Jul 7, 2026, 2:19 PM ET

Chicago White Sox catcher Kyle Teel is still working through the swing-and-miss, but the power is real enough for deeper formats. The 24-year-old is hitting .220 with two homers, 10 RBI, five runs, and a .694 OPS through 11 games after a right hamstring strain delayed his season. His 18 strikeouts in 46 plate appearances are hard to ignore, so this is not a clean add in standard one-catcher leagues. Still, Teel has already barreled 17.4% of his batted balls in the small sample, which backs the power hook. The bigger reason to care is that he has hit before. Teel posted a .273 average, eight homers, 35 RBI, 38 runs, three steals, and a .786 OPS as a rookie last season. Rostered in just 17% of Yahoo leagues, he fits best as a 15-team or two-catcher league pickup.--Bruno Mulé
Source: RotoBaller

Jul 7, 2026, 2:13 PM ET

Across 17 games in 2025, Tampa Bay Buccaneers quarterback Baker Mayfield completed 63.2% of his pass attempts for 3,693 yards, 26 touchdowns, and 11 interceptions. Mayfield's production represented a stark decline from his peak year in 2024, when he threw for 4,500 yards and 41 scores. However, Tampa Bay dealt with myriad injuries to its wide receiver corps in 2025. While the Bucs lost veteran wideout Mike Evans in free agency, the team still has a strong group of now-healthy pass-catchers in wide receivers Emeka Egbuka, Chris Godwin Jr., and Jalen McMillan. Mayfield also brings some ability to provide fantasy production with his legs, as he's rushed for 760 yards and four scores over the past two seasons. Mayfield might not have high-end upside, but he could easily get back into the fringe QB1 range and is currently valued as the QB19 by redraft ADP entering 2026.--Will Brady
Source: RotoBaller

Jul 7, 2026, 2:09 PM ET

New York Mets center fielder Luis Robert Jr. (back) had his rehab assignment shifted to Double-A Binghamton on July 7, giving fantasy managers a clearer sign of progress after more than two months away. Robert opened the assignment at Triple-A Syracuse on June 30 and went 1-for-10 with one walk and two strikeouts over three games. Before the lumbar spine disc herniation, he hit .224 with two homers, eight RBI, 10 runs, two steals, and a .656 OPS in 24 games for the Mets. Nobody should be adding him because of the 2026 line, and the Mets' outfield does not guarantee full-time at-bats when he returns. The stash appeal is the old power-speed ceiling: 104 homers and 104 steals across 601 career games, including a 38-homer season in 2023 and 33 steals in 2025. RotoBaller has Robert at 41% rostered and as a 15-team league add for Week 15. That makes him an IL-slot/deeper-league stash, not a must-add outfielder.--Bruno Mulé
Source: RotoBaller

Jul 7, 2026, 1:56 PM ET

Seattle Mariners outfielder Dominic Canzone has earned a full-time, middle-of-the-order role in Seattle's lineup going forward, according to Adam Jude of The Seattle Times. "He's earned it," president of baseball operations Jerry Dipoto said. The 28-year-old left-handed-hitting outfielder is currently hitting .273/.349/.551 with a .900 OPS, 14 home runs, 37 RBI, 32 runs scored, and a stolen base in 205 at-bats in 2026 in his third full season with the M's. He already has a career high in home runs, RBI, and runs scored in 78 games and 232 plate appearances. All four of Canzone's starts against left-handed pitchers have come in the last month, and he's gone 6-for-22 (.273) against southpaws, with two of his 14 home runs on the year. Under the hood, Canzone's xBA of .282 and xwOBA of .383 (wOBA of .384) back up his first-half breakout. He ranks in the 84th percentile in hard-hit rate, the 94th percentile in barrel rate, and the 96th percentile in xSLG. Canzone should be a priority waiver-wire pickup in fantasy leagues for those who need slugging help in the outfield.--Keith Hernandez
Source: The Seattle Times - Adam Jude

