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Cam Smith Carrying Value in Deeper Leagues with Emerging Power
Houston Astros outfielder Cam Smith is starting to show signs of life at the plate, giving fantasy managers a reason to keep him on the waiver-wire radar. Smith went 2-for-5 with two doubles and one RBI in Monday's 5-4 extra-inning win over the Los Angeles Angels. He is 6-for-21 over his last five games with two doubles, one triple, four RBI, and an 8:1 K:BB. The season-long production remains modest, but Smith's recent success gives him some appeal. Through 67 games, he has hit six home runs, brought in 25 runs, scored 26, and added 10 doubles. With 75% of Yahoo leagues still leaving him available, Smith is a reasonable pickup for fantasy managers in deeper leagues looking to get ahead on a young bat with developing power (13.2% barrel rate), as he should continue to see a prominent role in this lineup.
Source: RotoBaller
Source: RotoBaller
Aaron Donald Likely to Unretire to Rejoin Rams?
ESPN's Adam Schefter thinks it's "more likely than not" that defensive tackle Aaron Donald unretires to rejoin the Los Angeles Rams and new star pass-rusher Myles Garrett in 2026. Nobody else is saying what Schefter is saying, but they are acknowledging the fact that Donald is considering coming out of retirement to try to help the Rams get back to the Super Bowl, which will be held at SoFi Stadium this year. We are a ways away from Donald actually announcing that he is going to return, but it feels like it will be hard for him to pass up having a chance to headline a pass-rushing unit in L.A. that would feature arguably two of the best sack artists of all time. Schefter said that if he had to guess, he would guess that Donald returns to make the Rams the unquestioned Super Bowl favorite in 2026. The 35-year-old veteran is still probably in phenomenal shape after recording eight sacks and 53 tackles (28 solo) in 16 starts in 2023 in his final year in the league. The 10-time Pro Bowler and eight-time All-Pro had a whopping 111 sacks in his 10 years in the league.
Source: ESPN - Adam Schefter
Source: ESPN - Adam Schefter
Has Jett Williams Fallen Off the Stash Radar?
Milwaukee Brewers infield/outfield prospect Jett Williams continues to scuffle at Triple-A Nashville, going just 7-for-56 (.125) over his last 14 games for the Sounds, which includes just one extra-base hit (a triple) and one steal. It has dampened his prospects for a big league debut in the near future, but if he can turn it around, a call-up around the All-Star break could be well within reach. The Brewers' third-ranked prospect can do a little of everything, coming off a 17-homer campaign a season ago in which he also stole 34 bags while hitting .261 with a strong 13.3 percent walk rate. The former first-rounder is still showcasing many of those skills in 2026, with five home runs, 12 steals, and a 13.4 percent walk rate through 60 games. Combined with the ability to play multiple positions on the infield and center field, his versatility on both offense and defense could be an asset in the majors. The 22-year-old is eligible at 2B, SS, and OF in Yahoo! leagues, so there is plenty of appeal here as a potential stash candidate in deeper leagues, he just needs to pick it up at the plate.
Source: MiLB.com
Source: MiLB.com
David Montgomery to be Three-Down Back for Texans?
The Houston Texans acquired veteran running back David Montgomery from the Detroit Lions in an offseason trade, and he's set to be the lead RB this year in Houston. The Texans ran the ball 387 times a year ago, but they just weren't very effective after not having Joe Mixon (foot) for the entire season. Monty has already been receiving "rave reviews" from offensive coordinator Nick Caley, and the Texans think that Montgomery could be a "potential three-down back" in 2026 as they look to create more physicality in their running game, according to Cameron Wolfe of the NFL Network. Woody Marks took over lead-back duties for the team a year ago in his rookie season out of necessity, and he's not guaranteed to have a big role in his second season as long as Montgomery stays healthy. A lot depends on the progress of Houston's offensive line and quarterback C.J. Stroud's ability to bounce back after several disappointing seasons. If those two things align, Monty could emerge as a solid RB2 for fantasy managers after seeing his role decline in 2025 in his final year in Detroit.
Source: NFL Network - Cameron Wolfe
Source: NFL Network - Cameron Wolfe
After Latest Dominant Outing, is Now a Good Time to Stash Kade Anderson?
