RADIO
Luke Adams Emerging as Another Name to Monitor in Loaded Brewers System
Milwaukee Brewers corner infield prospect Luke Adams has been a force at Triple-A Nashville during his limited action so far this season. The Brewers' 12th-ranked prospect missed about a month and a half earlier this year, but in the 32 games he's played, he's collected 26 hits, 15 of which have gone for extra bases, including 10 home runs, giving him a .574 slugging percentage. The 6-foot-4 slugger also owns a solid 11.4 percent walk rate as well and has managed to get hit by a pitch 10 times already, providing the foundation for a .382 on-base percentage. In all, it's resulted in a .956 OPS, which would put him near the top of the leaderboard had he played in enough games to qualify. The 22-year-old is a candidate for a call-up in the second half, and fantasy managers, especially those in very deep or OBP leagues, should put the right-handed hitter on their stash radar.
Source: MiLB.com
Source: MiLB.com
Alex Lange a Priority Add for Saves in 12-Team Leagues?
Kansas City Royals reliever Alex Lange was called upon in a save situation on Monday after his recent disastrous appearance. Two days after allowing five runs while recording one out in a 22-1 loss to the Chicago White Sox, he retired the side in order for his seventh save on June 28. That vote of confidence matters. Kansas City used Lucas Erceg in the seventh and Matt Strahm in the eighth before turning to Lange with a one-run lead. His ratios remain a concern, however. Lange has a 4.95 ERA and 1.49 WHIP with 37 strikeouts and 21 walks over 36 1/3 innings in 2026, but he has converted all seven of his save chances in June. Carlos Estevez (shoulder) remains on the 60-day injured list and felt discomfort after a June 27 bullpen session, which could give Lange a longer leash as the closer. At 23% rostered on Yahoo, Lange is a priority add in 12-team leagues for fantasy managers chasing saves, but it could be a bumpy ride.
Source: RotoBaller
Source: RotoBaller
Daulton Varsho a Must-Add Outfielder Ahead of Potential Second-Half Breakout
Across 267 plate appearances in 2026, Toronto Blue Jays outfielder Daulton Varsho is hitting .258/.330/.425 with seven home runs, 22 RBI, 31 runs scored, and seven stolen bases. The oft-injured Varsho hit the 10-day injured list earlier this month with a wrist issue, but he returned as soon as eligible and has largely stayed healthy otherwise this season. Varsho's power is down in 2026, as he's logged a 7% barrel rate after posting a 15.9% barrel rate in 2025. However, he's cut his strikeout rate to a career-best 21%, which has helped raise his batting average floor. Varsho is also slugging .472 in June and has three stolen bases this month despite the missed time. If his power/speed profile fully returns in the second half of the season, Varsho could be a highly valuable five-category contributor for fantasy managers. In leagues where he remains available, Varsho should be a priority waiver wire target.
Source: RotoBaller
Source: RotoBaller
Joey Cantillo Emerging as a Priority Waiver-Wire Target
Across 86 innings (17 starts) in 2026, Cleveland Guardians left-hander Joey Cantillo has recorded a 6-3 record with a 3.87 ERA, 1.35 WHIP, and 85 strikeouts. The 26-year-old's WHIP is elevated by his 10.8% walk rate, which limits his value to fantasy managers to some degree. Still, Cantillo has limited opposing batters to a 36.6% hard-hit rate and has been a reliable innings-eater for the Guardians so far this season. Cantillo has also demonstrated a higher upside in recent outings, recording a 28.7% strikeout rate and 7% walk rate across 28 innings (five starts) in June. Especially in more favorable matchups, Cantillo profiles as a quality starting pitcher streamer. His next scheduled start will come on Wednesday against the Texas Rangers in Cleveland.
