RADIO
Gregory Soto Re-Emerging as Ninth-Inning Favorite in Pittsburgh
Pittsburgh Pirates left-hander Gregory Soto picked up his 14th save of the season on Saturday, pitching a scoreless ninth inning with a strikeout in his team's 4-1 win over the Cincinnati Reds. It was a nice bounce-back outing for Soto, who allowed the game-winning run to score after entering the ninth inning with the game tied against Cincinnati on Thursday. Soto had a rough month in June, allowing 11 earned runs in 7 1/3 innings. However, he stabilized himself in July, allowing just two earned runs while notching 11 strikeouts and two saves. Soto's numbers for the year overall remain strong, as he's posted a 27.7% strikeout rate and a 3.69 ERA. Barring an addition to the Pirates' bullpen in the next couple of days before the trade deadline, Soto remains the saves source to target in Pittsburgh.
Source: RotoBaller
Source: RotoBaller
Rays Acquiring Freddy Peralta From the Mets
The Tampa Bay Rays are acquiring right-handed starting pitcher Freddy Peralta from the New York Mets on Sunday, league sources told Will Sammon of The Athletic. It's unclear who the Rays sent to the Mets in return. Peralta was basically a lock to be traded by Monday's Aug. 3 deadline from the last-place Mets after he was acquired from the Milwaukee Brewers in January of this year. The 30-year-old veteran Dominican hurler hasn't exactly had a great 2026 season in Queens, going 5-9 with a 4.99 ERA (4.45 FIP) and 1.48 WHIP with 113 strikeouts and 48 walks in 113 2/3 innings across his 22 starts for the Mets. Since June 20, Peralta has gone off the rails, allowing 33 runs (27 earned) on 45 hits (seven home runs) while walking 15 and striking out 32 in 30 2/3 innings in seven starts (four losses). It all started when he allowed a season-high 10 earned runs to the division-rival Philadelphia Phillies on June 20 on the road. The good news is that Peralta's expected ERA for 2026 sits more than a full run lower than his current ERA, and his xSLG of .363 (SLG of .448) shows that he was hit with some bad luck in his short time with the Mets. The Rays will be hoping to turn his season around down the stretch as they look to stay atop the American League East.
Source: The Athletic - Will Sammon
Source: The Athletic - Will Sammon
Jeremiyah Love Listed as RB2 on Arizona's Depth Chart
Arizona Cardinals rookie first-round running back Jeremiyah Love is listed behind Tyler Allgeier on the team's first unofficial depth chart, according to Tyler Drake of Arizona Sports. The placement aligns with what reporters have seen in practice, with Allgeier working ahead of Love in many team drills. The rookie has started receiving more first-team opportunities, however, after seeing limited work with that group during OTAs and minicamp. Arizona selected Love third overall in April following a final season at Notre Dame in which he rushed for 1,372 yards and 18 touchdowns while adding 27 receptions for 280 yards and three more scores. His talent and draft investment should still lead to a significant role, but the Cardinals also have Allgeier, James Conner, and Trey Benson available in a crowded backfield. Preseason depth charts are unofficial and can change quickly, so Love's RB2 designation should not be viewed as a final decision. It does suggest that fantasy managers may need to be patient while the rookie works his way toward the top of the rotation.
Source: Tyler Drake
Source: Tyler Drake
Amon-Ra St. Brown Still Belongs on Any Dynasty Roster
Detroit Lions wide receiver Amon-Ra St. Brown is unlikely to come at any sort of discount in dynasty leagues, but that does not make him a sell. He followed another massive season with 117 catches for 1,401 yards and 11 touchdowns on 172 targets in 2025. It was his third straight year with at least 115 receptions, 1,250 yards, and 10 scores, and he finished as the WR3 in half-PPR scoring for the third consecutive season. That level of consistency is difficult to move away from, especially when St. Brown is only 26, remains tied to Jared Goff, and is under contract through 2028. Jameson Williams, Sam LaPorta, and Jahmyr Gibbs give Detroit plenty of other options, but none of them prevented St. Brown from setting a career high in targets last season. A third offensive coordinator in as many years is worth noting, although his role is not suddenly in danger. RotoBaller currently has St. Brown ranked as the dynasty WR6 and eighth overall, which feels appropriate. Contenders should continue building around him, and rebuilders do not need to trade him simply because they are not ready to win. Unless another manager offers true cornerstone value, St. Brown is an easy hold.
