Jerry Jeudy Dealing with Hamstring Injury
Cleveland Browns wide receiver Jerry Jeudy (hamstring) was not seen on the practice field on Thursday. When asked about his absence, head coach Todd Monken said Jeudy isn't practicing due to a hamstring injury. The team wants to be extremely cautious with it being this early in camp. Fantasy managers shouldn't have anything to worry about, as this seems like a minor issue. Jeudy is expected to be the No. 1 wide receiver on the Browns' offense heading into the 2026 season. He's looking to rebound after posting 50 receptions, 602 receiving yards, and two touchdowns with the Browns last season. Fantasy managers should stay tuned for more updates, but Jeudy should be fine going forward.
Source: Ashley Bastock
Source: Ashley Bastock
Terry Rozier to Stand Trial in February 2027
Free agent guard Terry Rozier pleaded not guilty to newly added sports bribery and honest services wire fraud conspiracy charges, leaving him with not-guilty pleas to all four counts in the federal gambling case, The Athletic's Mike Vorkunov reports. A judge set his trial for Feb. 8, 2027. Prosecutors allege Rozier accepted a bribe to exit a March 23, 2023, game early while with the Hornets, logging just over nine minutes and finishing with five points, four rebounds, and two assists against the Pelicans after averaging 21.1 points per game that season. The NBA placed him on indefinite leave following his October 2025 arrest, and the Heat waived him in April 2026. Rozier's attorney is seeking changes to his release conditions that he argues are hindering a potential NBA return. From a fantasy perspective, Rozier is undraftable in redraft and a roster cut in all but the deepest dynasty formats until his status resolves.
Source: Mike Vorkunov
Source: Mike Vorkunov
Kings to Work Out Keaton Wagler Ahead of Draft
The Sacramento Kings will work out Illinois guard Keaton Wagler next week, Yahoo Sports' Kevin O'Connor reports. The visit lines up with Sacramento's need for a lead guard and its No. 7 pick, a range Wagler is expected to land in after ESPN and The Athletic slotted the consensus All-American around No. 5. The 6-foot-6 combo guard averaged 17.9 points, 5.1 rebounds, and 4.2 assists on strong efficiency while powering Illinois to its first Final Four in 21 years. For dynasty and rookie-draft managers, Wagler profiles as a high-floor bet: his shooting, feel, and playmaking should earn early minutes wherever he lands, with comparisons ranging from Ty Jerome to CJ McCollum. A thin frame and lack of burst cap the ceiling, but a guard-needy Sacramento would hand him a clear runway to production.
Source: Kevin O'Connor
Source: Kevin O'Connor
Week 1 a Possibility for Patrick Mahomes?
The Kansas City Chiefs and star quarterback Patrick Mahomes (knee) are both "leaning into this Week 1 possibility" that he'll be ready to go for the first Monday night game of the 2026 season against the division-rival Denver Broncos, according to Jeremy Fowler of ESPN. Mahomes has made great progress this offseason while recovering from surgery to fix ACL and LCL tears that he suffered on Dec. 14 last year against the Los Angeles Chargers. The 30-year-old two-time MVP has been taking part in seven-on-seven drills during offseason workouts, but the next step will be for him to be cleared for contact and to participate in 11-on-11 team drills. Running and cutting will be a focal point for Mahomes over the next weeks and months as he attempts to regain his patented mobility. Head coach Andy Reid is optimistic that Mahomes will progress in training camp next month, and Mahomes would like to get a dress rehearsal during the preseason to test his surgically-repaired knee. KC added Justin Fields as insurance at the position, but all signs are pointing to Mahomes being ready for the regular-season opener. Nobody should be doubting Mahomes at this point in his career, but fantasy managers should also be tempering expectations as he returns from a major knee injury. It's best to target Mahomes as a high-end QB2 in 2026 fantasy drafts.
Source: ESPN.com - Jeremy Fowler
Source: ESPN.com - Jeremy Fowler
Victor Wembanyama One Flagrant Foul Point From Suspension
San Antonio Spurs forward/center Victor Wembanyama is one flagrant foul point away from an automatic suspension after receiving a Flagrant 1 in Wednesday's 107-106 Game 4 NBA Finals loss to the New York Knicks, according to ESPN's Michael C. Wright. The 22-year-old now has three flagrant points this postseason, putting his Game 5 discipline risk under the spotlight with San Antonio trailing 3-1. Wembanyama still delivered 24 points, 13 rebounds, one assist, and three blocks in 43 minutes, but he shot 9-for-25 from the field and 4-for-7 at the line. Fantasy managers should still expect a massive workload in the elimination game, although one more dangerous-play ruling could abruptly end his postseason availability.