Seattle Mariners pitching prospect Kade Anderson's phenomenal professional debut continued in his latest start on Friday, when he didn't allow an earned run for the third straight game after giving up just one hit in five innings of work. It was also the second consecutive game in which he did not walk a batter and struck out nine. The performance brought the left-hander's ERA down to a miserly 1.29 with a 0.69 WHIP in 49 total innings pitched, and his 39.2 percent K-BB% is the highest in all the minor leagues among pitchers who have worked at least 30 innings. After dominating Double-A competition through 10 starts, a test at Triple-A should be close at hand, and if the former third-overall draft pick has success, then a major league debut could happen later this year. Although a big league promotion is not imminent, the 21-year-old is a worthy stash consideration in deeper leagues for his high strikeout upside, especially in leagues where an NA spot is available to tuck him away in until he earns a call-up.
Source: MiLB.com
Source: MiLB.com
Jordan Lawlar Holding Sneaky Stash Value Ahead of Impending Return?
Arizona Diamondbacks infielder/outfielder Jordan Lawlar (wrist) remains an intriguing waiver-wire option for managers in deeper leagues with injured-list flexibility. Before being sidelined, Lawlar hit .333 with one home run, two RBI, three runs scored, one stolen base, a .400 on-base percentage, and a .556 slugging percentage across 18 at-bats (six games). Lawlar saw his fantasy value increase during spring training when the former top prospect posted a .333/.448/.604 line with four round-trippers, which earned him a starting role to begin the 2026 campaign. The sample is small, but Lawlar's power-speed profile and early production make him worth monitoring before he returns. Last week, Lawlar's rehab assignment was moved to Triple-A Reno, suggesting the 23-year-old is nearing a return to action. With a 6% Yahoo rostership rate, Lawlar is a speculative stash for fantasy managers in deeper leagues looking to get ahead on a potential impact bat who possesses a five-category skill set.
Source: RotoBaller
Source: RotoBaller
Dolphins Seeing Progress From Malik Willis
Miami Dolphins head coach Jeff Hafley said that he's seeing progress, command, and confidence from quarterbacks Malik Willis and Quinn Ewers as the offseason program continues, according to Marcel-Louis-Jacques of ESPN. "He's more comfortable. I think he's looked as good as he's looked since I met him," Hafley said about Willis, adding that he's excited to ramp things up come training camp. A recent report from the South Florida Sun-Sentinel's David Furones quoted Hafley as saying that the 27-year-old Willis' chemistry with his new receivers was "a work in progress." The former third-round pick by the Tennessee Titans in 2022 out of the University of Liberty looked good with a 78.7% completion percentage in his last two years with the Green Bay Packers, albeit in a small sample size of 11 games played and only three starts, but the Dolphins felt it was enough to hand him a three-year, $67.5 million deal in free agency to be their starter in 2026 and beyond. Willis will probably be up and down in a rebuilding offense in his first year in South Beach, but you can't deny that the opportunity is there for him to make noise. But with playmakers lacking in the passing game in Miami, fantasy managers should consider Willis a low-end QB2 option in superflex formats in 2026.
Source: ESPN.com - Marcel Louis-Jacques
Source: ESPN.com - Marcel Louis-Jacques
Tetairoa McMillan Returns to Drills on Tuesday
Carolina Panthers wide receiver Tetairoa McMillan (foot) is back doing drills at mandatory minicamp on Tuesday, according to Joe Person of The Athletic. The Panthers have been cautious with their WR1 while he deals with a foot issue, and he was recently held out of OTAs as a precaution. The fact that the second-year wideout is back for minicamp means that he'll most likely be a full-go for the start of training camp at the end of July. The 23-year-old eighth overall pick out of the University of Arizona last year was a huge success in his first year in the NFL, earning Offensive Rookie of the Year honors after he caught 70 of his 122 targets for 1,014 yards and seven touchdowns in 17 regular-season starts as quarterback Bryce Young's go-to target. McMillan finished as the WR13 in half-PPR scoring, which will make him a strong early-round target as a legitimate WR2 with upside for more in his sophomore season.
