RADIO
KC Concepcion Expected to Move Around on Offense
Cleveland Browns rookie first-round wide receiver KC Concepcion could be moved around the offensive formation in his first year in the NFL in new head coach Todd Monken's offense as the Browns look for "the best ways to utilize his explosiveness," according to The Athletic's Zac Jackson. Even with a less-than-ideal quarterback competition going on between Deshaun Watson and Shedeur Sanders this summer, Concepcion, the 24th overall pick in April out of Texas A&M, could be fantasy relevant in most leagues in 2026 in his first year in the NFL. Veteran Jerry Jeudy really struggled last year, which is why the Browns brought in both Concepcion and Denzel Boston (second round) to beef up the team's passing attack. The Browns have every reason to throw both Concepcion and Boston into the fire immediately and give them big roles to try and spark their offense. In his lone season with the Aggies in 2025, Concepcion caught 61 passes for 919 yards and an SEC-leading nine touchdowns in 13 games. His opportunity and upside make him RotoBaller's No. 47 fantasy WR as he heads into his rookie season.
Source: The Athletic - Zac Jackson
Source: The Athletic - Zac Jackson
Denzel Boston Impresses Coaching Staff During Offseason Workouts
Cleveland Browns rookie second-round wide receiver Denzel Boston "might have been the most impressive offensive player in the (Browns') spring sessions," according to Zac Jackson of The Athletic. The Browns still have Jerry Jeudy atop their WR depth chart, but Boston and fellow rookie KC Concepcion (24th overall pick in April) should make immediate impacts in new head coach Todd Monken's offense in 2026. Of course, the Browns' quarterback situation -- competition between Deshaun Watson and Shedeur Sanders -- isn't ideal, but the 6-foot-4, 209-pound Boston could see plenty of targets on the outside in his first year in the NFL. If Boston continues to impress the coaching staff during training camp this summer, he should at least be considered Cleveland's WR2 behind Jeudy, with a chance to overtake him later this year if Jeudy's struggles persist. In his final two collegiate seasons at the University of Washington, Boston hauled in 125 catches for 1,715 yards and 20 touchdowns in 25 games played. RotoBaller has him ranked as the No. 60 fantasy WR as he heads into his first year in the league.
Source: The Athletic - Zac Jackson
Source: The Athletic - Zac Jackson
C.J. Stroud Taking a Leap This Offseason?
Houston Texans offensive coordinator Nick Caley said that he has seen quarterback C.J. Stroud "take a leap this offseason," according to Jonathan M. Alexander of the Houston Chronicle. Caley sees a different comfort level from Stroud and said the communication between him and new quarterbacks coach Jerry Schuplinski "has been good." "There was a lot of progress that C.J. and the offense made last year," Caley said. "We continued to get better from the start of the season to the end of the regular season and just continued to make progress from week to week. So we're going to continue to build on that. It's a new year. C.J. has done a great job out here. Looks good. Locked in." The 24-year-old took the league by storm after he was the second overall pick in 2023 out of Ohio State, throwing for 4,108 yards, 23 touchdowns, and only five interceptions in 15 regular-season starts. He hasn't been nearly as good the last two years, and he threw for a career-low 3,041 yards, 19 touchdowns, and eight picks in 14 regular-season starts in 2025. Stroud has clear bounce-back potential and is still in the prime of his career, making him a low-end QB2 target in superflex leagues with sleeper potential in 2026.
