July 14, 2025
Tommy Fleetwood finished tied for 34th at last week's Genesis Scottish Open and will now focus on preparing for this week's Open Championship at Royal Portrush in Portrush, United Kingdom. So far this season, Fleetwood has 12 top-25 finishes and missed the cut once in 16 starts. Over the past 12 months, Fleetwood ranks in the 85th percentile in proximity to the hole on approach shots from 150-200 yards in the fairway. This is important because the greens at Royal Portrush average just 5,400 square feet.
--Ian Christenson - RotoBallerSource: Data Golf
July 14, 2025
Jason Day missed the cut at the John Deere Classic two weeks ago and will now focus on preparing for this week's Open Championship held at Royal Portrush in Portrush, United Kingdom. Day has seven top-25 finishes and missed the cut twice in 14 starts this season. Over the past 12 months, Day ranks in the 35th percentile in proximity to the hole on approach shots from 150-200 yards in the fairway. This is worth mentioning because the greens at Royal Portrush measure just 5,400 square feet on average.
--Ian Christenson - RotoBallerSource: Data Golf
July 14, 2025
Ludvig Aberg finished tied for eighth at last week's Genesis Scottish Open and will now focus on preparing for this week's Open Championship at Royal Portrush in Portrush, United Kingdom. Aberg has one win, six top-25 finishes and missed the cut four times in 16 starts this season. Over the past 12 months, Aberg ranks in the 90th percentile in proximity to the hole on approach shots from 150-200 yards in the fairway. This is worth pointing out because the greens at Royal Portrush average only 5,400 square feet.
--Ian Christenson - RotoBallerSource: Data Golf
July 14, 2025
Cincinnati Bengals cornerback Cam Taylor-Britt has really benefited from the addition of new defensive coordinator Al Golden, according to The Athletic's Paul Dehner Jr. Taylor-Britt has been unable to find consistency and was benched multiple times in 2024, but Dehner writes that his energy, athleticism and playmaking ability have shown up during the offseason. The 25-year-old former second-rounder (60th overall) in 2022 out of Nebraska has played at a high level before in Cincy's secondary and could become a true No. 1 cornerback for the Bengals in 2025. Although he had a career-high 77 tackles (58 solo), half a sack, three interceptions (one returned for a touchdown) and a career-high 16 pass breakups in 17 starts a year ago, Taylor-Britt was a liability in coverage and gave up 734 receiving yards, and six touchdowns. The Bengals need him to be better in 2025.
--Keith HernandezSource: The Athletic - Paul Dehner Jr.
July 14, 2025
The Athletic's Kevin Fishbain writes that Chicago Bears second-year wide receiver
Rome Odunze should be much better in 2025 with a better offensive scheme and improved quarterback play out of
Caleb Williams. Fantasy managers were disappointed with Odunze last season after he was taken ninth overall by the Bears out of Washington. However, Fishbain points out that the 23-year-old pass-catcher was fifth among all rookies in receiving yards (734) while catching 53.5% of his targets. He was most definitely inconsistent and scored only three times in 17 games (12 starts), but there remains plenty of upside, and he should be better in new head coach Ben Johnson's offense with
Keenan Allen gone. Odunze's after-the-catch abilities and physical prowess make him a nice WR3/flex with upside to target in fantasy drafts.
--Keith HernandezSource: The Athletic - Kevin Fishbain
July 14, 2025
The Minnesota Twins acquired right-hander
Noah Davis from the Los Angeles Dodgers on Monday in exchange for cash considerations, according to The Athletic's Dan Hayes. Davis will report to Triple-A St. Paul. The 28-year-old former 11th-round selection in 2018 by the Cincinnati Reds out of UC Santa Barbara appeared in five games in relief for L.A. this year and gave up 14 runs (13 earned) on 10 hits while walking five and striking out eight in six innings. The 28-year-old was designated for assignment after surrendering 10 runs in just 1 1/3 frames on July 4 against the Houston Astros. Davis has been hit around at the major-league level in his 57 1/3 innings, going 0-5 with a rough 8.95 ERA and 2.01 WHIP with 51 strikeouts and 28 walks over 23 appearances (six starts). He is nowhere near the fantasy radar and isn't a lock to pitch for the Twins the rest of the year.
