July 16, 2025
Seattle Mariners catching prospect
Harry Ford hit a bit of a slump through the start of July at Triple-A Tacoma. The budding backstop has held a modest .206/.341/.353 slash line with two doubles and a long ball across eight games. However, during June, Ford held a much higher .263/.380/.406 line with five doubles, two home runs, and 15 RBI through 20 games. After spending the entire 2024 campaign at the Double-A level, the No. 5-ranked prospect in the system was given the nod to open the 2025 campaign with Triple-A. Through 69 games, Ford has posted a strong .292/.409/.446 slash line with 14 doubles, nine home runs, and four stolen bases. While he did join the Seattle taxi squad for a few days in June, he never appeared in an MLB contest. However, given his impressive first half, he should earn his true debut in the coming weeks.
--Andy SmithSource: MiLB.com
July
16,
2025
Los
Angeles
Dodgers
left-hander
Clayton
Kershaw's
11th
All-Star
Game
appearance,
which
could
be
his
last,
was
a
memorable
one
in
Tuesday's
Mid-Summer
Classic.
The
37-year-old,
who
was
added
to
the
National
League
team
roster
as
a
legend
read more...
July 16, 2025
Arizona Diamondbacks outfielder
Corbin Carroll made his one hit count in Tuesday's All-Star Game, which the National League team won on a 6-6 tie with a 4-3 tie-breaker home run swing-off. Carroll went 1-for-1 with a solo home run and a walk. The 24-year-old uncorked on a sixth-inning
Casey Mize splitter, launching it into the right-field seats to put the NL team up 6-0. Corbin has had another successful season so far, but has traded some of his batting average and speed for power, slashing .245/.324/.550 with 21 HR, 62 runs scored, 47 RBI, and 11 stolen bases in 361 plate appearances.
--Connelly DoanSource: MLB.com
July 16, 2025
The All-Star break was all about home runs for Athletics outfielder/designated hitter
Brent Rooker. The slugger hit a combined three long balls in Tuesday's All-Star Game, which saw the National League team win a 6-6 tie with a 4-3 tie-breaker home run swing-off. Rooker's one at-bat came in the top of the seventh inning, in which he drilled a
Randy Rodriguez fastball into the center-field seats to cut the NL lead in half. He also led off for the American League team in the swing-off, going 2-for-3 in his HR opportunities. The 30-year-old hit 17 HR in Monday's Home Run Derby, but notoriously did not advance due to a one-inch difference in his longest HR. Rooker is putting together another solid season, slashing .279/.355/.505 with 20 HR, 60 runs scored, and 54 RBI in 426 plate appearances.
--Connelly DoanSource: MLB.com
July 16, 2025
Arizona Diamondbacks third baseman
Eugenio Suarez (pinky) did not enjoy Tuesday's All-Star Game as much as other players, but fortunately, he seems to have avoided any serious injury. Suarez entered the game in the top of the fifth inning as a defensive replacement. He grounded out in his first at-bat, and then got hit in the left hand by a pitch in the eighth inning. He ran the bases before being subbed out defensively, and he did not participate in the tie-breaker home run swing-off. The good news is that X-rays after the game came back negative, per FOX Sports' Rowan Kavner. The 33-year-old has followed up his strong 2024 campaign this season, slashing .250/.320/.569 with 31 HR, 58 runs scored, and 78 RBI in 391 plate appearances. His name has also come up in potential trade talks heading toward the trade deadline.
--Connelly DoanSource: Rowan Kavner - X.com
July 16, 2025
He did not participate in Monday's Home Run Derby, but New York Mets first baseman
Pete Alonso made sure to get in on the action in Tuesday's All-Star Game, which resulted in the National League team winning a 6-6 tie on a 4-3 home run swing-off. Alonso went 1-for-2 with a three-run HR. The 30-year-old lined a sixth-inning
Kris Bubic fastball to the opposite field, depositing it in the right-field seats to put the NL team up 5-0. The Polar Bear put together a strong first half, slashing .280/.376/.532 with 21 HR, 53 runs scored, and 77 RBI in 423 plate appearances. He has managed to provide his trademark high-end power while also maintaining what would be a career-high batting average.
--Connelly DoanSource: MLB.com
July
16,
2025
Baseball
fans
got
to
see
several
new
game
features
in
Tuesday's
All-Star
Game,
with
the
National
League
team
winning
a
6-6
tie
on
a
4-3
home
run
swing-off.
The
American
League
team
scored
two
runs
in
the
top
of
the
ninth
read more...