Source: The Athletic - Joe Person
Source: The Athletic - Joe Person
Unclear When Travis Hunter Will be a Full-Go
Jacksonville Jaguars head coach Liam Coen said that he's "extremely pleased" with where wide receiver/cornerback Travis Hunter (knee) is at "both mentally and physically" this offseason, according to 1010 XL/92.5 FM. However, Coen also said he doesn't know when Hunter will be "full-go" during offseason workouts after the 23-year-old former Heisman Trophy winner tore the LCL in his knee in late October of his rookie season in 2025. Hunter has "looked good" and has added muscle mass to his body as he prepares for Year 2 in the NFL. Coen said there's "no question he has gotten stronger." The former second overall pick last year out of the University of Colorado is missing out on live reps on the field this offseason, but he's working extremely hard elsewhere, and the Jags plan to continue to use him as a two-way player in 2026. The problem for fantasy managers is that Jacksonville plans to use the two-way star more as a defensive back this year, and with the Jags already stacked at WR with Jakobi Meyers, Brian Thomas Jr., and Parker Washington, it could be an uphill battle for Hunter to contribute every week as a pass-catcher. Hunter caught 28 of his 45 targets for 298 yards and one touchdown in seven games in 2025, and he has fallen to No. 73 in RotoBaller's WR rankings in redraft formats this year.
Source: 1010 XL/92.5 FM
Source: 1010 XL/92.5 FM
Bhayshul Tuten Continues to Shine at Minicamp
Sports Illustrated's John Shipley writes that Jacksonville Jaguars running back Bhayshul Tuten continues to shine during offseason workouts at mandatory minicamp, with Chris Rodriguez Jr. still out after recently having a procedure on his foot. The team still isn't in pads, but Tuten "left the defense firmly in his dust on several big runs in team drills," and he "continues to look like one of the most explosive elements of the entire offense." Rodriguez is expected to be back for the start of training camp in late July, but Tuten has put himself clearly in the pole position for primary lead-back duties in Duval as he heads into his second season in the NFL. The 23-year-old former fourth-rounder out of Virginia Tech carried the ball 83 times for 307 yards and five touchdowns, and added 10 receptions for 79 yards and two more TDs as a pass-catcher in 15 regular-season games in his rookie campaign as a change-of-pace option behind lead back Travis Etienne Jr. Etienne is now in New Orleans, though, giving Tuten obvious breakout potential as an explosive home run threat in Jacksonville's emerging offense under head coach Liam Coen. C-Rod will be a threat to vulture TDs at the goal line, but right now, Tuten has clear RB2 upside, and he's ranked as RotoBaller's No. 25 fantasy RB for 2026.
Source: Sports Illustrated - John Shipley
Source: Sports Illustrated - John Shipley
Padres Place Xander Bogaerts on Paternity List
The San Diego Padres announced on Tuesday that they placed infielder Xander Bogaerts on the paternity list and recalled infielder Will Wagner from Triple-A El Paso in a corresponding move. Bogaerts will likely miss the final two games of the series at Petco Park this week against the Cincinnati Reds, but he could be back with the club for Friday's series opener in Baltimore versus the Orioles. With the veteran shortstop out for a few days, expect Sung-Mun Song to shift over to the 6 for the Friars. In his 14th year in the big leagues and fourth with San Diego, Bogaerts is slashing .231/.303/.356 with a career-low .658 OPS, eight home runs, 27 RBI, nine stolen bases, and 27 runs scored in 63 games across 251 plate appearances. Although he does have hits in each of his last two games, he's been ice-cold so far in June, going 3-for-23 (.130) with a double, an RBI, two runs scored, two walks, and eight strikeouts in seven games played. Bogey is rostered in just under half of Yahoo leagues.
Source: San Diego Padres
Source: San Diego Padres
Is CeeDee Lamb Currently Undervalued in Dynasty Formats?