Source: RotoBaller
Source: RotoBaller
Emanuel Wilson Faces an Uphill Climb for Redraft Value
Seattle Seahawks running back Emanuel Wilson looked like an interesting late-round name when he signed in March. That case has weakened. He ran 125 times for 496 yards and three touchdowns in Green Bay last season and proved he could handle a heavier day when Josh Jacobs was out, taking 28 carries for 107 yards and two scores against Minnesota. At 5-foot-10 and 226 pounds, Wilson gives Seattle a bigger option in the backfield. The problem is that he has not been treated like the favorite. George Holani was usually the first back through the rotation during the offseason program, first-round rookie Jadarian Price followed, and Wilson worked third. Price will receive every opportunity after Seattle selected him 32nd overall, and Zach Charbonnet will eventually return from the torn ACL he suffered in January. Wilson could still force his way into early-season touches, especially if he runs well during the preseason, but right now he is fighting for a piece of the committee rather than the lead job. RotoBaller's latest PPR rankings have him at RB57. That range is not unreasonable, though managers can leave him on the board outside of deep drafts. He is a watch-list player, not a redraft sleeper.
Source: RotoBaller
Source: RotoBaller
Parker Washington the Top Target in Practice
Jacksonville Jaguars wide receiver Parker Washington has been one of the early standouts at training camp. Sports Illustrated's John Shipley reports that Washington has routinely been Trevor Lawrence's top target in practice, creating separation and catching nearly everything sent his way. He closed Sunday's session with a sliding touchdown grab from Lawrence. Washington is coming off the best season of his career, when he led Jacksonville with 58 receptions and 847 receiving yards while scoring five touchdowns in 16 games. He added seven catches for 107 yards and another score in the Jaguars' playoff loss to Buffalo. There will be plenty of competition for targets with Brian Thomas Jr., Jakobi Meyers, and Travis Hunter also in the receiver room, but Washington's connection with Lawrence has carried over from last season. His strong start to camp gives him a chance to remain a meaningful part of Jacksonville's passing game. Washington is worth closely monitoring as he appears well-positioned to emerge as the lead option in this offense.
Source: Sports Illustrated
Source: Sports Illustrated
Shedeur Sanders Building Momentum in Browns QB Battle
Cleveland Browns quarterback Shedeur Sanders continues to make his case for the starting job. Rookie Watch reported that Sanders led the team's quarterbacks with 13 completions and four touchdowns during Saturday's practice, but the session was not as clean as those numbers suggest. He connected with Jerry Jeudy for a score and hit rookie Denzel Boston on a contested deep ball, then threw an interception late and had another pass dropped by a defender. Sanders is coming off an uneven rookie season in which he completed 56.6% of his passes for 1,400 yards, seven touchdowns, and 10 interceptions across eight appearances. He and Deshaun Watson handled most of the first-team work during the offseason, but head coach Todd Monken has made it clear that the Browns are not close to naming a starter. Sanders has created some early momentum, though the competition should become more meaningful once Cleveland reaches preseason games and joint practices. He would carry Superflex appeal if he wins the job, but fantasy managers should not treat him as Cleveland's QB1 yet.
Source: Rookie Watch
Source: Rookie Watch
Drew Allar Flashes Arm Talent at Steelers Camp
Pittsburgh Steelers quarterback Drew Allar has made a few eye-catching throws early in his first training camp. Rookie Watch reports that the third-round pick has drawn attention with his arm strength, and Allar connected on two deep balls during Saturday's practice, including a roughly 40-yard throw in a two-minute drill. The early returns have not been perfect, though, as he also missed some easier throws during the session. Pittsburgh selected Allar 76th overall after he threw for 7,402 yards and 61 touchdowns in 45 games at Penn State. His final college season ended early because of an ankle injury. Aaron Rodgers remains the clear starter, with Mason Rudolph and Will Howard also in the quarterback room, so Allar is unlikely to have any value in ordinary redraft leagues this season. His arm talent and opportunity to develop behind Rodgers still make him an interesting player to monitor in dynasty and Superflex formats.
