RADIO
Willy Adames Out on Wednesday With Lower-Half Injury
San Francisco Giants shortstop Willy Adames (lower body) is sitting out for just the second time all year on Wednesday against the Washington Nationals due to some lower-body pain that he felt on Tuesday, manager Tony Vitello told John Shea of The San Francisco Standard. When asked for a specific area of pain, Vitello said, "knee to hip." It doesn't sound like a serious issue, so with a scheduled day off on Thursday as well, Adames could be back for Friday's series opener at Oracle Park against the Chicago Cubs. Casey Schmitt, who is having a breakout campaign for the Gigantes in 2026, is starting at shortstop and will bat leadoff on Wednesday in the series finale against Nationals left-hander Foster Griffin. The 30-year-old Adames has been a disappointment in his second year in the Bay Area after clubbing 30 homers and driving in 87 in 160 games last year, as he enters Wednesday's action with a .234/.281/.431 slash line with 11 homers, 29 RBI, and a 28.1% strikeout rate. Adames has gone hitless in his last four games and has gone 6-for-34 (.176) with three homers, a double, six RBI, and six runs in nine games so far in June.
Source: The San Francisco Standard - John Shea
Source: The San Francisco Standard - John Shea
Jaguars Have Big Plans for Brenton Strange
Sports Illustrated's John Shipley writes that the Jacksonville Jaguars "clearly have some big plans" for tight ends Brenton Strange and rookie Nate Boerkircher. The Jags also added Tanner Koziol in the fifth round of April's NFL draft, but there "should not be questions" about Strange's role and value. The Jaguars are clearly hoping that injecting the TE room with talent should allow Strange "to produce at an even higher level than before." The 25-year-old was the team's do-everything man at the position in 2025, catching a career-high 46 passes for 540 yards and three touchdowns on 60 targets in 12 regular-season starts in his third year in the league. He was a versatile chess piece for Jacksonville's offense in both the running and passing game, and it was notable that the team lost three of their four regular-season games when Strange was out due to injury. With two rookies to help take the pressure off, more should be expected from Strange in 2026, making him an intriguing late-round flier as a TE2 with upside for fantasy managers.
Source: Sports Illustrated - John Shipley
Source: Sports Illustrated - John Shipley
Colston Loveland's Arrow Pointing Firmly Up Going into Year 2
Chicago Bears tight end Colston Loveland is considered a top-five fantasy player at his position as he heads into his sophomore season in the NFL. The former first-rounder (10th overall) out of the University of Michigan last year got off to a slow start in his rookie campaign, but he eventually became a big part of Chicago's passing attack and finished with 58 catches for 713 yards and six touchdowns during the regular season. The 6-foot-6, 241-pound 22-year-old then added eight catches for 137 yards and a two-point conversion in a playoff win over the division-rival Green Bay Packers. Loveland impressed everyone in the organization in 2025 with his talent and drive, but according to The Athletic's Dan Wiederer, Loveland believes he has a lot to improve on. "It's watching the tape and knowing, like, it was good for a rookie," Loveland said, "but it's not going to be good enough for a second-year or third-year guy." He believes he can specifically improve as a blocker in the running game. As Loveland's chemistry with QB Caleb Williams improves this offseason, he becomes a more attractive high-end TE1 target in fantasy drafts this year.
Source: The Athletic - Dan Wiederer
Source: The Athletic - Dan Wiederer
Chig Okonkwo has Been Impressive With New Team
Washington Commanders new tight end Chig Okonkwo has been impressive so far this offseason after signing a three-year deal in March in free agency, according to The Athletic's Nicki Jhabvala. Okonkwo possesses rare speed and versatility, and he also has a knack for picking up yards after the catch. Zach Ertz is now gone, so the Commanders will move forward with Okonkwo and Ben Sinnott in offensive coordinator David Blough's scheme. Jhabvala writes that Blough's offense will be an "amalgamation of his own football influences," which means that the Commanders could use a "heavy dose of multiple tight end sets" in 2026. The 26-year-old Okonkwo had a career-high 56 receptions for 560 yards on 79 targets in 2025 with the Tennessee Titans, but he had only two touchdowns and averaged 10 yards per catch in 17 games (12 starts). In D.C., he'll have more upside, although fantasy managers can wait and take him late in drafts as a TE2 with upside in his new digs. RotoBaller currently has Okonkwo ranked as the No. 20 fantasy TE for the upcoming season.
