RADIO
Samuel Basallo a High-End Power Option at Catcher?
Baltimore Orioles catcher Samuel Basallo gives fantasy managers a power path at one of the thinnest positions. The 21-year-old is hitting .248 with 14 home runs, 42 RBI, 32 runs, and a .761 OPS over 262 at-bats. There is no speed here, and the recent average has been shaky, so this is not a clean five-category pickup. But catcher power that can move a fantasy lineup is hard to leave on the wire. The batted-ball data backs up the home run total. Basallo owns a 91.3 mph average exit velocity, 45.0% hard-hit rate, and 12.2% barrel rate, which is real impact contact for the position. The downside is batting-average drag if the strikeouts pile up. Still sitting at 49% rostered in Yahoo leagues, Basallo fits as a power add in 10-team formats, matching RotoBaller's latest waiver recommendation.
Source: RotoBaller
Source: RotoBaller
Devon Dampier Currently Aiming for NFL After 2026
Utah quarterback Devon Dampier is entering his fourth season in college football and his second as the starting quarterback for the Utes. Under previous rules, Dampier would be ineligible to play college football after this season. With the new 5-for-5 ruling, he and many others will have the opportunity to play a fifth season of college ball. Despite this opportunity, Dampier told ESPN that he is hoping to enter the NFL Draft after the conclusion of this season. That being said, he did add, "but I guess it's a nice safety belt for me to know I do have another year now." Dampier, one of college football's most underrated signal callers, threw for 2,490 yards, 24 touchdowns, and five interceptions a year ago. Standing 5-foot-11, he lacks ideal NFL size, which could potentially lead him to return to college in 2027 despite his previous statement.
Source: ESPN
Source: ESPN
Seiya Suzuki Back in Cubs Lineup on Friday
Chicago Cubs outfielder Seiya Suzuki (calf) is starting in right field and batting cleanup for Friday's series opener on the road against the division-rival Cincinnati Reds and right-hander Hunter Greene, per MLB.com. Suzuki is good to go a day after being pulled from Thursday's contest against the Baltimore Orioles due to cramps in his calf. The 31-year-old Japanese native needs to be returned to fantasy lineups in all traditional formats on Friday, even though the matchup isn't an ideal one against a hard-throwing ace. Suzuki has homered in back-to-back games and has seen the ball well in his career against Greene, batting .444 with a 1.500 OPS, two home runs, and six RBI in his 18 at-bats. Since June 16, Suzuki has gone 24-for-78 (.308) with five home runs, six doubles, 19 RBI, 13 runs scored, and a stolen base in 19 games and 88 plate appearances. He also has cleared the fences three times in his first seven games in July.
Source: MLB.com
Source: MLB.com
High Hopes for Noah Fifita in 2026
Arizona quarterback Noah Fifita will be entering his fourth season as the Wildcats' starting quarterback, making him one of the nation's most experienced signal callers. Head coach Brent Brennan recently stated: "I think Noah can be the conference player of the year and win the Heisman Trophy." Fifita did have a career-high 3,228 passing yards last season, throwing for 29 touchdowns and six interceptions. His season was one of the most underappreciated in college football last year, but he isn't flying under the radar for On3's Brett McMurphy. McMurphy ranked him as the top quarterback in the Big 12 for 2026, pointing out that he is due to become Arizona's all-time leading passer this season. Fifita and the Wildcats play an early Big 12 game on September 12, traveling to play projected conference champion BYU in Provo.
Source: ESPN
Source: ESPN
Jake Ferguson Still Considered the Undisputed Starting TE in Dallas
Chris Amaya of the Express News writes that Dallas Cowboys tight end Jake Ferguson "should be the undisputed starter at tight end" again in 2026, especially after he signed a four-year, $52 million extension with the team last year. Ferguson didn't provide Dallas with a ton of big plays down the middle of the field last year, but he finished with 82 receptions for 600 yards and eight touchdowns in 17 games (10 starts) to finish as the TE7 in half-PPR scoring. The 27-year-old has a safe floor in fantasy in one of the most pass-happy offenses in the NFL, but his average depth of catch has dropped from 10.7 yards in 2023 to 7.3 yards per reception last season. It's also a bit concerning that his involvement dropped down the stretch in 2025. Ferguson has plenty of talent, but the target competition with one of the best WR duos in the league of CeeDee Lamb and George Pickens is real. He's a two-time All-Star, but you'll need to remember that he didn't have a single touchdown grab in 14 starts in 2024, so TD regression should be expected. RotoBaller has Ferguson ranked as the No. 13 fantasy TE for the 2026 season.
