Jun 18, 2026, 11:47 AM ET

Colorado Rockies outfielder Jake McCarthy missed some time recently due to an illness, but he has picked up where he left off at the plate and is starting to become a staple in the Rockies' lineup. The 28-year-old left-handed-hitting outfielder has gone 5-for-13 with two runs scored in four games since returning from his illness, and he's slashing .289/.333/.444 with a .777 OPS, four home runs, 27 RBI, 11 stolen bases, and 24 runs scored across 60 games and 207 plate appearances in his first year in Denver in 2026. McCarthy has seen more regular playing time in Colorado in the last month with both Mickey Moniak (ankle) and Brenton Doyle (oblique) on the injured list, but even when they both return, it might be hard for manager Warren Schaefer to keep him out of the lineup with the way he's been swinging the bat. He has never had much power -- career high of eight home runs in 2024 with the Arizona Diamondbacks -- but if you need speed, McCarthy is your man off the waiver wire. He's rostered in only 11% of Yahoo leagues.--Keith Hernandez
Source: Baseball Reference

Jun 18, 2026, 11:29 AM ET

Minnesota Twins right-hander Zebby Matthews had a nice bounce-back performance on Tuesday in his start against the Texas Rangers on the road, allowing two earned runs on eight hits while walking none and striking out four in seven innings to earn his third win of the year. In his previous start on June 11, he surrendered a season-high seven earned runs on nine hits (three homers) while walking one and fanning four in six innings in a loss to the Detroit Tigers on the road. Even though Matthews has allowed seven earned runs in two of his last four outings, the 26-year-old former eighth-round pick in 2022 out of Western Carolina University has recorded quality starts for his fantasy managers in five of his seven outings in 2026. He'll be hard to trust in his next scheduled outing against the first-place Los Angeles Dodgers, but Matthews is a rising young arm who deserves more attention from fantasy managers on the waiver wire. He's currently 3-4 with a 4.78 ERA (4.69 FIP) and 1.18 WHIP with 34 strikeouts and only nine walks in 43 1/3 innings in his third year in Minnesota. Matthews is available in over 80% of Yahoo leagues.--Keith Hernandez
Source: Baseball Reference

Jun 18, 2026, 11:16 AM ET

Detroit Tigers right-handed reliever Will Vest was garnering some interest off the waiver wire recently with regular closer Kenley Jansen (pelvis) on the injured list. Vest picked up his first save of the year on June 1 and also won his second game of the year on June 7 to peak interest among those desperate for saves, but now that Jansen is back from the IL, Vest's path to save chances is shrinking. Additionally, the 31-year-old veteran blew his fourth save of 2026 in his last appearance out of the bullpen on June 16 against the Houston Astros, allowing an earned run on one hit while walking one in just one-third of an inning. Jansen has been shaky in his own right this year and is 38 years old, but Vest hasn't exactly put himself at the top of the line as a closer handcuff in Detroit with his 2-4 record, 6.45 ERA (3.68 FIP), and 1.48 WHIP with 23 strikeouts and nine walks in 22 1/3 innings. If Jansen gets injured again or demoted from the closer's role, it could be Kyle Finnegan, and not Vest, as the next man up for saves for manager A.J. Hinch. Vest is rostered in just 4% of Yahoo leagues.--Keith Hernandez
Source: Baseball Reference

Jun 18, 2026, 11:09 AM ET

Milwaukee Brewers left-handed reliever Aaron Ashby doesn't always pitch in high-leverage spots at the end of games, but he's still been clutch out of the bullpen for the first-place Brewers and for fantasy managers alike in 2026. The 28-year-old southpaw has an MLB-leading 10 wins (zero losses) in his 33 appearances (one start as an opener) while pitching to a 2.80 ERA (2.85 FIP) and 1.33 WHIP with 61 strikeouts and 22 walks in 45 innings pitched. Ashby actually has a 6.00 ERA (5.43 FIP) with four walks and 10 strikeouts in nine innings pitched over seven outings in June, but it hasn't stopped him from picking up a win and two holds. He gave up a run in his last outing on Tuesday against the Cleveland Guardians, but the Brewers once again bailed him out for his major-league-leading 10th victory. Not only is Ashby attractive as a vulture for wins off the waiver wire, but he's also sporting a career-high 31.6% strikeout rate. A career-high 11.4% walk rate is getting him in trouble, too. If you need wins, Ashby might be worth targeting, and he's rostered in only 36% of Yahoo leagues.--Keith Hernandez
Source: Baseball Reference