Jul 7, 2026, 1:38 PM ET

New York Yankees first baseman/catcher Ben Rice will participate in this year's Home Run Derby during the All-Star break on Monday, July 13, according to MLB Communications. Rice will try to give the Yankees a record fifth Home Run Derby winner alongside Tino Martinez (1997), Jason Giambi (2002), Robinson Cano (2011), and Aaron Judge (2017). The only other known participant for this year's Derby in the American League is Tampa Bay Rays third baseman Junior Caminero. After breaking out in 2025 in his first full major-league season by hitting 26 home runs and driving in 65 in 138 regular-season games, Rice has backed up the breakout with another phenomenal season, slashing .267/.360/.565 with a .925 OPS, 25 home runs, 57 RBI, 59 runs scored, and two stolen bases in 85 games across 364 plate appearances. The 27-year-old former 12th-rounder in 2021 out of Dartmouth College is proving to be the real deal, but he has been on a skid at the plate since June 22, going 7-for-52 (.135) with three homers, four RBI, four runs, four walks, and 15 strikeouts in his last 14 games over 57 plate appearances.--Keith Hernandez
Source: MLB Communications

Jul 7, 2026, 1:28 PM ET

Philadelphia Eagles running back Saquon Barkley was the fantasy MVP in 2024 in his first year in Philly behind an elite Eagles' offensive line, running for a league-high 2,005 yards and 13 touchdowns on a league-high 345 carries in 16 regular-season starts. Barkley still had 1,140 rushing yards in 2025 behind a subpar offensive line, but his four runs of 20-plus yards were 13 fewer than he had in 2024. And his rushing yards over expected went from second in the league to 24th, per NextGen Stats. Since 2024, Barkley ranks second in 100-plus-yard rushing games (14), behind only Derrick Henry (17). "My only criticism is that he doesn't always produce when things aren't completely clean," an NFL coordinator said. "That's dating back to the Giants. Tends to need things perfectly set up for him." The 29-year-old is still a three-down workhorse with high-end RB1 fantasy value, especially since he's expected to be more involved as a pass-catcher in Sean Mannion's new offense in 2026. However, there is more bust potential if Philly's offense can't bounce back from a poor showing last year.--Keith Hernandez
Source: ESPN.com - Jeremy Fowler

Jul 7, 2026, 12:59 PM ET

The Atlanta Braves announced on Tuesday that they optioned right-handed pitching prospect Owen Murphy to Triple-A Gwinnett after he made his major-league debut in Monday's extra-inning loss to the division-rival New York Mets. The Braves' No. 6 prospect, per MLB Pipeline, allowed two runs (one earned) on one hit in the 10th inning to take the loss while also walking a hitter and striking out one. Atlanta showed plenty of confidence in the 22-year-old in his first big-league appearance in a high-leverage spot, but he didn't rise to the occasion. Murphy's long-term role is clearly as a starter, but if he resurfaces in the majors again at some point in the second half, he might return to a bullpen role. In his first full season since recovering from Tommy John surgery, Murphy has gone 5-7 with a 4.44 ERA and 1.26 WHIP with 92 strikeouts and 38 walks in 16 starts with Double-A Columbus and Gwinnett. The 6-foot-1, 190-pounder is still an intriguing hold in dynasty/keeper leagues, but fantasy managers in single-year formats can continue to ignore Murphy for now. Murphy is rostered in just 1% of Yahoo leagues.--Keith Hernandez
Source: Atlanta Braves

Jul 7, 2026, 12:46 PM ET

Pittsburgh Pirates rookie shortstop Konnor Griffin (finger) is dealing with a torn tendon in his left ring finger, sources told Jeff Passan of ESPN. Griffin could play through the injury, but rehab is the likeliest option and would keep him out for at least a month. The Pirates already have outfielder Oneil Cruz (hand) and first baseman Spencer Horwitz (hamstring) on the injured list with the All-Star break looming next week. The 20-year-old rookie phenom recently returned from a forearm injury in late June, and now he could miss another month-plus with his finger ailment. The former ninth overall pick in 2024 has the potential to be a perennial All-Star as one of the best shortstops in the big leagues. In his first MLB season, he has hit .276/.332/.404 with a .736 OPS, five home runs, 25 RBI, 35 runs scored, and 20 stolen bases across his 225 at-bats. Griffin should be stashed everywhere if he returns to the IL, which seems likely, after injuring his finger while making a diving catch in Sunday's game against the Washington Nationals. Nick Gonzales and Jared Triolo are both options to take over at the 6 in Pittsburgh with Griffin hurt again.--Keith Hernandez
Source: ESPN.com - Jeff Passan