Source: Rookie Watch
Source: Rookie Watch
Elijah Arroyo Rising in New Seahawks Offense
Seattle Seahawks tight end Elijah Arroyo (knee) is gaining momentum in new offensive coordinator Brian Fleury's offense. Gregg Bell of The News Tribune reports that Arroyo is rising in a scheme that is creating more downfield opportunities for the team's tight ends. The 2025 second-round pick had a modest rookie season, catching 15 passes for 179 yards and one touchdown in 13 games, but his athleticism makes him an intriguing receiving option. Arroyo missed the final four games of the regular season with a knee injury before returning for Seattle's Super Bowl LX victory. AJ Barner remains the top tight end after posting 52 catches for 519 yards and six touchdowns last year, so Arroyo may not see enough volume to become a reliable weekly fantasy starter. Fleury previously served as San Francisco's run game coordinator and tight ends coach, and Seattle is expected to continue using multiple-tight-end looks. Arroyo is a name to watch in deeper leagues if this momentum continues and he earns a larger role in the passing game.
Source: Gregg Bell
Source: Gregg Bell
Several Owners Believe the Entire 2027 Season Could be Wiped Out
According to Bob Nightengale of USA Today, several MLB owners believe the entire 2027 season could be wiped out. "It's nearly impossible to find an owner these days who doesn't believe there will be a prolonged work stoppage in 2027," per Nightengale. When an owner was asked the chances of an MLB season happening in 2027, he responded with "maybe 25%, maybe higher." The MLB collective bargaining agreement is set to expire on December 1, with the biggest sticking point of negotiations being the salary cap. MLB owners are pushing hard for a salary cap and floor in the new deal. MLB commissioner Rob Manfred met with interim executive director of the players' union Bruce Meyer and had a brief discussion at the Hall of Fame last weekend. The chances of an MLB season happening in 2027 look dire, but there is still time for both sides to agree on a deal. Stay tuned.
Source: Bob Nightengale of USA Today
Source: Bob Nightengale of USA Today
Tanook Hines Limited to Start Fall Practice
USC wide receiver Tanook Hines (undisclosed) is not a full participant in practice due to an undisclosed injury, according to head coach Lincoln Riley. However, he is progressing well and is expected to be ready for the regular season. The Trojans began fall practice on Friday, July 31, ahead of their Week 0 game against San Jose State. Hines enjoyed a relatively strong freshman season while sharing the field with Makai Lemon and Ja'Kobi Lane, catching 34 passes for 561 yards and two touchdowns. With Lemon and Lane now in the NFL, Hines is expected to step into the WR1 role in Lincoln Riley's offense led by standout quarterback Jayden Maiava. The Texas native could be a household name at the end of the 2026-27 campaign, and it sounds like the program is being cautious with him ahead of a potential College Football Playoff push.
Source: Chris Treviño - 24/7 Sports
Source: Chris Treviño - 24/7 Sports
Seranthony Dominguez Traded to the Mariners
The Chicago White Sox traded reliever Seranthony Dominguez, outfielder Nolan Jones, and catcher Boston Smith to the Seattle Mariners in exchange for right-hander Luis Castillo, according to Jeff Passan of ESPN. Dominguez signed a two-year, $20 million contract with the White Sox this offseason to be the team's closer. He struggled as the team's closer earlier in the season, converting just 12 of 17 save opportunities and eventually lost the job to Grant Taylor and Sean Newcomb in June. The 31-year-old owns a 3.99 ERA, 1.33 WHIP, and 47 strikeouts across 38 1/3 innings. With Andres Munoz locked in as Seattle's closer, Dominguez will be used mostly in leverage situations. Fantasy managers can move on from Dominguez outside leagues that reward saves and holds, as he is third in the pecking order for save chances behind Munoz and Jose A. Ferrer.