Source: Houston Chronicle - Jonathan M. Alexander
Source: Houston Chronicle - Jonathan M. Alexander
Bryce Eldridge a Prospect With Second-Half Breakout Potential
San Francisco Giants rookie first baseman Bryce Eldridge has some of the most power upside of any young left-handed hitter in the game. And in his first 39 games this year after being called up from Triple-A Sacramento, Eldridge has gone 37-for-133 (.278) with six home runs, nine doubles, 16 RBI, and 21 runs scored across 156 plate appearances. The 21-year-old former 16th overall pick in the 2023 MLB draft has come on even stronger in June, too, going 23-for-75 (.307) with four long balls, three doubles, 12 RBI, and 13 runs scored in 21 games and 89 plate appearances for the Gigantes. Eldridge is the Giants' first baseman of the future, and the future is approaching fast. The struggling Giants will most certainly be sellers at the August trade deadline, and current first baseman Rafael Devers may be sent away. Even if Devers sticks around because of his massive contract, Eldridge will play regularly against right-handers as the designated hitter, and he has second-half breakout potential. Fantasy managers targeting power production need to look his way. Eldridge is rostered in 41% of Yahoo leagues right now.
Source: Baseball Reference
Source: Baseball Reference
Royce Lewis a Power Bat to Target Off the Waiver Wire?
Minnesota Twins corner infielder Royce Lewis' fantasy stock hit a low point this year when he was sent to Triple-A St. Paul to work on his approach at the plate. Before being demoted to the minors, Lewis was slashing .163/.261/.279 with a .539 OPS, three home runs, three doubles, 13 RBI, 11 runs, three steals, 12 walks, and 37 strikeouts in 31 games and 119 plate appearances. Since returning to the Twins on June 6, Lewis has slashed .273/.329/.500 with an .829 OPS, four home runs, three doubles, eight RBI, eight runs scored, two steals, six walks, and 16 strikeouts in 17 games and 73 plate appearances. The 27-year-old former first overall pick in the 2017 MLB draft caught fire initially upon his promotion back to the bigs, but he has slowed down a bit of late, going 6-for-29 (.207) with a homer, double, RBI, two runs, one steal, two walks, and nine K's in his last seven games. Overall, Lewis is hitting just over the Mendoza Line with seven homers, 21 RBI, 19 runs, five steals, and a career-high 27.6% strikeout rate in 48 games for the Twins. There is still pop in his bat, but fantasy managers seeking power are going to have to live with the swing and miss. Lewis is rostered in 40% of Yahoo leagues.
Source: Baseball Reference
Source: Baseball Reference
Is Kaytron Allen Currently Undervalued in Redraft Leagues?
Washington Commanders rookie running back Kaytron Allen was one of the more productive running backs in college football during his time at Penn State, recording over 2,600 scrimmage yards and 25 touchdowns over his final two seasons for the Nittany Lions. However, Allen fell to the sixth round of the 2026 NFL Draft. Despite the draft day slide, Allen could have a chance to earn consistent playing time in the Commanders' backfield as a rookie. Between Jacory Croskey-Merritt, Rachaad White, Jeremy McNichols, and Jerome Ford, Washington has several capable backs for Allen to compete with. However, none of the Commanders' rushers other than Croskey-Merritt and Allen profiles as particularly high upside options. Allen's fantasy profile comes with some risk, as there's a chance he falls out of the Washington backfield rotation completely. However, the current lack of an obvious RB1 for the Commanders makes Allen an appealing dart-throw in the late rounds of redraft leagues.
Source: RotoBaller
Source: RotoBaller
Nick Lodolo Still Worth Rostering After Recent Injury Scare?
Cincinnati Reds left-hander Nick Lodolo (wrist) was pulled from his last start early on Tuesday against the division-rival Milwaukee Brewers after he was hit by a comebacker on the left wrist. However, X-rays came back negative, and all signs point to the 28-year-old southpaw making his next outing on Monday against the Brewers again. Before leaving his start on Tuesday, Lodolo threw four shutout innings with just one walk and six strikeouts against the first-place Brewers. Even though he left early, it was a nice bounce-back appearance after he surrendered a season-high seven earned runs in 4 2/3 innings in a loss to the New York Mets on June 17. The former seventh overall pick in 2019 out of Texas Christian University is no stranger to injuries, but he's also still very intriguing in fantasy for his strikeout upside despite his current 5.59 ERA through his first nine starts in 2026. Lodolo's rematch against the Brew Crew isn't all that enticing, though, and his 5.38 FIP, 1.52 WHIP, and career-low 18% strikeout rate are all concerns. Lodolo is currently rostered in 66% of Yahoo leagues.