Jun 18, 2026, 10:29 AM ET

The Los Angeles Lakers are reportedly interested in a reunion between LeBron James and Kevin Love this summer. According to Marc J. Spears, the Lakers would like to bring back one of James' old teammates from Cleveland. The duo played together on the Cavaliers from 2014 to 2018. The 37-year-old isn't quite the same player as he was during his time with the Minnesota Timberwolves or Cavs. Love could be a good veteran presence and someone who could contribute off the bench. The assumption is that he'd join the Lakers on a veteran minimum for an opportunity to get a ring with his old teammate.--Andy Webb
Source: Marc J. Spears

Jun 18, 2026, 10:29 AM ET

Colorado Rockies rookie outfielder Sterlin Thompson had a day to remember on Wednesday night at Wrigley Field in the team's 8-6 loss to the Chicago Cubs. Thompson, who was serving as the designated hitter and batting eighth in the lineup, went 3-for-4 with the first two home runs (both solo) of his career, a double, and a strikeout to raise his season batting average to .242 and his OPS to .722. It was nice to see from the 24-year-old, who has battled for playing time since being called up by the Rockies. Thompson is now hitting .242/.319/.403 with two homers, nine RBI, seven runs scored, five walks, and 18 strikeouts in 69 plate appearances in his first 24 games in the major leagues. The former 31st overall pick in 2022 out of the University of Florida will likely struggle for regular at-bats now that Jake McCarthy has recovered from an illness, and he will likely head back to Triple-A Albuquerque when Mickey Moniak (ankle) returns from the injured list next week. Thompson isn't rostered in any Yahoo leagues right now.--Keith Hernandez
Source: MLB.com

Jun 18, 2026, 10:20 AM ET

Pittsburgh Pirates outfielder Ryan O'Hearn led the offensive onslaught at hitter-friendly Sutter Health Park in Sacramento on Wednesday night in the team's 12-4 victory over the hosting Athletics. O'Hearn went 3-for-5 at the plate with a two-run home run, a double, and a career-high six RBI to boost his season average to .290 and his OPS to .826. The 32-year-old veteran left-handed slugger took advantage of the hitter-friendly venue and drove in two runs with each of his three hits on the night. The former eighth-round selection by the Kansas City Royals in 2014 out of Sam Houston State University is now hitting a cool .290/.351/.475 with 11 home runs, 41 RBI, 33 runs scored, and one stolen base in his 60 games across 245 plate appearances in 2026 in his first year with the Pirates. In 15 games in June, he's gone 16-for-58 (.276) with three homers, two doubles, 11 RBI, and five runs scored. The key this year is that he has improved against lefties as well, going 17-for-63 (.270) against them with three of his 11 long balls.--Keith Hernandez
Source: MLB.com

Jun 18, 2026, 10:18 AM ET

The Los Angeles Clippers were reportedly impressed with Arizona guard Brayden Burries during a recent visit on Tuesday. It sounds like Burries is in the running to be taken at No. 5 by the Clippers. Burries is a highly coveted prospect after averaging 16.1 points, 4.9 rebounds, and 2.4 assists with the Wildcats this past season. The Dallas Mavericks and Golden State Warriors have also been linked to Burries, but the Clippers will select the highest among the three teams. The Clippers have also been linked to Keaton Wagler and Mikel Brown Jr. as possible options at No. 5.--Andy Webb
Source: Jake Fischer

Jun 18, 2026, 10:15 AM ET

Baltimore Orioles right-hander Kyle Bradish had perhaps his best start of the year on Wednesday night in Seattle in the team's 5-3 win over the Mariners, giving up just one earned run on five hits while walking two and striking out a season-high 12 batters in a season-high 7 2/3 innings for his fourth win of the season. Fantasy managers had to be pleased to see Bradish bounce back on Wednesday after giving up a combined 10 earned runs on 16 hits (four homers) while walking six and striking out eight in eight innings in his previous two starts versus the Toronto Blue Jays and Mariners. The 29-year-old former fourth-round pick in 2018 by the Los Angeles Angels out of New Mexico State University has had trouble with his command in 2026 with a career-worst 11.7% walk rate, and it hasn't helped that his strikeout rate has fallen from a career-best 37.3% last year to 24.2% this season. Still, it was nice to see him walk only two on Wednesday and bounce back with a dominant showing. Bradish will be a must-start his next time out against the last-place Angels.--Keith Hernandez
Source: MLB.com

