RADIO
Jake Burger Emerging as Priority Pickup for Power Upside
Texas Rangers first baseman Jake Burger is starting to look like a legit waiver wire target for managers needing corner infield help. The 30-year-old has already mashed 10 home runs with 37 RBI in just 215 at-bats, and he's shown real signs of a resurgence this year. After a rough April, Burger has been much better in May, with a .284 average, improved plate discipline, and a surging pull rate that has led to more hard contact and higher home run totals. He's been hitting in the middle of a decent Rangers lineup and continues to post elite exit velocities. He's still only rostered in 30% of Yahoo leagues in most formats, which feels way low for a guy with this kind of raw power. If you're thin at 1B or looking for some cheap pop down the stretch, Burger is a strong add right now as he has begun to find his footing.
Source: RotoBaller
Source: RotoBaller
Braden Montgomery Breaks Out of Slump, Remains Firmly on Stash Radar
Chicago White Sox outfield prospect Braden Montgomery broke out of a recent slump with a strong four-game stretch at Triple-A Charlotte that saw him go 8-for-16 (.500) with two doubles, a home run, four RBI, seven runs scored, and a stolen base. Perhaps most impressive of all was that the switch-hitter did not strike out once in those four games, his longest stretch of the season without a strikeout, while also drawing three walks. Chicago's second-ranked prospect is performing admirably since earning a promotion to Triple-A, hitting .281 with seven doubles and three home runs in 23 games for the Knights, getting on base at a .366 clip thanks to a solid 10.9 walk rate, and he's also swiped two bags. At this rate, the former first-rounder looks poised for a midseason call-up to the majors, and with a blend of contact, power, and speed, the 23-year-old makes for a stashworthy fantasy asset in deeper leagues.
Source: MiLB.com
Source: MiLB.com
Josh Hader Set to Return from Injured List on Tuesday
Houston Astros closer Josh Hader (biceps) is being activated off the injured list on Tuesday, manager Joe Espada confirmed. Hader had been sidelined since before Opening Day with left biceps tendinitis (he also dealt with shoulder issues late last season). He's progressed through his rehab without setbacks and is now ready to rejoin the big-league bullpen. While the Astros are expected to be cautious with his workload in the early going, Hader should quickly settle back into his role as the primary closer. For fantasy managers, this is a significant boost in saves leagues, especially if you've been streaming or holding onto a committee. Keep an eye on his first few appearances to see how the Astros deploy him, as they may slightly monitor his usage. With Hader set to return, fantasy managers should expect Bryan King, Enyel De Los Santos, and Bryan Abreu to operate as the primary setup options.
Source: Chandler Rome
Source: Chandler Rome
Chris Brazzell II a Year 1 Breakout Candidate in Carolina?
Carolina Panthers wide receiver Chris Brazzell II could have a path to immediate production during his rookie season, making him an intriguing pick in 2026 rookie drafts. The third-round pick is a flashy deep threat who uses his speed and acceleration to win matchups against defenders. His ability to get open could help him get on the field early in the season, especially in a wide receiver room where the No. 2 role is up for grabs. Tetairoa McMillan is the clear alpha receiver here, but Brazzell could push to earn more snaps over players like Jalen Coker and Xavier Legette. If that happens, he'll be one of the biggest steals of 2026 fantasy football drafts. At the moment, he projects as an early-to-mid second-round pick in rookie drafts, and he ranks as the WR67 in RotoBaller's latest dynasty fantasy football rankings.
Source: RotoBaller
Source: RotoBaller
Francisco Alvarez Starting a Rehab Assignment on Tuesday
The New York Mets plan to have catcher Francisco Alvarez (knee) start a minor-league rehab assignment on Tuesday with Triple-A Syracuse, manager Carlos Mendoza told Andrew Tredinnick of The North Jersey Bergen Record. Alvarez has been making good progress since having surgery to fix the meniscus in his right knee just several weeks ago. Initially, the Mets estimated that he would be out for around eight weeks. They will most likely slow-play Alvarez in the minors, but barring a setback, it looks like he's going to beat his initial timetable by quite a bit. Until he returns, the Mets will continue to roll with veteran Luis Torrens as their primary backstop, with Hayden Senger backing him up. Alvarez was hitting .241/.317/.392 with a .710 OPS, four home runs, 10 RBI, and 12 runs scored in 112 at-bats at the time of his knee injury in mid-May. The oft-injured Venezuelan catcher has provided above-average pop in the past, but his lengthy injury history makes him hard to trust in single-catcher fantasy leagues. Alvarez is currently rostered in only 15% of Yahoo leagues.