Source: Michael C. Wright
Source: Michael C. Wright
Matthew Golden Starting in Two-Receiver Sets
On the first day of mandatory minicamp on Thursday, Green Bay Packers second-year wide receiver Matthew Golden lined up across from Christian Watson in a two-receiver set, according to Bill Huber of Sports Illustrated. Golden came into the NFL last year with high expectations after the Packers selected him 23rd overall out of the University of Texas. The 22-year-old was then hyped up plenty during training camp and the preseason, only to disappoint in his rookie campaign in a crowded receiving corps in Green Bay. He caught 29 passes for 361 yards and zero touchdowns in 14 regular-season games (five starts). Golden is trending back up again this spring, and he'll have a much bigger opportunity to carve out a consistent role in the passing attack now that Romeo Doubs and Dontayvion Wicks are out of town. Watson is the team's clear WR1 with big-play ability, and the Packers also still have the versatile Jayden Reed, but both wideouts have dealt with their fair share of injuries early in their careers. Even if both Watson and Reed stay on the field, Golden will be a popular Year 2 breakout candidate. He can be had at a discount, too, with RotoBaller ranking him as the No. 51 fantasy WR for the 2026 season.
Source: Sports Illustrated - Bill Huber
Source: Sports Illustrated - Bill Huber
Domantas Sabonis Discussed in Trade Talks with Hornets
HoopsHype's Michael Scotto reports that the Sacramento Kings and Charlotte Hornets had exploratory trade talks on a Domantas Sabonis deal involving Miles Bridges. The talks do not appear close, as Sam Amick of The Athletic reported that compensation has been a sticking point, with Sacramento seeking one of Charlotte's first-round picks. Sabonis averaged 15.8 points, 11.4 rebounds, and 4.1 assists in 19 games before season-ending knee surgery, while Bridges posted 17.1 points, 5.8 rebounds, and 3.2 assists. A move to Charlotte would give Sabonis a cleaner playmaking fit next to LaMelo Ball, while Bridges' fantasy value would hinge on whether Sacramento gives him the same on-ball freedom he had with the Hornets.
Source: Michael Scotto
Source: Michael Scotto
Panthers, Jalen Coker Agree on Three-Year Extension
The Carolina Panthers and wide receiver Jalen Coker agreed to a three-year contract extension on Thursday worth $35 million, with incentives potentially taking the deal up to $41 million, according to Ian Rapoport of the NFL Network. Coker was set to be an exclusive-rights free agent this year and a restricted free agent next year. The 24-year-old former undrafted free agent out of Holy Cross has battled injuries in his first two seasons in the NFL, playing in a total of 22 regular-season games (seven starts) while catching 65 passes for 872 yards and five touchdowns on 89 targets. Coker came on strong late last season for the Panthers and has averaged a healthy 13.4 yards per reception since entering the league. Going into Year 3 in 2026, Coker is expected to be Carolina's primary slot receiver as their No. 2 behind second-year wideout Tetairoa McMillan. If Coker can stay healthy all year, he has clear potential to have a breakout campaign and be a solid sleeper for fantasy managers. RotoBaller currently has him ranked as the No. 50 fantasy WR going into the 2026 season. Coker isn't a burner by any means, but he's explosive after the catch and has excellent hands.
Source: NFL Network - Ian Rapoport
Source: NFL Network - Ian Rapoport
Celtics Resurface as Potential Giannis Antetokounmpo Trade Suitor
The Boston Celtics have quietly reentered the Giannis Antetokounmpo trade race, The Ringer's Bill Simmons reported, suggesting the team had been lying in wait after a stunning first-round exit. Yahoo Sports' Kevin O'Connor added that Boston is willing to make Jaylen Brown available, with Jayson Tatum the only player it won't move for the Bucks star, though Jake Fischer notes no meaningful talks have happened yet. For fantasy managers, both stars are worth tracking. A trade would likely land Brown on a lesser team as a featured scorer, lifting his usage and counting stats even as the wins dry up. Giannis stays a first-round, multi-category anchor wherever he lands, though a Boston pairing with Tatum would shave his usage, with the free-throw drag and durability risk following him regardless. Nothing is close, so monitor rather than react.