Jun 18, 2026, 10:08 AM ET

The Denver Nuggets are reportedly showing interest in veteran guard Bogdan Bogdanovic. The Nuggets are targeting Bogdanovic to pair him with fellow countryman Nikola Jokic. The duo looked great together during their time on the Serbian national team. This past season, Bogdanovic finished with 7.4 points, 2.6 rebounds, and 2.2 assists in 19.7 minutes per game in 23 contests with the Los Angeles Clippers. His best days are likely behind him, but Bogdanovic could still be a key rotational piece for a contending team like the Nuggets.--Andy Webb
Source: eurohoops.net

Jun 18, 2026, 10:05 AM ET

Seattle Mariners manager Dan Wilson said that outfielder Julio Rodriguez (hamstring) was pulled from Wednesday's game early against the Baltimore Orioles due to a hamstring spasm, according to Ryan Divish of The Seattle Times. Rodriguez tweaked his hamstring making a leaping catch in center field and was seen heading to the trainer's room. Before leaving, he went 1-for-3 at the plate with a run scored and two strikeouts. It looks like the Mariners pulled the 25-year-old All-Star as a precaution, and his injury doesn't appear to be very serious. Fantasy managers still shouldn't expect J-Rod to play in Thursday's series finale at T-Mobile Park against the Orioles, but he should be available this weekend in Seattle for a series against the Boston Red Sox. The three-time All-Star has hit .248/.310/.426 this year with a .736 OPS, 13 home runs, 35 RBI, 39 runs scored, and nine stolen bases in 74 games across 326 plate appearances. After his second 30-30 season in 2025, Rodriguez is a clear must-start in fantasy when he's active.--Keith Hernandez
Source: The Seattle Times - Ryan Divish

Jun 18, 2026, 10:02 AM ET

Washington Nationals relief pitcher Clayton Beeter hit a few bumps in the road early in June, but he seems to have regained his footing and remains the top closer option for the Nationals. Beeter gave up two runs in back-to-back appearances to start the month, but he has bounced back with three scoreless innings in his last three games. He hasn't allowed a hit in those outings and has racked up five strikeouts while walking just one. Gus Varland did get the team's most recent save on Tuesday, but Beeter had pitched back-to-back days in non-save situations coming into that contest. After getting two days off, he is positioned well for potential closing opportunities this weekend in Tampa Bay and can be a solid option if you're shopping for saves on the waiver wire.--Zach Thompson
Source: RotoBaller

Jun 18, 2026, 10:01 AM ET

With the Atlanta Falcons wrapping up the final session of mandatory minicamp on Wednesday, it was quarterback Tua Tagovailoa leading the first-team offense as the team worked on third-and-goal situations. Following his release from the Dolphins, Atlanta signed Tagovailoa to a one-year, $1.2 million deal, and as Michael Penix Jr. continues to work his way back from the ACL tear that ended his 2025 season, the seventh-year veteran has been given an early advantage in a battle expected to carry into training camp. The Falcons spent a first-round pick on Penix in the 2024 NFL Draft and face a critical decision about his fifth-year option following the 2026 season, so there is a belief that he'll be given every opportunity to claim the starting job once healthy, but new head coach Kevin Stefanski has long valued accuracy as one of the most important traits of the position. While Tagovailoa has completed exactly 68% of his passes since entering the league as a first-round pick in 2020, Penix ranked near the bottom of the league in on-target throw percentage in 2025. With a strong supporting cast of Bijan Robinson, Drake London, and Kyle Pitts, whoever claims the starting job could have fantasy viability throughout the year, and if that becomes Tagovailoa out of the gates, RotoBaller's QB30 could have early-season appeal as a streaming option.--Patrick McGrath
Source: Garrett Chapman