Source: The Athletic - Nicki Jhabvala
Source: The Athletic - Nicki Jhabvala
Terry McLaurin to Have More Versatility in David Blough's Offense
The Athletic's Nicki Jhabvala writes that "no one sounds happier" about new offensive coordinator David Blough's scheme than Washington Commanders wide receiver Terry McLaurin. In his seven seasons in Washington, McLaurin has played for three other offensive coordinators with 13 starting quarterbacks. And in many of those circumstances, there have been plenty of questions as to why McLaurin wasn't involved more. But in Blough's offense, the 30-year-old said he'll "be used all over." "I think the multitude of formations and route combinations is going to give all of us flexibility to move around the formation, keep the defense on their toes, and have a lot of routes that may look similar at the stem but different at the top," McLaurin said last week. The former third-rounder in 2019 out of Ohio State couldn't get off the ground in 2025 due to injuries to both himself and QB Jayden Daniels, and he finished with career lows across the board in catches (38), yards (582), and touchdowns (three) in just 10 starts. Scary Terry could make for a great value pick for fantasy managers in 2026, though, with WR2 upside in a new scheme as he looks to bounce back in his eighth year in the NFL.
Source: The Athletic - Nicki Jhabvala
Source: The Athletic - Nicki Jhabvala
Is Seth Hernandez the Top Pitching Prospect in Baseball?
Pittsburgh Pirates right-handed pitching prospect Seth Hernandez has been nothing short of dominant during his first taste of professional action. The Pirates selected the right-hander with the sixth overall pick in the 2025 MLB Draft out of Corona HS. To begin his professional career, the Pirates sent their future ace to Low-A, where he logged 28 innings across six starts before moving up to High-A. With Low-A, Hernandez posted an elite 0.96 ERA, 0.71 WHIP, with a 50:7 K:BB. Since joining High-A Greensboro, Hernandez has continued to showcase just as much strikeout upside, totaling 33 over his first 21 2/3 innings. However, Hernandez has allowed at least two runs in each of his last four games and seen his walk rate climb, serving up 15 free passes over this stretch. Despite this, the 19-year-old is progressing through the system at an impressive rate for his age and could even earn a taste of Double-A later in the second half. While a 2026 debut is not in the cards, he is positioning himself to compete for a 2027 debut and emerge as potentially the No. 1 prospect in all of baseball.
Source: MiLB.com
Source: MiLB.com
Is Hector Rodriguez the Next Reds Prospect to Debut?
Cincinnati Reds outfield prospect Hector Rodriguez has enjoyed a strong start to the Triple-A regular season and could be the next top prospect called up from the Reds system to make an impact in the majors. Earlier in June, the Reds turned to their top infield prospect, Edwin Arroyo, who joined several young and emerging players on the MLB roster, including Sal Stewart. Rodriguez is currently the team's No. 5-ranked prospect in the system on MLB.com, but has been among the best hitters at the Triple-A level this season. Across 62 games at Louisville, the outfielder has posted a strong .273/.352/.470 line with 10 doubles, 11 home runs, and four stolen bases. Over his last 28 games, Rodriguez has carried a higher .509 SLG with an .862 OPS. While there may not be a clear spot for him at the moment, his high-end production could force the team's hands shortly after the All-Star break. For now, he is a viable outfielder to stash in deeper 12+ team, five-outfielder leagues with multiple N/A spots.