--Keith HernandezSource: The Athletic - Dan Hayes
July 14, 2025
San Francisco Giants right-hander
Justin Verlander enters this week's All-Star break with an 0-7 record, 4.70 ERA (4.16 FIP) and a 1.42 WHIP with 67 strikeouts and 26 walks in 76 2/3 innings over his 15 starts in his first year with the team. The 42-year-old future Hall of Famer and three-time Cy Young winner is the first starting pitcher to enter the All-Star break with at least 65 strikeouts and no wins. He is stuck on 262 career wins and is now looking very unlikely to reach the 300-win milestone. Although Verlander hasn't been terrible by any means and he could have a much better second half, it's clear that he's no longer the fantasy ace that he once was. Verlander currently is in the 35th percentile in strikeout rate, 58th percentile in whiff rate and 60th percentile in hard-hit rate. His xERA of 4.82 goes to show that he's become much too hittable.
--Keith HernandezSource: USA TODAY Sports - Bob Nightengale
July 14, 2025
Denver Broncos running back
RJ Harvey is expected "to play a significant role in the passing game," according to Nick Kosmider of The Athletic. Denver selected Harvey out of Central Florida in the second round of the 2025 NFL draft and he enters training camp in a battle with free agent addition
J.K. Dobbins for backfield touches.
Jaleel McLaughlin and
Audric Estime could also be in the mix. Harvey had just 20 receptions for 267 and three touchdowns last season at UCF, but it sounds as though he'll be relied upon as a pass-catcher in Denver. Broncos' head coach Sean Payton has designed offenses that heavily feature running backs in the passing game before, so Harvey's usage in that role could be a significant boost to his value in PPR league formats.
--Will BradySource: Nick Kosmider - The Athletic
July 14, 2025
Miami Marlins right-hander
Sandy Alcantara might not be traded this summer if he continues to struggle, writes USA TODAY Sports' Bob Nightengale. It's been a disaster for Alcantara, who missed all of 2024 while recovering from Tommy John surgery. The 29-year-old two-time All-Star and former National League Cy Young winner has given up 19 earned runs in his last 18 innings pitched for a 9.50 ERA going into this week's All-Star break. All in all, Alcantara has gone 4-9 for the Fish with a career-worst 7.22 ERA (4.59 FIP) and 1.48 WHIP with 71 strikeouts and 37 walks in 91 innings over his 18 starts. His 73 earned runs allowed are a league high. Alcantara had a stretch in June that suggested he might be getting over the hump before really struggling of late. Contending teams looking for starting arms may be hesitant to trade young assets for him at the July 31 trade deadline.
--Keith HernandezSource: USA TODAY Sports - Bob Nightengale
July 14, 2025
Las Vegas Raiders interior offensive lineman Jackson Powers-Johnson "lost 10-15 pounds and has sharpened his fundamentals," according to Tashan Reed of The Athletic. Reed also writes that Powers-Johnson has been able to focus solely on playing center after also spending time at both guard spots as a rookie in 2024. Under new head coach Pete Carroll, much will be expected of Powers-Johnson as a tone-setter in the run game. His development will be key in the fantasy outlook for Raiders' rookie running back
Ashton Jeanty. Pro Football Focus graded Powers-Johnson 56th out of 138 guards in 2024, so a moderate step up would have him as a clearly value-additive player.
--Will BradySource: The Athletic - Tashan Reed
July 14, 2025
Houston Astros shortstop
Jeremy Pena (ribs) said he has done light hitting, fielding and running, but he's unclear of a specific timetable for his return, according to the Houston Chronicle's Matt Kawahara. "I don't have an idea yet. But we're moving in the right direction. I'm very happy with the progress we're making, so we'll see what happens," Pena said. The Astros aren't expecting the 27-year-old to return immediately for the second half of the season this Friday, but Pena is recovering nicely from a small rib fracture and should be back early in the second half, potentially before the end of July. The Dominican infielder is having a breakout 2025 season with a .322 average (102-for-317) with 11 homers, 40 RBI, 48 runs and 15 stolen bases, and he should be stashed in an IL spot in all fantasy leagues.