Jul 7, 2026, 12:11 PM ET

St. Louis Cardinals right-hander Michael McGreevy will be given extra rest and will not start either of the games during Tuesday's doubleheader versus the division-rival Milwaukee Brewers, according to Derrick Goold of the St. Louis Post-Dispatch. Right-hander Matt Svanson will serve as the opener for Game 1 of the twin bill on Tuesday. McGreevy will most likely be pushed back to either Wednesday or Thursday against Milwaukee. The 25-year-old former 18th overall pick in the 2021 MLB draft out of the University of California, Santa Barbara, has gone 3-7 with a 3.12 ERA (4.32 FIP) and 1.11 WHIP with 60 strikeouts and 22 walks in 95 1/3 innings pitched across 17 starts in 2026. McGreevy allowed a season-high five earned runs in five innings against the Kansas City Royals on June 19, but he's allowed only two earned runs with two walks and seven strikeouts in 12 innings in his two most recent starts against the Miami Marlins and Atlanta Braves. In his first start against the Brewers this year on May 26, McGreevy allowed five earned runs with three walks and six K's in just four innings in a loss.--Keith Hernandez
Source: St. Louis Post-Dispatch - Derrick Goold

Jul 7, 2026, 12:00 PM ET

New Tampa Bay Buccaneers offensive coordinator Zac Robinson has been a play-caller for two years now and has experience working with Sean McVay. He's expected to bring Los Angeles Rams concepts to Tampa, including "emphasizing the player over the play," according to Dan Pompei of The Athletic. It could have a positive impact on players like receivers Chris Godwin Jr. and Emeka Egbuka, and running back Bucky Irving, among others. Robinson could also help veteran quarterback Baker Mayfield bounce back in 2026, as he worked briefly with Mayfield in 2022 when Robinson was the QBs coach and passing-game coordinator for the Rams. The 31-year-old Mayfield's fantasy stock is definitely down, mainly because he lost future Hall of Fame WR Mike Evans in free agency this offseason. Godwin and Egbuka should see a steady dose of targets with Evans no longer around, and although newcomer Kenneth Gainwell will have a key role in the Bucs' backfield, Irving's explosiveness makes him an intriguing fantasy target in Robinson's new offense in 2026.--Keith Hernandez
Source: The Athletic - Dan Pompei

Jul 7, 2026, 11:59 AM ET

After spending much of the early portion of the 2026 season in a bulk relief role, Milwaukee Brewers left-hander Shane Drohan was moved to his team's starting rotation in early June. The 27-year-old has pitched well since the role change, recording a 2-1 record with a 3.22 ERA, 1.35 WHIP, and 33 strikeouts across 36 1/3 innings (seven starts). Drohan demonstrated high-end strikeout upside in the minor leagues in 2025, recording a 34.5% strikeout rate across 54 innings while pitching in the Boston Red Sox organization. While fantasy managers should not expect that same level of dominance now that he's a regular part of an MLB rotation, Drohan's swing-and-miss ceiling is likely higher than his current strikeout rate of 22.8%. Drohan carries streamer appeal across all fantasy formats and may even be a priority waiver wire target in deeper leagues.--Will Brady
Source: RotoBaller

Jul 7, 2026, 11:56 AM ET

Oklahoma State quarterback Drew Mestemaker was voted the preseason Big-12 Newcomer of the Year, the league announced on Monday. Mestemaker was one of the nation's best freshmen last season at North Texas, exploding for 4,379 passing yards, 39 total touchdowns, and nine interceptions. He followed head coach Eric Morris to Stillwater and is expected to be one of the conference's most productive quarterbacks right away. To help his cause, his top receiver from last year, Wyatt Young (1,264 yards), came with him to the Cowboys' program, along with several other key pieces from last year's offense. It could take a few games for Mestemaker to settle in against elevated competition, but the Oklahoma State offense should be strong immediately under Morris.--Jackson Sparks - RotoBaller
Source: Big12Sports.com