Dallas Cowboys wide receiver CeeDee Lamb saw a decline in his production in 2025, missing three games with an ankle injury and finishing the year with 75 catches for 1,077 yards and three touchdowns on 117 targets. After averaging 10.1 targets per game in 2024, Lamb saw 8.4 targets per game in his first season playing alongside Cowboys wideout George Pickens in 2025. While Pickens' presence could limit Lamb's target upside again in 2026, improved health from Lamb could be the difference in him bouncing back this upcoming season. Additionally, Pickens' long-term future in Dallas is an open question, given that he is currently signed to the franchise tag and is agitating for a contract extension. Lamb is still valued as a WR1 in the majority of dynasty formats, but his stock has fallen a bit after his underwhelming 2025 campaign. As he enters his age-27 season, Lamb should have every opportunity to re-establish himself as one of the elite wide receivers in fantasy football. Fantasy managers should explore buy-low scenarios for Lamb to see if they can acquire him for a relative bargain ahead of 2026.
Source: RotoBaller
Source: RotoBaller
A.J. Ewing Worth a Look in Deep Leagues for his Speed?
New York Mets rookie second baseman/outfielder A.J. Ewing already has seven stolen bases in 10 attempts in his first 25 major-league games. The team's top prospect, per MLB Pipeline, has hit .259 (22-for-85) with a homer, a double, a triple, seven RBI, and 11 runs scored in his first 99 plate appearances for the injury-riddled and last-place Mets. The 21-year-old former fourth-rounder in 2023 out of a high school in Ohio is currently riding a five-game hitting streak, in which he's gone 7-for-18 (.389) with a double, RBI, three stolen bases, and three runs scored. The 5-foot-10, 160-pounder is definitely worth an add off the waiver wire in deeper fantasy leagues if you're searching for speed, but Ewing's current 31.3% strikeout rate is certainly a drawback. But as long as he can continue to get on base, Ewing will continue to run with the Mets basically letting their young prospects get plenty of playing time in 2026 in what has quickly turned into a lost season.
Source: Baseball Reference
Source: Baseball Reference
Is Keon Coleman Still Worthy of a Dynasty Roster Spot?
The 33rd overall pick in the 2024 NFL Draft, Buffalo Bills wide receiver Keon Coleman has largely been a disappointment through the first two years of his professional career. The 23-year-old recorded 38 receptions for 404 yards and four touchdowns on 59 targets across 13 games in 2025 and was healthy-scratched for several games down the stretch of the year due to off-field issues. New Bills head coach Joe Brady has been complimentary of Coleman this offseason, and the way last year ended may have been the wakeup call that the young wide receiver needed to resurrect his career. However, Buffalo made a pair of notable additions to its wide receiver room this offseason by trading for veteran DJ Moore and selecting Skyler Bell in the fourth round of the 2026 Draft. With wide receivers Joshua Palmer, Khalil Shakir, and Tyrell Shavers also in the mix in Buffalo, Coleman's playing time in 2026 is far from guaranteed. He's flashed upside at different points in his career and retains some degree of fantasy potential, but dynasty managers can still consider moving on from Coleman in search of other wide receiver options ahead of 2026.
Source: RotoBaller
Source: RotoBaller
Connor Prielipp Still Worth Rostering Despite Inconsistent Results?
Minnesota Twins rookie left-hander Connor Prielipp has been inconsistent in his first nine major-league starts for the Twins this year, going 2-4 with a 5.15 ERA (3.43 FIP) and 1.33 WHIP with 49 strikeouts and 18 walks in 43 2/3 innings pitched. The 25-year-old former second-round pick in 2022 out of the University of Alabama didn't allow more than two earned runs in any of his first five MLB starts, but he has hit a rough patch of late, giving up 18 runs (17 earned) on 25 hits while walking nine and striking out 20 in 18 2/3 innings over his last four starts. The silver lining is that Prielipp only gave up two earned runs in his fourth loss on Sunday against the division-rival Kansas City Royals in 4 1/3 innings, and he does have seven strikeouts in each of his last two starts. Because of his swing-and-miss stuff alone -- he has a 25.7% strikeout rate and a walk rate under 10% -- Prielipp is worth a look in deeper fantasy leagues. He's currently rostered in just 8% of Yahoo leagues.
Source: Baseball Reference
Source: Baseball Reference
Is Tua Tagovailoa Worth Buying Low on in Dynasty Formats?