Source: The North Jersey Bergen Record - Andrew Tredinnick
Source: The North Jersey Bergen Record - Andrew Tredinnick
Corey Seager Starting Rehab Assignment on Tuesday
Texas Rangers shortstop Corey Seager (back) is starting a minor-league rehab assignment at Double-A Frisco on Tuesday, according to the team. He is scheduled to bat second and play shortstop for the Rough Riders on Tuesday. Seager is one step closer to returning from inflammation in his lower back that has kept him out since May 13. But if he doesn't have a setback with his back this week, he could be reinstated from the 10-day injured list later this week or the weekend. Ezequiel Duran has been filling in nicely at the 6 for the Rangers with Seager sidelined, and he'll go back to more of a super-utility role for the team once Seager is back on the active roster. Seager was hitting a disappointing .179 (28-for-156) to begin the 2026 season before injuring his back, but he also had seven home runs, 20 RBI, 22 runs scored, and a steal. Despite durability concerns in his early-30s, Seager is a must-roster fantasy SS. He's only available in 10% of Yahoo leagues.
Source: Texas Rangers PR
Source: Texas Rangers PR
Gleyber Torres Returning From Injured List on Tuesday
Detroit Tigers second baseman Gleyber Torres (oblique) will be activated from the 10-day injured list on Tuesday and return to the starting lineup for the contest against the Tampa Bay Rays and left-hander Steven Matz, manager A.J. Hinch told MLB Network Radio. The Tigers are ready to bring Torres back after he played in just two minor-league rehab games. The 29-year-old has been out since early May due to a strained left oblique, but now that he's back, he'll return to starting duties at the keystone in Motown, pushing Hao-Yu Lee and Zach McKinstry to utility roles. Lee could end up being sent to Triple-A Toledo. Torres was hitting .259/.389/.328 with a .716 OPS, only two home runs, 11 RBI, and 18 runs scored in 116 at-bats this year at the time of his oblique injury. He offers very modest power and speed as middle-infield depth in deep-mixed fantasy leagues. Torres is mostly valuable for his plate discipline, contact-oriented approach, and on-base skills.
Source: MLB.com - Jason Beck
Source: MLB.com - Jason Beck
Ja'Kobi Lane a Great Fit for Ravens, Potential Steal in Rookie Drafts
Baltimore Ravens wide receiver Ja'Kobi Lane was a third-round pick in the 2026 NFL Draft, but he has the potential to make an impact on offense from Day 1. The Ravens have long been seeking another reliable receiver to pair with Zay Flowers, but none of Rashod Bateman, Devontez Walker, or LaJohntay Wester have lived up to the hype so far. Lane could be the answer for the Ravens, and we could possibly even see him start alongside Flowers in Week 1. He's the first receiver drafted by the Ravens' new coaching staff, led by head coach Jesse Minter and offensive coordinator Declan Doyle, so we already know the staff thinks highly of him. Whether Lane will consistently receive catchable targets from Lamar Jackson remains unclear, but we're bullish on the possibility of the Baltimore offense being able to support two fantasy-relevant wide receivers going forward. Even if Lane doesn't end up having a huge role from Day 1, he should be a key piece of their long-term plans, making him an intriguing target in rookie drafts. He projects as an early third-round pick in 2026 rookie drafts, and he's the WR77 in RotoBaller's latest dynasty fantasy football rankings.
Source: RotoBaller
Source: RotoBaller
Josh Jacobs Back at Practice on Tuesday
Green Bay Packers running back Josh Jacobs (personal) returned to practice on Tuesday following his release from jail. Jacobs, who was arrested on five charges and booked into the Brown County Jail last week, could still face league discipline even though he was released from jail. The police report said that Jacobs was charged with battery, criminal damage of property, disorderly conduct, strangulation and suffocation, and intimidation of a victim. The NFL will presumably continue to investigate the scenario before deciding on a potential suspension. In the meantime, Jacobs will continue to participate in practices leading up to training camp and the preseason. He fell short of 1,000 rushing yards last season, but he still managed to score 14 touchdowns and finish as the overall RB13 in PPR leagues. If he avoids a suspension, he'll enter 2026 as a low-end RB1 or high-end RB2. If he misses time, MarShawn Lloyd and Chris Brooks would be in line to co-lead the backfield.