July 15, 2025
Los Angeles Chargers linebacker Junior Colson is a "name to watch" in the competition to start next to Daiyan Henley at linebacker in 2025, according to Daniel Popper of The Athletic. A third-round pick in 2024, Colson played 11 games and made just one start as a rookie last season. Pro Football Focus graded Colson 180th out of 189 qualified linebackers in 2024. However, he missed time in training camp last summer after undergoing an appendectomy and then landed on Injured Reserve for a portion of the regular season due to an ankle injury. Popper notes that the Chargers re-signed veterans Denzel Perryman and Troy Dye over the offseason, and that those two figure to be Colson's main competition in camp.
--Will BradySource: The Athletic - Daniel Popper
July 15, 2025
The Baltimore Ravens "figure to make a push to extend" tight end
Isaiah Likely, according to Jeff Zrebiec of The Athletic. Zrebiec also writes that the team believes Likely to have "star potential." A fourth-round draft pick back in 2022, Likely is entering the final year of his rookie deal. He's played a complementary role to star Ravens tight end
Mark Andrews to this point in his career, but that sounds as if it could be changing. Likely set career-highs in catches (42), receiving yards (477), and touchdowns (6) in 2024. While he probably still needs Andrews to miss time to be a must-start fantasy tight end this season, the workload split between the two will be one to monitor throughout training camp and the preseason.
--Will BradySource: The Athletic - Jeff Zrebiec
July 15, 2025
There have been no rumors indicating that an extension for Atlanta Falcons tight end
Kyle Pitts is on the team's radar, according to D. Orlando Ledbetter of the Atlanta Journal-Constitution. The former number four overall pick in the 2021 draft, Pitts has been a disappointment relative to the hype he received as a prospect. Last season, Pitts logged 47 catches for 602 yards and four touchdowns in 17 games. The four touchdowns were actually a career-high for the 24-year-old, who has 10 receiving touchdowns in 61 career games played. Pitts enters 2025 on the last year of his rookie contract. He's still the presumptive starter for Atlanta heading into training camp, but the news that he's not in the team's long-term plans could mean his role in the offense will continue to be de-emphasized.
--Will BradySource: The Atlanta Journal-Constitution - D. Orlando Ledbetter
July 15, 2025
The Cleveland Browns are seeking clarity around rookie running back
Quinshon Judkins' domestic violence incident and are in "no rush to sign (him) to his rookie contract or get him to camp," according to Mary Kay Cabot of Cleveland.com. Judkins was arrested on domestic battery charges on Saturday night in Florida. The Browns used a second-round selection on him in this year's draft but have not yet signed him to his rookie contract. Judkins is due to report to training camp on Friday alongside the quarterbacks and the rest of the rookies. However, Cabot writes that the Browns have stressed to Judkins that he must "make his domestic incident the high priority over football." If Judkins misses time in camp or during the season due to potential suspension, more playing time would open in the Browns backfield for both incumbent back
Jerome Ford and fourth-round rookie
Dylan Sampson.
--Will BradySource: Cleveland.com - Mary Kay Cabot
July 15, 2025
It was a disappointing week at the Scottish Open for Robert MacIntyre, who posted a T65 in his title defense while averaging minus-1.19 strokes off the tee and minus-0.56 strokes putting. Thursday's two-under 68 was the best round of his tournament, as he failed to break 70 any of the following three days. He'll make his way to Royal Portrush for the 153rd Open, where he finished T6 in 2019. Given his 36th overall ranking in strokes gained off the tee for the season, the chances of that part of his game struggling for a second consecutive week are slim. Putting is still a concern, but he should do enough everywhere else to be a decent option at $10,800 on FanDuel.
--Todd McGillSource: Data Golf
July 15, 2025
The vibes have to be immaculate for Shane Lowry, who makes his return this week to Royal Portrush. The site of his lone major championship, it was a joyous occasion to watch through the rain and muck of the week's weather. He was undoubtedly the best player that week, leading the field in strokes gained on approach and ranking highly both off the tee and around the green. Things are a bit unknown for the 38-year-old after two poor outings in his last two starts at the U.S. Open and Travelers Championship. He lost over 10 strokes between his putting and short game at Oakmont before missing the cut, and things didn't improve much in Connecticut. Still, his favoritism among the fans who will be in attendance and the typically accurate ball striking make him worth a nod, especially given how his season as a whole has gone.