After spending the first six years of his NFL career with the Miami Dolphins, quarterback Tua Tagovailoa is entering his first season with the Atlanta Falcons in 2026. Tagovailoa battled through a brutal season with the Dolphins in 2025, throwing for 2,660 yards, 20 touchdowns, and 15 interceptions across 14 games. The 28-year-old now finds himself in a battle with fellow Falcons signal-caller Michael Penix Jr. (knee) for the team's QB1 role. Penix Jr. is working his way back from the torn ACL that ended his 2025 season, which could give Tagovailoa the leg up entering training camp. Tagovailoa has put together productive NFL seasons in the past, throwing for a league-leading 4,624 yards and 29 touchdowns across 17 games in 2023. The Falcons will also put a solid offensive line in front of him and have a trio of talented pass-catchers in wide receiver Drake London, tight end Kyle Pitts Sr., and running back Bijan Robinson. Tagovailoa's fantasy ceiling is capped, but a mid-career resurgence is not out of the question if he can win the starting job in Atlanta. Particularly in two-quarterback formats, dynasty managers may want to consider buying low on Tagovailoa.
Source: RotoBaller
Source: RotoBaller
Malik Washington Carries Dynasty Buy-Low Appeal Entering 2026
Across 17 games (six starts) in 2025, Miami Dolphins wide receiver Malik Washington recorded 46 receptions for 317 yards and three touchdowns on 65 targets. The 25-year-old also rushed for 110 yards and a score on 17 carries, highlighting his ability to create plays when he gets his hand on the ball. Washington's path to playing time in Miami last season opened up after an early-season injury to veteran wideout Tyreek Hill, and he could be in an even better position for a significant role in 2026 following the team's offseason trade of wide receiver Jaylen Waddle to the Denver Broncos. Washington averaged a miserable 4.9 yards per target in 2025, so his fantasy viability relies on either a high-volume role or a dramatic increase in efficiency. He may not offer tremendous dynasty upside, but the clear opportunity available to Washington in Miami makes him an intriguing buy-low candidate ahead of 2026.
Source: RotoBaller
Source: RotoBaller
White Sox Officially Calling Up Outfield Prospect Braden Montgomery
The Chicago White Sox are officially calling up their No. 2 prospect, outfielder Braden Montgomery, for his MLB debut on Tuesday, according to Scott Merkin of MLB.com. Montgomery is ranked as the No. 21 overall MLB prospect, per MLB Pipeline, and will get his first call to the big leagues after slashing an impressive .314/.422/.548 with a .970 OPS, 10 home runs, 13 doubles, three triples, 41 RBI, 52 runs scored, and five stolen bases in 56 games across 258 plate appearances with Double-A Birmingham and Triple-A Charlotte this year. The 23-year-old switch-hitter was the 12th overall pick in 2024 by the Boston Red Sox out of Texas A&M University. Montgomery has played both center and right field on the farm, and he should play regularly in Chicago, making him waiver-wire worthy in most fantasy formats for his plus-plus power upside. The 6-foot-2, 220-pounder could become a superstar if he tightens up his plate discipline and makes more contact.
Source: MLB.com - Scott Merkin
Source: MLB.com - Scott Merkin
Is Michael Trigg Worthy of a Dynasty Roster Spot?
Despite posting impressive testing metrics at the Scouting Combine, Dallas Cowboys tight end Michael Trigg did not hear his name called at the 2026 NFL Draft. The 23-year-old was productive in his final collegiate season at Baylor, recording 50 catches for 694 yards and six touchdowns across 11 games. However, he faces an uphill battle for a roster spot in Dallas. Cowboys tight ends Jake Ferguson, Luke Schoonmaker, and Brevyn Spann-Ford are all likely assured of roster spots, leaving Trigg fighting for the TE4 role with Princeton Fant and DJ Rogers. If Trigg can catch on in Dallas, his athleticism provides him with some long-term upside for dynasty managers. Still, the Cowboys' crowded tight end depth chart may make it difficult for Trigg to earn fantasy-relevant playing time at any point in the foreseeable future. RotoBaller currently ranks Trigg as the 42nd-best tight end in dynasty formats.