Jun 18, 2026, 9:59 AM ET

New York Knicks center Mitchell Robinson is set to become an unrestricted free agent this summer. The big man is set to hit the open market after finishing out a four-year, $60 million deal with the Knicks. Recently, Knicks owner James Dolan said that he wants to bring back the team for another run, but he also wants to avoid a second apron. The Knicks don't have a ton of cap space, and the second apron salary cap threshold makes it difficult for teams to make moves. The biggest impending free agent for the Knicks is Robinson, so his return becomes cloudy. The assumption is that both the Knicks and Robinson want to come together on a multi-year deal. However, Robinson is likely seeking a significant payday, which the Knicks might not be able to match.--Andy Webb
Source: WFAN 660

Jun 18, 2026, 9:56 AM ET

Baltimore Orioles first baseman/third baseman Coby Mayo continues to flash upside for the Orioles, although he remains a strikeout risk. Mayo is hitting only .194 on the season with a 32.5% K%, but he has been a little more effective lately, hitting .222 over his last 16 games with three doubles, four homers, a .278 ISO, and a .327 wOBA. If you need power from a corner infield spot, Mayo offers home run potential, with his contact metrics trending in the right direction. He will potentially cost you some batting average points and hurt your strikeout totals, but if your roster is built to withstand that hit in exchange for some raw power, it's hard to match Mayo's power potential from the waiver wire. The 24-year-old former top prospect has plenty of room to continue to develop over the rest of the season, and he can provide a power boost in deep leagues right away.--Zach Thompson
Source: RotoBaller

Jun 18, 2026, 9:52 AM ET

San Francisco Giants relief pitcher Tristan Beck earned his first save of the season on Wednesday against the Braves, as the Giants continue to use a committee approach to fill their closer role. Matt Gage started the ninth inning with his team leading 7-2, but he only recorded one out while allowing three runs on four straight hits. Beck came on with a three-run lead and retired Ozzie Albies on a groundout before striking out Austin Riley to end the game. Before Gage, the Giants used Sam Hentges and Ryan Walker in the seventh and eighth innings, but they never went to Caleb Kilian, who has been their primary closer lately. Kilian had pitched in three of the previous four games, and he'll likely remain the primary option in save situations for now. It is worth watching the situation, though, since Beck got the job done on Wednesday and could be worth a pick-up in deep leagues if he earns more high-leverage work.--Zach Thompson
Source: ESPN

Jun 18, 2026, 9:50 AM ET

Miami Dolphins wide receiver Malik Washington averaged only 18.6 receiving yards per game in 2025, but playing in all 17 games, his 317 yards were the most of any receiver currently on the roster. Miami has moved on from Tyreek Hill and Jaylen Waddle, and the team spent five of its 13 draft picks on either receiver or tight end. With the competition for targets wide open heading into 2026, Washington has a strong chance to serve as the team's WR1 in a new-look offense that will undoubtedly still run through running back De'Von Achane and potentially tight end Greg Dulcich. 2025 starting quarterback Tua Tagovailoa ranked 30th in the league with 6.9 yards per attempt, contributing to Washington's low yardage total despite a respectable 62 targets, whereas new starter Malik Willis has proven to be much more aggressive, leading the league with 12.1 yards per attempt across his four 2025 appearances. With a spot near the top of the depth chart and a downfield passing attack that could take advantage of some of the abilities that allowed him to rack up more than 1,300 yards in his final collegiate season, Washington has a chance to carve out something close to an every-week role for fantasy and could prove to be a steal as a player going in the late double-digit rounds of startup drafts.--Patrick McGrath
Source: RotoBaller

Jun 18, 2026, 9:44 AM ET

Los Angeles Dodgers relief pitcher Alex Vesia worked an adventurous ninth inning on Wednesday against the Rays, but he was able to preserve his team's one-run lead and lock down his third save of the season. The 30-year-old lefty issued three walks (one intentional) and struck out Cedric Mullins on a 3-2 pitch with the bases loaded for the final out of the game. Vesia has a 2.59 ERA and 2.32 FIP in his 33 games this season, earning 11 holds to go with his three saves. He has only allowed a run in one of his last 16 games, and he remains one of the team's top setup options ahead of Tanner Scott, who is closing while Edwin Diaz (elbow) is on the shelf. Scott got saves on both Monday and Tuesday, so Vesia was called on to fill in on Wednesday. Vesia is a great handcuff to pick up to attach to Scott since he's the next man up, even though Wednesday's game was definitely not his cleanest outing.--Zach Thompson
Source: ESPN