Source: Kyle Malzhan
Source: Kyle Malzhan
Crowded Tight End Room Impacting Max Klare's Dynasty Stock?
Los Angeles Rams tight end Max Klare has an intriguing dynasty outlook as a second-round pick, but a crowded position room adds an extra wrinkle to his fantasy stock. The Rams spent a second-round pick on a tight end for the second year in a row, pairing Klare with Terrance Ferguson (as well as veterans Tyler Higbee and Colby Parkinson). The Rams are a pass-heavy offense, which is encouraging, but there's no denying that there is still plenty of competition for targets. In addition to the four tight ends, Matthew Stafford will be busy throwing to Davante Adams and Puka Nacua, and to a lesser extent, Konata Mumpfield and CJ Daniels. Managers find themselves in a predicament when trying to forecast Klare's role. On one hand, we know the coaching staff wants to get him involved, since they spent a 2026 second-round pick on him. On the other hand, as a rookie, he's at a disadvantage relative to the other tight ends who have more experience in the Rams' system. Managers will likely have to be patient, as Klare has the potential to be the Rams' No. 1 tight end down the road, but he'll presumably struggle to achieve weekly fantasy relevance in 2026. For what it's worth, the experts are equally intrigued by his long-term outlook. He ranks as RotoBaller's TE20 in the latest dynasty rankings, and he projects as a late third-round pick in most 2026 rookie drafts.
Source: RotoBaller
Source: RotoBaller
Romeo Doubs Still a Solid Dynasty Option in New England?
New England Patriots wide receiver Romeo Doubs faces added competition after the team traded for A.J. Brown on Monday. While the trade will undoubtedly impact Doubs' role on offense, he could still have fantasy relevance in a Patriots offense that is trending upward. The Patriots invested $68 million in Doubs, so we expect to see him have a sizable role going forward. Brown will be Drake Maye's No. 1 target, but this offense has been craving wide receiver upgrades, and Doubs can be a productive No. 2. That's probably what he's best suited for, anyway. He consistently finished with between 600 and 725 yards in each of his last three years with the Packers, ranking as a low-end WR3/flex option week after week. We're intrigued that the addition of Brown will draw opposing defense's top cornerbacks away from Doubs, giving him a more favorable matchup in most games. He might be Maye's second read, but he'll still be superior to players like Kayshon Boutte, Mack Hollins, Kyle Williams, and DeMario Douglas in fantasy football. Signed through 2029, Doubs should continue to be viewed as a fringe top-36 fantasy receiver in dynasty leagues. There's no reason to panic sell here. In fact, if the market overreacts to the Brown trade, Doubs could actually have some value as a buy-low receiver.
Source: RotoBaller
Source: RotoBaller
Alec Bohm Re-Emerging as a Quality Waiver-Wire Target After Strong May
Philadelphia Phillies third baseman Alec Bohm is off to a rough start to the 2026 season, hitting .210/.271/.335 with six home runs, 24 RBI, and 17 runs scored across 221 plate appearances. However, the 29-year-old's overall line is dragged down by a brutal showing in March and April, when he hit .151 with a .426 OPS across 119 plate appearances. Bohm's production bounced back to his established norms in May, as he slashed .277/.333/.439 with five home runs, 11 RBI, and 11 runs scored across 102 plate appearances last month. With a 6.4% career barrel rate and 18 stolen bases across 774 career MLB games, Bohm offers limited power and speed upside for fantasy managers. Still, Bohm remains a fixture in the Phillies' everyday lineup, and he's hit no lower than fifth in the batting order since May 13. As long as his early-season struggles are behind him, Bohm should provide batting average and quality counting stats for fantasy managers the rest of the way in 2026. In deeper leagues, Bohm's May bounce-back makes him a worthy waiver wire target despite his ugly overall slash line.
Source: RotoBaller
Source: RotoBaller
Is Foster Griffin Still Worth Targeting on the Waiver Wire Amidst Recent Struggles?