Source: Baseball Reference
Source: Baseball Reference
Demond Claiborne Profiles as a Worthy Dynasty Stash Candidate Entering 2026
After recording 1,047 scrimmage yards and 10 touchdowns on 207 touches across 12 games in his senior season at Wake Forest, running back Demond Claiborne was selected by the Minnesota Vikings in the sixth round of the 2026 NFL Draft. Claiborne is unlikely to see significant playing time in Minnesota as a rookie, as he enters the year with veterans Aaron Jones Sr. and Jordan Mason both firmly ahead of him on the running back depth chart. However, neither Jones Sr. nor Mason is currently under contract with the Vikings beyond the 2026 season. Claiborne is undersized for an NFL running back, but he brings a speed element that could allow him to establish himself as a key piece of the Minnesota offense going forward. Given the clear long-term opportunity available in the Vikings backfield, Claiborne profiles as a worthy late-round dart throw for dynasty managers in rookie drafts.
Source: RotoBaller
Source: RotoBaller
Michael Wilson Carries Clear Dynasty Sell-High Appeal into 2026
Arizona Cardinals wide receiver Michael Wilson was one of the breakout success stories of the 2025 season, recording 78 receptions for 1,006 yards and seven touchdowns on 126 targets across 17 games. Wilson finished the season on a five-game touchdown-scoring streak, and he saw double-digit targets in five out of 12 games after veteran Jacoby Brissett took over as the Cardinals' starting quarterback. Brissett is back as Arizona's starter for 2026, which helps Wilson's outlook. However, Arizona has an ultra-high-volume target-earner in tight end Trey McBride and should get a healthier season out of wide receiver Marvin Harrison Jr. The Cardinals also averaged over 40 pass attempts per game with Brissett under center in 2025, which seems unlikely to continue under a new coaching staff in 2026. Dynasty managers should feel comfortable holding Wilson, but exploring sell-high opportunities for the 26-year-old could also prove fruitful.
Source: RotoBaller
Source: RotoBaller
Reds Place Tony Santillan on Injured List With Oblique Strain
The Cincinnati Reds announced on Friday that they placed right-handed reliever Tony Santillan (oblique) on the 15-day injured list (retroactive to June 23) with a strained left oblique and recalled right-hander Zach McCambley from Triple-A Louisville in a corresponding move. Although Santillan has an ERA over 5.00 with a 1.39 WHIP in 31 innings in 2026 in his sixth year in the league, he has been pitching much better of late and has been manager Terry Francona's go-to guy in the ninth inning with the game on the line, with right-hander Emilio Pagan (hamstring) still on the IL. Santillan took the loss in his inning of work on Monday against the Milwaukee Brewers in his last outing, but before that, he had a stretch of seven straight scoreless appearances in which he walked none, struck out six, and picked up three saves. When Santillan returns from his oblique strain (likely after the All-Star break next month), Pagan should be back, which means he probably won't be a candidate for save opportunities. Until Pagan returns, Francona could turn to either Tejay Antone or Brock Burke for saves. UPDATE: Francona said that an MRI exam showed that Santillan is dealing with a significant strain in his left oblique, per FOX 19's Charlie Goldsmith.
Source: Cincinnati Reds
Source: Cincinnati Reds
Should Dynasty Managers Look to Sell High on Tony Pollard?
Across 17 games in 2025, Tennessee Titans running back Tony Pollard recorded 1,288 yards from scrimmage and five touchdowns on 275 touches. The 29-year-old has been both consistent and durable in recent years, recording four consecutive seasons with at least 16 games played and 1,000 rushing yards. Pollard may also have more chances to score touchdowns in 2026 in what should be an improved Titans offense in quarterback Cam Ward's second NFL season. However, Pollard is entering his final year under contract with Tennessee in 2026. The Titans have a new coaching staff in place and a couple of younger running back options on the roster in Tyjae Spears and fifth-round rookie Nicholas Singleton. Pollard has averaged just 4.5 yards per touch over his first two seasons in Tennessee, so he's highly reliant on volume for fantasy production. In dynasty formats, managers may want to sell high on Pollard ahead of a potential workload decline in 2026.
