quarterback recruit Jared Curtis. Berlowitz has backed up Diego Pavia over the last three seasons at New Mexico State and Vanderbilt, seeing game action on seven occasions. Overall, the Oklahoma native has completed 19 of his 36 passing attempts for 265 yards, two touchdowns, and one interception. He rushed 11 times for 81 yards and one score last year. While he lacks a ton of game experience, he's been around college football for a while and is likely to be more game-ready when the 2026 season kicks off. That said, Curtis will have the chance to win the starting job this preseason, and it would be a surprise if he isn't elevated into the QB1 role at some point in his true freshman campaign.
Source: On3
Source: On3
Is Rhamondre Stevenson Overvalued by Current Redraft ADP?
Despite missing three games with a toe injury, New England Patriots running back Rhamondre Stevenson recorded 948 scrimmage yards and nine touchdowns on 162 touches. Despite the emergence of Patriots 2025 second-round running back TreVeyon Henderson, Stevenson remained an integral part of the New England offense and finished the year as the RB22 in per-game PPR scoring. Entering 2026, Stevenson should once again see regular work, particularly in goal-line and short-yardage situations. However, fantasy managers may have good reason to expect regression from the 28-year-old. For one, Stevenson averaged 10.8 yards per reception and 9.3 yards per target in 2026, well above his career averages of 7.0 yards per reception and 5.5 yards per target. Additionally, New England seems likely to give more touches to Henderson, who averaged 5.1 yards per carry and scored 10 touchdowns as a rookie. At his current redraft ADP of RB31, Stevenson may be a player to avoid.
Source: RotoBaller
Source: RotoBaller
Terrance Ferguson's Second-Half Breakout Cold Spill into 2026
The Los Angeles Rams spent their top draft pick in 2025 in the second round at pick No. 46 on tight end Terrance Ferguson, with plans of stashing him for a potential breakout in 2026, according to Nate Atkins of The Athletic. Ferguson, who hails from the University of Oregon, barely saw the field in the first half of his rookie campaign, and he finished with only 11 receptions on 25 targets for 231 yards and three touchdowns in 14 regular-season games. However, the Rams found a way to use him by midseason by running two- and three-tight end sets at the highest rate in the league, which led to Ferguson catching 10 passes for 210 yards and three touchdowns in the final 10 games. His 21 yards per catch would have ranked second in the NFL last year on large volume. The Rams still have Colby Parkinson and Tyler Higbee and drafted Max Klare this year, but Ferguson should be more involved in Year 2, and he should have plenty of room to run with defenses focusing most of their attention on star receivers Puka Nacua and Davante Adams. RotoBaller has Ferguson ranked as the No. 13 fantasy TE in 2026, making him a second-year sleeper to target if you decide to wait on the position in fantasy drafts.
Source: The Athletic - Nate Atkins
Source: The Athletic - Nate Atkins
Anthony Seigler a Deep-League Must-Add While the At-Bats Last?
Boston Red Sox second baseman Anthony Seigler hit the break at .257/.333/.419 with two home runs, 13 runs, six RBI, and two steals in 74 at-bats. He settled into regular duty after his June 20 recall, even handling leadoff assignments while Boston patched together an injured infield. Only 3% of Yahoo leagues have him rostered. This is not a power chase. Seigler walked at a 16.4% clip in Triple-A and hit .290/.409/.435 there, with three homers and four steals in 131 at-bats. Trevor Story, Marcelo Mayer, and Isiah Kiner-Falefa are all still working back from injuries, though each could return after the break. That makes the window useful, not permanent. RotoBaller ranks Seigler 84th for Week 16 and recommends him in 15-team leagues. In that format, the runs, on-base ability, and multi-position eligibility are enough to make the add.