Mauricio Dubon will continue to start at the 6 until Pena recovers.
--Keith HernandezSource: Houston Chronicle - Matt Kawahara
July 14, 2025
Washington Commanders receiver
Luke McCaffrey impressed during the team's offseason practices and should have a more meaningful role in 2025, according to Mike Jones of The Athletic. Jones writes that McCaffrey "demonstrated an improved understanding of the playbook and improved confidence." A third-round selection in the 2024 NFL draft, McCaffrey logged just 18 catches for 168 yards and zero touchdowns as a rookie. The Commanders have
Terry McLaurin and Deebo Samuel entrenched atop their depth chart at wide receiver, but there could be playing time available via the WR3 role. Veterans
Noah Brown and
Michael Gallup, as well as fourth-round rookie
Jaylin Lane, are among the names McCaffrey will have to beat out for the job. He'll need to earn consistent playing time to become fantasy-relevant, but it appears as though McCaffrey will have that opportunity.
--Will BradySource: The Athletic - Mike Jones
July 14, 2025
Chicago White Sox right-hander
Adrian Houser has become a viable trade chip this summer before the July 31 deadline, as he's gone 5-2 with a nice 1.56 ERA, 1.13 WHIP and 39:18 K:BB in 57 2/3 innings over his nine starts since joining the Pale Hose. Houser has a chip on his shoulder after being released by four different teams since last July. The 32-year-old spent the 2024 season with the New York Mets but finished with a 1-5 record, career-high 5.84 ERA, 1.53 WHIP and 45:32 K:BB in 69 1/3 frames over 23 appearances (seven starts). Although Houser has only 39 strikeouts in his 57 2/3 innings in Chicago this year, he could be an attractive trade piece for a contending team looking to round out its starting rotation for the second half of the season. Houser would certainly be more intriguing as a fantasy streamer if he were to land with a contender.
--Keith HernandezSource: USA TODAY Sports - Bob Nightengale
July 14, 2025
Free-agent left-hander
Julio Urias' suspension is set to end this Wednesday, and his agent, Scott Boras, said his client "still has every intention to continue his career." Urias is the only player in MLB history that has been suspended twice for violating the league's policy on domestic violence and sexual assault. It's believed that multiple teams have checked in on Urias, but it's unclear if any team would be willing to add him. Boras said Urias has not pitched in 2025 and would need time to work into major-league shape, so he'd most likely be offered a minor-league deal by an organization that is interested in taking a chance on the Mexican southpaw. The 28-year-old last pitched in the majors with the Los Angeles Dodgers in 2023, going 11-8 with a 4.60 ERA and 1.16 WHIP with 117 strikeouts and 24 walks in 117 1/3 innings in 21 starts.
--Keith HernandezSource: Los Angeles Times - Bill Shaikin
July 14, 2025
New York Jets running back
Braelon Allen will "have plenty of opportunities in 2025 to make his mark and prove he can be the long-term starter with (current starter Breece) Hall in the last year of his contract," according to Zack Rosenblatt of The Athletic. Rosenblatt notes that Jets' first-year head coach Aaron Glenn and play caller Tanner Engstrand would like to emulate the two-back model that was so successful in their last stop with the Detroit Lions. Allen was the clear RB2 behind
Breece Hall last season, earning 92 carries for 334 yards and two touchdowns in 17 games played. A more even timeshare with Hall would be a highly fantasy-relevant development in the Jets backfield. That's especially true if Allen, as the larger back, gets more of the team's work around the goal line.