--Todd McGillSource: Data Golf
July 15, 2025
Since his run in late spring that included a win at the Valero Texas Open and a T3 at the RBC Heritage, Brian Harman has struggled to find consistency in both his iron play and off the tee. He's averaged -0.37 in strokes gained on approach over his last three starts. The driver has straightened itself out over that span, but his distance is still concerning. His win at Royal Liverpool two years ago was a perfect storm that may not always present itself in the unforgiving style of golf in this part of the world. The 38-year-old has not performed well with long irons, ranking outside the top 100 in many proximity distances beyond 200 yards. Still, his recent track record in this championship can't be overlooked, and he could be played in certain situations or people leaning into his clear comfort level for links golf, which many American players struggle with.
--Todd McGillSource: Data Golf
July 15, 2025
Tennessee Titans offensive tackle JC Latham struggled in his first year in the NFL in 2024 after being taken seventh overall out of Alabama. Although he played right tackle for the Crimson Tide in college, Tennessee was intent on using him at left tackle in his first year in the league, but that backfired, so they have moved him back to the right side heading into 2025. The Athletic's Joe Rexrode writes that the 22-year-old tackle has lost 30 pounds, and if he's more comfortable on the right side this year, he could be one of the team's most improved players. Latham started all 17 games last year and played 1,095 offensive snaps, and while he wasn't amazing, he also didn't completely fall on his face despite playing in what was a bad offense. It was clear that Latham would be switching sides on the O-line after the Titans signed Dan Moore to a four-year deal.
--Keith HernandezSource: The Athletic - Joe Rexrode
July 15, 2025
Tampa Bay Buccaneers second-year cornerback Tykee Smith, who also has experience at safety, could become an every-down player for the team in 2025, according to Dan Pompei of The Athletic. Smith's production as a nickel corner in his rookie season -- 54 tackles (38 solo), two interceptions, seven pass breakups and three forced fumbles in 13 games (six starts) -- led head coach Todd Bowles to consider playing him more. The 24-year-old could be a safety-nickel combination player this year, writes Pompei, and playing next to a healthy Antoine Winfield Jr. could elevate his game. Bowles has also said that he's considering moving the former third-rounder out of Georgia to full-time safety after 589 of his 672 defensive snaps in 2024 came as a slot corner. Tampa has an opening at safety after releasing Jordan Whitehead.
--Keith HernandezSource: The Athletic - Dan Pompei
July 15, 2025
Seattle Seahawks third-year outside linebacker Derick Hall has a high ceiling going into 2025 after recording 37 tackles (20 solo), eight sacks, six tackles for loss, 20 QB hits, two forced fumbles and a fumble recovery returned for a touchdown in 17 games (14 starts) in 2024. The Athletic's Michael-Shawn Dugar writes that Hall's combination of strength and athleticism makes him one to watch this year. The 24-year-old mostly wins with power by bull-rushing offensive tackles on his way to the quarterback. While learning from veteran DeMarcus Lawrence, Hall could improve even further in 2025 and make Seattle's pass-rushing fourseam a feared unit between him, Lawrence, Uchenna Nwosu and Boye Mafa. Hall isn't really a viable fantasy target in IDP formats as a linebacker that hasn't racked up many tackles, but he's one to keep an eye on.
--Keith HernandezSource: The Athletic - Michael-Shawn Dugar
July 15, 2025
The Athletic's Mike DeFabo writes that rookie third-round running back
Kaleb Johnson is an ideal scheme fit for Pittsburgh Steelers coordinator Arthur Smith's offense after Iowa alum excelled on wide-zone runs with the Hawkeyes. Although the Steelers weren't very efficient, only three teams ran the football more in 2024. The 21-year-old Johnson has plenty of competition in Pittsburgh's backfield in his rookie campaign with
Jaylen Warren and
Kenneth Gainwell in the fold, but he profiles as the team's back of the future and should get more chances out of the backfield as the season plays out. Johnson has a physical, bruising style and is also patient, which is reminiscent of former RB
Najee Harris, but he should produce more big plays after racking up 1,537 yards and 21 touchdowns on 240 carries in his final season at Iowa. He'll be more attractive in standard-scoring fantasy formats as an RB3/flex candidate.
--Keith HernandezSource: The Athletic - Mike DeFabo
July 15, 2025
Winger Michael Carcone has signed a new one-year contract with the Utah Mammoth. He was an unrestricted free agent after spending four years in the Utah/Arizona organization. The 29-year-old returned to the team on a minimum-salary deal. Carcone made 53 appearances with Utah last season, recording 19 points (seven goals, 12 assists). He experienced a significant drop in form after enjoying a 21-goal campaign in 2023-24. Carcone has been a scoring machine in the minors, so it's not out of the question that he can regain his offensive spark in the big league, but fantasy managers definitely shouldn't count on it.