Source: RotoBaller
Source: RotoBaller
Yainer Diaz Starting his Rehab Assignment on Tuesday
Houston Astros catcher Yainer Diaz (oblique) is starting his minor-league rehab assignment with the Triple-A Sugar Land Space Cowboys on Tuesday, according to Astros reporter Michael Schwab. Diaz has been sidelined since May 5 due to a strained left oblique, but he's nearing a return and could potentially rejoin the Astros this weekend if he can avoid a setback with Sugar Land. The 27-year-old will be Houston's starting catcher once he's reinstated from the 10-day injured list. Veteran Christian Vazquez has been serving as the starting catcher in Diaz's absence, with Cesar Salazar working as his backup. Diaz doesn't have great plate discipline and is more of a free swinger, but he has a .276 career batting average in four-plus MLB seasons and has reached the 20-homer mark in two of his three full seasons in the big leagues. While providing above-average pop at the weakest position in fantasy baseball, Diaz is certainly deserving of a waiver-wire pickup now if you need help at catcher. He's currently rostered in only 42% of Yahoo leagues.
Source: Michael Schwab
Source: Michael Schwab
Travis Hunter Still "Viewed as a Cornerstone Piece Offensively" in Jacksonville
Jacksonville Jaguars cornerback/wide receiver Travis Hunter is "still viewed as a cornerstone piece offensively and a dangerous downfield threat," according to Gilberto Manzano of Sports Illustrated. Hunter's rookie year in 2025 was cut short after he suffered a season-ending LCL injury in Week 7. Before the injury, he played 67% of Jacksonville's offensive snaps and 36% of the team's defensive snaps, and the prevailing thought this offseason has been that his usage could shift more towards the defensive side of the ball in 2026. However, Manzano's reporting suggests that Hunter could remain heavily involved in the Jaguars passing game. The 23-year-old recorded 28 receptions for 298 yards and a touchdown on 45 targets last season and had his best game in his final appearance of the year, hauling in eight catches for 101 yards and a score on 14 targets against the Los Angeles Rams. Hunter's fantasy value is difficult to project due to his uncertain role, but he remains a high-upside wide receiver option if he can carve out consistent playing time on offense.
Source: Sports Illustrated - Gilberto Manzano
Source: Sports Illustrated - Gilberto Manzano
Shane Bieber Making Another Rehab Start on Thursday
Toronto Blue Jays veteran right-hander Shane Bieber (elbow) will make another minor-league rehab start at Triple-A Buffalo on Thursday, according to Ben Nicholson-Smith of Sportsnet. It will be Bieber's fourth rehab start as he continues to work his way back from inflammation in his surgically-repaired right elbow. The 31-year-old only made two starts in 2024 in his final season with the Cleveland Guardians and then made seven regular-season starts last year for Toronto, going 4-2 with a 3.57 ERA (4.47 FIP), 1.02 WHIP, and 37:7 K:BB in 40 1/3 innings pitched. In five outings (four starts) in the Jays' run to the World Series, Bieber went 2-1 with a 3.86 ERA (4.26 FIP), 1.45 WHIP, and 18:6 K:BB in 18 2/3 frames. He's hoping to get up to around 70-75 pitches with Buffalo on Thursday, which means his next start could be his 2026 season debut in the big leagues at some point next week. The former American League Cy Young winner is not the same pitcher he was with Cleveland, and he comes with obvious durability concerns, but he's worth taking a shot on for rotation depth in mixed fantasy leagues now that his season debut is right around the corner. Bieber is currently rostered in less than half of Yahoo leagues.
Source: Sportsnet - Ben Nicholson-Smith
Source: Sportsnet - Ben Nicholson-Smith
Braden Montgomery Set to Be Called Up by White Sox?
Matt Snyder of CBS Sports reports that he is "hearing whispers" that Chicago White Sox outfield prospect Braden Montgomery is on the verge of being called up for his MLB debut. The 23-year-old has dominated Triple-A pitching so far in 2026, hitting .314/.422/.548 with 10 home runs, 41 RBI, 52 runs scored, and five stolen bases across 258 plate appearances. He also owns an elite 15.1% walk rate and has posted a 53.8% hard-hit rate this season. Montgomery is considered to be one of the elite prospects in the White Sox system, so it seems unlikely that the team would promote him to the big leagues without a plan to play him every day. Chicago has gotten middling production from the right field combination of Rikuu Nishida, Randal Grichuk, and Derek Hill, which could be where Montgomery slots in at the big-league level. If Montgomery is indeed on his way up to the Majors, he profiles as a high-upside waiver wire target for fantasy managers.