Source: RotoBaller
Source: RotoBaller
Walbert Urena Remains a Waiver-Wire Priority Despite Rough Outing
Los Angeles Angels starting pitcher Walbert Urena had a rough day in his most recent start, allowing seven earned runs across 4 1/3 innings against the Athletics. However, even with the blowup outing, Urena has been a breakout success story this season for the Angels. Across 71 2/3 innings (15 games), Urena has recorded a 5-6 record with a 3.14 ERA, 1.34 WHIP, and 69 strikeouts. The 22-year-old's WHIP is inflated by his 11.8% walk rate, which is a bit of a concern for fantasy managers. Still, Urena is averaging 97.6 miles per hour on his fastball and owns a 54.5% ground ball rate, which has helped him limit damage via the long ball (0.63 HR/9). Particularly in deeper league formats, Urena profiles as a quality innings eater who should be targeted on the waiver wire where available.
Source: RotoBaller
Source: RotoBaller
Curtis Mead a Priority Waiver-Wire Target Amidst Breakout Campaign
Washington Nationals infielder Curtis Mead has been one of the bigger breakout surprises of the 2026 season thus far, hitting .227/.323/.468 with 14 home runs, 39 RBI, 36 runs scored, and three stolen bases across 251 plate appearances. The 25-year-old has reduced his strikeout rate to a career-best 18.7% while upping his barrel rate to a career-high 11%. Mead has also emerged as a near-everyday fixture in the Nationals lineup at third base after opening the year in more of a short side platoon role. He got off to a slow start to the month of June but has turned it on of late, logging six hits and two home runs in his last 21 plate appearances. In leagues where he's not already rostered, Mead profiles as a priority waiver wire target.
Source: RotoBaller
Source: RotoBaller
Aaron Ashby Remains an Intriguing Waiver-Wire Target Despite Lack of Saves
Milwaukee Brewers left-hander Aaron Ashby picked up his MLB-leading 11th win of 2026 on Monday, pitching a scoreless eighth inning in his team's 5-3 win over the Cincinnati Reds. Ashby has been extremely valuable in a high-leverage bullpen role for Milwaukee so far this season, recording a 3.24 ERA and 1.36 WHIP with 68 strikeouts across 50 innings (39 games). The 28-year-old's 12% walk rate inflates his WHIP, but he's also struck out 31.5% of the batters he's faced this year. The Brewers have Trevor Megill entrenched as their closer, so Ashby is unlikely to provide fantasy managers with saves. Still, Ashby's ability to work multiple innings and Milwaukee's willingness to use him in close games has consistently put him in position to pick up wins while racking up strikeouts. Particularly in deeper league formats, Ashby could be worth targeting on the waiver wire.
Source: MLB.com
Source: MLB.com
Grant Taylor Picks Up Fourth Win on Monday, Worth Targeting on the Waiver Wire?
Chicago White Sox right-hander Grant Taylor recorded his fourth win of the season on Monday, throwing two scoreless innings with two strikeouts in his team's 8-2 win over the Baltimore Orioles. Taylor has been one of MLB's best high-leverage arms so far in 2026, recording a 2.70 ERA, 1.08 WHIP, 62 strikeouts, and two saves across 43 1/3 innings (32 games). The 24-year-old is averaging 98.3 miles per hour on his fastball and owns an elite 28.2% K-BB rate. The White Sox have gotten serviceable production from veteran Seranthony Dominguez in the ninth inning so far this season and may not want to move Taylor out of his current fireman role. Still, Taylor may have value in deeper fantasy leagues as a multi-inning reliever who provides elite ratios, an elite strikeout rate, and solid win potential while picking up the occasional save.
Source: MLB.com
Source: MLB.com
Hurston Waldrep Likely to Enter Braves Starting Rotation?