Source: Jeff Passan of ESPN
Source: Jeff Passan of ESPN
Garrett Wilson and Jets Offense Put on a Show
During the New York Jets' first public practice of training camp, the offense looked to be in mid-season form, with team contributors Amanda Vogt and Eric Allen noting that the ball didn't touch the ground once for the first-team offense, with fifth-year receiver Garrett Wilson standing out as an early target for quarterback Geno Smith. On a day in which he went 11/11 with four touchdowns in team drills, Smith's first two connections of competitive sessions went to Wilson, who was charted with five total catches and a touchdown. Wilson has long been capable of drawing one of the heaviest target shares in the league, and his early connection with Smith could lead to continued volume throughout the season. After pacing as the WR6 through the first five weeks of an injury-shortened 2025 campaign, Wilson is RotoBaller's WR19 and a smart pick as a player who could easily break back into the top 12 of the position.
Source: Amanda Vogt & Eric Allen
Source: Amanda Vogt & Eric Allen
Travis Hunter Making Plays on Both Sides of the Ball
Through the early days of training camp, Jacksonville Jaguars two-way player Travis Hunter has featured primarily with the defense, but he made a number of standout offensive plays during Sunday's practice. The second-year player got open for a pair of deep catches during what has been his most active session of the summer. Not neglecting his defensive responsibilities, Hunter also intercepted backup quarterback Nick Mullens on a day that showcased his truly unique skill set. The second overall pick of the 2025 NFL Draft will continue to be one of the most difficult fantasy projections throughout his early career, as the talent is obvious, but there will be no accounting for usage from week to week. Hunter is RotoBaller's WR72 but could prove to be a difference-maker for risk-tolerant drafters.
Source: Jordan de Lugo
Source: Jordan de Lugo
KC Concepcion Stacking Plays for Browns
Cleveland Browns first-round rookie receiver KC Concepcion has made plays throughout the early days of training camp while working as part of a heavy rotation, and Saturday was no exception. With the team working on short-yardage scenarios, Concepcion caught a goal-line touchdown from Shedeur Sanders during 7-on-7 work. Concepcion has largely been used as the top option out of the slot in three-receiver sets, but he has the size and versatility to be moved across the formation. At RotoBaller's WR49, he can often be found behind a deep tier of receivers in the later rounds of 2026 drafts, but should he eventually work himself into something close to a Zay Flowers role in Todd Monken's offense, Concepcion could greatly outperform his draft cost and become a weekly fantasy starter by year's end.
Source: Brian D'Aguanno
Source: Brian D'Aguanno
Will Shipley Trending Toward an Emergency Role
Philadelphia Eagles running back Will Shipley has displayed excellent efficiency in the passing game through his first two seasons in the league, catching nearly 93% of his targets on a very small sample size, but his current spot on the depth chart suggests little opportunity to expand his role in 2026. Through the early days of training camp, Saquon Barkley and Tank Bigsby have been splitting work close to evenly, and The Athletic's Brooks Kubena does not believe another back on the roster will see more than 30 touches this season. Kubena includes Shipley as the third running back on his initial 53-man roster projection, primarily for his role on special teams and points out that his pass-catching ability could become useful in an emergency. Barkley has touched the ball more than 800 times across his first two seasons with the Eagles, and Bigsby has been an early camp standout, tabbed for a larger role in his first full season with the team, leaving little opportunity for Shipley, who is unlikely to factor into fantasy plans for 2026.
Source: Brooks Kubena
Source: Brooks Kubena
Vit Krejci Gets $250,000 Guarantee From Blazers
Portland Trail Blazers guard Vit Krejci had $250,000 of his 2026-27 salary become guaranteed, per Keith Smith of Spotrac. It is still only a small guarantee, and his roughly $2.67 million salary does not fully lock in until opening night, so Krejci is not out of the woods on a crowded roster. The 26-year-old remains a useful floor-spacing piece when his shot is falling, hitting 42.3 percent from three across 46 games with Atlanta last season before slipping to 30.3 percent after his trade to Portland. He profiles as a deep-bench shooter and has no standard-league fantasy appeal.