Source: CBS Sports - Matt Snyder
Source: CBS Sports - Matt Snyder
Stephen Kolek Set to Rejoin the Rotation on Tuesday
Kansas City Royals right-hander Stephen Kolek (personal), who was placed on the family medical emergency list last Thursday, is listed as the team's starter for Tuesday's contest against the visiting Texas Rangers, per MLB.com. Kolek could be pitching with a heavy heart, but he'll be available for KC for what will be his seventh start of the year. The 29-year-old former 11th-round pick by the Los Angeles Dodgers in 2018 out of Texas A&M University has gone 3-1 with a 3.32 ERA (4.11 FIP) and 0.97 WHIP with 27 strikeouts and only eight walks in 38 innings over his six starts in 2026 in his first full season with the Royals. He gave up four earned runs in five innings for his first loss of the year back on May 29 at the Rangers, but he bounced back nicely his last time out by allowing only two earned runs with a season-high eight strikeouts in seven innings in a no-decision on June 3 against the Cincinnati Reds. Kolek doesn't have much fantasy upside because of his career 17.4% strikeout rate, and he's only fanning 18.1% of the batters he's faced this year, but the Rangers have been a good matchup in 2026 and rank 20th in MLB with a .698 OPS.
Source: MLB.com
Source: MLB.com
Astros Not Talking About Trading Yordan Alvarez
The Houston Astros could surely get a huge haul at this year's trade deadline for outfielder Yordan Alvarez, who leads the majors with a 1.070 OPS and the American League with 22 home runs and 48 RBI, but general manager Dana Brown has shot down speculation that the team might trade Alvarez, according to Brian McTaggart of MLB.com. "We've had zero conversations internally about moving Yordan," Brown said Monday. "Zero." The left-handed slugger is in the fourth year of a six-year, $115 million contract extension that he signed four years ago this week. He's being paid at a bargain at $26 million from 2026-28, considering he's currently the front-runner for the AL MVP. And it's not like the Astros are out of the postseason by any means; they were five games out of first place in the AL West and three games out of an AL wild-card spot going into Monday's contests. Meanwhile, Alvarez is on pace to become the first Astros player since Alex Bregman in 2019 to have 40 homers, and he could make a run at Jeff Bagwell's franchise record of 47 round-trippers in 2000. After being limited to 48 games in 2025 due to injury, Alvarez is having a monster bounce-back campaign.
Source: MLB.com - Brian McTaggart
Source: MLB.com - Brian McTaggart
Yoendrys Gomez a Must-Add Waiver-Wire Target for Save-Needy Fantasy Managers?
Since being acquired from the Tampa Bay Rays in early May, Minnesota Twins right-hander Yoendrys Gomez has emerged as a key piece in his new team's bullpen. Across 14 innings (16 games) with Minnesota, Gomez owns a 0.64 ERA and 0.86 WHIP with 18 strikeouts and three saves. The 26-year-old's average fastball velocity is currently a career-best 95.4 miles per hour, and he's struck out 32.7% of the batters he's faced as a Twin. Gomez's last two appearances for the Twins have both come in the eighth inning as the team continues to operate with a committee approach to the closer role. However, he's been the best reliever in Minnesota since joining the team, and it could be just a matter of time before he emerges as the preferred option in the ninth inning. For fantasy managers in need of saves, Gomez could be worth targeting on the waiver wire.