Across 67 innings (12 starts) so far in 2026, Washington Nationals starting pitcher Foster Griffin has recorded a 6-2 record with a 3.76 ERA, 1.15 WHIP, and 65 strikeouts. The 30-year-old has cooled off a bit in recent weeks after a red-hot start to the season, allowing 17 earned runs over his last 20 1/3 innings (four starts). The long ball has been an issue for Griffin, as he currently owns a 1.75 HR/9. Still, Griffin has limited opponents to a 37.8% hard-hit rate and owns a quality 15.7% K-BB rate. There's also reason to think he's been a bit unlucky to give up homers as often as he has, as his 18.1% home run to fly ball rate is well above league average. Griffin may not offer crazy upside, but he remains a solid starting pitcher streamer for fantasy managers to target on the waiver wire.
Source: RotoBaller
Source: RotoBaller
Caleb Kilian Remains a Strong Source of Saves in Standard Leagues
San Francisco Giants reliever Caleb Kilian had a rough outing on Friday in Colorado against the Rockies, allowing two homers and five earned runs across two-thirds of an inning. However, even with the recent blow-up, Kilian's overall numbers for the season are strong. Across 26 innings (24 games), the 29-year-old has pitched to a 3.86 ERA and 1.15 WHIP with 29 strikeouts and three saves. Kilian's average fastball velocity currently sits at 96.9 miles per hour, and he's struck out 26.9% of the batters he's faced. The Giants have utilized multiple relievers in the ninth inning this season, so fantasy managers should not expect Kilian to see every San Francisco save opportunity. Still, the hard-throwing right-hander has emerged as a quality source of both saves and strikeouts for deep-league fantasy managers to target on the waiver wire.
Source: RotoBaller
Source: RotoBaller
Gage Jump Remains a Worthy Waiver-Wire Target Due to Strikeout Upside
Athletics pitching prospect Gage Jump made his MLB debut last Tuesday against the Seattle Mariners, allowing nine hits and four earned runs while striking out five across five innings of work. While the 23-year-old's first start in the majors was a bit of a struggle, he remains a potentially intriguing starting pitching option for fantasy managers. Across 38 innings (nine starts) with Triple-A Las Vegas before his promotion, Jump pitched to a 4.50 ERA and 1.47 WHIP with 56 strikeouts. Particularly given that he will be making his home starts in the hitter-friendly Sutter Health Park, Jump may not provide much value in the ERA and WHIP categories for fantasy managers. However, the young lefty carries significant strikeout upside after posting strikeout rates of 33.1% and 28.4% in the minors in 2026 and 2025, respectively. Fantasy managers in need of whiffs may want to consider targeting Jump on the waiver wire ahead of a potential breakout.
Source: RotoBaller
Source: RotoBaller
Bryce Miller a Priority Waiver-Wire Target
Seattle Mariners right-hander Bryce Miller had his 2026 season delayed by an oblique strain that he suffered in spring training. However, the 27-year-old has been effective since returning in mid-May, recording a 1-0 record with a 1.71 ERA, 0.86 WHIP, and 20 strikeouts across 21 innings (four games). While Miller made one appearance as a reliever as Seattle manages its impressive rotation depth, he's pitched at least five innings in all four of his outings. The young right-hander owns an impressive 21.5% K-BB rate that is buoyed by his elite 3.8% walk rate. After posting a 5.68 ERA across 90 1/3 innings in 2025, Miller appears to be back to the form he displayed in 2024, when he logged a 2.94 ERA across 180 1/3 innings. In any leagues where he's not already rostered, Miller should be a priority waiver wire target with upside for fantasy managers.
Source: RotoBaller
Source: RotoBaller
Yoendrys Gomez Emerging as the Closer to Roster in Minnesota
Since being acquired from the Tampa Bay Rays in early May, Minnesota Twins reliever Yoendrys Gomez has emerged as a key piece in his new team's bullpen. Across 11 1/3 innings (13 games) with Minnesota, Gomez has pitched to a 0.79 ERA and 0.88 WHIP with 14 strikeouts and two saves. The 26-year-old has also finished six games on the mound for the Twins. Minnesota has opted for a committee approach to the ninth inning in 2026, as 11 different relievers have earned saves for the team so far this season. However, Gomez and veteran lefty Taylor Rogers are the only Twins pitchers currently on the active roster with multiple saves, and Rogers has struggled to a 4.15 ERA and 1.57 WHIP in his 25 appearances. If Gomez can continue his strong work, he could take hold of the closer role in Minnesota. He profiles as a worthy waiver wire target in deeper leagues.