Source: Express News - Chris Amaya
Source: Express News - Chris Amaya
Sam Antonacci a Top Speed Target Off Waivers?
Chicago White Sox outfielder Sam Antonacci has played his way into the top waiver mix for managers needing speed, average, and runs. The 23-year-old is hitting .289 with five home runs, 46 runs, 25 RBI, and 12 steals over 253 at-bats. The profile is not built around big power, but it is not empty speed either. Antonacci owns a .380 OBP, has struck out just 15.3% of the time, and brings useful 2B/3B/OF eligibility. That makes him easier to fit than a lot of speed-first waiver options. His 7.5% barrel rate and .370 xwOBA give the bat enough support to keep him in lineups, even if fantasy managers should not expect a major home run jump. With a 47% Yahoo roster rate, Antonacci should be added in most competitive leagues. RotoBaller's latest waiver rankings back him as an add in 10-team formats.
Source: RotoBaller
Source: RotoBaller
Brad Jackson Set for Sophomore Leap?
Texas State quarterback Brad Jackson broke out as a redshirt freshman last season, completing 71% of his passes for 3,224 yards, 21 touchdowns, and seven interceptions. He was dynamic as a dual-threat, adding 744 rushing yards and 17 scores on the ground. Jackson has a tougher schedule ahead of him as the Bobcats graduate from the Sun Belt to the Pac-12. They will open the season with Texas, which will be the toughest defense Jackson has faced in his career. If he takes another step forward as a sophomore, Jackson could be firmly on the radar of P4 teams after this season.
Source: ESPN
Source: ESPN
Zack Gelof Heads Back to Injured List With Knee Laceration
The Athletics announced on Friday that they placed utility player Zack Gelof (knee) on the 10-day injured list with a right-knee laceration and recalled infielder Joey Meneses from Triple-A Las Vegas in a corresponding move. Gelof injured his right knee making a nice sliding catch in foul territory in Thursday's game against the Detroit Tigers, and he'll now head back to the IL after returning from a stint on the sidelines due to a hand laceration. The 26-year-old former second-round pick in 2021 out of the University of Virginia has been hampered by injuries in his career before, but this time it's even more frustrating, as Gelof has played well for the A's in 2026 when available, slashing .273/.327/.476 with an .802 OPS, 11 home runs, 29 RBI, 41 runs scored, and eight stolen bases across his 227 at-bats. Fantasy managers seeking power and speed for the second half shouldn't forget about Gelof, who is eligible at second base, third base, and the outfield in Yahoo leagues. While he's out, veteran Jeff McNeil figures to see most of the playing time at the hot corner in Sacramento.
Source: A's Communications
Source: A's Communications
Arkansas has the Toughest Schedule in 2026
ESPN FPI released its toughest schedule rankings for the 2026 season, and the Arkansas Razorbacks led the way. In year one under Ryan Silverfield, the Razorbacks' marquee non-conference game is on the road against Utah. Their SEC schedule includes home games against Georgia, Tennessee, Missouri, South Carolina, and LSU, and road games at Texas A&M, Vanderbilt, Auburn, and Texas. Silverfield will have his work cut out for him as he looks to turn around an Arkansas team that won just two games last season. Expectations are low against a tough schedule with an unproven roster.
Source: On3
Source: On3
JJ Wetherholt, Cardinals Agree on Long-Term Contract Extension
Rookie infielder JJ Wetherholt and the St. Louis Cardinals agreed to an undisclosed long-term contract extension on Friday that will buy out multiple years of free agency, sources told Jeff Passan of ESPN. The 23-year-old has been tremendous in his first big-league season and becomes the latest rookie to land a nine-figure contract. The 23-year-old former seventh overall pick in 2024 out of West Virginia University has locked down St. Louis' second base job from the get-go in 2026, and he's hitting .267/.362/.411 with a .773 OPS, 13 home runs, 36 RBI, 57 runs scored, and nine stolen bases in his first 87 games and 395 plate appearances in the majors heading into the final weekend of the first half of the season. Wetherholt currently ranks 12th in the big leagues with a 3.6 WAR this year. He's been hot going into next week's All-Star break as well, going 11-for-35 (.314) with a homer, two doubles, two RBI, and eight runs scored in nine games so far in July.