Jul 7, 2026, 11:51 AM ET

The Philadelphia Eagles have used six different offensive coordinators in head coach Nick Sirianni's six years with the organization. Sean Mannion, who is replacing Kevin Patullo, played for Sean McVay and the Kubiaks, and he coached under Matt LaFleur. The Athletic's Zach Berman writes that we should "look for the quarterback (Jalen Hurts) to play under center more frequently and for the running game to use wide-zone concepts." Philly's offense should look much different in 2026, especially after they traded Pro Bowl receiver A.J. Brown to the New England Patriots and replaced him with trade acquisition Dontayvion Wicks and rookie first-rounder Makai Lemon. The Eagles' offense had its worst rankings in 2025 in the Sirianni era, so fantasy managers investing in this offense will be hoping that Mannion can begin to turn that around in his first year as an offensive coordinator. Losing Brown's down-the-field presence certainly doesn't help Hurts, but he still has plenty of weapons, and a bounce-back year could be coming if the offensive line can step up.--Keith Hernandez
Source: The Athletic - Zach Berman

Jul 7, 2026, 11:47 AM ET

To this point in 2026, Miami Marlins left-hander Braxton Garrett has thrown just 4 1/3 innings (two starts) at the big-league level. However, the 28-year-old has dominated Triple-A hitters, recording a 3-2 record with a 1.55 ERA, 0.81 WHIP, and 69 strikeouts across 64 innings (12 starts). Garrett has been particularly unhittable of late, as he's logged 27 strikeouts without allowing an earned run across his last 24 innings (four starts). After missing the entire 2025 season following internal brace surgery in his elbow, Garrett may now be rounding back into form. He was an effective pitcher for the Marlins back in 2023, recording a 3.66 ERA and 1.15 WHIP with 156 strikeouts and nine wins across 159 2/3 innings. Given how well he's pitched in the minors, it may only be a matter of time before Garrett is back in Miami.--Will Brady
Source: RotoBaller

Jul 7, 2026, 11:46 AM ET

Oklahoma wide receiver Isaiah Sategna III enjoyed the most productive season of his career in 2025, setting career highs in receptions (67), receiving yards (965), receiving touchdowns (eight), and yards per reception (14.4). He never surpassed 37 receptions, 500 yards, or two touchdowns in three years at Arkansas. He broke out despite Oklahoma ranking 12th in the SEC in passing yards per game (235.8). With another full offseason to work with veteran quarterback John Mateer and the departure of wide receiver Deion Burks and tight end Jaren Kanak, Sategna is a threat to put up big-time numbers in his fifth collegiate campaign. His ceiling in 2026 could depend on how Mateer progresses as a passer after dealing with an injury to his throwing hand in 2025, which required mid-season surgery.--Jackson Sparks - RotoBaller
Source: ESPN

Jul 7, 2026, 11:37 AM ET

Colorado Rockies shortstop Ezequiel Tovar has had a rough season overall in 2026, hitting .209/.252/.345 with eight home runs, 32 RBI, 31 runs scored, and five stolen bases across 321 plate appearances. However, the 24-year-old has begun to heat up a bit in July, hitting .250 with a .888 OPS and two home runs across 19 plate appearances so far this month. Tovar has proven an ability to hit for power at earlier points in his career, slugging 26 home runs across 695 plate appearances in 2024. He also has the benefit of playing his home games in the hitter-friendly environment of Coors Field, which should help his current batting average on balls in play of .257 regress closer to his career mark of .320 over the second half of the season. At worst, Tovar's excellent defense at shortstop should keep him in the Rockies' everyday lineup and allow him to rack up counting stats at a decent rate. Particularly in deeper leagues, he could be a second-half breakout candidate to target on the waiver wire.--Will Brady
Source: RotoBaller

Jul 7, 2026, 11:34 AM ET

The Athletic's Jesse Newell writes that new running back Kenneth Walker III's "work ethic and no-nonsense style have already been an early culture fit" this offseason alongside Kansas City Chiefs offensive coordinator Eric Bieniemy. The Chiefs paid up for Walker in free agency on a three-year deal, hoping that he'll add an explosive element to their running game that was sorely lacking in 2025 with the combination of Kareem Hunt and Isiah Pacheco. The infusion of Walker's work ethic and no-nonsense style has been welcomed after they believed "their work standard and attention to detail slipped" during last year's 6-11 campaign. The 25-year-old had his second 1,000-yard rushing season in four years in the NFL in his final season in Seattle, and he capped it off by being named Super Bowl MVP in the Seahawks' win over the New England Patriots back in early February. If Walker is used more as a pass-catcher in Bieniemy's offense, he'll have an even higher floor as an RB1 in fantasy, although his lengthy history of lower-body injuries also gives him plenty of bust potential. RotoBaller currently has Walker ranked as the No. 9 fantasy RB for his first year in KC in 2026.--Keith Hernandez
Source: The Athletic - Jesse Newell

