RADIO
Zach Neto, Freddy Peralta Drawing Trade Interest From Rays
Los Angeles Angels shortstop Zach Neto and New York Mets starting pitcher Freddy Peralta are among the players drawing trade interest from the Tampa Bay Rays. The Angels are listening on Neto but have placed a high asking price on the 25-year-old, who is batting .235/.326/.440 with 19 home runs, 46 RBI, 71 runs, and 13 steals in 104 games. Peralta has struggled in New York, going 5-9 with a 4.99 ERA, 1.48 WHIP, and 113 strikeouts across 113 2/3 innings over 22 starts. He can become a free agent after the season, while Neto remains under club control through 2029. Tampa Bay is considering another starter to help manage its rotation workloads, but neither player appears close to being moved. Their fantasy outlooks remain unchanged for now.
Source: Fansided
Source: Fansided
Zac Thornton Emerging as a Must-Add Starting Pitcher
New York Mets starting pitcher Zac Thornton put together another impressive outing on Monday night, throwing 6 1/3 innings of three-run ball with five strikeouts in his team's 14-3 win over the Atlanta Braves. Since being recalled from Triple-A in mid-July, Thornton has allowed just three earned runs while picking up two wins and 12 strikeouts across 19 1/3 innings (three starts). The 24-year-old is averaging just 92 miles per hour on his fastball and does not profile as a significant source of swing-and-miss, as he's logged just a 20% strikeout rate in the big leagues so far this season. However, the young left-hander has been hard to barrel up, as he's allowed just two home runs across 29 2/3 innings pitched for the Mets in 2026. Given his current hot streak, Thornton profiles as a priority waiver wire target ahead of his next scheduled start against the Miami Marlins on Saturday.
Source: RotoBaller
Source: RotoBaller
Jonathan Santucci Moving up to Triple-A as Late-Season MLB Debut is in Reach
New York Mets left-handed pitching prospect Jonathan Santucci is moving up to Triple-A Syracuse and is now just one stop away from Queens. Santucci is currently considered the No. 7 overall prospect in the system per MLB.com. Santucci joined the Mets in the 2024 MLB Draft in the second round out of Duke. In 2025, Santucci split his time in the lower levels, logging stints at both Low-A and High-A. Through 117 2/3 total innings, the southpaw held a 3.06 ERA, 1.16 WHIP, with a 138:41 K:BB. At Double-A this season, Santucci continued to flash high-end strikeout talent, totaling 120 over just 90 2/3 innings while carrying a 3.57 ERA. Managers in deeper redraft leagues should continue to monitor Santucci as he could earn a brief taste of MLB action, especially if the Mets were to trade current starters like Freddy Peralta and Sean Manaea ahead of the deadline.
Source: MiLB Central
Source: MiLB Central
Jack Wenninger Falling Off Stash Radar
New York Mets pitching prospect Jack Wenninger needed 78 pitches to get through three innings in his latest start, allowing three runs (two earned) on five hits and three walks while striking out two. After a strong start to the season in which he posted a 1.08 ERA (3.63 FIP), 1.11 WHIP, and 38 strikeouts in 33 1/3 innings pitched, the right-hander has posted a 5.29 ERA (6.34 FIP), 1.58 WHIP, and just 41 strikeouts in 49 1/3 IP over his last 11 appearances. The Mets' fourth-ranked prospect seemed to be on the verge of making a major league debut earlier this year, but it looks like he needs a bit more development. If he can get back on track, a debut later this season could still be in the cards, but with a high walk rate (12.7 percent) and averaging less than a strikeout per inning (8.6 K/9), there is little reason to stash him in fantasy.
Source: MiLB.com
Source: MiLB.com
Zac Thornton Emerging as a Starting Pitcher Streamer to Target on the Waiver Wire
New York Mets starting pitcher Zac Thornton picked up his first win of the season on Tuesday night, throwing six scoreless innings with two strikeouts in his team's 4-0 win over the Milwaukee Brewers. Thornton has spent most of the 2026 season at Triple-A, where he's recorded a 4.02 ERA across 62 2/3 innings. However, the 24-year-old was recalled by New York on July 12 and has been extremely effective across his last two starts, throwing 13 scoreless innings while allowing just five hits and three walks. Thornton averages just 92 miles per hour on his fastball and has posted a 19.5% strikeout rate in the big leagues this season, so fantasy managers should not expect high-end strikeout upside. Still, the young left-hander has allowed just a 6.9% walk rate, and opposing batters are hitting .173 against him. In the midst of his current hot streak, Thornton profiles as a starting pitcher streamer to target on the waiver wire.