Source: RotoBaller
Source: RotoBaller
It's Time to Pay Attention to Gage Jump
Athletics rookie left-hander Gage Jump has made an immediate impact in his first six major-league starts, allowing only eight earned runs on 24 hits (zero homers) while walking 10 and striking out 35 in 35 1/3 innings pitched. The 23-year-old 6-foot, 200-pound southpaw is the A's No. 3 prospect, per MLB Pipeline, and he has so far lived up to the expectations since joining the big-league squad. The former second-round pick in 2024 out of Louisiana State University had a second straight scoreless appearance on Wednesday against the San Francisco Giants by tossing five scoreless innings with one walk and a career-high nine strikeouts in a no-decision. Jump has held the opponent scoreless in half of his six starts so far and has yet to allow a home run. That won't last forever, especially in the hitter-friendly environment in Sacramento, but his strong start is definitely attracting interest off the waiver wire in fantasy baseball leagues. Jump has a tough matchup his next time out against the Los Angeles Dodgers, but managers who need pitching depth should consider picking the young lefty up. He's currently rostered in 54% of Yahoo leagues.
Source: Baseball Reference
Source: Baseball Reference
Chris Brazzell II's Dynasty Stock Rising Entering 2026
A third-round pick in the 2026 NFL Draft, Carolina Panthers rookie wide receiver Chris Brazzell II could have a chance to carve out an immediate role with his new team. Across 12 games for the University of Tennessee in 2025, Brazzell II recorded 62 catches for 1,017 yards and nine touchdowns. The Panthers have Tetairoa McMillan locked in as their WR1 on the outside, and the team recently committed to slot wideout Jalen Coker with a multi-year contract extension. However, Brazzell II may enter training camp in a job battle with third-year Panthers wide receiver Xavier Legette for the team's WR3 role. Legette has largely been a disappointment since being selected by Carolina in the first round of the 2024 draft, failing to reach 50 catches or 500 receiving yards in either of his first two NFL seasons. With a strong summer, Brazzell II could establish himself as a building block in the Panthers passing game. Entering 2026, Brazzell II ranks as RotoBaller's dynasty WR67.
Source: RotoBaller
Source: RotoBaller
Jacob Latz a Must-Add for Saves
Texas Rangers left-handed reliever Jacob Latz allowed two earned runs on two hits (one homer) while striking out two in his outing on Thursday against the Toronto Blue Jays, but he escaped the mess to pick up his team-leading 15th save of the 2026 season. Since Latz's last blown save on May 13 against the Arizona Diamondbacks, he has a win and 10 saves with three earned runs allowed, three walks, and 23 strikeouts in 16 1/3 innings pitched. He has picked up a save in eight of his nine outings in June, posting a 1.50 ERA (2.27 FIP), three walks, and 16 strikeouts in 12 innings pitched. The 30-year-old southpaw has emerged as manager Skip Schumaker's primary closing option this year, and not enough fantasy managers have taken notice. He is rostered in only 57% of Yahoo leagues despite a very strong 1.89 ERA (2.66 FIP), 0.66 WHIP, a career-high 15 saves, 40 strikeouts, and only eight walks. Latz is tied for ninth in MLB with his 15 saves and has 10 saves in a row in Texas.