--Will BradySource: The Athletic - Zack Rosenblatt
July 14, 2025
The sale of the Tampa Bay Rays from current owner Stu Sternberg to a group led by Jacksonville developer Patrick Zalupski for roughly $1.7 billion has been agreed to in principle and is expected to be finalized as early as September, according to a person briefed on the process. The Rays are expected to remain in the Tampa Bay area, with Zalupski having a strong preference to be in Tampa instead of St. Petersburg. Sternberg purchased the team for $200 million back in 2004. The sale of the team could speed up a conclusion to the team's long-running search for a new stadium. Sternberg's most recent plan for a new home for the Rays in St. Petersburg fell through after Hurricane Milton damaged Tropicana Field's rook last fall. The damage to the stadium has forced the Rays to play their home games this year at George M. Steinbrenner Field, the Yankees' spring training facility.
--Keith HernandezSource: The Athletic - Evan Drellich and Ken Rosenthal
July 14, 2025
USA TODAY Sports' Bob Nightengale writes that the Tampa Bay Rays are listening to offers for right-handed starter
Taj Bradley and are officially open for business after acquiring reliever
Bryan Baker from the Baltimore Orioles recently. The Rays really limped to the All-Star break and are now sitting at 50-47, in fourth place in the American League East and 5.5 games out of first place. Once one of the top pitching prospects in all of baseball, the 24-year-old Bradley has not lived up to expectations in his first three years in the majors with the Rays. He's currently sporting a 5-6 record with a 4.60 ERA (4.14 FIP), 1.27 WHIP and 89:40 K:BB in 103 2/3 innings over his 19 starts. Bradley's strikeout rate sits in just the 37th percentile, while his whiff rate is in the 27th percentile, and his hard-hit rate is in the 65th percentile. Perhaps a change of scenery would do him some good.
--Keith HernandezSource: USA TODAY Sports - Bob Nightengale
July 14, 2025
According to Tony Jones of The Athletic, Philadelphia 76ers center
Joel Embiid (knee) has resumed partial basketball activities. However, the big man hasn't yet transitioned to full-court basketball activities. Embiid is recovering from arthroscopic left knee surgery but could potentially be ready for training camp in the fall. Suppose the 31-year-old is still sidelined or available on a limited basis to start the season. In that case, the 76ers frontcourt will have to rely on
Andre Drummond,
Trendon Watford, and
Adem Bona to take on expanded roles until Embiid makes his return.
--Andrew LennoxSource: Tony Jones
July 14, 2025
Barring a dramatic winning streak after this week's All-Star break, USA TODAY Sports' Bob Nightengale writes that the Baltimore Orioles are expected to trade right-handers
Charlie Morton and
Tomoyuki Sugano. Additionally, right-hander
Zach Eflin (back) will immediately become trade bait for contending teams in search of pitching help when he makes his return from the injured list to open the second half of the season. Eflin has been out since late June due to back discomfort, but he could attract interest around the league if he can prove he's fully healthy when he returns before the July 31 trade deadline. The Orioles have been one of the most disappointing stories so far in 2025 and currently sit last in the American League East with a 43-52 record (11.5 games out of first) going into this week's All-Star break.
--Keith HernandezSource: USA TODAY Sports - Bob Nightengale
July
14,
2025
The
Atlanta
Braves
are
making
designated
hitter
Marcell
Ozuna,
closer
Raisel
Iglesias
and
a
few
others
available
before
the
July
31
trade
deadline,
according
to
USA
TODAY
Sports'
Bob
Nightengale.
However,
read more...
July 14, 2025
Michael C. Wright of ESPN reports that San Antonio Spurs center
Victor Wembanyama announced he has recovered from deep vein thrombosis in his right shoulder that limited him to just 46 contests last season. Wembanyama told French newspaper L'Équipe, "I'm officially cleared to return." He also mentioned to L'Équipe, "I got the green light from the Spurs' medical staff just on Friday. Phew, I'll finally be able to play a bit of basketball again." The 2023-24 NBA Rookie of the Year led the league in blocks last season with 176 despite only playing in 46 games. Now healthy, the 21-year-old big man will continue to be a fantasy force during the 2025-26 campaign, as he was in his first two seasons in the NBA.