Source: ESPN.com - Jeff Passan
Source: ESPN.com - Jeff Passan
Dillon Dingler Remains Out on Friday With Thumb Injury
Detroit Tigers catcher Dillon Dingler (thumb) is out of the starting lineup for the second straight game for Friday's series opener against the visiting Philadelphia Phillies due to a thumb injury, according to MLB.com. Jake Rogers will make another start behind the dish and catch right-hander Jack Flaherty while hitting ninth against Phillies right-hander Aaron Nola. Dingler injured his thumb when he was hit by a foul tip on Wednesday, and he was removed from the contest early. He's day-to-day, though, and has a shot to return to the starting lineup in one of the last two games of the first half of the regular season on Saturday or Sunday in Detroit. The 27-year-old right-handed-hitting backstop is having a breakout 2026 campaign, slashing .264/.325/.516 with an .841 OPS, 19 home runs, 60 RBI, and 48 runs scored across his 318 at-bats in just his second full MLB season. Dingler ranks third among catchers in homers, is first in RBI, and is fifth in runs scored. UPDATE: Manager A.J. Hinch said it's uncertain if Dingler will play in either of the final two games of the first half of the season this weekend due to his thumb injury, per MLive.com's Evan Woodbery.
Source: MLB.com
Source: MLB.com
Max Holloway A Favorite At UFC 329
Former featherweight champion and former BMF champion Max Holloway will look to bounce back in the win column when he takes on former two-division champion Conor McGregor in the main event of UFC 329 on Saturday. This is a rematch 13 years in the making, only this time the fight will be at welterweight. In their first fight, McGregor walked away victorious after outstriking and outgrappling Holloway. Holloway was last seen in action in March at UFC 326, where he suffered a unanimous decision loss to Charles Oliveira. DraftKings sees Holloway as the favorite with a salary of $9,000.
Source: UFC
Source: UFC
Troy Melton Remains a Steady Waiver-Wire Target Despite Lack of Strikeouts
Detroit Tigers starting pitcher Troy Melton did not make his 2026 debut until late May due to an elbow injury, and then missed a start in June due to back tightness. However, Melton has been highly effective when healthy this season, recording a 5-1 record with a 1.82 ERA, 0.81 WHIP, and 41 strikeouts across 49 1/3 innings (eight starts). The 25-year-old owns just a 21.7% strikeout rate, which is definitely a limiting factor on his fantasy appeal. However, Melton limits free passes (5.8% walk rate) and has pitched into the sixth inning or later in five of his eight starts this season. The young right-hander may also have some untapped swing-and-miss potential, as he logged a 32.4% strikeout rate across 75 1/3 minor league innings in 2025. At the very least, Melton profiles as a priority starting pitcher streamer for fantasy managers to target on the waiver wire.
Source: RotoBaller
Source: RotoBaller
Conor McGregor Returns After Five Years
Former two-division champion Conor McGregor returns this Saturday after a five-year absence from MMA to face off against former featherweight champion and former BMF champion Max Holloway in the main event of UFC 329. McGregor and Holloway will meet in the Octagon for the first time in nearly 13 years, with the Irishman taking the first fight by unanimous decision. A 37-year-old McGregor last fought in 2021 at UFC 264, when he suffered a serious injury against Dustin Poirier. DraftKings sees McGregor as the underdog with a salary of $7,200.
Source: UFC
Source: UFC
KaVontae Turpin Unlikely to Have Significant Offensive Role
Dallas Cowboys wide receiver KaVontae Turpin established himself as an elite returner this past season. He earned himself a trip to the Pro Bowl with his excellent work on special teams. He's valuable in leagues that count return yardage, but is unlikely to have much value outside of that. Turpin finished with 26 receptions, 396 receiving yards, and two touchdowns across 15 games last season. The Cowboys have brought in some competition for the third and fourth wideout roles. Turpin might get lost in the shuffle offensively, but should remain a star in the return game.