Jul 7, 2026, 11:33 AM ET

Arizona quarterback Noah Fifita was the program's only selection on the preseason All Big-12 team. The rising redshirt senior is entering his fourth season as a starter after a bounce-back year in 2025. Overall, Fifita has appeared in 40 games, tallying 9,183 passing yards, 73 passing touchdowns, 24 interceptions, 218 rushing yards, and four rushing touchdowns. Despite the departure of Tetairoa McMillan, he set career highs in passing yards (3,228) and touchdowns (29) a season ago. He is the most seasoned quarterback in the conference, which gives the Wildcats an outside chance of competing for the Big 12 Championship and College Football Playoff spot in 2026. Fifita needs just under 1,000 passing yards to pass Nick Foles (10,011) as the program's all-time leading passer. He already ranks first in career passing touchdowns.--Jackson Sparks - RotoBaller
Source: Big12Sports.com

Jul 7, 2026, 11:28 AM ET

New York Yankees first baseman Paul Goldschmidt has emerged as a key piece of his team's lineup in 2026, hitting .266/.325/.505 with 14 home runs, 41 RBI, 31 runs scored, and one stolen base across 243 plate appearances. The 38-year-old has cooled off in recent weeks after a red-hot June, as he's currently hitless in his last 27 plate appearances. Still, Goldschmidt owns a strong 11.7% barrel rate and should continue to see regular playing time in New York with both Giancarlo Stanton (calf) and Aaron Judge (ribs) currently sidelined by injury. Goldschmidt has also mashed left-handed pitching to a 1.162 OPS so far this season, so he has a clear use case for fantasy managers. Even amidst his current slump, Goldschmidt is a worthwhile waiver wire target.--Will Brady
Source: RotoBaller

Jul 7, 2026, 11:22 AM ET

The Denver Broncos acquired speedy wide receiver Jaylen Waddle from the Miami Dolphins in the offseason as a playmaking weapon who can create more open space in the middle of the field. Head coach Sean Payton "raved" about Waddle's start-and-stop abilities during the offseason program. He'll give the Broncos a new option at the position who "fits into larger swaths of the offense's route tree." "There's an element of explosiveness that I think, as an offense, we've lacked for a couple years," quarterback Bo Nix said in June. The Broncos still have Courtland Sutton, who has been the team's clear WR1 in recent seasons, but Nix could lean more on Waddle in 2026 as his go-to guy, especially in the intermediate areas of the field. Even though Miami's offense wilted last year in his final year in Miami, the 27-year-old former sixth overall pick in 2021 out of the University of Alabama was 13th in the NFL in yards per route run (2.34). Waddle finished with a 64-910-6 line in 16 starts. If he stays healthy in 2026 in his first season in Denver, Waddle will certainly have a shot to reach the 1,000-yard mark for the fourth time in his career. RotoBaller has him ranked as the No. 25 WR for the upcoming season.--Keith Hernandez
Source: The Athletic - Nick Kosmider

Jul 7, 2026, 11:20 AM ET

Across 29 innings (30 games) so far in 2026, Boston Red Sox right-hander Garrett Whitlock has recorded a 4-1 record with a 2.48 ERA, 1.00 WHIP, 34 strikeouts, and one save. To this point, Boston has largely utilized Whitlock in a setup role in front of veteran closer Aroldis Chapman. However, Chapman has allowed six earned runs over his last seven appearances (six innings), which could open the door for Whitlock to see more save opportunities. Boston could also look to move Chapman at the upcoming trade deadline. Even if Whitlock remains limited to his current role, he could carry some value in deeper fantasy leagues. The 30-year-old owns a sterling 24.6% K-BB rate, and his frequent high-leverage usage puts him in position to rack up more wins than the typical reliever. Fantasy managers looking for relief upside on the waiver wire may want to prioritize Whitlock.--Will Brady
Source: RotoBaller