Source: MLB.com
Source: MLB.com
Ja'Kobi Lane's Dynasty Upside in Baltimore is Clear
After recording 49 receptions for 745 yards and four touchdowns across 11 games in his final collegiate season at USC, wide receiver Ja'Kobi Lane was selected by the Baltimore Ravens in the third round of the 2026 NFL Draft. Lane is one of two prominent rookie wideouts on the Baltimore roster, as the team also selected Elijah Sarratt in the fourth round. Entering his first NFL season, Lane should have a chance to emerge as an immediate contributor. Zay Flowers is Baltimore's clear WR1, but presumed WR2 Rashod Bateman is coming off a 2025 season in which he was both inconsistent and injured. With a new coaching staff in place, the Ravens could be looking to turn the page and go with their younger pass-catchers. Baltimore has typically been one of the NFL's run-heaviest offenses in the Lamar Jackson/Derrick Henry era, which could put a ceiling on Lane's fantasy production. Still, Lane has a clear pathway to a fantasy-relevant role in Baltimore and should be a target for dynasty managers who are focused on the long term.
Source: RotoBaller
Source: RotoBaller
Travis Bazzana Heating Up, an Emerging Rookie to Target on Waiver Wire
Cleveland Guardians rookie second baseman Travis Bazzana went through a cold spell early in June for the first time in his major-league career, but he has snapped out of his funk of late and is attracting interest again on the waiver wire in fantasy baseball leagues. The 23-year-old left-handed hitter from Australia is batting .261/.357/.446 overall with an .802 OPS, seven home runs, 24 RBI, 24 runs scored, and 12 stolen bases in just 50 games and 213 plate appearances as Cleveland's starting second baseman. The former first overall pick in 2024 out of Oregon State is not known for his power, but rather his speed and mature approach at the plate. He's as patient a young hitter as you'll find, and he rarely chases outside of the strike zone early in counts, making him a solid asset in on-base-percentage leagues. After slumping earlier in the month, Bazzana has gone 10-for-30 (.333) with three home runs, two doubles, seven RBI, eight runs scored, and a steal in his last eight games. You could do much worse in fantasy at the second base position, and Bazzana is only rostered in half of Yahoo leagues at the moment.
Source: Baseball Reference
Source: Baseball Reference
Henry Bolte a Breakout Prospect to Target on the Waiver Wire?
Athletics rookie outfielder Henry Bolte, who is considered the team's No. 5 prospect by MLB Pipeline, has delivered since being called up in early May. Through his first 39 games played for the A's, the former second-rounder in 2022 has gone 39-for-122 (.320) with two home runs, six doubles, 10 RBI, 12 runs scored, and nine stolen bases in 143 plate appearances. The Bay Area native is mostly intriguing for his speed, and he could see more run near the top of the A's batting order going forward with infielder/outfielder Zack Gelof (hand) on the injured list. Bolte has been even better in his second month in the big leagues, going 24-for-70 (.343) with two homers, four doubles, six RBI, five stolen bases, and eight runs scored in 22 games played. The 6-foot-3, 195-pound right-handed hitter has an exciting combination of power, speed, and defense, but his swing-and-miss issues (27.3% strikeout rate) likely mean regression is coming in his rookie campaign. But for now, Bolte is still worth considering off the waiver wire for speed, at the very least. He's rostered in only 12% of Yahoo leagues.
Source: Baseball Reference
Source: Baseball Reference
Carson Benge a Bright Spot in Mets' Dismal Season
New York Mets rookie outfielder Carson Benge has been one of the few bright spots in 2026 for a Mets team that has been downright awful. The 23-year-old former 19th overall pick in 2024 out of Oklahoma State University has more than held his own since his early-season call-up, and he should play regularly the rest of the way as the Mets play out the string in a lost season. In his first 289 big-league at-bats, the left-handed-hitting outfielder is slashing .256/.320/.398 with a .718 OPS, nine home runs, 30 RBI, 43 runs scored, and 11 stolen bases in 78 games played and 316 plate appearances. Benge homered twice last weekend and has hit .294 (10-for-34) with two homers, a double, a triple, four RBI, six runs scored, and a stolen base in his last eight games atop the Mets' batting order. Even more impressive so far this year is that Benge has gone 18-for-62 (.290) with two of his nine home runs against lefties. He's an emerging power/speed threat with regular playing time, which means he should be rostered in more fantasy leagues. Right now, Benge is still rostered in just under half of Yahoo leagues.