--Andrew LennoxSource: Michael C. Wright
July 14, 2025
General managers around baseball think that the Toronto Blue Jays could be one of the most aggressive teams at this year's trade deadline since this could be their best chance for a World Series run since 1993. USA TODAY Sports' Bob Nightengale reports that the Blue Jays are searching for a front-line starting pitcher and have show interest in Arizona Diamondbacks right-hander
Zac Gallen. The 29-year-old Gallen hasn't looked like a front-line starter in 2025, going 7-10 with a 5.40 ERA (4.79 FIP) and 1.37 WHIP with 110 strikeouts and 45 walks in 115 innings over a league-high 20 starts in 2025, but he'd surely have a place in Toronto' rotation if he were to join the club via trade. Gallen has given up at least five runs in three of his last five outings and looks far from the All-Star he was in 2023. If he were to land in Toronto, things wouldn't get easier for him in the second half.
--Keith HernandezSource: USA TODAY Sports - Bob Nightengale
July 14, 2025
The Los Angeles Chargers have placed wide receiver
Mike Williams (undisclosed) on the Physically Unable to Perform list, according to ESPN's Adam Schefter. Los Angeles will start training camp later this week. The 30-year-old missed mandatory minicamp with an undisclosed injury, but Chargers head coach Jim Harbaugh believed the veteran would be available for the start of activities in July. It's worth noting that Schefter reports a player can be transferred off the PUP at any time during the offseason, and it's mainly used as a roster management tool at this point in the year. It's at least mildly concerning that the nature of the injury is unknown, although Harbaugh doesn't seem to be too concerned about it. Williams disappointed last year in his first season back from an ACL tear with the Steelers, but he'll get a chance to redeem himself in his second stint with LA. Barring health, that is.
--Alex CiullaSource: Adam Schefter
July 14, 2025
USA TODAY Sports' Bob Nightengale reports that the Seattle Mariners have interest in reuniting with Arizona Diamondbacks third baseman
Eugenio Suarez after they traded him to Arizona back in November of 2023. Nightengale also reports that Seattle has interest in D-backs first baseman
Josh Naylor as they look to boost their offense in the second half of the season. Suarez spent both 2022 and 2023 with the M's and he led the league in strikeouts both years while combining to hit .234/.327/.423 with a .751 OPS, 53 home runs and 183 RBI in 312 games. The 33-year-old right-handed slugger made his second All-Star squad in 2025 and is having one of the finest years in his 12 seasons in the big leagues with 31 homers and a league-leading 78 RBI through the first half. Suarez, who will be a free agent in the winter, will be one of the most sought-after power bats this summer.
--Keith HernandezSource: USA TODAY Sports - Bob Nightengale
July 14, 2025
ESPN's Adam Schefter reports that the New York Jets and wide receiver
Garrett Wilson reached an agreement on a four-year, $130 million contract, including $90 million guaranteed. Per Schefter, this marks the first time in NFL history that a wide receiver will average over $31 million per year after only three seasons in the league. Despite sharing the field with former superstar teammate
Davante Adams in 2024 and dealing with less-than-ideal quarterback play in the two years prior, Wilson has eclipsed 1,000 yards receiving and 80 receptions in each of his first three campaigns. He'll head into 2025 as the team's undisputed No. 1 pass-catching option, but will again face the difficulty of developing rapport with a new quarterback in
Justin Fields. While the quality of his targets is currently unknown, the Ohio State alum's talent and usage should provide WR1 upside.
--Alex CiullaSource: Adam Schefter
July 14, 2025
USA TODAY Sports' Bob Nightengale writes that the Arizona Diamondbacks, who enter this week's All-Star break with a 47-50 record, will definitely be sellers at this year's trade deadline, according to rival executives. "I don't see a world they don't sell," one general manager said. "They have so many holes, and so many free agents." Arizona is making starting pitchers
Zac Gallen and
Merrill Kelly, All-Star third baseman
Eugenio Suarez and first baseman
Josh Naylor available since all four players are eligible for free agency after the season. In return for any of those players, the Snakes are searching for young, controllable pitching. Suarez will probably be the most attractive piece for contenders looking for right-handed power this summer, as the 33-year-old Venezuelan is having one of his finest seasons with 31 homers and a league-high 78 RBI at the All-Star break.