Jul 7, 2026, 11:15 AM ET

Arizona State wide receiver Omarion Miller, who transferred from Colorado this offseason, was named to the preseason All-Big-12 team on Monday. Miller has big shoes to fill in Tempe following the departure of first-round NFL Draft pick Jordyn Tyson, but he has all the makings of a true No. 1 wideout in Kenny Dillingham and Marcus Arroyo's offense. Despite Colorado's struggles last season, Miller enjoyed a breakout campaign, catching 45 passes for 808 yards and eight touchdowns. Building chemistry with Kentucky transfer quarterback Cutter Boley will be key, but the Sun Devils' passing offense could run through Miller from Day 1. A big season out of the 6'2", 210-pound Louisiana native could put him in first-round contention in the 2027 NFL Draft.--Jackson Sparks - RotoBaller
Source: ESPN

Jul 7, 2026, 11:14 AM ET

The Athletic's Chad Graff writes that New England Patriots second-year running back TreVeyon Henderson is "one of the most intriguing players entering training camp" this summer as he looks to bring more consistency to the Patriots' backfield. He was drafted in the second round in 2025 out of Ohio State to bring more explosiveness to the offense, and he finished with 180 carries for 911 yards (5.1 yards per carry) and nine rushing touchdowns in 17 regular-season games (four starts), adding 35 receptions for 221 more yards and another TD on 42 targets. Henderson's first year in the NFL started slowly, as he saw 10-plus carries just once in the first seven games as the backup to veteran Rhamondre Stevenson. He ended the year with close to 1,000 rushing yards, but Henderson had just three carries in the AFC Championship Game and six in the Super Bowl. The 23-year-old's struggles with pass protection were part of the reason he spent more time on the bench down the stretch. Graff believes that the addition of Pro Bowl receiver A.J. Brown will cause defenses to play more two-high safety coverages, potentially opening up running lanes for Henderson and Stevenson closer to the line of scrimmage. If Henderson can show improvement as a pass-catcher -- he ranked 32nd in the NFL among RBs in yards per route run -- he could be a strong RB2 for fantasy managers in 2026.--Keith Hernandez
Source: The Athletic - Chad Graff

Jul 7, 2026, 11:12 AM ET

Across 287 plate appearances so far this season, Toronto Blue Jays outfielder Daulton Varsho is hitting .246/.314/.404 with seven home runs, 23 RBI, 32 runs scored, and seven stolen bases. Varsho has dealt with nagging injury issues in recent seasons, so health risk is a part of his profile. However, the 30-year-old has largely stayed on the field in 2026, outside of a short stint on the injured list due to a wrist ailment. Varsho has sacrificed power for increased contact ability this year, as his barrel rate has dropped from 15.9% to 6.5% and his strikeout rate has fallen from 28.4% to 20.9%. While that tradeoff is not ideal for fantasy managers, Varsho carries latent power upside. If he can find the right balance of contact and power in the second half of the season, he could provide five-category production for fantasy managers.--Will Brady
Source: RotoBaller

Jul 7, 2026, 11:07 AM ET

Arizona Diamondbacks prospect Ryan Waldschmidt has 112 major league at-bats this season but is now spending his time in Triple-A Reno. The Diamondbacks' top overall prospect got a look at the big league level but did not hit a home run and drove in eight runs while swiping five bags and hitting .254. Arizona chose to send him back for some seasoning in the minors, and he has six homers and 29 RBI at Reno with six stolen bases while hitting .293. In 184 at-bats at Reno, Waldschmidt has shown promising signs, including amassing an OPS of .910, the best mark of his minor-league career. With an outfield full of depth at the big-league level, including Corbin Carroll, Lourdes Gurriel Jr., and Max Kepler, among others, it would appear that Waldschmidt could spend more time in the minors. However, the right-handed bat could be one fantasy managers keep in mind as they look for stashes for the second half. Should he get another opportunity for the Diamondbacks, Waldschmidt should produce and has the potential to provide five-category upside.--Brian Buckey - RotoBaller
Source: Minor League Baseball