--Taavi PailkSource: NHL.com
July 15, 2025
The Philadelphia Eagles didn't make any external moves this offseason to replace cornerback Darius Slay, which shows the confidence they have in Kelee Ringo, according to The Athletic's Brooks Kubena. Despite his struggles in his second year in 2024, Kubena adds that Ringo has the physical tools to become a starter for the Eagles this year. The 23-year-old is younger that five of the rookies that Philly took in 2024, and the Eagles think they can unlock his potential after developmental years. The former fourth-rounder (105th overall) in 2023 out of Georgia had just 36 tackles (29 solo), one sack, one interception, one forced fumble and two fumble recoveries in 34 games (five starts) in his first two NFL seasons. Heading into training camp, it appears that Adoree' Jackson will be Ringo's primary competition in the secondary.
--Keith HernandezSource: The Athletic - Brooks Kubena
July 15, 2025
Buffalo Sabres defenseman Bowen Byram has reached an agreement on a two-year, $12.5 million contract extension. Byram was a restricted free agent and avoided a salary arbitration hearing that Buffalo had elected. 2024-25 marked Byram's first full season with the Sabres, and he made a significant impact with a career-high 38 points (seven goals, 31 assists) in 82 games. Additionally, Byram was tied for the team-high with 116 blocks. Byram has become a capable two-way defenseman and is well-positioned to continue developing his game over the next few years.
--Taavi PailkSource: ESPN
July 15, 2025
New Orleans Saints cornerback Kool-Aid McKinstry is in line to start in his second year in the NFL now that both Marshon Lattimore and Paulson Adebo are out of town, according to Larry Holder of The Athletic. The former second-rounder (41st overall) out of Alabama became a starter for the Saints midway through his rookie season when Lattimore was traded and Adebo was injured. The 22-year-old defensive back held his own with opposing passer ratings below 78.0 in five of his final seven games, per Pro Football Reference. QBs only combined for a 30 percent completion rate when targeting McKinstry in the final three contests. McKinstry finished his first year with 42 tackles (32 solo) and six pass breakups in 15 games (nine starts). He will have many more opportunities to make an impact for New Orleans' secondary in 2025.
--Keith HernandezSource: The Athletic - Larry Holder
July 15, 2025
The Athletic's Jim Ayello writes that a double-digit sack season for Miami Dolphins second-year linebacker Chop Robinson is well within reach in 2025. Robinsons, who was taken 21st overall in 2024 by the Dolphins, finished fifth in the Defensive Rookie of the Year voting after producing 26 tackles (16 solo), six sacks, eight tackles for loss, 14 QB hits and four pass breakups in 17 games (one start). The 22-year-old pass-rusher also ranked fourth in pressure rate (17.2 percent) among players with at least 200 pass-rush snaps, according to Pro Football Focus. Only Myles Garrett, Micah Parsons and Alex Highsmith ranked ahead of Robinson in that statistic. It's pretty good company to be in and gives you an idea of how high Robinson's ceiling is. With Jalean Phillips and Bradley Chubb returning to health this year, Robinson could put the Dolphins over the top with a ferocious pass rush.
--Keith HernandezSource: The Athletic - Jim Ayello
July 15, 2025
Winnipeg Jets forward Morgan Barron has agreed to a two-year contract extension valued at $3.7 million. As a restricted free agent, Barron filed for arbitration earlier this month, but the two sides avoided it by reaching a new agreement. With the 2024-25 campaign, Barron completed a two-year, $2.7 million deal. He posted 15 points (eight goals, seven assists) in 74 outings while providing physicality in a bottom-six role with 122 hits. Barron has registered 60 points (30 goals, 30 assists) in 256 career games, which indicates limited value in standard fantasy leagues.
--Taavi PailkSource: Sportsnet
July 15, 2025
Jacksonville Jaguars wide receiver
Brian Thomas Jr. burst onto the NFL scene last year after being taken with the No. 23 overall pick out of LSU. Even on a bad team with spotty quarterback play, Thomas managed to catch 87 passes for 1,282 yards and 10 touchdowns in 17 games (16 starts). The Athletic's Jeff Howe thinks that if the
Trevor Lawrence-Liam Coen pairing works out the way it's envisioned, Thomas could be even better. Rookie first-round wideout
Travis Hunter will be on the other side of the field drawing attention away from Thomas, too. It's not a stretch to think that Thomas could become a household name in his sophomore season in 2025, which is why RotoBaller has him ranked as a top-10 fantasy pass-catcher. The 22-year-old had si straight games with at least 10 targets and 76 yards a year ago.