Source: Keith Smith
Source: Keith Smith
Adonai Mitchell Making Plays and Impressing His Coach
In his first full offseason with the New York Jets, wide receiver Adonai Mitchell was a spring standout during OTAs and minicamp, and he continues to build chemistry with quarterback Geno Smith through the early stages of training camp. Smith threw four touchdowns during Saturday's competitive portions of practice, with Mitchell on the receiving end of two of them, and head coach Aaron Glenn has taken notice. "That combination of those two guys is really starting to impress me," Glenn told reporters. "I want to see that continue to grow, because obviously [Garrett Wilson] is going to have a lot of attention. AD is going to have to win his one-on-one's which he has all the ability in the world to be able to do that." Mitchell is RotoBaller's WR69, but as the second option in an offense that could be on the rise, he has entered the late-round sleeper discussion and could find weekly viability out of the flex spot.
Source: Amanda Vogt & Eric Allen
Source: Amanda Vogt & Eric Allen
Kings Urged to Keep Domantas Sabonis
Sacramento Kings forward/center Domantas Sabonis should not be traded just to accelerate a rebuild, former Kings coach and executive Jerry Reynolds told Frankie Cartoscelli of Sactown Sports. Reynolds' point is that Sacramento still needs productive veterans, either to anchor a competitive roster or to hold real trade value later. Sabonis, 30, is a three-time All-Star and one of the league's best rebounding and passing bigs, but a torn left meniscus limited him to 19 games last season. He averaged 15.8 points, 11.4 rebounds, and 4.1 assists before surgery. When healthy, Sabonis remains an early-round fantasy center because of his scoring, boards, assists, and efficiency, though the knee recovery and Sacramento's uncertain direction keep risk attached.
Source: Frankie Cartoscelli
Source: Frankie Cartoscelli
Kings May Showcase Zach LaVine
Sacramento Kings guard/forward Zach LaVine should remain a featured part of the offense rather than ceding minutes to younger players like Nique Clifford and Emanuel Sharp, former Kings coach and executive Jerry Reynolds told Frankie Cartoscelli of Sactown Sports. Reynolds' logic is that strong production could rebuild LaVine's trade value before the deadline, while his $49 million expiring deal can simply come off the books after the season. LaVine, 31, exercised that player option after right-hand surgery ended his 2025-26 campaign at 19.2 points, 2.8 rebounds, 2.3 assists, and 39.0 percent from three across 39 games. For fantasy, a showcase role would protect his points-and-threes appeal, though the injury recovery, youth movement, and possible trade keep some risk attached.
Source: Frankie Cartoscelli
Source: Frankie Cartoscelli
Isaiah Likely Becoming a Safety Valve in Giants Offense
New York Giants tight end Isaiah Likely was one of the team's most active pass catchers on Saturday, hauling in six of his nine targets during competitive sessions, and The Athletic's Dan Duggan sees his place taking shape in a new-look Giants offense. After leading the team and nearly doubling the next closest player with 131 targets in 2025, receiver Wan'Dale Robinson departed for Tennessee in free agency, and Duggan believes Likely will inherit that underneath safety valve role for second-year quarterback Jaxson Dart. After sharing a depth chart with three-time Pro Bowler Mark Andrews for four seasons in Baltimore, Likely followed head coach John Harbaugh to the Giants, signing a three-year, $40 million deal. Harbaugh has sung Likely's praises for years, and with him finally getting an opportunity to serve as his team's primary tight end, with heavy volume potentially coming his way, RotoBaller's TE14 is a breakout candidate to target in the later rounds of drafts.