Source: MiLB.com
Source: MiLB.com
Abimelec Ortiz Continues to Make Case to Join Nationals Amid Power Surge
Washington Nationals first base prospect Abimelec Ortiz continues to enjoy great success at the top level of the minor leagues and is making a strong case to join the Nationals later this month. Over his last 15 games at Triple-A Rochester, the slugging first baseman has carried an elite .333/.394/.794 line with a 1.188 OPS. During the impressive stretch, Ortiz has hit five doubles and gone deep eight times while carrying a 12:6 K:BB. Last summer, Ortiz split his time between Double-A and Triple-A in the Rangers system and enjoyed his best success at the top club, carrying a .283/.388/.565 line with a stellar .923 OPS. Given his current production at Triple-A, the 24-year-old remains on the path to debut in the coming weeks. Those looking for a high-upside power bat should consider stashing him in 12+ team leagues, as he would join one of the game's most potent offenses in D.C.
Source: MiLB.com
Source: MiLB.com
Malik Nabers Making "Really Good Progress"
New York Giants head coach John Harbaugh said wide receiver Malik Nabers (knee) is making "really good progress" and is "very hopeful that he'll be back soon," according to Dan Duggan of The Athletic. Harbaugh added that he understands it will take time for Nabers to fully get back to himself. The head coach said a few weeks ago that Nabers was in the middle of his rehab from a meniscus and ACL tear, and he's now estimating that Nabers is 70-80% through it now. The 22-year-old former sixth overall pick in 2024 out of LSU was a Pro Bowler in his first year in the NFL and has caught 127 passes for 1,475 yards and nine touchdowns in his first 19 games with the Giants, proving that he's a high-end WR1 when healthy. However, the uncertainty surrounding his return timeline as he prepares for his third NFL season has caused him to fall in 2026 fantasy rankings. It's unclear if he'll be ready for the start of training camp at the end of next month, which has made him more of a high-risk/high-reward No. 2 WR target in fantasy drafts in 2026.
Source: The Athletic - Dan Duggan
Source: The Athletic - Dan Duggan
Blaze Jordan Dominating at Triple-A, On the Verge of Earning the Call?
St. Louis Cardinals infield prospect Blaze Jordan has put together a strong start to the Triple-A regular season and has made a strong case to earn the call to the majors before the end of the first half. Jordan was initially selected in the third round of the 2020 MLB Draft by the Boston Red Sox. He eventually joined the Cardinals in the trade that sent Steven Matz to the Red Sox last summer. With Triple-A Memphis this season, Jordan has looked more than comfortable, carrying a stellar .309/.369/.529 slash line with 17 doubles, 10 home runs, and two stolen bases. This is a stark improvement compared to the low .198/.242/.366 line he posted during his first stint with the Redbirds last summer. While Alec Burleson remains the team's primary first baseman, Jordan could carve out a role at the hot corner given Nolan Gorman's inconsistencies. For now, he is worth stashing in deeper 12+ team leagues with multiple N/A spots as his MLB debut continues to loom closer.
Source: MiLB.com
Source: MiLB.com
Cooper Pratt Continues to Swing Hot Bat, Is he Knocking on the MLB Door?
Milwaukee Brewers infield prospect Cooper Pratt has continued his hot surge at the plate at Triple-A Nashville and is now firmly on the stash radar. Over his last 14 games of action with the top club in the Brewers system, Pratt has posted an elite .333/.410/.481 line with an .891 OPS. During this stretch, Pratt has hit one double, gone deep twice, and swiped five stolen bases. Prior to this surge, the former sixth-round selection carried a much lower .217/.344/.375 line with a modest .719 OPS. Last summer, the team's No. 4-ranked prospect spent his entire campaign at the Double-A level, where he posted a .238/.343/.348 line with a low .691 OPS. If Pratt can extend this surge, he should be in the mix to reach the majors before the end of the first half, making him a viable stash target in deeper leagues.
Source: MiLB.com
Source: MiLB.com
Will Elmer Rodriguez Return to the Major-League Roster?