Jun 18, 2026, 9:41 AM ET

In a year that saw 22 tight ends selected in the 2026 NFL Draft, Baylor's Michael Trigg was not one of the players to hear his name called, and he ultimately signed with the Dallas Cowboys as an undrafted free agent. Finishing second in the nation with 694 receiving yards from the tight end position and landing in the top five with his six touchdown grabs, talent has never been a concern for Trigg, but off-field issues are what led him to go undrafted. While the Cowboys organization has a checkered history of character concerns, that reputation has improved immensely in recent years, and if Trigg can keep things focused on football, he could earn his way onto the roster. Dallas is already deep at the position with Jake Ferguson and dedicated blockers Luke Schoonmaker and Brevyn Spann-Ford, but in a league trending toward heavier 12 and 13-personnel usage, it should come as no surprise if more teams start keeping four tight ends on the roster. Trigg offers a receiving element that neither Schoonmaker nor Spann-Ford would be able to provide should Ferguson miss extended time, and while he'll first need to make the team, RotoBaller's dynasty TE42 could ultimately prove to be a taxi squad stash with long-term fantasy upside.--Patrick McGrath
Source: RotoBaller

Jun 18, 2026, 9:40 AM ET

Washington Wizards guard Trae Young plans to opt out of his final season and become a free agent, according to Marc J. Spears. Young has a player option worth nearly $49 million, but instead plans to become an unrestricted free agent. Young was acquired from the Atlanta Hawks in early January. He made five appearances for the Wizards before being shut down in March. The Wizards remain the favorite to land Young, but he'll now be free to go anywhere this offseason. The departure of Young could impact who the Wizards select in the upcoming NBA Draft. Young only played in 15 games last season, but he clearly doesn't believe that will impact his value on the open market. It's difficult to pass up nearly $50 million guaranteed, but Young believes he can land a better deal this offseason.--Andy Webb
Source: Marc J. Spears

Jun 18, 2026, 9:35 AM ET

Chicago Cubs relief pitcher Jacob Webb entered the ninth inning of a three-run game against the Rockies on Wednesday night and was able to secure his second save of the season. Webb allowed a solo home run to Kyle Karros, and he has given up a run in three of his last four starts, but he still could have some fantasy value if he continues to be one of the primary options to fill in for the injured Danny Palencia (elbow), who is on the 15-day injured list. Webb is expected to share the closer role with lefty Caleb Thielbar, who got two outs in the eighth inning on Wednesday before Webb entered. Webb now has a 3.13 ERA, 3.76 FIP, and 1.29 WHIP in his 32 games, with 37 strikeouts in 31 2/3 innings. It looks like he'll get the first chance to pick up saves for Chicago while Palencia is out, so he's worth a short-term pickup if you need saves for the next few weeks. Thielbar could also get the call if lefties are in the mix, so he's also worth considering as a speculative pickup for saves in deep leagues.--Zach Thompson
Source: ESPN

Jun 18, 2026, 9:34 AM ET

When the Indianapolis Colts took running back Seth McGowan in the seventh round of the 2026 NFL Draft, they added to a room in serious need of depth behind three-time Pro Bowler Jonathan Taylor. With Taylor playing in all 17 games and leading the NFL with 323 carries in 2025, there was little work to be split up behind him, and the next three backs on the roster combined for fewer than 50 attempts. Two of those backs, veterans Ameer Abdullah and Tyler Goodson, are no longer on the roster, leaving McGowan to battle it out with 2025 fifth-round pick DJ Giddens for the team's primary backup role. In a disappointing rookie season, Giddens was held out of several games as a healthy scratch while averaging only 3.7 yards per carry. With quarterback Daniel Jones potentially facing a ramp-up period to begin the year as he recovers from the Achilles injury sustained in December, the Colts' running game becomes all the more important, and a balance will need to be struck in preserving Taylor after 2025 marked his first full season since his 2021 breakout. A big, physical back, McGowan will have his chance to make an impression when the pads come on for training camp in late July. Whoever ultimately wins the job between McGowan and Giddens will have little standalone value behind Taylor, but in a run-heavy offense behind a running back with a history of missing time, the role comes with some of the highest insurance upside in the league.--Patrick McGrath
Source: RotoBaller