Source: RotoBaller
Source: RotoBaller
Rico Dowdle Carries Redraft Sleeper Appeal Entering 2026
Pittsburgh Steelers running back Rico Dowdle is entering his first season in Pittsburgh after signing a two-year contract worth over $12 million in free agency. With the Steelers, Dowdle appears likely to operate as part of a split backfield with incumbent running back Jaylen Warren. While Warren logged 1,291 scrimmage yards and eight touchdowns for the Steelers last year, Pittsburgh has a new coaching staff in place for the 2026 season. Dowdle has proven himself to be a capable three-down back in recent years, recording 1,328 scrimmage yards and five touchdowns for the Dallas Cowboys in 2024 and 1,373 scrimmage yards and seven touchdowns for the Carolina Panthers in 2025. While Warren may handle most of the receiving work for Pittsburgh, Dowdle profiles as the better rusher between the tackles and at the goal line. Even while splitting touches with Panthers back Chuba Hubbard in 2025, Dowdle finished as the RB23 in per-game PPR scoring. At his current redraft ADP of RB32, Dowdle profiles as a value selection for fantasy managers.
Source: RotoBaller
Source: RotoBaller
Heriberto Hernandez a Must-Add Power Bat in 12-Team Leagues?
Miami Marlins left fielder Heriberto Hernandez reached the break at .236/.316/.483 with 13 home runs, 36 RBI, 25 runs, and five steals in 203 at-bats. He did most of his recent damage in a hurry, going 12-for-46 with five homers over his final 15 games. 6% on Yahoo is awfully low for that kind of power. The underlying contact gives the surge some weight. Hernandez carries a 91.9 mph average exit velocity, 49.7% hard-hit rate, and 11.9% barrel rate. Miami has used him primarily in left field, and nothing in the playing-time picture suggests he is about to disappear. The average may bounce around, and strikeouts will bring quiet stretches, but the power is already helping now. RotoBaller moved him to 39th overall in its July 15 rankings and recommends him in 12-team leagues. He should be one of the first home-run bats claimed this week.
Source: RotoBaller
Source: RotoBaller
Jalen Nailor a Lock to Post Career Numbers in First Year in Vegas?
The Athletic's Sam Warren writes that "all signs point to" wide receiver Jalen Nailor "having a chance to post career numbers" in his first year with the Las Vegas Raiders in 2026. The Raiders traded Jakobi Meyers to the Jacksonville Jaguars last November, but Nailor was the lone premium addition the team made at receiver this offseason, giving the 27-year-old a clear opportunity to produce like he never has before in his NFL career. In his four years with the Minnesota Vikings after they took him in the sixth round in 2022 out of Michigan State, Nailor was always a depth option behind Justin Jefferson and Jordan Addison, never having more than 29 catches or 444 receiving yards in a single season. Not only does Nailor have the opportunity to be the Raiders' WR1 in 2026, but he joins the organization with established chemistry with veteran quarterback Kirk Cousins and head coach Klint Kubiak from their Vikings days. Nailor's 2026 fantasy value could fade a bit if the Raiders add a player like Stefon Diggs to their roster before the start of the regular season, but for now, he should be considered a strong late-round selection at the WR position with volume upside. RotoBaller has him ranked as the No. 64 WR for the upcoming season.
Source: The Athletic - Sam Warren
Source: The Athletic - Sam Warren
Has Cooper Kupp's Redraft Value Fallen Too Far?
Across 16 games in 2025, Seattle Seahawks wide receiver Cooper Kupp recorded 47 catches for 593 yards and two touchdowns on 70 targets. While Kupp was able to play in his most games since 2021, his numbers fell across the board while playing the WR2 role in Seattle behind Jaxon Smith-Njigba. Entering 2026, Kupp is now 33 years old and may face more pressure for targets and playing time from Seahawks wideouts Rashid Shaheed and Tory Horton. However, Seattle may also be forced to throw the ball more this season following the loss of former running back Kenneth Walker III in free agency. The Seahawks ranked 30th in the NFL in pass rate last season. Fantasy managers should not expect Kupp to provide the same production he did at his peak with the Los Angeles Rams. Still, Kupp's current average draft position of WR83 in redraft leagues means his price has dipped low enough to where he could be worth a late-round dart throw.