Source: Dan Duggan
Source: Dan Duggan
Isaac Jones Targets Standard Deal with Pistons
Detroit Pistons forward Isaac Jones is determined to earn a standard contract, telling Coty Davis of The Detroit News that he does not want to stay on a two-way deal forever. Jones, 26, has been far more productive in the G-League than the NBA, winning a title with Stockton in 2025 before making the 2025-26 All-NBA G-League First Team with Motor City. He averaged 22.2 points, 8.9 rebounds, 2.8 assists, and 1.9 blocks for the Cruise, then helped his case with a strong Summer League. Jones brings motor, size, and finishing, but until Detroit gives him a full roster spot and real minutes, he is just a watch-list name for fantasy managers.
Source: Coty M. Davis
Source: Coty M. Davis
Devin White Signs with Lions
The Detroit Lions have signed former All-Pro linebacker Devin White to a one-year deal, as reported by NFL Insider Jordan Schultz. The fifth overall pick in the 2019 NFL Draft, White was one of the league's most promising young linebackers in his early years for the Buccaneers before his career hit a lull in his final seasons in Tampa and over a forgettable 2024 campaign with the Texans, but he was able to turn things around in a major way with the Raiders in 2025. Appearing in all 17 games, White's 174 tackles were the third most in the league, and he added 11 tackles-for-loss and an interception. In Detroit, he could immediately slot in beside 2025 first-team All-Pro Jack Campbell to form one of the most formidable tackling duos in the league.
Source: Jordan Schultz
Source: Jordan Schultz
Kelly Olynyk Draws Warriors Interest
Free-agent forward/center Kelly Olynyk is drawing interest from the Golden State Warriors as they look to fill out the back end of the roster, per Brett Siegel of ClutchPoints. Olynyk, 35, would give Golden State another stretch-big option behind Kristaps Porzingis and Al Horford, with his passing and floor spacing fitting the offense around Stephen Curry and Draymond Green. The concern is how much he has left. He averaged just 3.2 points, 1.8 rebounds, and 1.2 assists with San Antonio last season, and Golden State would be adding him as depth rather than a locked-in rotation piece. Olynyk would need injuries ahead of him to regain fantasy relevance.
Source: Brett Siegel
Source: Brett Siegel
Keaton Mitchell Projected to Win the Chargers' RB2 Job
The Los Angeles Chargers are projected to have one of the most improved offensive units for 2026, and a player the coaching staff is reportedly high on is running back Keaton Mitchell, who joined the team on a two-year deal and is battling with third-year player Kimani Vidal for the primary backup role behind 2025 first-round pick Omarion Hampton. Appearing on The Athletic Football Show, Chargers beat reporter Daniel Popper expressed a belief that Mitchell has the edge over Vidal, who led the team in rushing attempts and yards with Hampton sidelined for much of his 2025 rookie season. Mitchell offers explosiveness and an ability to stress the edges of a defense, and he could see work in a change-of-pace capacity throughout the year. At only 5'8" and 191 pounds, however, he's unlikely to hold anything close to an every-down role should Hampton again be forced to miss time, with Vidal the more likely option to step in at that point. At RotoBaller's RB42, Mitchell should hold enough standalone value to make him a worthy selection in the late rounds of 2026 drafts, while Vidal factors more as an in-season waiver add as RotoBaller's RB74.
Source: The Athletic Football Show
Source: The Athletic Football Show
Bo Nix Not Afraid to Run on Surgically Repaired Ankle
Denver Broncos quarterback Bo Nix is just over seven months removed from the initial surgery to repair the fractured right ankle he injured in his team's postseason victory over the Bills, with a follow-up procedure coming as recently as April. Still, he will not hesitate to scramble when needed. In speaking with the media on Saturday, he expressed confidence in the ankle, saying, "I'm going to roll [out]. I'm going to be as athletic as I can be. ... It's a strength of ours and so we've got to use our strengths. For me, that's when I feel at my best, that's when I feel free. When I'm playing like that, when I'm moving around, it's a good thing." Nix has run for 786 yards and nine touchdowns across his first two seasons, with his rushing production providing a safe weekly floor for fantasy while also opening up downfield opportunities for the Broncos offense. With Jaylen Waddle joining the team in 2026, Nix now has the strongest group of pass catchers of his young career, and if his rushing ability is truly unhampered by the ankle injury, he should be seen as a strong bet to outperform his current ADP of QB15.