Jun 18, 2026, 9:27 AM ET

While playing in all 17 games in 2025, Los Angeles Rams running back Kyren Williams finished as the fantasy RB9, but his points per game in half-PPR formats dropped by almost 1.9 points from his RB7 finish of the previous season. While many are quick to point out the growing involvement of 2024 third-round pick Blake Corum, one of the biggest factors working against Williams in 2025 was his red zone usage. Williams was still one of the most efficient goal line players in the league, but with wide receiver Davante Adams scoring an NFL record 11 receiving touchdowns from within the five-yard line, Williams saw his red zone carries drop by more than 20 attempts from the previous season. Adams holds the career record for most receiving touchdowns from the one-yard line, so his goal line usage is not going to suddenly dry up in 2026, but regression will likely prevent him from again hitting double-digit scores from that area, providing Williams more opportunities from a part of the field where he has been one of the league's most successful players over the past three seasons. At RotoBaller's RB14, Williams represents some of the highest odds of a top-five fantasy finish from a player going outside the top 12 of his position and remains a reliable RB1 for drafters loading up on receivers with their first two picks.--Patrick McGrath
Source: RotoBaller

Jun 18, 2026, 12:07 AM ET

Seattle Mariners outfielder Julio Rodriguez (undisclosed) was removed from Wednesday night's game early against the visiting Baltimore Orioles due to an undisclosed injury, according to Ryan Divish of The Seattle Times. J-Rod left the dugout with a trainer and went to the clubhouse. Before leaving the contest, Rodriguez went 1-for-3 at the plate with a double, a run scored, and two strikeouts. Victor Robles moved from right field to center field, with Rob Refsynder entering the game to play right field for the M's. Seattle can ill-afford to lose the 25-year-old Dominican for an extended amount of time with Randy Arozarena (hamstring) going on the injured list on Tuesday and Luke Raley (back) also banged up of late. We should have an update on Rodriguez early on Thursday, so check back then. Even if it's not a serious injury, fantasy managers shouldn't expect him to be in the lineup for the series finale against the O's at T-Mobile Park on Thursday. Rodriguez came into Wednesday's tilt with a .248/.310/.426 slash line, .736 OPS, 13 home runs, 35 RBI, 39 runs scored, and nine stolen bases in 74 games across 326 plate appearances.--Keith Hernandez
Source: The Seattle Times - Ryan Divish

Jun 17, 2026, 11:55 PM ET

Chicago White Sox infielder Colson Montgomery came into Wednesday's game against the New York Yankees in the Bronx hitting just .221 (55-for-249) through his first 68 games of his first full year in the big leagues. Montgomery also entered the day with 17 home runs after hitting 21 in 71 games as a rookie in 2025, and he continued to flex his muscles at the plate by going 2-for-4 with two home runs and four RBI in the 10-5 loss on the road. Both of his round-trippers were of the solo variety for his first career multi-home run game. Montgomery is now hitting .225/.319/.502 with 19 home runs, 13 doubles, 44 RBI, and 35 runs scored in 288 plate appearances. Of his seven hits so far in June, six of them have gone for extra bases. The 24-year-old former 22nd overall pick in 2021 doesn't make all that much contact and hasn't been an asset for his on-base percentage, but he has plenty of power to spare and now ranks ninth in baseball with his 19 home runs.--Keith Hernandez
Source: MLB.com

Jun 17, 2026, 10:57 PM ET

Across 134 plate appearances since making his MLB debut in mid-May, New York Mets outfielder A.J. Ewing is hitting .250/.333/.362 with two home runs, 11 RBI, 14 runs scored, and seven stolen bases. The 21-year-old has struggled with both swing-and-miss (29.2%) and power (5.3% barrel rate) early in his MLB career, which is a bit of a worrying combination. Still, Ewing has demonstrated an ability to get on base (11.2% walk rate) and profiles as a significant speed threat. Across 124 minor league games in 2025, Ewing stole 70 bases. With his elite speed, Ewing consistently ran high BABIPs in the minors despite his underwhelming contact quality. If he can cut down on the whiffs as he gets more reps against big-league pitching, Ewing could emerge as a solid source of batting average and a tremendous source of speed for fantasy managers over the second half of the 2026 season.--Will Brady
Source: RotoBaller