Source: Bill Simmons
Source: Bill Simmons
Jaylen Waddle Looking Like a Star During Spring Workouts
New Denver Broncos wide receiver Jaylen Waddle "has looked every bit the star wide receiver this spring," according to Jeremy Fowler of ESPN. The Broncos gave up a first-round pick in this year's NFL draft to acquire the services of Waddle from the Miami Dolphins this offseason, and head coach Sean Payton looks ready to use him all over the field. The 27-year-old former sixth overall pick in 2021 out of the University of Alabama opened his NFL career with three straight 1,000-yard seasons while also leading the league with 18.1 yards per catch in his sophomore campaign. Waddle failed to reach the 1,000-yard mark in each of the last two years as Miami's speed-based offense hit a snag, although he did bounce back in 2025 with a 64-910-6 line in 16 starts. The Broncos already have a capable WR1 in Courtland Sutton, but the Broncos didn't give up a haul not to involve Waddle regularly, and he could thrive underneath in Payton's offense in Year 1 in Denver. Waddle is a more intriguing target for fantasy managers in PPR formats, and he should be considered a low-end WR2/high-end WR3/flex in his new digs.
Source: ESPN.com - Jeremy Fowler
Source: ESPN.com - Jeremy Fowler
Trail Blazers Eye Julius Thomas for Coaching Staff
According to Gazzetta's Giannis Pallas, Paris Basketball head coach Julius Thomas is considering NBA opportunities, with an offer from the Portland Trail Blazers to join Tiago Splitter's staff standing out. The 28-year-old replaced Francesco Tabellini in March and has helped guide Paris to the French league finals against Monaco. Thomas also worked under Tuomas Iisalo and Splitter, keeping him tied to the same aggressive, high-tempo coaching tree Portland has already leaned into. Paris ranked first in EuroLeague in three-point attempts and second in threes made, while the Blazers finished 10th in pace under Splitter. For fantasy managers, this would be more of a system signal than a direct rankings mover, but added pace and spacing emphasis would be encouraging for Portland's young playmakers, wings, and rim-running bigs.
Source: Giannis Pallas
Source: Giannis Pallas
Jordan Lawlar to Return to D-Backs on Friday
Arizona Diamondbacks third baseman/outfielder Jordan Lawlar (wrist) will come off the 60-day injured list to rejoin the major-league roster for Friday's series opener against the Cincinnati Reds, according to John Gambadoro of Arizona Sports. Lawlar will be returning to the Snakes this weekend for the first time since hitting the IL back in early April with a right-wrist fracture. During his minor-league rehab assignment, the 23-year-old former top prospect went 6-for-28 with two RBI and five runs scored in eight games. The former sixth overall pick in 2021 out of Jesuit College Preparatory School of Dallas has yet to impress in the big leagues in just 48 games played since debuting in 2023, hitting .191 (22-for-115) with just one home run, seven RBI, four steals, and a 33.6% strikeout rate. Fantasy managers in mixed leagues will probably want to take a wait-and-see approach with Lawlar, but he should play regularly in Arizona's outfield once he returns. Lawlar is widely available in Yahoo leagues, as he's rostered in just 6% of leagues.
Source: Arizona Sports - John Gambadoro
Source: Arizona Sports - John Gambadoro
Jalen Duren Expected to Clear $30 Million Per Year
Detroit Pistons center Jalen Duren is expected to land a restricted free-agent deal worth more than $30 million annually, according to ESPN's Tim Bontemps. The 22-year-old bet on himself by not signing an extension last offseason, and his regular-season leap made that decision look sharp. Duren averaged 19.5 points, 10.5 rebounds, 2.0 assists, 0.8 steals, and 0.8 blocks in 28.2 minutes while shooting 65.0% from the field. His playoff dip adds some risk, but a long-term deal would confirm Detroit still views him as a core interior piece next to Cade Cunningham. For fantasy managers, Duren's rebounding, efficiency, and secure role keep him firmly on the early-round radar.