Source: RotoBaller
Source: RotoBaller
Trevor Megill was Unavailable on Monday Due to "Discomfort"
Milwaukee Brewers right-handed closer Trevor Megill (undisclosed) was battling some "discomfort" and was unavailable to close the door in Monday night's wild 15-14, 12-inning win over the Athletics in Las Vegas, manager Pat Murphy told Adam McCalvy of MLB.com. Right-hander Chad Patrick picked up his third save of the year in a scoreless inning of work while walking one and striking out two. Abner Uribe earned his fourth win of the year by pitching 1 1/3 scoreless innings with a walk and two strikeouts, and he would be Milwaukee's primary option for saves in the future if Megill's injury turns into something serious that keeps him out beyond Monday. The 25-year-old Uribe is 4-2 on the season with a 3.80 ERA, 1.22 WHIP, five saves, and 25 strikeouts in his 23 2/3 innings of work. He's rostered in 58% of Yahoo leagues already. It's worth noting that Megill dealt with a flexor strain in his right arm late last year and required a platelet-rich plasma injection in the offseason. Fantasy managers speculating on saves may want to add Uribe now.
Source: MLB.com - Adam McCalvy
Source: MLB.com - Adam McCalvy
Ryan Zeferjahn Emerging as a Sneaky Stash Candidate in Angels Bullpen
Across 30 2/3 innings (25 games) so far this season, Los Angeles Angels right-hander Ryan Zeferjahn has pitched to a 5.28 ERA and 1.40 WHIP with 38 strikeouts and one save. While the 28-year-old's top-line numbers are ugly, he's averaging 97.4 miles per hour on his fastball and has struck out 27% of the batters he's faced. His xERA is 3.92, and his strand rate is a below-average 64.7%, so he may be a victim of some poor luck. Perhaps most importantly for fantasy managers, Zeferjahn may be the leading candidate in the Angels bullpen to assume the closer role from the struggling Kirby Yates. Yates has pitched the ninth inning in eight straight appearances, and in that stretch, he's blown two saves and suffered two losses while allowing four earned runs. Zeferjahn's profile comes with some risk, but he might be the highest-upside reliever in an Angels bullpen that has struggled mightily to fill the closer role in 2026. In deeper fantasy leagues, managers may want to take a chance on Zeferjahn on the waiver wire.
Source: RotoBaller
Source: RotoBaller
Tyler Soderstrom Continues to Heat Up With Two Homers on Monday Night
Athletics first baseman/outfielder Tyler Soderstrom stayed hot in Monday night's wild 15-14 loss to the Milwaukee Brewers in Las Vegas, going 3-for-4 at the plate with two home runs, four RBI, and two walks to boost his season batting average to .237 and his OPS to .790. There was no shortage of offense from either side in this contest, which required 12 innings to complete. His first home run was a three-run shot in the third inning, and he added a solo homer in the seventh inning, with both of his round-trippers coming off left-handed pitchers. The 24-year-old left-handed slugger has been hot for a while now, going 23-for-62 (.371) with five homers, three doubles, a triple, 14 RBI, and seven runs scored in his last 18 games, dating back to May 20. The recent hot stretch at the plate has boosted Soderstrom's overall slash line in 2026 to .237/.333/.457 with 10 home runs, 34 RBI, 29 runs scored, and a stolen base in 63 games across 267 plate appearances. Surprisingly, half of his homers this year have come off southpaws.
Source: MLB.com
Source: MLB.com
Nick Kurtz on a Homer Binge, Goes Deep Twice in Wild Loss
There was no shortage of offense between the Milwaukee Brewers and Athletics on Monday night in Las Vegas, with the Brewers eventually prevailing 15-14 in 12 innings. Athletics first baseman Nick Kurtz had a day at the plate, going 3-for-6 with two home runs, three RBI, three runs scored, a walk, and three strikeouts. His first blast was a solo shot in the sixth inning, and he later added a two-run homer in an electrifying back-and-forth game. After a somewhat slow start to his sophomore campaign, the 23-year-old left-handed slugger has now homered three times in the last two games and six times in his last 10 games. With Monday's strong performance to continue his hot streak, Kurtz is now slashing .282/.434/.521 with a .956 OPS, 14 long balls, 48 RBI, 45 runs scored, and seven stolen bases across his 234 at-bats in 2026. The former fourth overall pick in 2024 out of Wake Forest University is one of the best pure slugging options in baseball, let alone at the first base position. Kurtz is a must-start every day in fantasy lineups.
Source: MLB.com
Source: MLB.com