Source: Baseball Reference
Source: Baseball Reference
Hunter Greene the Top Pitcher to Stash With Debut Nearing
Cincinnati Reds right-hander Hunter Greene (elbow) remains on the 60-day injured list and has not pitched at all for the Reds in 2026 after having surgery back in March to remove bone chips from his right elbow, but he will make one final minor-league rehab start on Sunday with Triple-A Louisville before making his 2026 big-league debut next weekend. This is your cue to run to the waiver wire and add the hard-throwing 26-year-old immediately. Greene is currently rostered in 70% of Yahoo leagues. The former second overall pick in the 2017 MLB draft is no stranger to injuries -- he has never reached 30 starts in any of his four MLB seasons -- but when healthy, he can be a fantasy ace. Greene has a 3.65 ERA (3.83 FIP) and 1.14 WHIP with a 30% strikeout rate in his four major-league seasons, and he recorded ERAs under 3.00 in each of his last two seasons in Cincy. In his two rehab starts, he hasn't allowed a run in eight innings while walking two and striking out nine.
Source: Baseball Reference
Source: Baseball Reference
Kris Bubic Tosses Scoreless Inning in Rehab Outing
Kansas City Royals left-hander Kris Bubic (elbow) made a minor-league rehab appearance with Triple-A Omaha on Wednesday and tossed a clean inning with no walks and one strikeout against Triple-A Columbus. He threw six of his eight pitches for strikes during the outing. Bubic had his first rehab assignment stopped after he experienced shoulder discomfort following an outing on June 9, but he has since restarted a rehab assignment, and he could be an option to rejoin KC's starting rotation before the All-Star break next month. He is next scheduled to go two innings for Omaha on Saturday as he continues to build up his left arm. The 28-year-old southpaw was a first-time All-Star in 2025 and went 3-2 with a 4.11 ERA (3.72 FIP) and 1.23 WHIP with 51 strikeouts and 26 walks in 50 1/3 innings across his nine starts this year before going on the shelf. Bubic is rostered in almost half of Yahoo leagues, and the Royals will welcome him back with open arms when he's ready, with fellow lefty Cole Ragans potentially needing season-ending surgery on his elbow.
Source: Milb.com
Source: Milb.com
Trent Grisham Takes Batting Practice, Likely to Need Rehab Assignment
New York Yankees outfielder Trent Grisham (hamstring) is with the team this weekend in Boston for their series against the division-rival Red Sox, according to Bryan Hoch of MLB.com. He took batting practice on the field on Thursday before the series opener, and manager Aaron Boone said he will likely need a minor-league rehab assignment before he returns from the 10-day injured list. Grisham has been on the shelf since June 12 with a strained right hamstring, but he's making progress and looks to be on track to return before the mid-July All-Star break, barring a setback on his rehab assignment. The 29-year-old left-handed-hitting center fielder broke out for the Yanks in 2025 with a career-best 34 homers and 74 RBI in 143 regular-season games. He hasn't been quite as good this year, slashing .232/.341/.406 with eight homers, 35 RBI, 40 runs, and six steals across 66 games played. However, Grisham is the team's starting center fielder against righties, and he can still provide valuable pop and modest speed in the outfield in deep-mixed leagues. He's rostered in 44% of Yahoo leagues.
Source: MLB.com - Bryan Hoch
Source: MLB.com - Bryan Hoch
Mike Trout Does on-Field Exercises
Los Angeles Angels outfielder Mike Trout (hamstring) did some on-field exercises earlier this week, according to Rhett Bollinger of MLB.com. "He's progressing. We still don't know the timetable, but I think the activity level is ramping up a little bit, and I know he's starting to feel better, so that's a good thing," manager Kurt Suzuki said. It's unclear if Trout is close to embarking on what he expects to be a short minor-league rehab assignment, and it's unknown if he actually has a shot to make it back from the 10-day injured list before the All-Star break in mid-July. The 34-year-old three-time MVP and future Hall of Famer has been on the IL since June 17. The 16-year veteran has had trouble staying on the field in recent years, but the good news is that his latest injury doesn't appear to be all that serious. Before getting hurt, Trout was having a resurgent season in 2026 with 17 home runs, 36 RBI, 54 runs scored, and seven stolen bases in 74 games played. Trout is no longer the five-category stud he once was -- he hasn't hit over .240 since 2023 -- but he deserves to be stashed in an IL spot in all fantasy formats until he returns.