MLB.com's Mark Bowman writes that "there's reason to be excited" about what Atlanta Braves right-hander Hurston Waldrep "might offer over the next few weeks." In his season debut on Friday against the San Francisco Giants in relief, Waldrep walked four in two innings. He also walked six in 7 2/3 innings at Triple-A Gwinnett before being called up, but four of those came in a rain-soaked, three-inning outing on June 16. Bowman thinks that Waldrep has the higher upside than right-hander Reynaldo Lopez, who made the start for the Braves on Friday. Lopez is starting Wednesday's game against the St. Louis Cardinals, so Waldrep could pitch in relief at some point that night. With Bryce Elder potentially being skipped in Atlanta's rotation due to a recent rough stretch, Waldrep could be the top candidate to make a start or multiple starts before the All-Star break in July. The 24-year-old figures to be a rotation option in the second half after he went 6-1 with a 2.88 ERA (3.21 FIP) and 1.19 WHIP with 55 strikeouts and 22 walks in 56 1/3 innings over 10 outings (nine starts) for the Braves last year. Waldrep is absolutely an upside arm for savvy fantasy managers to stash now. He's rostered in only 5% of Yahoo leagues.
Source: MLB.com - Mark Bowman
Source: MLB.com - Mark Bowman
Bryce Elder's Velocity Down, to be Skipped in Rotation?
The Atlanta Braves are expected to alter their starting rotation again this week after right-hander Bryce Elder lasted only four innings on Saturday and allowed five earned runs in his most recent outing against the San Francisco Giants, according to Mark Bowman of MLB.com. Elder's velocity was down roughly one mph with each of his pitches. He has a 2.70 ERA in nine starts on regular rest and a 5.56 ERA in his other eight starts in 2026. But his drop in velocity over the weekend will likely lead the Braves to give him extra rest before his next appearance, per Bowman. The 27-year-old's ERA has risen from 1.97 to 4.01, and he's surrendered 29 earned runs in his last 30 innings for an 8.70 ERA. But from Aug. 24 of last year until May 22 of this year, Elder had a 2.30 ERA, which was the fifth-best ERA during that span. There's still reason to believe that Elder can turn things around after his recent rough stretch. If the Braves push Elder back, right-hander Hurston Waldrep is the top candidate to make a start for the Braves.
Source: MLB.com - Mark Bowman
Source: MLB.com - Mark Bowman
Hunter Greene Expects to Make Season Debut on Friday or Saturday
Cincinnati Reds right-hander Hunter Greene (elbow) said he expects to come off the 60-day injured list to rejoin the team's starting rotation on either Friday or Saturday against the Baltimore Orioles to make his 2026 season debut, according to Gordon Wittenmyer of The Cincinnati Enquirer. The 26-year-old is finally ready to rejoin the Reds' starting rotation after having surgery on March 11 to remove bone chips from his right elbow. In his three minor-league rehab starts, Greene looked great, tossing 14 1/3 shutout innings with three hits allowed, two walks, and 13 strikeouts. He got up to 82 pitches in his final rehab appearance on Sunday at Triple-A Louisville, so he should not be limited at all pitch-count-wise this weekend against the O's. Greene will most likely return on the Fourth of July, and fantasy managers who have been holding him all year will be hoping he can provide fireworks immediately. Greene needs to be rostered in all fantasy formats for his high-strikeout, ace upside at the top of Cincy's rotation. He's currently rostered in 73% of Yahoo leagues.
Source: The Cincinnati Enquirer - Gordon Wittenmyer
Source: The Cincinnati Enquirer - Gordon Wittenmyer
Trent Grisham Will be Activated on Friday
New York Yankees manager Aaron Boone told the Talkin' Yanks podcast that outfielder Trent Grisham (hamstring) and third baseman Ryan McMahon (illness) will play in a minor-league rehab game with Double-A Somerset on Wednesday and then be activated from the 10-day injured list on Friday for the start of their series at home against the Minnesota Twins. Grisham has been sidelined since the middle of June with a strained right hamstring, but he will be back this weekend as the team's starting center fielder, barring a setback during his rehab game on Wednesday. The 29-year-old former 15th overall pick by the Milwaukee Brewers in 2015 can provide some pop in the outfield for fantasy managers seeking depth. Through 66 games and 264 plate appearances in 2026 in his third year with the Yanks, Grisham is hitting .232/.341/.406 with a .747 OPS, eight homers, 35 RBI, six steals, and 40 runs scored. Nobody should be expecting him to repeat his career year in 2025, when he hit 34 homers and drove in 74, but Grisham can still be an asset in mixed fantasy leagues when he faces right-handed pitchers.