New York Yankees right-handed pitching prospect Elmer Rodriguez made his MLB debut earlier this season but was optioned back to the minors once Carlos Rodon and Gerrit Cole both returned from the injured list. In his brief taste of the major leagues, Rodriguez made three starts and logged 13 innings to the tune of a 4.15 ERA and a 1.85 WHIP. His high 14.1% walk rate limited much of his production in this brief stint. However, at Triple-A this season, Rodriguez has looked quite comfortable, posting a strong 2.74 ERA and 1.22 WHIP over 46 innings. While his command has remained an issue at this level (21 total talks), he has totaled 49 punchouts and limited the damage. With fellow top prospect Carlos Lagrange being shifted to the bullpen, Rodriguez remains a viable option to replace a starter on the MLB roster in the event of an injury. However, given his unstable command, managers should only consider stashing him in deeper 12+ team leagues with multiple N/A spots.
Source: MiLB.com
Source: MiLB.com
Is Mark Andrews' Expected 2026 Bounce-Back Opening a Sell-High Window?
Baltimore Ravens tight end Mark Andrews appears to be poised for a resurgence in playing time in 2026 following the departure of former Ravens tight ends Isaiah Likely and Charlie Kolar in free agency. Partially due to the presence of Likely and Kolar, Andrews had an underwhelming season in 2025. Across 17 games (11 starts), the veteran recorded just 48 catches for 422 yards and five touchdowns on 70 targets. Andrews has averaged just 4.1 targets per game over the past two seasons in Baltimore, so his production could soar with a resurgence in target volume in 2026. However, he's entering his age-31 season and averaged just 6.0 yards per target and 8.8 yards per reception in 2025. The Ravens also used day three selections in the 2026 NFL Draft on tight ends Matt Hibner and Josh Cuevas. In dynasty leagues, Andrews' resurgent value following Baltimore's offseason departures may be opening an ideal sell-high window for managers to take advantage of.
Source: RotoBaller
Source: RotoBaller
Hurston Waldrep a Top Pitcher to Stash Ahead of Impending Return?
Atlanta Braves right-hander Hurston Waldrep (elbow), who is currently on the 60-day injured list, had his minor-league rehab assignment transferred to Double-A Columbus on Tuesday, according to Grant McAuley of 929 The Game. Waldrep will make a rehab start there on Thursday after already having two two-inning outings in the Florida Complex League as he works his way back from right-elbow surgery. The 24-year-old has at least three more weeks of ramping up before he's considered an option for the big-league starting rotation, so it might not be until after the mid-July All-Star break that we see him back with the Braves. The former first-rounder in 2023 out of the University of Florida deserves some stash consideration in deeper fantasy leagues after he had a 2.88 ERA (3.21 FIP), 1.19 WHIP, and 55:22 K:BB in 56 1/3 innings pitched across 10 outings (nine starts) for Atlanta while going 6-1 last year. Waldrep's underlying metrics show that he was a bit fortunate in 2025, but he should have a starting rotation spot waiting for him in the second half of 2026. He's currently rostered in just 5% of Yahoo leagues.
Source: 929 The Game - Grant McAuley
Source: 929 The Game - Grant McAuley
Tyrone Tracy Jr. Carries Dynasty Buy-Low Appeal Despite Uncertain Playing Time
A fifth-round pick in the 2024 NFL Draft, New York Giants running back Tyrone Tracy Jr. burst onto the scene as a rookie by recording 1,123 scrimmage yards and six touchdowns on 230 touches across 17 games (12 starts). However, Tracy Jr. lost the RB1 role in New York to 2025 fourth-rounder Cam Skattebo (ankle) early last season. Skattebo (ankle) suffered a season-ending ankle injury in Week 8, which allowed Tracy Jr. to reclaim the starting role and top 1,000 scrimmage yards for the second consecutive season. Entering 2026, Skattebo is expected to be fully healthy and should reclaim the lead role in the Giants' backfield. Still, Tracy Jr. could remain a valuable player to roster for dynasty managers. The 26-year-old is a former college wide receiver who has recorded 74 catches for 572 yards on 101 targets across his first two NFL seasons, which could allow him to provide fantasy production even while playing a complementary role. Additionally, Skattebo's violent play style gives him a heightened injury risk and makes Tracy Jr. a high-end handcuff option. For the right price, Tracy Jr. could be worth buying low on entering 2026.