Source: Pro Football Reference
Source: Pro Football Reference
A.J. Ewing Emerging as a Priority Waiver-Wire Target with Five-Category Upside
Since making his MLB debut on May 12, New York Mets outfielder A.J. Ewing is hitting .277/.356/.446 with seven home runs, 24 RBI, 26 runs scored, and nine stolen bases. The 21-year-old has gotten off to a red-hot start in July, hitting .290/.313/.613 with three home runs across 33 plate appearances so far this month. Ewing's 25.2% strikeout rate is slightly elevated, but his 10.5% walk rate has kept his on-base percentage high and allows his speed to play up. Ewing has also established himself as the everyday center fielder in New York and has moved into the leadoff spot in the Mets lineup in each of the team's last four games. In any league where he's not already rostered, Ewing profiles as a must-add outfielder with five-category upside for fantasy managers.
Source: RotoBaller
Source: RotoBaller
Dawson Knox Has Stash Value
Buffalo Bills tight end Dawson Knox signed a new three-year extension with the organization this offseason. It was a bit surprising to see the Bills commit to a three-year deal with Knox, but it goes to show how much they value him on this roster. Knox is coming off a decent season in 2025. He recorded 36 receptions, 417 receiving yards, and four touchdowns across 17 games last season. Those aren't bad numbers for someone who is stuck behind Dalton Kincaid on the depth chart. The expectation is that Knox will continue being the primary backup tight end in Buffalo. He should be considered a touchdown-dependent TE2 while Kincaid is healthy. Dynasty managers who don't have a ton of depth at tight end should consider stashing Knox. The 29-year-old is capable of making plays when given the chance, but unfortunately, his opportunities are limited.
Source: Pro Football Reference
Source: Pro Football Reference
Benoit Saint Denis Looks To Extend His Win Streak
Benoit Saint Denis will look to extend his win streak when he faces off against former interim title challenger Paddy Pimblett in the co-main event of UFC 329. Saint Denis was last seen in action in February at UFC 325, where he extended his win streak by defeating Dan Hooker via second-round TKO. He is currently on a four-fight winning streak. DraftKings sees Saint Denis as the favorite with a salary of $8,500.
Source: UFC
Source: UFC
Should Fantasy Managers Now Be Targeting Caleb Durbin on the Waiver Wire?
Boston Red Sox third baseman Caleb Durbin got off to a brutal start to the 2026 season, hitting .183 with one home run across 164 plate appearances through the end of May. However, the 26-year-old rebounded with a standout June, hitting .326 with six home runs and five stolen bases across 92 plate appearances in the month. Durbin has just four hits in his first 25 at-bats in July, but two of those hits have gone for home runs. For the season overall, Durbin is now slashing a respectable .225/.288/.396 with nine home runs, 39 RBI, 36 runs scored, and 10 stolen bases. While his 29.1% hard-hit rate is uninspiring, he limits swing-and-miss (13.8% strikeout rate). Now that he's seemingly recovered from his early-season slump, Durbin has value on the waiver wire as a balanced contributor who can fill a depth role for fantasy managers.
Source: RotoBaller
Source: RotoBaller
Kyle Schwarber to Participate in Home Run Derby on Monday
Philadelphia Phillies outfielder Kyle Schwarber will officially participate in this year's Home Run Derby to kick off All-Star week on Monday, according to MLB. Schwarber will join teammate Bryce Harper in front of the home faithful at Citizens Bank Park, joining Junior Caminero, Ben Rice, Willson Contreras, and Jac Caglianone. The 33-year-old three-time All-Star and former Silver Slugger winner is an easy choice for the Derby, as he currently leads all of baseball with 32 round-trippers through 338 at-bats in 2026. Schwarbs also leads the league with 140 strikeouts in 90 games across 401 plate appearances while slashing .254/.369/.571 with a .940 OPS, 58 RBI, 57 runs scored, and two stolen bases in his 12th year in the big leagues and fifth with the Phillies. Despite his elevated 34.9% strikeout rate, Schwarbs has continued to get on base at a high clip and hit the ball hard 54% of the time when he makes contact. He has homered twice in his last three games and is batting .250 (14-for-56) with three homers, six RBI, six runs, and a steal in 16 games since June 22.