Source: MLB.com - Rhett Bollinger
Source: MLB.com - Rhett Bollinger
Tatsuya Imai a Priority Waiver-Wire Pickup After 10-K Outing
Houston Astros right-hander Tatsuya Imai's surface stats still look pretty shaky in his first year in the big leagues, but after a rough start to his first season in the States, the 28-year-old has looked more dominant of late and needs to attract interest on the waiver wire in fantasy baseball leagues. Imai was extremely hard to hit for the second straight outing in Thursday night's 2-1 win over the hosting Detroit Tigers at Comerica Park, tossing six shutout innings with only two hits allowed, one walk, and 10 strikeouts to drop his season ERA to 5.36. It was his fifth victory of the year. The Japanese native gave up five earned runs in just two-thirds of an inning on June 12 to the Kansas City Royals, but he has now fanned 21 hitters with only three runs allowed and one walk in 12 innings in his last two starts. Imai was sent to the injured list early in his MLB debut due to a dead arm, and while it hasn't been perfect since his return, he is definitely looking much more like the pitcher the Astros invested in over the offseason. He should be a popular waiver-wire pickup heading into his next scheduled start against the Minnesota Twins. Imai is rostered in 45% of Yahoo leagues.
Source: MLB.com
Source: MLB.com
Hendrix Lapierre Moves to Pittsburgh
The Pittsburgh Penguins have acquired center Hendrix Lapierre from the Washington Capitals in exchange for a 2027 third-round draft pick and a 2028 fifth-round selection. Lapierre will be a restricted free agent on July 1. The Penguins have Todd Nelson, Lapierre's former AHL head coach, serving as an assistant coach, which may help Lapierre bounce back from a disappointing campaign. Lapierre, who was the AHL playoff MVP under Nelson two years ago, was limited to 15 points (four goals, 11 assists) in 74 appearances. He has posted 47 points (13 goals, 34 assists) in 158 career games.
Source: Pittsburgh Penguins
Source: Pittsburgh Penguins
Ryan Clifford Worth Monitoring as Deep-League Stash Candidate in Mets System?
New York Mets first base/outfield prospect Ryan Clifford has spent the entire first half of the season with Triple-A Syracuse and is expected to compete for a second-half debut, especially if the Mets look to sell off some of their current starters. Through 74 games at Syracuse this season, Clifford, the former 11th-round selection, has held a .197/.282/.401 line with a .683 OPS, 11 doubles, and 14 home runs. While his hefty 36.3% K% is a glaring weakness, Clifford has shown high power upside at times. During the 2025 season, Clifford split his time between Double-A and Triple-A, where he hit a total of 29 home runs (over 139 games) with a .237/.356/.470 line. Managers should continue to monitor his progress at Syracuse, as he should emerge as a viable deep-league stash for power later in the summer.
Source: MiLB.com
Source: MiLB.com
Anthony Stolarz Confirmed as Maple Leafs Starter Ahead of Training Camp
Toronto Maple Leafs goaltender Anthony Stolarz (groin) is seen as the starter for next season ahead of training camp, Sportsnet's Luke Fox reports. Maple Leafs general manager John Chyka confirmed that Stolarz has recovered from a groin strain suffered in April and currently holds the No. 1 spot. Chyka traded away Joseph Woll for Samuel Ersson a couple of weeks ago, giving Toronto's goalie department a slightly different look. But the Maple Leafs plan to ride Stolarz primarily next season. The 32-year-old made 25 starts in 2025-26, posting a 10-10-2 record. He had a career-worst .893 save percentage and allowed 3.28 goals. Stolarz must improve his form in 2026-27 if he wants to stay ahead of Ersson and Dennis Hildeby on the depth chart.