Source: RotoBaller
Source: RotoBaller
Xavier Worthy an Obvious Breakout Candidate in 2026
The Athletic's Jesse Newell writes that Kansas City Chiefs wide receiver Xavier Worthy "checks many other boxes for a potential breakout player" in 2026. Worthy flashed chemistry with quarterback Patrick Mahomes during offseason workouts, and Worthy would have been the team's summer practice MVP if they had one. The speedy receiver just turned 23 years old and is actually two months younger than rookie pass-catcher Cyrus Allen. Worthy's limited production in 2025 in his second season -- 42 catches, 532 yards, and only one touchdown in 14 games -- can be explained by injury after he played through a torn labrum in his shoulder that he suffered in the Week 1 loss to the division-rival Los Angeles Chargers. Head coach Andy Reid even admitted that Worthy's injury led the Chiefs to limit his route tree. Worthy is expected to be back to full strength for a Week 1 Monday night showdown against the division-rival Denver Broncos after having offseason surgery, and fantasy managers would be wise to target the University of Texas alum late in drafts as a WR4/flex with plenty of bounce-back and breakout potential in his third year in 2026.
Source: The Athletic - Jesse Newell
Source: The Athletic - Jesse Newell
Jordan Romano Worth a Deep-League Saves Gamble?
Colorado Rockies relief pitcher Jordan Romano grabbed two saves in his first four appearances with the club, then nearly gave one away on July 10. He walked three, allowed a run, and left the bases loaded before Juan Mejia recorded the final out. Romano still came out of the first half as Colorado's listed closer, though the role is anything but settled. The saves are the attraction. Everything around them is difficult to stomach. Romano owns a 7.71 ERA and 2.14 WHIP with 10 walks in 11 2/3 innings overall, and Coors Field adds another layer of risk. RotoBaller lists him at 5% rostered and gives him as good a chance as anyone in the committee to receive the next opportunity. Romano is a deep-league gamble for managers desperate for saves, not a reliever to add for ratio help.
Source: RotoBaller
Source: RotoBaller
Josh Downs Primed for Career Year in Indy?
The Athletic's James Boyd lists Indianapolis Colts wide receiver Josh Downs as a breakout candidate in 2026 after the departures of Adonai Mitchell and Michael Pittman Jr., who were traded to the New York Jets and Pittsburgh Steelers, respectively. Alec Pierce (ankle) is also recovering from offseason surgery that could slow him down early on. Downs is an established receiver in the NFL, having recorded 2,140 yards and 11 touchdowns on 198 receptions in his three years in the league. However, the 24-year-old former third-rounder from the University of North Carolina in 2023 is coming off a career-low 566 receiving yards in 2025. Downs should have more opportunities in his fourth year in the NFL, though, and he'll be motivated as he enters a contract year if he plans on cashing in next offseason on the free-agent market. There's more risk in the Colts' offense as a whole with quarterback Daniel Jones coming off a torn Achilles tendon, the increase in route share and per-route target rate should be enough to put Downs on fantasy managers' radars as a great value pick in the later rounds of drafts. RotoBaller currently has Downs ranked as the No. 42 fantasy WR for 2026.
Source: The Athletic - James Boyd
Source: The Athletic - James Boyd
Jawhar Jordan "Playing Faster" as he Battles for RB3 Role
Houston Texans running backs coach Danny Barrett said that Jawhar Jordan is "playing faster than he was last year" as he battles for the RB3 role in 2026 behind newcomer David Montgomery and second-year back Woody Marks, according to Aaron Wilson of KPRC 2 Sports. After being selected in the sixth round (205th overall) in 2024 out of the University of Louisville, Jordan didn't play at all in his rookie season before carrying the ball 43 times for 193 yards and zero touchdowns in just four games in 2025. He rushed for 101 yards on 15 carries in his first regular-season game against the Arizona Cardinals, becoming the second player in franchise history to rush for 100 yards in their NFL debut. The 26-year-old is now trying to do enough in his third NFL season to stay ahead of undrafted rookies Noah Whittington and Joshua Pitsenberger, and veteran Evan Hull. Jordan's improvement and speed on the football field should be enough to land him the RB3 job if he can contribute on special teams as well, but he's going to need an injury to one of Montgomery or Marks to pop up on the fantasy radar as a waiver-wire pickup in single-year leagues in 2026.
Source: KPRC 2 Sports - Aaron Wilson
Source: KPRC 2 Sports - Aaron Wilson
Bhayshul Tuten to be Involved in RB Committee in Jacksonville?