Jun 17, 2026, 10:55 PM ET

Los Angeles Chargers second-year running back Omarion Hampton said that offensive coordinator Mike McDaniel told him he reminds him of Denver Broncos Hall of Fame RB Terrell Davis, according to Alex Insdorf. The Bolts took the 23-year-old with the 22nd overall pick in last year's NFL draft out of the University of North Carolina. He was set up for a major role earlier than expected in L.A. when Najee Harris suffered a torn Achilles in Week 1, but then Hampton missed seven weeks with a fractured ankle, ultimately finishing with 545 rushing yards and four touchdowns on 124 carries (4.4 yards per carry) while adding 32 receptions for 192 yards and another score in nine regular-season games (six starts). Comparing Hampton to Davis is high praise from the new OC, but if healthy, Hampton has clear Year 2 breakout potential. With better health, an improved Chargers' offensive line, and more usage in McDaniel's system, Hampton has obvious RB1 upside going into his sophomore campaign. RotoBaller has Hampton ranked as the No. 11 fantasy RB for the upcoming 2026 season.--Keith Hernandez
Source: Alex Insdorf

Jun 17, 2026, 10:50 PM ET

Colorado Rockies right-hander Antonio Senzatela has hit a bit of a rough patch in recent outings, allowing five earned runs over his last 4 2/3 innings (four appearances). Still, the 31-year-old has largely been a revelation after being moved to the bullpen full-time in 2026. Across 39 1/3 innings (21 games) in 2026, Senzatela has recorded a 6-0 record with a 2.29 ERA, 1.04 WHIP, 32 strikeouts, and three saves. While he doesn't offer much swing-and-miss upside relative to other top closer options, Senzatela is averaging 97.3 miles per hour on his fastball and appears to have taken over as the Rockies' preferred option in the ninth inning. Senzatela is currently in the final guaranteed year of his contract with Colorado (club option for $14 million in 2027), so fantasy managers should be aware that he could easily be moved before this year's trade deadline. For now, the veteran could be worth targeting on the waiver wire for fantasy managers in need of saves.--Will Brady
Source: RotoBaller

Jun 17, 2026, 10:39 PM ET

Across 299 plate appearances in 2026, Chicago White Sox infielder Chase Meidroth is hitting .278/.347/.399 with six home runs, 25 RBI, 43 runs scored, and two stolen bases. The 25-year-old's underlying power metrics are marginally improved this season, as he's logged a 5.0% barrel rate after posting a 1.6% barrel rate in 2025. Still, Meidroth is highly unlikely to provide fantasy managers with much power or run production. On the other hand, Meidroth has established himself as a plus defender at second base with a solid hit tool, which should keep him in the White Sox lineup on an everyday basis. He also stole 14 bases in 122 MLB games in 2025, so his speed output could pick up over the course of a larger sample size in 2026. In deeper leagues, fantasy managers in need of stability in the middle infield may want to consider targeting Meidroth on the waiver wire.--Will Brady
Source: RotoBaller

Jun 17, 2026, 10:30 PM ET

Chicago Cubs right-hander Phil Maton has largely struggled so far in 2026, recording a 5.92 ERA and 1.77 WHIP with 27 strikeouts across 24 1/3 innings pitched (28 games). However, he may now have a chance to earn save chances in Chicago following the news that Cubs closer Daniel Palencia (elbow) is hitting the 15-day injured list with elbow inflammation. Maton put together an excellent season in 2025, recording a 2.79 ERA and 1.06 WHIP with 81 strikeouts and five saves across 61 1/3 innings split between the St. Louis Cardinals and Texas Rangers. He missed roughly three weeks earlier this season with knee tendinitis, which could explain some of his issues in 2026. Maton has been better in recent appearances, allowing just two earned runs over his last 12 outings. In deeper leagues, he could be worth targeting on the waiver wire as a source of saves.--Will Brady
Source: RotoBaller