--Keith HernandezSource: The Athletic - Jeff Howe
July 15, 2025
The Athletic's James Boyd writes that Indianapolis Colts second-year defensive end Laiatu Latu is primed to take a step forward this year after starting defensive end Dayo Odeyingbo left in free agency to join the Chicago Bears. The Colts took Latu 15th overall last year, and he finished his first year in the NFL with 32 tackles (16 solo), four sacks, five tackles for loss, 12 QB hits, three forced fumbles and a fumble recovery in 17 games (just one start). In addition to having a bigger role naturally in his second season, the 24-year-old pass-rusher should benefit from the addition of new defensive coordinator Lou Anarumo, who is known for varying schemes that are designed to bring a lot more pressure than former D coordinator Gus Bradley did. While an every-down role might not immediately put Latu on the IDP fantasy radar, he's certainly one to watch this year.
--Keith HernandezSource: The Athletic - James Boyd
July 15, 2025
The Detroit Lions coaches think that cornerback Terrion Arnold is set up to take a big jump forward in his second year in the league in 2025, according to Colton Pouncy of The Athletic. Because the team thought he could handle it, they threw a lot at Arnold in his rookie campaign -- he played the most man-coverage snaps of any cornerback in the NFL. The 22-year-old fell to 24th overall in last year's draft, and the Lions pounced and traded up for him. Arnold definitely wasn't perfect in his first year in the league while playing meaningful snaps, but Detroit believes that exposure will serve him well moving forward. The Alabama product finished 2024 with 60 tackles (47 solo), 10 pass breakups and a fumble recovery in 16 regular-season games (15 starts). It's possible Arnold will be the team's top corner in 2025.
--Keith HernandezSource: The Athletic - Colton Pouncy
July 15, 2025
The Athletic's Daniel Popper writes that if Los Angeles Angeles Chargers running back
Najee Harris (eye) misses time in training camp with an eye injury that he suffered during a fireworks mishap on the Fourth of July, the possibility of rookie first-rounder
Omarion Hampton beating out Harris for a lead-back role becomes even more likely. Harris' injury is deemed minor, and he should be fully ready for the start of the 2025 regular season, but he could miss some practice time to begin training camp later this week. That could open the door for Hampton, who has tremendous upside and will have a chance to be an immediate difference-maker in the team's run-first offense. The 22-year-old has the explosiveness to score every time he touches the football, and he could see the majority of the first-team work early in camp. RotoBaller has Hampton ranked as the RB21 in fantasy.
--Keith HernandezSource: The Athletic - Daniel Popper
July 15, 2025
Los Angeles Chargers offensive guard Zion Johnson started at left guard for the team last year, and his inconsistencies in pass protection remained unchanged. It's why the Chargers plan to test him out at center this year, a position he hasn't played in college or the NFL, according to The Athletic's Daniel Popper. The former first-rounder started working at center during OTAs and minicamp in May and June, respectively. When Johnson was at center, Bradley Bozeman, who started at center in 2024, was at left guard. Bozeman has experience at left guard, starting there in 2019 and 2020 with the Baltimore Ravens. Since contact will ramp up during training camp this summer, the Chargers will finally get a read on whether Johnson will be able to handle his new position. If the experiment fails, L.A. will likely go back to their configuration from a year ago, when their interior pass protection was a weakness.
--Keith HernandezSource: The Athletic - Daniel Popper
July 15, 2025
Journeyman outfielder
Travis Jankowski rejected an outright assignment to the minor leagues from the New York Mets on Sunday after he was designated for assignment and cleared waivers. Jankowski only appeared in four games for the Mets before being cut, and now he'll be looking to join his fourth different MLB squad in 2025. The 34-year-old speedster has appeared in 25 games this year with the Mets, Chicago White Sox and Tampa Bay Rays, going 11-for-45 (.244) with two doubles, two RBI, eight runs scored and two stolen bases in 50 plate appearances. The former first-rounder by the San Diego Padres in 2012 will likely have to settle for a minor-league deal with another club, but don't be surprised if he resurfaces in the majors in the second half. If he does, he'll only be worth a flier as outfield depth with speed in single-league fantasy formats.
--Keith HernandezSource: Milb.com
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