Source: Tim Bontemps
Source: Tim Bontemps
Hagen Smith Trending Towards Making MLB Debut on Saturday?
According to Bruce Levine of 670TheScore.com, the Chicago White Sox could promote top pitching prospect Hagen Smith on Saturday to make his MLB debut against the two-time reigning World Series Champions, the Los Angeles Dodgers. According to Levine, the team is considering turning to the former fifth overall pick to take the mound as there is an open spot in the rotation. While the team has yet to confirm this report, it appears the young southpaw is trending towards making his MLB debut this weekend. Smith has spent the entire campaign at Triple-A Charlotte and has endured some early growing pains. However, after struggling to the tune of a 4.54 ERA with a 1.46 WHIP over his first 32 2/3 innings, he has quickly found his footing. In his last four starts (19 innings), the southpaw has posted a stellar 2.37 ERA with a 32:7 K:BB. Smith was already considered a top pitching prospect to stash, but now holds near must-stash upside in all 12-team leagues given his nearing debut and elite strikeout potential.
Source: Bruce Levine
Source: Bruce Levine
DeSean Bishop a Candidate to Lead SEC in Rushing
Tennessee running back DeSean Bishop replaced SEC Offensive Player of the Year Dylan Sampson nicely in 2025, totaling 1,211 yards and 16 touchdowns on 197 touches. The Knoxville native is slated to be Tennessee's featured back once again, and he could be leaned on heavily as the Vols break in either of their freshman quarterbacks, Faizon Brandon or George MacIntyr. Head coach Josh Heupel is known for his explosive passing attack, but Tennessee ranked first in the SEC in rushing yards per game in 2023 and 2024. Heupel builds his offense to fit his players, and Tennessee leads the conference in returning offensive line snaps. Don't be surprised if the 2026 offense looks like the 2024 offense, which saw Sampson rush for 1,491 yards. Bishop is a prime candidate to be among the league's leaders in rushing yards.
Source: ESPN
Source: ESPN
Joshua Palmer "Feeling a Lot Better"
Buffalo Bills wide receiver Joshua Palmer (ankle) is coming off a frustrating first year with the team, in which he missed five regular-season games due to an ankle injury. The 26-year-old wasn't relevant at all in fantasy football, catching a career-low 22 passes on 37 targets for 303 yards and no touchdowns across 12 regular-season games (eight starts). However, Palmer is "feeling a lot better" this offseason and is optimistic he'll be better in his second season in Buffalo in 2026. He worked off to the side during organized team activities but has been back on the field during mandatory minicamp this week. The former third-round pick (77th overall) by the Los Angeles Chargers in 2021 out of the University of Tennessee averaged 12.6 yards per catch and had 182 receptions for 2,287 yards and 10 touchdowns on 282 targets in 58 games in his first four years in the league with the Bolts. Palmer surely has bounce-back potential after being banged up in 2025, but with the addition of receiver DJ Moore to the fold as a deep threat in the Bills' offense, it's hard to imagine him having a consistent enough role to excite fantasy managers going into the start of the 2026 season this fall.
Source: BuffaloBills.com - Alec White and Maddy Glab
Source: BuffaloBills.com - Alec White and Maddy Glab
Arch Manning Better Set Up for Success in 2026
Texas quarterback Arch Manning was one of the most hyped-up quarterbacks in recent memory heading into last season, but as a first-year starter, he had plenty of struggles, especially early in the season. However, Manning turned the corner in the second half of the year, averaging 286.2 passing yards per game, scoring 19 touchdowns, and throwing five interceptions over his final six games. He faced the No. 9, No. 5, No. 3, and No. 18-ranked teams during that stretch. Wide receiver Ryan Wingo is back in Austin, and the program brought in former Auburn star wideout Cam Coleman, forming one of the best wide receiver duos in the country. Running transfers Hollywood Smothers (NC State) and Raleek Brown (Arizona State) should give the rushing attack a much-needed boost after last year's rough showing on the ground. With a full season under his belt and an improved supporting cast, Manning could live up to the Heisman Trophy hype in his fourth year in Austin.