Source: MLB
Source: MLB
Kalif Raymond Unlikely to Have Significant Role
Chicago Bears wide receiver Kalif Raymond is looking to rebound with his new organization. Raymond signed with the Bears this offseason after spending the last five seasons with the Detroit Lions. Raymond posted decent numbers during his first few years in Detroit, but has been lackluster lately. Over the last two seasons, Raymond has failed to surpass 300 receiving yards in either season. The 31-year-old was likely brought in as depth to compete with Zavion Thomas and Jahdae Walker for the third wideout role. Whoever wins the job is unlikely to have a ton of targets anyway. Raymond belongs on the waiver wire in basically all fantasy formats right now.
Source: Pro Football Reference
Source: Pro Football Reference
TJ Rumfield is a High-Floor First Baseman to Target on the Waiver Wire
Colorado Rockies first baseman TJ Rumfield has been a revelation so far this season, hitting .297/.376/.480 with 12 home runs, 47 RBI, and 42 runs scored across 372 plate appearances. The 26-year-old had been blocked from making his MLB debut as a member of the New York Yankees organization before 2026, but he's taken full advantage of his opportunity in Colorado and emerged as the Rockies' everyday first baseman. With just a 5.4% barrel rate and a 28.6% hard-hit rate, Rumfield's underlying power metrics are uninspiring. However, the lefty-swinger's plate approach is strong, as he owns a 9.7% walk rate with just a 14.2% strikeout rate. Rumfield's hitter-friendly home environment in Colorado also helps maximize his production at the plate. While Rumfield may not have incredible upside, he profiles as a steady corner infield contributor for fantasy managers to target on the waiver wire.
Source: RotoBaller
Source: RotoBaller
Kendrick Bourne a Possible Cut Candidate
Arizona Cardinals wide receiver Kendrick Bourne is looking to remain relevant on his new team. Bourne signed a two-year, $12 million deal with the Cardinals during the offseason. He's currently projected as the third wideout behind Marvin Harrison Jr. and Michael Wilson. Last season, Bourne recorded 37 receptions, 551 receiving yards, and zero touchdowns across 16 games (eight starts) with the San Francisco 49ers. He's a decent depth option, but is likely to get lost in the shuffle in Arizona. Bourne will be the fourth passing option with Harrison, Wilson, and tight end Trey McBride ahead of him in the pecking order. The Cardinals are also loaded at running back, so they could opt to be more run-heavy next season. Unless an injury or two happens, Bourne is unlikely to have weekly fantasy value. He belongs on the waiver wire in most 12-team formats to begin the season.
Source: Pro Football Reference
Source: Pro Football Reference
Paddy Pimblett An Underdog At UFC 329
Former interim title challenger Paddy Pimblett will look to get back in the win column when he takes on Benoit Saint Denis in the co-main event of UFC 329 on Saturday. Pimblett is coming off an interim title loss to Justin Gaethje at UFC 324. Before his fight with Gaethje, Pimblett was on a nine-fight winning streak, seven of which were in the UFC. His loss to Gaethje was his first loss since getting beaten by Soren Bak in Cage Warriors in 2018. DraftKings sees Pimblett as the underdog with a salary of $7,700.
Source: UFC
Source: UFC
Griffin Jax Emerging as a Priority Waiver-Wire Target
After a disappointing beginning to the 2026 season while working out of the bullpen, Tampa Bay Rays right-hander Griffin Jax has found success since being moved into his team's rotation in late April. Across 24 appearances (13 starts) on the year, Jax has recorded a 4-6 record with a 3.60 ERA, 1.22 WHIP, and 68 strikeouts in 65 innings pitched. Dating back to June 7, Jax owns a 3-2 record with a 2.32 ERA, 0.94 WHIP, and 36 strikeouts across 31 innings (six starts). In that span, Jax owns a 30.3% strikeout rate with just a 5.0% walk rate, good for an elite 25.3% K-BB rate. In any fantasy league where Jax is not already rostered, he profiles as a priority waiver wire pickup.