Sports Illustrated's John Shipley writes that Jacksonville Jaguars running back Bhayshul Tuten's upside as a pass-catcher "gives him the narrow edge" over newcomer Chris Rodriguez Jr. "All signs point to this being a timeshare backfield" now that Travis Etienne Jr. is in New Orleans. Tuten flashed tons of explosive talent as a rookie, recording 307 rushing yards and five touchdowns on 83 rushing attempts while adding 10 receptions for 79 yards and another two scores in 15 regular-season games. The 23-year-old former fourth-rounder from Virginia Tech has also looked good during the offseason program, but the Jags signed Rodriguez for a reason, and his history with head coach Liam Coen "could serve him well as he battles for snaps." Shipley predicts that Tuten will "win" the RB1 job out of training camp, but it remains to be seen what the RB1 job in Duvall will look like in 2026. In addition to Rodriguez, second-year back LeQuint Allen Jr. figures to have a bigger role in the backfield, most likely as the team's go-to pass-catching RB. Tuten's fantasy ceiling could be capped in a pure committee backfield, but he's still the most attractive fantasy target in the Jaguars' backfield and should be considered a low-end RB2 with upside on draft day.
Source: Sports Illustrated - John Shipley
Source: Sports Illustrated - John Shipley
Junior Caminero Says he Will Play on Friday
Tampa Bay Rays third baseman Junior Caminero (hand) was forced from Tuesday's All-Star Game after being hit in the left hand by a pitch from St. Louis Cardinals right-handed closer Riley O'Brien, but X-rays came back negative, and Caminero says he will be back in the starting lineup for Friday's series opener against the division-rival Boston Red Sox, according to Marc Topkin of the Tampa Bay Times. Fantasy managers can now breathe a sigh of relief after the scary scene early in Tuesday's All-Star Game at Citizens Bank Park in Philadelphia. The 23-year-old didn't look his best just before this week's break, but he's a clear must-start in all fantasy formats when he's active as one of the best all-around hitters in baseball. The Dominican third baseman came into the break slashing a cool .279/.372/.555 with a .927 OPS, 28 home runs, 59 RBI, 61 runs scored, and two stolen bases across his 355 at-bats. The two-time All-Star is tied for fourth in baseball in home runs, is tied for 20th in RBI, and is tied for 13th in runs scored.
Source: Tampa Bay Times - Marc Topkin
Source: Tampa Bay Times - Marc Topkin
Nationals to Promote Catching Prospect Harry Ford, a Must-Add in All Leagues?
The Washington Nationals are recalling top catching prospect Harry Ford to the majors after this week's All-Star break, a source told Spencer Nusbaum of The Athletic. The 23-year-old backstop has a .705 OPS at Triple-A Rochester this year, but he's posted a .9111 OPS since June 1. Ford is ranked fifth in Keith Law's preseason top-20 Nationals prospects and was the headliner in the offseason trade that sent closer Jose A. Ferrer to the Seattle Mariners. The former 12th overall pick by the M's in 2021 will take the place of catcher Drew Millas, who was placed on the 10-day injured list on Wednesday with a left index finger fracture. In 58 games (257 plate appearances) at Rochester this year, Ford has hit .223/.370/.335 with a .705 OPS, four home runs, 22 RBI, and 34 runs scored. However, a shoulder injury that he has played through has hampered his production, and he has taken a step forward offensively in recent weeks, leading to his second-half promotion. For now, Ford figures to serve as Keibert Ruiz's backup, so he probably won't have much fantasy appeal in redraft leagues for the time being.
Source: The Athletic - Spencer Nusbaum
Source: The Athletic - Spencer Nusbaum
Tristan Peters Worth Waiver Attention After Hitting for the Cycle?
Chicago White Sox outfielder Tristan Peters became the third player in baseball in the first half of the 2026 season to hit for the cycle last Friday against the Athletics. The 26-year-old Canadian finished went into this week's All-Star break with an impressive .301/.354/.478 slash line with an .832 OPS, six home runs, 36 RBI, 37 runs scored, and five stolen bases in 91 games across 275 plate appearances as an All-Star in his first full year in the majors with the White Sox. Peters debuted in the big leagues last year but played in only four games with the Tampa Bay Rays. The former seventh-round pick by the Milwaukee Brewers in 2021 out of Southern Illinois University Carbondale got off to a scorching start in July, going 13-for-32 (.406) with two homers, three doubles, a triple, six RBI, and six runs scored in 11 games to begin the month. Fantasy managers who have Peters rostered in deeper leagues will be hoping he can stay hot after the All-Star break, but his .260 expected batting average and .308 xwOBA predict serious regression coming for the Canadian outfielder. Despite his strong first half and beginning of July, Peters is rostered in less than 10% of Yahoo leagues.