Source: RotoBaller
Source: RotoBaller
SEC Coach Calls Buster Faulkner a "Home-Run Hire"
One of Florida head coach Jon Sumrall's first moves was to bring in former Georgia Tech offensive coordinator Buster Faulkner to run the show on offense in Gainesville, and according to one anonymous SEC coach, it was a "home-run hire." "Faulkner can coach offensive football," the coach said. "It is such a departure from what anybody in the SEC does offensively, and they're gonna have a couple games where they have an advantage because everything is so new schematically." The 44-year-old joined the Yellow Jackets staff in 2023 and had strong offensive success with Haynes King at quarterback. Last year, Georgia Tech finished second in the ACC in total offense per game (460) and averaged 32.2 points per game. Florida's quarterback battle between Aaron Philo and Tramell Jones Jr., and Philo could have the leg up, thanks to his previous experience with Faulkner as a Georgia Tech backup.
Source: Athlon Sports
Source: Athlon Sports
Auburn a Sleeper in the SEC Under Alex Golesh?
Following a disappointing three-year stretch, Auburn moved on from former head coach Hugh Freeze and replaced him with USF head coach Alex Golesh. Golesh has been known for his high-powered offenses at Tennessee (as offensive coordinator) and with the Bulls. His offenses have averaged at least 31 points over the last three seasons, and with quarterback Byrum Brown following him to Auburn, at least one anonymous coach in the SEC thinks the Tigers could be successful right away. "You bring your quarterback with you, and there's not a big learning curve there. I could see them having success," the coach said. "They were really good on defense last year. They were the best defense that we saw. You add some offense with it, and they can be pretty good." As always, it won't be easy in the SEC, and it has road dates with Tennessee, Georgia, Ole Miss, and Alabama on its schedule in 2026.
Source: AthlonSports.com
Source: AthlonSports.com
Noah Fifita Primed for Strong 2026 Campaign
Arizona quarterback Noah Fifita is entering his fourth year as the program's starter in 2026. The 22-year-old has completed 64.9% of his passes for 9,183 yards, 73 touchdowns, and 24 interceptions across 40 career games (34 starts). He had an excellent redshirt freshman season in 2023, struggled in 2024, and bounced back in 2025. With a ton of experience under his belt entering his fifth-year senior season, he could be one of the most underrated quarterbacks in the country. "[Fifita] is freaking electric. He's one of the best quarterbacks in the country," an anonymous Big 12 coach said to Athlon Sports. "His off-schedule playmaking ability is unbelievable. When he gets flushed out of the pocket, the play begins. I thought their wideouts were really good." Arizona has the fourth-best odds to win the Big 12, according to ESPN (+1800), but Fifita could give the Wildcats a chance to sneak into conference title contention during his final year on campus.
Source: On3
Source: On3
Oregon Assistant Coach Charged with DUII, Reckless Driving
Oregon assistant head coach and running backs coach Ra'Shaad Samples has been charged with DUII (driving under the influence of intoxicants) and reckless driving. These charges stem from an incident in mid-April, in which Samples allegedly backed his 2026 Ford 1-50 into a parked car in Eugene. When an officer from the Eugene Police Department arrived on the scene minutes later, the responding officer concluded that Samples was under the influence of alcohol, based on his visible condition and statements, according to the DMV records. The University or the Football program has not commented on this matter. Samples has been with the Ducks since the start of the 2024 season after stints with Arizona State, the Los Angeles Rams, SMU, Texas, and Houston.
Source: On3
Source: On3
Kirby Yates Takes Loss on Monday, Will He Remain the Lead Option for Saves?
Los Angeles Angels relief pitcher Kirby Yates gave up one earned run on two hits in the ninth inning on Monday, taking the loss as his team fell to the Rockies, 9-8. Yanes gave up a single to Kyle Karros and a double to Jake McCarthy before the game-winning sacrifice fly from T.J. Rumfield. Yates was entering the game in a non-save situation after a wild eighth inning, in which the Rockies scored five times to take the lead, and the Angels answered with two runs to tie the game back up when Yates entered. The 39-year-old righty has a 4.32 ERA and 4.04 FIP in his nine games this season, and before Monday, he allowed just one run in his previous six appearances. He has only had a single save this season since the Angels don't present a ton of opportunities, but he'll likely remain the top closer for now in the absence of any other experienced options at the back of the bullpen.