Source: RotoBaller
Source: RotoBaller
Reds Recall Prospect Chase Petty, Worth a Pickup in Deep Leagues?
The Cincinnati Reds recalled right-handed pitching prospect Chase Petty from Triple-A Louisville on Wednesday and optioned right-hander Zach McCambley to Louisville in a corresponding move, the team announced. It will be Petty's second stint in the big leagues this year after he allowed seven earned runs on 10 hits (two homers) while walking three and striking out only two in 10 2/3 frames in his two starts with the Reds. The 23-year-old former first-rounder by the Minnesota Twins in 2021 also struggled in his MLB debut in 2025, surrendering 14 runs (13 earned) while walking eight and fanning seven in just six innings over three outings (two starts) in Cincy. The New Jersey native will come up this time around to provide the Reds' bullpen with some depth after an extra-inning game on Tuesday night at Petco Park in which they used six different relievers. Per MLB Pipeline, Petty is ranked as the team's No. 7 prospect, but in a relief role, he will not have much fantasy upside in a short-term role in single-year formats after his latest call-up.
Source: Cincinnati Reds
Source: Cincinnati Reds
Jake Burger Still Worthy of a Waiver-Wire Pickup Despite Recent Slump?
Texas Rangers first baseman Jake Burger got off to a rough start to June, going hitless in his first 19 plate appearances over five games with a run scored, two walks, and six strikeouts. He closed out May with six hits in 11 at-bats with three doubles and an RBI in three games, though, and he's recorded four hits (one double) and two RBI in eight plate appearances in his last two contests. Overall, the 30-year-old right-handed slugger is batting .238/.293/.414 with a .708 OPS, 10 home runs, 39 RBI, 30 runs scored, and a stolen base in 64 games and 259 plate appearances in his second year with the Rangers. Burger hit a dismal .170 in April, but he bounced back in May to hit .290 (27-for-93) with five home runs, seven RBI, 18 RBI, 18 runs, and a steal in 26 games. He still strikes out 26.3% of the time, which isn't ideal for fantasy managers looking for a boost in average or on-base percentage, but Burger still has enough pop to be worth a look off the waiver wire for corner-infield depth. He's currently rostered in just 22% of Yahoo leagues.
Source: Baseball Reference
Source: Baseball Reference
Chimere Dike's Dynasty Outlook Clouded by Crowded Wide Receiver Room
After being selected in the fourth round of the 2025 NFL Draft, Tennessee Titans wide receiver Chimere Dike flashed some encouraging signs as a rookie. Across 17 games (10 starts), the 24-year-old hauled in 48 catches for 423 yards and four touchdowns on 74 targets while also earning a first-team All-Pro selection for his work as a kick returner. However, Dike's playing-time outlook in Tennessee heading into 2026 is trending downward after the team's aggressive offseason. The Titans used the fourth overall pick in the 2026 NFL Draft on wide receiver Carnell Tate, signed wideout Wan'Dale Robinson in free agency, and will get veteran wide receiver Calvin Ridley back after he played just seven games in 2025 due to injury. Dike's value on special teams should assure him of a roster spot with the Titans, but he may be entering training camp in a battle for the team's WR4 spot with fellow 2025 fourth-rounder Elic Ayomanor. In dynasty leagues where his rookie-season production may be inflating his value, managers may want to explore selling high on Dike.