Jul 7, 2026, 11:04 AM ET

An MRI exam on San Diego Padres right-handed reliever Jason Adam's right shoulder showed no major structural damage, instead just a strain in the subscapularis muscle, according to MLB.com. Adam expressed hope that he can return from the 15-day injured list in early-to-mid August after landing on the IL on July 2. The 34-year-old veteran suffered a season-ending thigh injury late in the second half last season and hasn't been quite the same for the Friars as a high-end setup guy in 2026, going 2-2 with a 2.51 ERA (4.69 FIP), 1.17 WHIP, two saves, 22 strikeouts, and eight walks in 32 1/3 innings out of the bullpen in his second full season in San Diego. In fantasy baseball leagues that count holds, though, Adam is deserving of a roster spot, as he currently ranks seventh in baseball with 17 holds. Until he's able to make his way back to the Padres' bullpen in August, both lefty Adrian Morejon and righty Bradgley Rodriguez will be tasked with more high-leverage setup spots late in games in front of flamethrowing closer Mason Miller.--Keith Hernandez
Source: MLB.com

Jul 7, 2026, 11:01 AM ET

After a strong 2025 performance, BYU running back LJ Martin decided to return for another year of college football, and the preseason first-team All-Big 12 selection is a prime contender to lead the country in rushing yards. Martin finished 11th nationally in rushing yards last season, tallying 1,305 yards and 12 touchdowns on 236 attempts. The Cougars are without their two leading receivers from last season (Parker Kingston, Chase Roberts), meaning their offense should continue to run through the 220-pound ball carrier. Additionally, BYU sets up to be favored in at least nine of their 12 games. Behind a strong defense and an attacking rushing offense, Martin should enjoy plenty of run-heavy game scripts. The Texas native has all the makings of a productive workhorse running back in his final campaign in Provo.--Jackson Sparks - RotoBaller
Source: ESPN

Jul 7, 2026, 10:53 AM ET

Cincinnati Reds outfield prospect Hector Rodriguez is mashing at Triple-A Louisville this season, and fantasy managers should start to take notice. The 22-year-old outfielder has 19 homers and 53 RBI while hitting .285. Rodriguez, the No. 5 prospect for the Reds, has a shot to make the big league club with current Reds outfielders Dane Myers and Blake Dunn on the 10-day IL. Now would seem to be prime time for Rodriguez to make an impact on the big-league club. He has demonstrated the power numbers at Triple-A while hitting for a good average and appears ready for the majors. Fantasy managers should take notice and add the power-hitting left-handed bat prior to his call-up. He could be a difference-maker in fantasy leagues down the stretch run, making him a worthy stash target in 12+ team, five-outfielder formats.--Brian Buckey - RotoBaller
Source: Minor League Baseball

Jul 7, 2026, 10:48 AM ET

Texas Tech quarterback Will Hammond (knee), who tore his ACL in late October, is expected to be the team's primary starting quarterback after the departure of transfer Brendan Sorsby. For most of the offseason, it has been expected that Hammond would return to action in Week 3 against Houston. But recently, Texas Tech head coach Joey McGuire said he might be ahead of schedule and is eyeing a Week 1 return against Abilene Christian. While the Red Raiders are unlikely to need his services against the FCS foe, a tune-up game would benefit the rising sophomore coming back from a major injury. In limited action a season ago, Hammond completed 69 of his 109 passing attempts for 680 yards, seven touchdowns, and three interceptions. He also rushed for 299 yards and five scores. Even with Sorsby out and Hammond in, Texas Tech remains the favorite to win the Big 12 in 2026.--Jackson Sparks - RotoBaller
Source: Pete Thamel - ESPN

Jul 7, 2026, 10:44 AM ET

Miami Marlins pitching prospect Karson Milbrandt has pitched well in the minors this season between Double-A Pensacola and Triple-A Jacksonville. His numbers were dominant at Pensacola, with a 4-1 record, a 1.34 ERA, and a 1.00 WHIP. His strikeout rate was also excellent at Double-A, with 70 strikeouts over 47 innings. His numbers have come back to earth a bit at Triple-A after his promotion, with a 4.15 ERA and 1.66 WHIP at Jacksonville. The dip in numbers is a bit concerning but is to be expected to some extent after just five Triple-A starts. Milbrandt, the No. 4 overall prospect for the Marlins, might have a path to the majors with Marlins starting pitcher Janson Junk currently on the 15-day IL. Should Milbrandt get a look to fill Junk's spot in the near future, he could prove to be a worthwhile pickup for fantasy managers in most leagues.--Brian Buckey - RotoBaller
Source: Minor League Baseball