Source: Luke Fox
Source: Luke Fox
Will Karson Milbrandt Debut Early in the Second Half?
Miami Marlins starting pitching prospect Karson Milbrandt has seen his redraft fantasy stock increase substantially over the past few weeks. Milbrandt began the 2026 season in Double-A and was not on the stash radar, as he was behind both Robby Snelling and Thomas White in the system. However, with both of those pitchers now out for the remainder of the season, Milbrandt has a clear path to the MLB roster. After logging 47 innings to the tune of an elite 1.34 ERA, 1.00 WHIP, and a 70:17 K:BB at Double-A, Milbrandt was quickly bumped up to Triple-A. At Jacksonville, Milbrandt has continued to produce, posting a 1.20 ERA with a high 1.27 WHIP over his first three starts. While his command has been an issue at Triple-A, the 22-year-old has been able to limit the damage. While he will likely need a few more starts at Triple-A, Milbrandt has put himself in a great position to debut early in the second half of the season, making him a prime pitching prospect to stash in 12+ team leagues.
Source: MiLB.com
Source: MiLB.com
Kaelen Culpepper Quickly Nearing Return to Action, Still the Top Prospect to Stash?
Minnesota Twins infield prospect Kaelen Culpepper was placed on the 7-day injured list earlier in June with a left hip strain. However, since hitting the injured list on June 16, the top-ranked prospect has resumed baseball activity and could return to game action as early as this weekend, according to Theodore Tollefson of Twins Daily. Before hitting the injured list for this minor injury, Culpepper was enjoying a dominant stretch at Triple-A, where he posted a .400/.509/.622 line with two doubles, two home runs, and three stolen bases over his last 12 contests. Overall on the season, the former first-round pick holds a .273/.377/.498 line with 14 home runs and 15 stolen bases. Once he returns to action, Culpepper will have a clear path to at-bats at the MLB level, given Minnesota's lack of success, especially at shortstop. Heading into Week 14, Culpepper continues to carry high-end stash value in all standard leagues as he remains on the doorstep of the major leagues.
Source: MiLB.com
Source: MiLB.com
Blue Jackets Acquire Valeri Nichushkin
The Columbus Blue Jackets have acquired winger Valeri Nichushkin from the Colorado Avalanche in exchange for a 2026 second-round pick, a 2027 third-round pick, and a 2028 fifth-round pick. Nichushkin is signed for four more years at a $6.125 million cap hit. The Russian veteran is a proven scorer in the NHL and a valued defensive contributor. However, durability concerns affect his fantasy value. In 2025-26, Nichushkin played 70-plus games for the first time in eight seasons. He fell short of his third 50-point campaign by a single point, tallying 17 goals and 32 assists in 72 outings.
Source: NHL.com
Source: NHL.com
Kade Anderson Poised for Second-Half MLB Debut?
Seattle Mariners top pitching prospect Kade Anderson has been nothing short of dominant in his first taste of professional action. Since joining the Mariners with the third overall pick in last year's MLB Draft, the former LSU standout was sent to Double-A to begin his professional career at the start of the 2026 campaign. With Double-A, the southpaw has looked incredible, logging 61 2/3 innings (12 starts) with a stellar 1.02 ERA and a 0.65 WHIP. During this stretch, Anderson has struck out 90 hitters while walking just eight. However, Seattle currently has a surplus of starting pitchers, which leaves Anderson without a clear path to debut in the near future. With the team opting to use a "piggyback" schedule to keep all six starters engaged, Anderson appears set to debut later in the second half. While his timeline remains undetermined, his upside on a per-start basis remains the highest out of any of the top prospect pitchers. Managers in leagues with N/A spots should still view the former third overall pick as a must-stash option heading into the first week of July.
Source: MiLB.com
Source: MiLB.com