--Keith HernandezSource: USA TODAY Sports - Bob Nightengale
July 14, 2025
Chicago Bears rookie tight end
Colston Loveland (shoulder), who hosted his first football camp for kids last week, remained a limited participant as he's still recovering from offseason AC-joint surgery. "It's been good," Loveland told Aaron McMann of MLive.com. "There haven't really been live bullets flying yet. We'll really know in camp once I get out there, doing a lot more stuff." Expectations are high in 2025 for the Bears, and that goes for the former Michigan Wolverine, too, despite his status as a rookie. It sounds like his shoulder has responded well, but he hasn't exactly been aggressive in his testing of it. The Bears boast an array of talented weaponry to deploy for second-year signal-caller
Caleb Williams, and upgraded their coaching staff with the offensive-minded Ben Johnson. Loveland's impact could be spotty due to the excess of mouths to feed, but he has the talent to be a standout early on if he can adapt quickly to the league.
--Alex CiullaSource: Josh Alper
July 14, 2025
USA TODAY Sports' Bob Nightengale writes that the Philadelphia Phillies have been extensively scouting Minnesota Twins relievers
Jhoan Duran and
Griffin Jax and are hoping to acquire at least one of them by the July 31 trade deadline. Nightengale adds that the Twins are drawing strong interest from the Detroit Tigers, Chicago Cubs, Los Angeles Dodgers and Cincinnati Reds. Duran is having a bounce-back season in 2025 after posting a career-worst 3.64 ERA for the Twins last year. The 27-year-old hard-throwing right-hander has successfully converted each of his last five save chances and enters the All-Star break sporting a career-low 1.66 ERA, a 1.13 WHIP, 15 saves, 49 strikeouts and 16 walks in 43 1/3 innings pitched. The Phillies are currently mixing and matching save chances with
Matt Strahm and
Orion Kerkering, but if they acquired Duran, he'd be the unquestioned primary closer.
--Keith HernandezSource: USA TODAY Sports - Bob Nightengale
July 14, 2025
ESPN.com's Rich Cimini reports that new New York Jets defensive coordinator Steve Wilks has challenged defensive back Sauce Gardner to bring his game to a new level this offseason. "I know I'm not perfect, but the fact that he's trying to get perfection out of me is what I need," said Gardner. "I've had a lot of success, early success in the league...the last thing I need is a new regime to come in here and just allow me to be complacent." The fourth-year pro took the league by storm in his rookie season and followed it up with another exceptional campaign. However, 2024 saw Gardner rank 47 out of 52 qualified corners in EPA per target as the nearest defender, and he's recorded a lone interception in his last 31 appearances. It seems he's responded well to the challenge and is an excellent bounce-back candidate ahead of 2025.
--Alex CiullaSource: Rich Cimini
July 14, 2025
New York Mets infielder
Ronny Mauricio is hitting just .237/.311/.409 with four home runs on the season in 93 at-bats, but he has a .797 OPS in his last 15 games. Mauricio has a very high ceiling and hits the ball very hard when he makes contact, but his main flaw has been to chase pitches out of the strike zone. To improve in that area, the 24-year-old has spent time working in the cages before games with star right fielder
Juan Soto, according to The Athletic's Will Sammon. In addition to his plate discipline, Mauricio has also shown improvement on defense. He has been seeing consistent at-bats between third and second base, and if his plate discipline improvements continue into the second half, the Dominican switch-hitter could be an integral piece for the Mets as they look to make a deep postseason run. How the Mets feel about Mauricio could determine what they do at the trade deadline.
--Keith HernandezSource: The Athletic - Will Sammon
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