Source: ESPN
Source: ESPN
Jacory Croskey-Merritt Missing OTAs With Soft-Tissue Injury
According to Ben Standig of Last Man Standig, Washington Commanders second-year running back Jacory Croskey-Merritt (undisclosed) is missing valuable repetitions during organized team activities this offseason due to a soft-tissue injury. It's unclear what exactly Croskey-Merritt is dealing with or whether he'll be ready to return for the team's mandatory minicamp that runs from June 16-18. Bill has the opportunity to become Washington's clear lead back in Year 2 in 2026, but to do so, he'll need to improve his ball security and as a pass-catcher out of the backfield. Rachaad White, Jeremy McNichols, and Jerome Ford slot in behind Croskey-Merritt in Washington's RB room, but JCM is the only one of the group with a realistic chance for lead-back duties. The 25-year-old former seventh-rounder out of the University of Arizona worked his way into a big role in his first NFL campaign in D.C., rushing for 805 yards and eight touchdowns on 175 carries while adding nine receptions for 68 yards. Because he won't be guaranteed a three-down role, though, fantasy managers should target JCM as more of an RB3/flex in drafts this fall.
Source: Last Man Standig - Ben Standig
Source: Last Man Standig - Ben Standig
Kewan Lacy Primed for Another Big Workload
Ole Miss running back Kewan Lacy was one of the biggest breakout stars of the 2025 campaign, accumulating 1,567 rushing yards, 177 receiving yards, and 24 touchdowns. Though Lane Kiffin and Charlie Weis Jr. have moved on to LSU, the Rebels hired former Ole Miss co-offensive coordinator John David Baker to run their offense this season. And more importantly, star quarterback Trinidad Chambliss is back in Oxford. Baker has familirary with what Kiffin and Weis were dialing up over the last few seasons, and the threat of Chambliss as a passer and runner should keep defenses honest, setting Lacy up for another productive season. Lacy was a first-team All-American in his first year as a starter, and a big season in 2026 should put him in the RB1 conversation in the 2027 NFL Draft.
Source: ESPN
Source: ESPN
Samuel Basallo Back in Baltimore's Lineup Versus Mariners
Baltimore Orioles catcher Samuel Basallo (wrist) is doing the catching for right-hander Kyle Bradish in Thursday's series finale at Camden Yards and will bat fifth against Seattle Mariners right-hander Bryan Woo, per MLB.com. Basallo has been dealing with a bony growth on his left wrist and was held out of the starting lineup for each of the last three games. It's something that he could deal with going forward, but for now, the left-handed slugger will return to the O's lineup for the series finale against Seattle. The Dominican backstop will return to a .263/.327/.475 line with an .801 OPS, nine home runs, 27 RBI, and 25 runs scored in his 179 at-bats in his first full year in the majors. Basallo has been much better against right-handers this year, going 36-for-133 (.271) against them with eight of his nine home runs on the year. The young catcher has struggled so far in June, though, with just two hits in 22 plate appearances over eight games.
Source: MLB.com
Source: MLB.com
Turbo Richard Bound for Stardom with Indiana?
After rushing 145 times for 749 yards and catching 30 passes for 213 yards (13 total touchdowns), former Boston College running back Turbo Richard decided to take his talents to Bloomington. He joins the defending College Football Playoff National Champions, and he could be one of the sport's breakout stars in 2026. With Roman Hemby and Kaelon Black out of town, Richard has the opportunity to earn a featured role in Indiana's offense, though the team returned Khobie Martin and Lee Beebe Jr. from last year's squad. Richard is a do-it-all back with tackle-breaking ability, and he'll surely be in the spotlight as a junior thanks to his name and the program he is set to play for.
Source: ESPN
Source: ESPN
Adley Rutschman Returns From Hamstring Injury on Thursday
Baltimore Orioles catcher Adley Rutschman (hamstring) is back in the team's starting lineup for Thursday's series finale against the visiting Seattle Mariners and right-hander Bryan Woo, serving as the designated hitter and batting third in the order, per MLB.com. Rutschman will return to the O's lineup after missing the last three games with tightness in his left hamstring. The 28-year-old switch-hitter has been swinging the bat much better of late, going 13-for-42 (.310) with a homer, four doubles, a triple, 10 RBI, and seven runs scored in his last 11 games since May 27. Overall, the former first overall pick out of Oregon State is slashing .267/.343/.489 with a career-best .832 OPS, eight home runs, 36 RBI, and 25 runs scored in 48 games across 204 plate appearances in his fifth year in the big leagues. Fantasy managers will want to get the two-time All-Star back into their starting lineups now that he's been cleared of his hamstring injury. In three career at-bats against Woo, Rutschman has a home run and two RBI.