Source: ESPN
Source: ESPN
Makai Lemon Set for Major Role in Debut Season?
When the Philadelphia Eagles traded up to select USC wide receiver Makai Lemon with the 20th pick of the 2026 NFL Draft, it was clear they were planning for life without three-time Pro Bowler A.J. Brown. With the trade of Brown to New England becoming official on Monday, the spotlight on Lemon grows notably brighter. In his four seasons with the Eagles, Brown never earned less than a 27.3% target share, twice topping the 30% mark, and his absence creates the opportunity for Lemon to immediately claim a meaningful role in Philadelphia's new-look offense. After spending the past two seasons in Green Bay, Sean Mannion steps in as the Eagles' fifth offensive coordinator in as many seasons, creating a fresh slate for every pass catcher on the roster. While DeVonta Smith has become the focal point of Philadelphia's passing offense in a small sample of games played without Brown over the past two seasons, he's done so without another target-earner of Lemon's caliber on the roster. While some early-season growing pains are to be expected, Lemon has both the talent and opportunity to quickly establish himself as a legitimate 1B in Philadelphia, and he is RotoBaller's rookie WR3 and dynasty WR21.
Source: RotoBaller
Source: RotoBaller
Tight End Nick Pollack Commits to Clemson
Three-star tight end Nick Pollack committed to Clemson on Monday, according to 247 Sports. The 6'3", 220-pound rising high school senior is the son of former star Georgia defensive lineman David Pollack. Pollack also had offers from Wake Forest, Cincinnati, East Carolina, and Samford. He's a versatile player with snaps as edge, linebacker, H-back, and wide receiver, but he projects as a tight end at the next level. Although he isn't a big-time recruit, Clemson is a program willing to develop players who stick around long term.
Source: 247Sports
Source: 247Sports
Does Latest Addition Put Drake Maye Among the Upper Echelon of Fantasy Elite?
New England Patriots quarterback Drake Maye was the MVP runner-up in his first full season as a starter, and with the Patriots officially trading for three-time Pro Bowl wide receiver A.J. Brown on Monday, he gets not only a new No. 1 weapon, but one who marries up perfectly to his own rare abilities. Maye's 1,149 passing yards and 18 touchdowns against man coverage in 2025 were both top-four numbers in the NFL, and since 2022, Brown has ranked first in receptions, first in receiving yards, and fourth in receiving touchdowns against man coverage. Maye was arguably the best deep-ball thrower in the league last season, with a number one downfield target in Kayshon Boutte, who has never topped 589 yards in a season, while Brown has built a career out of dominating at the second level. While the Patriots are not acquiring the prime version of Brown, who received an MVP vote in his first year with the Eagles, he is undoubtedly the top receiver that Maye has had in his young career. With Romeo Doubs and a well-rounded supporting cast also getting a boost by being allowed to slot into more natural secondary or tertiary roles, it should come as no surprise if the 23-year-old Maye, currently RotoBaller's dynasty QB2, claims the top spot in the rankings by season's end.
Source: RotoBaller
Source: RotoBaller
Kyle Finnegan Deployed in Setup Role on Monday, Will He Earn Save Opportunities?
Detroit Tigers relief pitcher Kyle Finnegan was expected to step in as the team's fill-in closer while Kenley Jansen (pelvis) is on the injured list, but that wasn't how the script unfolded on Monday. Finnegan entered an 8-5 game in the seventh inning in a high-leverage spot against the top of the Rays' order. He allowed a single to Yandy Diaz, but struck out Jonathan Aranda, and then induced an inning-ending double play from Richie Palacios. The eighth and ninth innings didn't go smoothly for Beau Brieske and Will Vest, but the team held on for a wild 10-9 win, with Vest earning the save. Finnegan could still end up getting short-term save opportunities, especially with his effective outing on Monday, but the full-time closer job isn't going to be his alone. He's a speculative add in most leagues at this point, but he brings intriguing upside for as long as Jansen is unavailable.