Source: Talkin' Yanks
Source: Talkin' Yanks
Jazz Chisholm Jr. Won't Start on Tuesday Against Tigers
New York Yankees manager Aaron Boone told the Talkin' Yanks podcast that infielder Jazz Chisholm Jr. (head) won't be in the starting lineup for Tuesday's clash against the visiting Detroit Tigers after he collided with outfielder Jasson Dominguez in Monday's loss. However, Boone hopes Chisholm is available off the bench. Chisholm took an elbow to his head on Monday night and was put in the concussion protocol. The fact that the 28-year-old might be available off the bench a day later suggests that he might have avoided a concussion and won't land on the seven-day concussion list as we head into July. If Chisholm avoided a concussion, he could be back in action as early as Wednesday's game against Detroit. The two-time All-Star is batting just .222 (63-for-284) on the season with an on-base percentage just over .300 and a 28.7% strikeout rate, but his power (12 homers) and speed (24 stolen bases) make him enticing as a fantasy second baseman in the Bronx. Check back on Wednesday to see if he's back on the field. UPDATE: MLB.com's Bryan Hoch reports that Chisholm passed all of his concussion tests and should be available off the bench on Tuesday.
Source: Talkin' Yanks
Source: Talkin' Yanks
Cam Smith Continues to Leave the Yard, has Two-Homer Game Against Twins
Houston Astros outfielder Cam Smith continued his power binge in Monday night's 5-4 loss at home to the visiting Minnesota Twins at Daikin Park, going 2-for-4 at the plate with two solo home runs to raise his season batting average to .222 and his OPS to .685. The 23-year-old former 14th overall pick by the Chicago Cubs in 2024 out of Florida State University is batting only .222 (63-for-284) on the year with an on-base percentage under .300 and a strikeout rate of 25.3% in 85 games (320 plate appearances), but he has already set a new career high in home runs, and four of his last six hits have cleared the fences. It was good to see Smith flex his muscles again after missing Sunday's series finale against the Detroit Tigers due to a sore foot. Although there is a lot of swing and miss in Smith's game, his current xBA sits at .247, and he also has a .332 xwOBA (.294 wOBA), suggesting that positive regression is due in the second half of his sophomore campaign. Smith sits in the 71st percentile in hard-hit rate and the 80th percentile in barrel rate, so when he is making contact, it has been loud. Fantasy managers seeking power should consider Smith off the waiver wire, and he's widely available, as he's rostered in only 11% of Yahoo leagues.
Source: MLB.com
Source: MLB.com
Cole Young Stays Hot in June, Hits Two Home Runs on Monday
Seattle Mariners second baseman Cole Young continued to swing the bat well in the team's 6-2 win over the division-rival Los Angeles Angels at T-Mobile Park on Monday, going 3-for-3 with two home runs and three RBI to boost his season average to .260 and his OPS to .713. It was the 22-year-old's first multi-homer game of his young career. Although Young's season line might not impress anyone, he has picked things up in June and has gone 30-for-102 (.294) with five home runs, two doubles, 11 RBI, and 11 runs scored in 26 games and 107 plate appearances during the month. The young middle infielder is now slashing .260/.321/.392 on the season with nine long balls, 40 RBI, 37 runs scored, and two stolen bases in his 311 at-bats in his first full year in the majors in Seattle. With an expected batting average of .277 and an xwOBA of .329 (wOBA of .304), Young's batted-ball profile suggests that his improvement in June is no fluke. If you need middle-infield help in deep-mixed fantasy leagues, you could do much worse than Young, who is only rostered in 11% of Yahoo leagues.
Source: MLB.com
Source: MLB.com