Source: Jeff Legwold
Source: Jeff Legwold
Josh Downs a Favorite Target on Saturday
In what was a productive day for the Indianapolis Colts offense on Saturday, wide receiver Josh Downs stood out as a favorite target for quarterback Daniel Jones. Downs caught four passes and a touchdown during competitive 11-on-11 work, and was consistently open while running crisp routes and standing out from the rest of the receiver group, according to beat reporter Andrew Moore. With Alec Pierce still not practicing after undergoing offseason ankle surgery, Downs ran with Ashton Dulin and Laquon Treadwell in three-receiver sets, and as the only true lock from that trio to see regular work on game days, the fourth-year veteran took advantage of the opportunity to further develop his chemistry with Jones. The early days of camp indicate that Downs will see an expanded role in 2026, making him one of the better potential values in the middle rounds of drafts, and he is RotoBaller's WR42.
Source: Andrew Moore
Source: Andrew Moore
Kade Anderson has Path to MLB Innings Following Major Trade
Seattle Mariners top pitching prospect Kade Anderson should be on the radar of all fantasy managers heading into Week 19. On Saturday, the Mariners traded veteran right-handed pitcher Luis Castillo to the Chicago White Sox per ESPN's Jeff Passan. This move opens a role in their starting rotation for a potential sixth man. While Emerson Hancock currently occupies the No. 5 spot in the rotation, he has also been linked to many trade rumors, which would create an even clearer path for the team's No. 1 prospect to play a major role over the final stretch. Anderson has been knocking on the MLB door since making his pro debut in 2026. Through his first 16 starts at Double-A (82 1/3 innings), the southpaw has posted a dominant 1.20 ERA, 0.66 WHIP, and a 119:12 K:BB. Even if the Mariners were to hold Hancock through the deadline, Anderson could find a role as a sixth man in the staff. If Hancock were to move to a new club, the budding southpaw could earn the call immediately after. He is a priority stash target across all formats as he would hold must-start upside on a per-start basis.
Source: Jeff Passan
Source: Jeff Passan
Pitching Prospect Brady Smith to Join Tigers in Major Trade
Right-handed pitching prospect Brady Smith is set to join the Detroit Tigers, according to Jeff Passan of ESPN, in the deal that sent Tarik Skubal to the two-time reigning World Series Champions. Smith was viewed as the No. 29 prospect in the Dodgers system prior to the deal. While Zyhir Hope and River Ryan are viewed as the headliners in this deal, Smith has shown high-end strikeout upside in the lower levels and could be worth close monitoring in deeper dynasty leagues. He began the 2026 season at the Low-A level, where he racked up an impressive 104 strikeouts over only 65 innings of work with a 3.88 ERA. However, since moving up to High-A (9 1/3 innings), Smith has allowed eight runs and totaled just nine punchouts. While the right-hander will need some time as he progresses through the minor leagues, his strikeout potential makes him worth following for the remainder of the second half.
Source: Jeff Passan
Source: Jeff Passan
Dodgers Send Top Pitching Prospect River Ryan to Detroit
The Los Angeles Dodgers are trading right-handed pitching prospect River Ryan, alongside fellow right-hander Brady Smith and outfielder Zyhir Hope, to the Detroit Tigers in exchange for starting pitcher Tarik Skubal, per Jeff Passan of ESPN. While Hope is the headliner of this deal, Ryan holds high upside on his own. Ryan made his MLB debut in 2024 but logged only 20 1/3 innings with a sharp 1.33 ERA. However, the right-hander then underwent Tommy John surgery, which kept him off the field for all of 2025. Through 2026, Ryan has also been limited due to injuries but has been effective when on the Triple-A bump. With Detroit likely selling off other veteran pieces, Ryan should be in a great position to contend for his second MLB stint once he returns from his current hamstring injury. He is worth closely monitoring as he could emerge as a top stash candidate in the coming weeks.
Source: Jeff Passan
Source: Jeff Passan