Source: RotoBaller
Source: RotoBaller
Noah Cameron Gaining Waiver-Wire Momentum After Another Quality Start
Kansas City Royals left-hander Noah Cameron has quietly produced quality starts in four of his last five outings and should be gaining traction on the waiver wire in fantasy baseball leagues. In his latest outing on Sunday against the division-rival Minnesota Twins, Cameron won his third game of the year by limiting the Twins to an unearned run on just three hits while walking none and striking out seven in six innings. Through his first six starts in 2026, Cameron had a 5.40 ERA with 22 runs allowed (19 earned), 28 strikeouts, and 11 walks in 31 2/3 innings. But in six starts since then, he has yet to allow more than three earned runs in any of his starts and has posted a strong 2.38 ERA (1.95 FIP) with 35 strikeouts and only six walks across 34 innings pitched. Cameron has punched out at least seven batters in three of his last four starts, as well, and he's allowed only four hits in his last 13 innings pitched over two starts. He has clearly turned things around on the mound and is gaining more traction off the waiver wire. Cameron should definitely be scooped up for his next scheduled start against the Houston Astros. He is rostered in 44% of Yahoo leagues at the moment.
Source: Baseball Reference
Source: Baseball Reference
Jameson Williams a Dynasty Sell-High Candidate Ahead of Potential 2026 Regression
Detroit Lions wide receiver Jameson Williams put together the most productive season of his career in 2025, recording 65 receptions for 1,117 yards and seven touchdowns on 102 targets across 17 games. However, the season was a tale of two halves for Williams, who had just 17 catches for 289 yards and two scores on 30 targets through Detroit's Week 8 bye. The 25-year-old's second-half production surge coincided with the absence of Lions tight end Sam LaPorta (back), who suffered a season-ending back injury in Week 10. With LaPorta expected to be back in the mix for Detroit in 2026, Williams may once again struggle to provide consistent fantasy production. When all three of LaPorta, wide receiver Amon-Ra St. Brown, and running back Jahmyr Gibbs have been available, Detroit has typically opted to utilize Williams in a low-volume downfield role. In dynasty formats, managers may want to explore selling Williams at what could be a peak in his value.
Source: RotoBaller
Source: RotoBaller
Jacob Young Worth a Look Off the Waiver Wire in Deep Leagues?
Washington Nationals outfielder Jacob Young came into the 2026 season with just five home runs in his first three years in the league. He's only hitting .237 (49-for-207) in his first 66 contests this season, but he's already up to eight home runs in his 223 plate appearances. The 26-year-old former seventh-round pick in 2021 out of the University of Florida stole 33 bases in 2024 in his first full season in the majors, too, so he has some speed to spare, even if he has only swiped five bags in 2026. Fantasy managers in search of outfield depth in deeper leagues should consider adding Young while he's hot early in June. In eight games so far this month, Young has gone 6-for-22 (.273) with a homer, two triples, two RBI, four runs scored, and a stolen base in 22 plate appearances. With plenty of wheels and a boost in power this year, Young has become more attractive in deep formats. He's currently rostered in just 2% of Yahoo leagues, so he's widely available.
Source: Baseball Reference
Source: Baseball Reference
Should Dynasty Managers Be Looking to Sell High on Chase Brown?
Cincinnati Bengals running back Chase Brown put together another rock-solid season in 2025, recording 1,456 scrimmage yards and 11 touchdowns on 301 touches across 17 games. The 26-year-old topped 1,000 rushing yards for the first time in his career while also setting career-highs in targets (88), receptions (69), and receiving yards (437). Brown's long-term future in Cincinnati is an open question, as he's set to play on the final year of his rookie contract in 2026. Still, he enters the year as the unquestioned lead back for the Bengals and should have a solid chance to reach 300 touches for the second consecutive season. If Cincinnati can get a fully healthy season out of quarterback Joe Burrow, Brown may also find himself playing in one of the NFL's best offenses in 2026. Dynasty managers may want to consider selling high on Brown following the 2026 season, but for now, he profiles as a player to hold due to high-end RB1 upside.