Source: Baseball Reference
Source: Baseball Reference
Harry Ford Turning the Corner at Triple-A, Is he the Top Catching Prospect to Stash?
Washington Nationals catching prospect Harry Ford has turned the corner over the last month of action at Triple-A and has put himself firmly on the stash radar. Over his last 18 games at Triple-A Rochester, the former 12th overall selection has posted a sharp .291/.474/.545 line with a stellar 1.019 OPS, five doubles, three home runs, and a 16:17 K:BB. This surge is worth emphasizing, as Ford carried a much lower .203/.332/.268 line with a 49:28 K:BB over his first 41 Triple-A regular-season contests. The 23-year-old received a brief taste of the majors last season in Seattle but posted a low .417 OPS over just eight PAs. Even though Keibert Ruiz has held his own at the MLB level, Ford has been making a strong push for a promotion and could earn the call to D.C shortly after the All-Star break. His current trajectory makes him a worthy stash in deeper two-catcher leagues.
Source: MiLB.com
Source: MiLB.com
Is Zach Ehrhard a Worthy Name to Stash in Dodgers Pipeline?
Los Angeles Dodgers outfield prospect Zach Ehrhard has flown under the radar in the Dodgers system, but could be nearing his MLB debut. Given that he plays in a system that features some of the game's top outfield prospects like Mike Sirota, Josue De Paula, and Zyhir Hope, and even shares the Triple-A field with James Tibbs III, Ehrhard has not put himself high on the stash radar. However, the 23-year-old out of Oklahoma State has turned in a strong showing this season and has even begun to make a case for a promotion to the majors over the past two weeks. In his last 11 games, Ehrhard has posted a .375/.479/.650 line with two doubles, three home runs and two stolen bases. While an immediate call-up is unlikely, he is a name to watch in deeper leagues as he could be an injury replacement down the stretch.
Source: MiLB.com
Source: MiLB.com
Kemp Alderman a Top Stash Amid Looming Promotion?
Miami Marlins outfield prospect Kemp Alderman has looked quite comfortable since returning from the Triple-A injured list earlier in June. Alderman was on the shelf for just over a month due to a wrist injury. However, this injury has not slowed down the former 47th overall pick out of Ole Miss, as he has carried a strong .284/.368/.478 line with one double and four home runs over his last 18 contests. During this stretch, Alderman has struck out a hefty 23 times, but has continued to flash upside with his bat. On the season, the team's No. 8-ranked prospect has posted a sharp .297/.374/.511 line with six doubles, 13 home runs, and six stolen bases. Even with Owen Caissie on the injured list, the recent emergence of Heriberto Hernandez has potentially delayed Alderman's MLB debut. However, if he maintains this pace, the Marlins could turn to him to add a spark to their lineup as they look to remain in the NL playoff picture.
Source: MiLB.com
Source: MiLB.com
Can Jonathon Long Debut in the Second Half?
Chicago Cubs first-base prospect Jonathon Long has seen his production soar over the last month at the Triple-A level and is emerging as a legitimate second-half call-up. Currently, Long is viewed as the No. 7 prospect in the Cubs system. Even though there may not be a clear opening on the MLB roster, if he continues this current trajectory, the team will have a hard time keeping him in the minor leagues down the stretch. Over his last 16 games at Iowa, Long has carried an elite .313/.400/.625 line with eight doubles, four home runs, and a 14:9 K:BB. During this stretch, Long posted a perfect 5-for-5 game on July 9, launching his 10th long ball of the season. While he had a slow start, Long has quickly found his footing at the top club. Managers in deeper 12+ team leagues should continue to closely monitor him, as a second-half call-up is now in play.
Source: MiLB.com
Source: MiLB.com
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