Source: MLB.com
Source: MLB.com
Alonza Barnett III Brings Winning Pedigree to UCF
UCF quarterback Alonza Barnett III was brought in from James Madison to help turn the program around in the second tenure of the Scott Frost era in Orlando. Barnett is fresh off leading James Madison to a College Football Playoff appearance and has a 21-6 overall record as a starter. The fifth-year senior tallied over 5,000 passing yards, 1,000 rushing yards, and 71 total touchdowns in two seasons as JMU's starter. UCF is expected to be among the worst teams in the Big 12, but heroic quarterback play can flip the script in a hurry. Barnett is one of the top transfer quarterbacks to watch in 2026.
Source: ESPN
Source: ESPN
Colt Emerson Returns to M's Lineup Following Bout With Back Spasms
Seattle Mariners rookie infielder Colt Emerson (back) is starting at shortstop and will bat ninth for Seattle in Thursday's series finale against the hosting Baltimore Orioles and right-hander Kyle Bradish at Camden Yards, according to MLB.com. Emerson didn't play in any of the last three games due to a bout with back spasms, but he's feeling good enough to play on Thursday. The 20-year-old infield prospect is one of the most intriguing young power/speed threats in baseball, although he won't carry a ton of DFS appeal at the bottom of the Mariners' batting order in his return. In his first 19 games in the big leagues, Emerson has gone 15-for-62 (.242) with four home runs, five doubles, a triple, 10 RBI, and nine runs scored across 69 plate appearances. He will play regularly for the M's at the 6 with J.P. Crawford (hand) on the injured list currently. Emerson has only five walks and 21 strikeouts early on, so he'll need to make more contact to capitalize on his potential.
Source: MLB.com
Source: MLB.com
Henry Ruggs III Denied Parole Five Years After Deadly Crash
Ex-NFL wide receiver Henry Ruggs III was denied parole almost five years after he killed a woman in a car crash in Las Vegas, Nevada, according to The Associated Press. Ruggs, who was the Las Vegas Raiders' first-round pick in 2020, drove his sports car at speeds up to 156 mph on Nov. 2, 2021, and slammed into a car, killing driver Tina Tintor and her dog, Max. Prosecutors at the time said Ruggs' blood-alcohol level taken within the required two hours after the crash was 0.16%. He pleaded guilty in May of 2023 to felony DUI causing death and misdemeanor vehicular manslaughter. Ruggs was sentenced in August of 2023 to a three- to 10-year prison sentence. He'll go before the parole board again three months before his Aug. 24, 2027, mandatory parole release date. The 27-year-old was the 12th overall pick in 2020, and he caught 50 of his 79 targets for 921 yards and four touchdowns in 20 games (19 starts) in his only two years in the league.
Source: The Associated Press
Source: The Associated Press
Quinn Priester Returned From his Rehab Assignment
Milwaukee Brewers right-hander Quinn Priester (shoulder), who had been pitching in the rookie-level Arizona Complex League, has been returned from his minor-league rehab assignment and remains on the 60-day injured list, according to Adam McCalvy of MLB.com. Priester hasn't really had any luck trying to battle through symptoms of thoracic outlet syndrome, and this could be the final straw before the Brewers have him undergo season-ending surgery. The 25-year-old's velocity has been way down, and he's had trouble commanding the baseball while pitching in the minor leagues. In eight rehab starts in the ACL and for High-A Wisconsin and Triple-A Nashville, Priester has allowed 28 earned runs on 22 hits (one homer) while walking 24 and striking out only 18 in 16 innings pitched. It's unclear what the next step is for Priester, but it's beginning to look more and more unlikely that he'll be able to help Milwaukee out in 2026. He's rostered in just 13% of Yahoo leagues and can probably be cut in more formats.
Source: MLB.com - Adam McCalvy
Source: MLB.com - Adam McCalvy
Is Yohandy Morales Hitting His Way to Must-Stash Status?