Source: RotoBaller
Source: RotoBaller
Is J.K. Dobbins Undervalued in Dynasty Formats?
Denver Broncos running back J.K. Dobbins got off to a strong start to the 2025 season, recording 809 scrimmage yards and four touchdowns on 164 touches before suffering a season-ending foot injury in Week 10. Injuries remain a major issue for Dobbins, as he's missed 53 games since his rookie season in 2020. The 27-year-old may also be entering 2026 with less of a hold on the RB1 role in Denver due to the presence of 2025 second-rounder RJ Harvey and 2026 fourth-round pick Jonah Coleman. Still, Dobbins averaged 5.0 yards per carry before getting injured last season and has always been productive when healthy throughout his NFL career. Particularly for managers with win-now rosters, Dobbins' dynasty value may have fallen to the point where he is worth buying low on ahead of 2026.
Source: RotoBaller
Source: RotoBaller
Brenton Doyle Hasn't Resumed Baseball Activities
Colorado Rockies outfielder Brenton Doyle (oblique) can do daily activities without feeling pain in his left oblique, but he hasn't graduated to baseball activities, according to MLB.com. Doyle has been on the 10-day injured list since May 21 with a left-oblique contusion, and there remains no timetable for his return. But if the 28-year-old can resume baseball activities sooner rather than later, he could be in line for a potential late-June return. The former fourth-rounder in 2019 out of Shepherd University broke out with 23 home runs, 72 RBI, and 30 stolen bases in 149 games played for the Rockies in his second year in the big leagues in 2024, but he hasn't looked the same since. Doyle hit .233 (117-for-502) last year with only 15 home runs and 18 stolen bases, and he's barely hit over the Mendoza Line with just one homer and nine steals across his first 43 games in 2026 for Colorado. Regular playing time won't be guaranteed to Doyle when he recovers from his oblique injury, which is why he's now rostered in only 32% of Yahoo leagues.
Source: MLB.com
Source: MLB.com
Mickey Moniak Yet to Do Change-of Direction Running
Colorado Rockies outfielder Mickey Moniak (ankle) continues to hit, throw, and do some running in baseball cleats. He is making progress, but he hasn't been scheduled to do any change-of-direction tests yet, according to MLB.com. Moniak has been on the 10-day since May 22 with tendinitis in his right ankle. Depending on when he's cleared to ramp up his running program, the left-handed slugger could return to the Rockies' lineup by mid-June. The 28-year-old former first overall pick by the Philadelphia Phillies in 2016 out of La Costa Canyon High School in California has taken off in the last two years in Colorado and is currently hitting .280 (42-for-150) with 12 home runs, 28 RBI, 21 runs scored, and one stolen base in 43 games in 2026, but has he already peaked in his seventh year in the majors? Moniak is sporting just a .324 xwOBA and an expected batting average of .228. He has really hit his stride offensively since landing in Denver, but fantasy managers may want to expect plenty of regression once he returns from the IL.
Source: MLB.com
Source: MLB.com
Paul Goldschmidt a High-Upside Power Bat to Roster with Increased Playing Time
New York Yankees first baseman Paul Goldschmidt opened the 2026 season in a bench role and saw little playing time early on, logging just 33 plate appearances through the end of April. However, injuries to Yankees sluggers Giancarlo Stanton (calf) and Aaron Judge (rib) have opened up an opportunity for the veteran to emerge as a key piece of his team's lineup. Across 156 plate appearances on the year, Goldschmidt is hitting .281/.359/.525 with eight home runs, 27 RBI, 23 runs scored, and one stolen base. His underlying power metrics have bounced back after a down year in 2025, as his barrel rate is up from 7.9% to 11.9%. Goldschmidt has also batted no lower than third in the Yankees' lineup in eight straight games, logging nine RBI in that span. New York may have a tough time fitting all three of Goldschmidt, Stanton, and Ben Rice in the lineup once Stanton returns. Still, Stanton remains on the shelf for now, and Goldschmidt's production is impossible to ignore. He profiles as a priority waiver wire target for fantasy managers for as long as he's in an everyday role.