Source: RotoBaller
Source: RotoBaller
Jack Wenninger a Potential Stash Option in the Second Half
New York Mets pitching prospect Jack Wenninger could make his major league debut in the second half, especially if the Mets deal one of their rotation pieces before the trade deadline. The Mets' fourth-ranked prospect has shown flashes of dominance at times this season at Triple-A Syracuse, most notably in the early going when he posted a 1.08 ERA, 1.11 WHIP, and struck out 38 batters in the first 33 1/3 innings pitched this year. Overall, the right-hander owns a 3.50 ERA, 1.36 WHIP, and a 9.6 percent K-BB%, so some shine has come off his stash status for fantasy, and a 5.28 FIP suggests the results could have been even worse. However, if the 6-foot-4 hurler can return to his early-season form, he could certainly be useful for fantasy. The 24-year-old hasn't pitched since before the All-Star break, so his arm should be fresh for the second half. If he starts dealing coming out of the break, he could become a worthy stash option in very deep and NL-only leagues.
Source: MiLB.com
Source: MiLB.com
Nolan McLean Dominates the Phillies on Sunday
New York Mets right-hander Nolan McLean had a dominant performance over the division-rival Philadelphia Phillies in Sunday's 6-1 victory on the road at Citizens Bank Park, throwing six shutout innings with only two hits allowed, two walks, and a season-high 10 strikeouts to pick up his seventh victory of the 2026 season and drop his ERA to 3.34 on the year. The 24-year-old is now 7-6 on the season with a 1.09 WHIP, 135 strikeouts, and 41 walks in 113 1/3 innings pitched across his 20 starts in his first full MLB season after he went 5-1 with a 2.06 ERA, 1.04 WHIP, and 57:16 K:BB in 48 innings over his first eight starts last year. Since surrendering six earned runs to the Chicago Cubs on June 24, McLean has righted the ship, going 3-1 with a 0.75 ERA (1.81 FIP), seven walks, and 29 strikeouts in his last 24 innings pitched over his last four starts. The former third-rounder in 2023 out of Oklahoma State University will have a tough challenge to keep his strong run of form going in his next scheduled outing versus the Los Angeles Dodgers this weekend. He pitched well in his first meeting with L.A. on April 14, though, allowing just one earned run with two walks and eight strikeouts in seven innings for a no-decision.
Source: MLB.com
Source: MLB.com
Clay Holmes to Begin a Rehab Assignment on Saturday
New York Mets right-hander Clay Holmes (leg) will start his minor-league rehab assignment on Saturday with the High-A Brooklyn Cyclones, according to the team. Despite being out since mid-May due to a fractured fibula, Holmes is considered a significant trade deadline asset for a team that is expected to begin selling off pieces sooner rather than later. Holmes threw a live bullpen session on Tuesday during the All-Star break, and multiple teams are expected to scout his first rehab outing this weekend. The 33-year-old veteran holds a player option worth $12 million for next year and is also a candidate for an extension. In his first nine starts for the Mets in 2026, Holmes was great, going 4-4 with a 2.39 ERA (3.21 FIP) and 1.10 WHIP with 45 strikeouts and 18 walks in 52 2/3 innings pitched. While Holmes' underlying metrics suggest he was fortunate to have the surface stats he did in the first half, he can still help fantasy managers in the second half with a return to full health, especially if he's pitching for a contender. He's only rostered in 27% of Yahoo leagues at the moment, so fantasy managers with rotation needs should consider stashing him now.
Source: Brooklyn Cyclones
Source: Brooklyn Cyclones
Christian Scott Can't be Ignored After Strong Start to Second Half
New York Mets right-hander Christian Scott was already on RotoBaller's waiver watch list going into the All-Star break, and he should now be a priority pickup after picking up his third win of the season on Thursday night in the victory over the division-rival Philadelphia Phillies. Scott threw 5 2/3 shutout innings with three hits allowed, no walks, and seven strikeouts to lower his season ERA to 2.87. The 27-year-old still has not gone six innings in any of his 13 starts for the Mets this year, but fantasy managers need to remember this is his first full season back from Tommy John surgery. The former fifth-rounder in 2021 out of the University of Florida has looked great so far in his second big-league season otherwise, though, and even though his walk rate is a tad high at 10.3%, it's been nice to see his strikeout rate jump to 28.5%, up from 19.8% in his rookie season in 2024. Fantasy managers may want to avoid Scott in his next scheduled outing against the first-place Milwaukee Brewers, but if he impresses in that matchup, he'll be the hottest pitcher on the waiver wire. Scott is currently rostered in only 22% of Yahoo leagues.
Source: MLB.com
Source: MLB.com
Jack Wenninger Looking for Shot to Contribute at Big-League Level
New York Mets pitching prospect Jack Wenninger is dealing at Triple-A Syracuse with a 4-5 record and a 3.50 ERA and 1.36 WHIP with 77 strikeouts in 79 2/3 innings pitched. The 24-year-old right-hander has done his best at Syracuse to prove he is worthy of a shot in the Mets' starting rotation. He has looked dominant in July, logging 11 2/3 innings to the tune of a 1.54 ERA and a 0.94 WHIP. Wenninger is the No. 4 overall prospect in the Mets' system after he was drafted in the sixth round in the 2023 Draft. If the Mets continue to struggle, or move one of their current starters ahead of the deadline, look for Wenninger to get a big-league shot with his power fastball and elite splitter. That being said, fantasy managers could look ahead and head to the waiver wire to snatch up Wenninger before others. He has the prospect pedigree and the potential opportunity with the struggling Mets team to contribute at the big-league level.