Washington Nationals corner infield prospect Yohandy Morales continues to produce at Triple-A Rochester, drawing a walk, stealing a base, and scoring a run in his latest contest despite going 0-for-3 at the plate. For the season, the Nats' 28th-ranked prospect is slashing a robust .336/.414/.584 with 14 home runs and three steals. The former second-round draft pick is set to blow past his home run total from last season (15), and has seen almost a six percent drop in strikeout rate year-over-year while maintaining a solid 10.7 percent walk rate. The 6-foot-3 slugger owns a 92.3 percent average exit velocity (EV) this season (90th percentile) and a max EV of 113.1 mph (93rd percentile), along with a 12.4 percent barrel rate and 52.9 percent hard-hit rate, so he's got some fantasy-friendly power potential. However, despite having the ability to play either corner infield spot or designated hitter, there isn't a current path to playing time on the MLB roster, so it may take an injury to get him to the majors. Regardless, managers in deep leagues looking for a sneaky source of home runs and counting stats should consider stashing the 24-year-old ahead of an eventual call-up.
Source: MiLB.com
Source: MiLB.com
Xavier Legette Drops Weight in the Offseason
Carolina Panthers wide receiver Xavier Legette said he lost seven to nine pounds in the offseason and is now down to 221 pounds, according to Joe Person of The Athletic. Legette also said he's tried to "bulletproof" his hamstrings after previously having issues with them. The 25-year-old, who was the 32nd overall pick in 2024 out of South Carolina, has failed to live up to his lofty draft capital in his first two years in the NFL in Carolina. Legette has totaled 84 receptions on 148 targets for 860 receiving yards and seven touchdowns in 31 regular-season games (25 starts). His production took a dip last year, too, as he finished with a 35-363-3 line on 64 targets across 15 regular-season contests. Last year's first-rounder, Tetairoa McMillan, looks like the real deal, and Jalen Coker appears primed to be a breakout candidate in his third year as the team's WR2. That leaves Legette battling with John Metchie III and rookie Chris Brazzell II for targets as the Panthers' WR3. In standard 12-team fantasy leagues in 2026, Legette should go undrafted.
Source: The Athletic - Joe Person
Source: The Athletic - Joe Person
Lazaro Montes Enjoying Power Surge, is a 2026 Debut in Play?
Seattle Mariners outfield prospect Lazaro Montes has been a big-time power bat in the minors for the last few seasons, belting 21 home runs in 2024 and another 32 a season ago, but at his current pace, the 6-foot-5 slugger could even outdo last season's total. The left-handed hitter is in the midst of a home run barrage at Double-A Arkansas, blasting six long balls in his last eight games alone, while batting .394 (13-for-33) over that stretch, which has also seen an improved strikeout rate of 17.9 percent over that span (27.8 percent for the season). The native of Cuba's recent run of production has pushed his batting average to .240 with a strong 12.7 percent walk rate and an outstanding .904 OPS. The strikeouts will likely remain part of his profile (career 27.1 percent in the minors), which could limit his batting average, but he's helped offset that with a strong walk rate (career 14.8 percent), and the power is legit. Montes could be ticketed for Triple-A soon, and if the 21-year-old can continue to develop his hit tool, a late-season debut in the majors is a possibility.
Source: MiLB.com
Source: MiLB.com
Is Tony Santillan Still the Top Source for Saves in Cincinnati?
Cincinnati Reds right-hander Tony Santillan has put together arguably his worst MLB season so far in 2026, recording a 5.88 ERA and 1.58 WHIP with 25 strikeouts across 26 innings. However, with Reds closer Emilio Pagan (hamstring) on the 15-day injured list due to a Grade 2 hamstring strain, Santillan has two saves on the year and may be Cincinnati's preferred option in the ninth inning. There are major red flags in Santillan's profile that fantasy managers should be aware of before buying in. The 29-year-old's average fastball velocity is down from 96.2 miles per hour in 2025 to 94.6 mph in 2026, and his K-BB rate has dipped from 15.3% to 10.3%. He's also allowed nine home runs (3.12 HR/9) on the year and pitches in one of the most homer-friendly home parks in all of baseball in Cincinnati's Great American Ball Park. Fantasy managers in desperate need of saves may still have use for Santillan, but his profile is riddled with risk.
Source: RotoBaller
Source: RotoBaller
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