Source: RotoBaller
Source: RotoBaller
Gavin Sheets Remains a Power Bat to Target on the Waiver Wire Despite Recent Skid
Across 213 plate appearances in 2026, San Diego Padres first baseman/outfielder Gavin Sheets is hitting .223/.315/.441 with 10 home runs, 26 RBI, 26 runs scored, and three stolen bases. The lefty-swinger is limited to a big-side platoon role, as he's hit .143 in 38 plate appearances against left-handed pitching. Still, Sheets' 9.5% barrel rate and 45.3% hard-hit rate both support solid power output. He also owns a 10.8% walk rate, which helps lift his production floor and keeps his playing time stable. Sheets typically hits in the heart of the Padres' lineup on days that he starts. If some of San Diego's struggling hitters around Sheets start to heat up over the summer months, Sheets will be in a good position to rack up counting stats. His upside is limited by his lack of ability to hit lefties, but Sheets still profiles as a solid deep-league power bat to target on the waiver wire.
Source: RotoBaller
Source: RotoBaller
Troy Melton Emerging as a Breakout Candidate on the Waiver Wire
Detroit Tigers starting pitcher Troy Melton picked up his third win of the season on Tuesday night, allowing four earned runs but striking out five across five innings of work in his team's 10-4 win over the Minnesota Twins. The 25-year-old has been effective in 2026 since returning from the elbow injury that delayed his start to the season until late May. Across 25 2/3 innings (four starts), Melton has recorded a 3-0 record with a 2.81 ERA, 1.01 WHIP, and 14 strikeouts. The right-hander's average velocity is down from 97.1 miles per hour in 2025 to 95.9 mph, and he's struck out just 13.7% of the batters he's faced, both of which are worrying signs. Still, Melton owns a 2.78 ERA across 71 1/3 career MLB innings, and he showcased more strikeout upside in the minors, logging a 32.4% strikeout rate across 75 2/3 minor league innings in 2025. He's worth targeting on the waiver wire ahead of a potential breakout season.
Source: RotoBaller
Source: RotoBaller
Is Matthew Liberatore a Viable Deep-League Streamer?
Across 66 1/3 innings (13 starts) in 2026, St. Louis Cardinals starting pitcher Matthew Liberatore has recorded a 3-3 record with a 4.48 ERA, 1.51 WHIP, and 61 strikeouts. While Liberatore's top-line numbers don't leap off the page, he's been a bit better of late. Over his last four starts (19 1/3 innings), the 26-year-old owns a 31.4% strikeout rate. Liberatore's overall K-BB rate for the season remains an unimpressive 12.1%, and his xERA is 5.19, so his fantasy upside appears limited. Still, the left-hander is locked into a rotation spot in St. Louis and has begun to demonstrate some strikeout upside. In deeper leagues, Liberatore could be a worthy starting pitcher streamer to target on the waiver wire in the right matchups. Liberatore's next scheduled start is on Saturday in Minnesota against the Twins.
Source: RotoBaller
Source: RotoBaller
Colton Joseph Looking to Solve Wisconsin's Quarterback Woes
Former Old Dominion quarterback Colton Joseph is slated to take over the Wisconsin QB1 job after the team saw abysmal results on offense in 2025. Last season, the Badgers passed for just 1,637 yards, nine touchdowns, and 13 interceptions between four quarterbacks. It was about as bad as it gets, and head coach Luke Fickell has yet to solve the quarterback problem. Enter Joseph, who tallied 2,624 passing yards, 1,007 rushing yards, and 34 total touchdowns in his final season with the Monarchs. Joseph will bring much-needed athleticism to the Badgers' offense and can create offense on his own when receivers aren't getting separation. If Wisconsin finally turns things around under Fickell, Joseph will be a significant reason why.
Source: ESPN
Source: ESPN