Source: Minor League Baseball
Source: Minor League Baseball
Christian Scott a Second-Half Breakout Candidate to Target on Waivers
New York Mets right-hander Christian Scott hasn't provided much length as a starting pitcher in his 12 starts for the Mets through the first half of the season, but other than that, he's looked strong in 2026 in his return from Tommy John surgery. Scott hasn't gone six innings in any of his starts this year, but he's gone 2-1 with a 3.17 ERA (4.10 FIP) and 1.29 WHIP with 65 strikeouts and 26 walks in 54 innings in his second year in the big leagues. The 27-year-old former fifth-round selection from the University of Florida in 2021 has improved his strikeout rate from 19.8% in his rookie year in 2024 to 27.9% this year, but his 11.2% walk rate isn't ideal. It's also not that big of a surprise for a pitcher coming off Tommy John surgery. If Scott can improve his control and command while inevitably increasing his workload, he could quickly become a must-roster starting pitcher in fantasy. Managers in deeper leagues may want to get a head start during the All-Star break after Scott threw five shutout innings with five strikeouts in his final start before the break on July 8 against the Kansas City Royals. He's rostered in only 16% of Yahoo leagues currently.
Source: Baseball Reference
Source: Baseball Reference
Jack Wenninger is a Sneaky Stash as Second Half Rolls Around
New York Mets starting pitching prospect Jack Wenninger has turned in two strong starts in July and has made a case for a promotion to the big leagues. In July, Wenninger is 1-0 with a 1.54 ERA over two starts, with nine strikeouts in 11 2/3 innings. Overall at Triple-A Syracuse, Wenninger is 4-5 with a 3.50 ERA and 77 strikeouts in 79.2 innings. The 6-foot-4 right-hander has made 14 starts and 17 total appearances this season for Syracuse and could be second in line for a promotion into the rotation behind Jonah Tong, who has already seen time in New York. At 24 years old, Wenninger is the No. 4 prospect in the Mets' system and could be a sneaky stash in deeper formats, as he appears to be in line for an MLB debut in the second half. An early move on the waiver wire could pay off for fantasy managers seeking pitching depth down the stretch.
Source: Minor League Baseball
Source: Minor League Baseball
Clay Holmes Throwing Live Bullpen on Friday
New York Mets right-hander Clay Holmes (leg) is throwing a live bullpen session at Citi Field on Friday, according to Abbey Mastracco of the New York Daily News. It is the first time that Holmes is facing hitters since fracturing his right fibula in the middle of May. He still has a ways to go before rejoining New York's starting rotation in the second half of the season, but he could start a minor-league rehab assignment shortly after next week's All-Star break. The 33-year-old veteran could be a popular trade target for contending teams if they like the direction that Holmes is heading health-wise later this month. In his first nine starts of the 2026 season in his second year in Queens, he has gone 4-4 with a 2.39 ERA (3.23 FIP) and 1.10 WHIP with 45 strikeouts and 18 walks in 52 2/3 innings pitched. Holmes' underlying metrics predict plenty of regression in the second half, though, and many fantasy managers gave up on him after his serious leg injury. The converted reliever is now only rostered in 24% of Yahoo leagues.
Source: New York Daily News - Abbey Mastracco
Source: New York Daily News - Abbey Mastracco
Does Nolan McLean Still Carry League-Winning Upside?
Across 101 1/3 innings (18 starts) in 2026, New York Mets starting pitcher Nolan McLean has recorded a 6-5 record with a 3.73 ERA, 1.12 WHIP, and 118 strikeouts. It's been a rollercoaster ride of a season so far for McLean, who pitched to a 2.55 ERA through the end of April but then struggled to a 6.10 ERA in May. The 24-year-old has been prone to blow-up outings this year, as he's allowed six earned runs or more on three separate occasions. Still, McLean pitched well in June (2.79 ERA), and his underlying numbers still hint at ace upside. McLean is averaging 96.3 miles per hour on his fastball and owns a stellar 19.2% K-BB rate. Fantasy managers may want to explore buying low on McLean ahead of the All-Star break due to his second-half breakout potential.
Source: RotoBaller
Source: RotoBaller
Freddy Peralta a Buy-Low Arm Before the Break?
New York Mets starting pitcher Freddy Peralta has not made life easy on fantasy managers, but the buy-low window is at least worth checking before the All-Star break. The 30-year-old is 5-7 with a 4.68 ERA, 1.42 WHIP, and 98 strikeouts through 100 innings, which is a long way from the SP2 value managers thought they were getting. His latest outing against Atlanta was not a clean win either, though six strikeouts and only one earned run over 4 2/3 innings were a step in the right direction. There is still enough here to avoid panic-selling. Peralta's 4.29 FIP and .301 xwOBA are better than the surface damage, so this is more hold-and-shop than cut bait. Since he was still rostered in 93% of Yahoo leagues in RotoBaller's latest Cut List, Peralta is a cautious buy-low target only if the other manager is fed up.
Source: RotoBaller
Source: RotoBaller