Source: RotoBaller
Source: RotoBaller
Mario Bautista Looks To Win Back-To-Back Fights
Mario Bautista will look to win back-to-back fights when he faces off against former title challenger Cory Sandhagen on the main card of UFC 329 on Saturday. Bautista was last seen in the Octagon in February at UFC Vegas 113, where he returned to the win column by beating Vinicius Oliveira via second-round submission. Prior to that, Bautista's eight-fight win streak was snapped by Umar Nurmagomedov. DraftKings sees Bautista as the underdog with a salary of $7,900.
Source: UFC
Source: UFC
Tua Tagovailoa is Early Favorite for Starting Gig
Atlanta Falcons quarterback Tua Tagovailoa is hopeful that a change of scenery will help put his career back on track. The former first-round pick signed a one-year deal with the Falcons after being cut by the Miami Dolphins in March. The expectation is that Tagovailoa and Michael Penix Jr. will compete for the starting gig during training camp. According to Josh Kendall of The Athletic, Tagovailoa is the early favorite to win the starting job. Penix is working his way back from an ACL tear, so the Falcons might remain cautious with the young signal-caller early in the season. It wouldn't be shocking to see both quarterbacks get into action this season. If Tagovailoa wins the job, he'll likely only offer value as a second QB in superflex formats.
Source: New York Times
Source: New York Times
Cory Sandhagen Looks To Get Back In The Win Column
Former title challenger Cory Sandhagen will aim to get back in the win column when he takes on Mario Bautista on the main card of UFC 329 on Saturday. Sandhagen was last seen in action in October at UFC 320, where he suffered a unanimous decision loss to then-champion Merab Dvalishvili. He won three of his last five bouts, with victories over former title challenger Marlon Vera, Rob Font, and former two-time flyweight champion Deiveson Figueiredo. DraftKings sees Sandhagen as the favorite with a salary of $8,300.
Source: UFC
Source: UFC
Jake McCarthy a Must-Add Outfielder Amidst Breakout Campaign
Across 294 plate appearances in 2026, Colorado Rockies outfielder Jake McCarthy is hitting .299/.341/.507 with nine home runs, 51 RBI, 37 runs scored, and 14 stolen bases. The 28-year-old has been consistently above-average at the plate for most of the season, and he's already hit three home runs and collected 14 RBI in July. McCarthy's underlying power metrics remain uninspiring, as he owns a 5.8% barrel rate and a 26% hard-hit rate. However, McCarthy has taken full advantage of his hitter-friendly home environment in Colorado, hitting .317 with seven home runs across 152 plate appearances at Coors Field. The lefty-swinging McCarthy has also logged a .952 OPS against same-handed pitching in 2026, which allows him to stay in the Rockies lineup every day. Between his plus speed and advantageous situation in Colorado, McCarthy profiles as a must-add outfielder in any fantasy league where he remains on the waiver wire.
Source: RotoBaller
Source: RotoBaller
Connelly Early's Doctor Visit Confirms Elbow Inflammation
Boston Red Sox left-hander Connelly Early's (elbow) visit to Dr. Keith Meister confirmed the diagnosis of posterior elbow inflammation/irritation and nothing more serious, a source told Chris Cotillo of MassLive.com. It's great news for Early and the Red Sox moving forward, although it's unclear when the young southpaw might be ready to rejoin Boston's starting rotation in the second half. The BoSox put Early on the 15-day injured list after he was pulled from his start on June 30 early with discomfort in his elbow. In his second season in the big leagues, the 24-year-old former fifth-rounder from the University of Virginia in 2023 has gone 7-5 with a 3.44 ERA (4.62 FIP) and 1.25 WHIP with 93 strikeouts and 34 walks in 91 2/3 innings pitched in his 17 starts. His strikeout rate has dropped from 36.7% in a small sample size (four starts) in his MLB debut last year to 23.8% in 2026, but he's still one of the more intriguing young left-handed arms in the game to keep an eye on in the second half of the season. Early is available in over half of Yahoo leagues.
Source: MassLive.com - Chris Cotillo
Source: MassLive.com - Chris Cotillo