Source: ESPN
Source: ESPN
Jalen Hurts Could Face Regression After Loss of Top Pass Catcher
Philadelphia Eagles quarterback Jalen Hurts has finished as the fantasy QB3, QB2, QB8, and QB8 over four seasons played with A.J. Brown as his number one wideout. While 10 rushing touchdowns and a career-high 784 yards on the ground resulted in a QB9 finish in his last season without Brown, it's undeniable that his best football has been played with the 6'1", 226-pound three-time Pro Bowler on the outside. With Brown being dealt to the Patriots on Monday, Hurts will be tasked with running a new-look offense under his fifth offensive coordinator in as many seasons. In the four games that Hurts has played without Brown since 2022, he's averaged 19.7 fantasy points per game, which, while still impressive, is notably lower than the 23.0 points scored in games played together. With the Brown trade having been in the works for months, the Eagles prepared for this moment by adding Hollywood Brown, Dontayvion Wicks, and 2026 draft picks Makai Lemon and Eli Stowers, so the cupboard is by no means bare. With Philadelphia featuring one of the league's run-heaviest offenses and Hurts already accumulating many of his fantasy points with his legs, he is in a unique position to better absorb the loss of his number one receiver than most would be. Heading into his age-28 season, Hurts sits at QB7 in RotoBaller's dynasty rankings.
Source: RotoBaller
Source: RotoBaller
Jacob Latz Picks up Eighth Save, Entering High-End Closer Territory?
Texas Rangers relief pitcher Jacob Latz earned a save for the second day in a row on Monday night, closing out his team's 2-1 win over the Cardinals. Latz worked a clean ninth inning, picking up back-to-back strikeouts to end the game. The 30-year-old lefty has a 2.00 ERA and 0.59 WHIP in his 27 innings this season, totaling 26 strikeouts. He has picked up three saves and a win in his last four appearances and has emerged as the clear leader for save situations. He has worked back-to-back days, so his availability for Tuesday is uncertain, but if you need saves, Latz is one of the best options you can pick up from the waiver wire.
Source: ESPN
Source: ESPN
Will Vest Tallies Five-Out Save for Tigers, Is He the Short-Term Closer?
Detroit Tigers relief pitcher Will Vest closed out his team's 10-9 win over the Rays on Monday night, earning his first save of the season. The 30-year-old righty entered a messy situation in the eighth inning with the bases loaded and one out while his team was holding a 10-5 lead. He gave up a double and a single, allowing four runs to score, but preserved the lead. Things went much more smoothly for Vest in the 1-2-3 ninth inning, finishing with back-to-back strikeouts. He was charged with one run in his 1 2/3 innings, but he still lowered his ERA to 7.23 on the season. His 3.45 FIP and 3.35 xERA indicate he has pitched better than his elevated ERA indicates, but he is still very high-risk after his rough start to the season. Even though he's risky, he does have enough upside to consider from the waiver wire, though, since the Tigers are without closer Kenley Jansen (pelvis) and saves should be available. Vest got the job done on Monday and does have potential to be a short-term source of saves for deep leagues.
Source: ESPN
Source: ESPN
DeVonta Smith Poised for WR1 Role in the Aftermath of Trade?
Philadelphia Eagles wide receiver DeVonta Smith has seen his dynasty cost rise throughout the offseason as rumors of an A.J. Brown trade grew louder and more credible. With the deal finally becoming official on Monday, and Brown heading to New England for a 2028 first-round pick and a 2027 fifth-rounder, Smith steps into a role at the top of the depth chart in which he's thrived with limited opportunities. In three of the four games Smith has appeared in without Brown over the past two seasons, he's earned at least a 29% target share. A limited snap count in last season's finale is all that kept him from going four out of four, but his extrapolated full-season pace across those four contests is 98 receptions for 1,237 yards, legitimate WR1 numbers. Obviously, the trade was not made in a vacuum, as the Eagles planned for this moment by signing Hollywood Brown, trading for Dontayvion Wicks, and drafting Makai Lemon and tight end Eli Stowers, but Smith should be the most significant benefactor of Brown's absence, as he has been in a small but impressive sampling. Smith is RotoBaller's dynasty WR27, but that ranking could continue to rise as the season draws closer.
Source: RotoBaller
Source: RotoBaller
