RADIO
Dalton Rushing Is a Strong Two-Catcher Addition With an Everyday Role
Los Angeles Dodgers catcher Dalton Rushing snapped a nine-game hitless stretch Wednesday, July 22, with a 438-foot homer and a two-run double in a 9-5 win over Philadelphia. He finished 2-for-4 with three RBI, giving him a .247 average, 11 home runs, 33 RBI, and 32 runs across 194 at-bats. It was his fifth game this season with at least three RBI. The hot and cold stretches are real, but so is the opportunity. Will Smith (neck) is not expected back before mid-August, leaving Rushing in the starting role for the foreseeable future. Yahoo managers have rostered him in only 17% of leagues despite the power he brings at a thin position. RotoBaller lists Rushing in the 15-team range. He is not an automatic add in every one-catcher league, but the regular at-bats and 11-homer pop make him a strong pickup in deeper and two-catcher formats.
Source: RotoBaller
Source: RotoBaller
Jack Wenninger Falling Off Stash Radar
New York Mets pitching prospect Jack Wenninger needed 78 pitches to get through three innings in his latest start, allowing three runs (two earned) on five hits and three walks while striking out two. After a strong start to the season in which he posted a 1.08 ERA (3.63 FIP), 1.11 WHIP, and 38 strikeouts in 33 1/3 innings pitched, the right-hander has posted a 5.29 ERA (6.34 FIP), 1.58 WHIP, and just 41 strikeouts in 49 1/3 IP over his last 11 appearances. The Mets' fourth-ranked prospect seemed to be on the verge of making a major league debut earlier this year, but it looks like he needs a bit more development. If he can get back on track, a debut later this season could still be in the cards, but with a high walk rate (12.7 percent) and averaging less than a strikeout per inning (8.6 K/9), there is little reason to stash him in fantasy.
Source: MiLB.com
Source: MiLB.com
Odell Beckham Jr. has to Earn a Role on the Final Roster
New York Giants veteran wide receiver Odell Beckham Jr. won't just be given a spot on the 53-man roster going into the 2026 regular season because of his past exploits, but ESPN's Jordan Raanan writes that he'll "have to earn his spot on the roster" after he returned to the Giants this spring. The 33-year-old former 12th overall pick by New York in 2014 out of LSU was a Pro Bowler in each of his first three NFL seasons in the Big Apple, but his prime is past him, and he might only stay on the roster if Malik Nabers (knee) isn't ready for the start of the 2026 season. OBJ didn't play at all in 2025 and has nine catches for 55 yards in his last two seasons combined. During training camp this summer, Beckham will be competing with JuJu Smith-Schuster and Braxton Berrios for a depth role. Even if Beckham impresses in camp and the preseason and earns a roster spot going into Week 1, fantasy managers in all formats should be ignoring him with little to no upside left in his career.
Source: ESPN New York - Jordan Raanan
Source: ESPN New York - Jordan Raanan
Jake Mangum a Deep-League Speed Option if his Foot Checks Out
Pittsburgh Pirates center fielder Jake Mangum (foot) collected two hits, stole his 19th base, and knocked in an insurance run during Wednesday's 5-3 win over the Yankees. He also fouled a ball off his right foot. Mangum finished the opener but was scratched from the second game of the doubleheader so Pittsburgh could examine the injury. The Pirates hope to have him back Friday. Mangum is batting .303 with two home runs, 35 runs, 21 RBI, and 19 steals across 251 at-bats. There is almost no power here, but that is not why fantasy managers are looking his way. He can help in average and make a real difference in stolen bases. His name appears on just 11% of Yahoo rosters, while RotoBaller ranks him in the 15-team range. Mangum is worth adding there once the foot checks out.
Source: RotoBaller
Source: RotoBaller
Zavion Thomas Could Emerge as Valuable Gadget Player in Chicago
Chicago Bears rookie third-round wide receiver Zavion Thomas could emerge as "a valuable gadget player on offense" in Chicago in his first year in the NFL while also contributing his 4.28-second 40-yard-dash speed as a returner on special teams, according to Courtney Cronin of ESPN. Cronin questions whether head coach Ben Johnson has his next Jahmyr Gibbs, especially after the versatile speedster made plays during the offseason program and was labeled "electric" by teammates as he enters his first year in the league. The 21-year-old out of LSU obviously has big-play abilities because of his high-end speed, but in terms of playing time in his rookie season, that's going to be hard to come by with Rome Odunze, Luther Burden III and Kalif Raymond, and tight end Colston Loveland ahead of him on the depth chart. But if Thomas impresses as a gadget player early on, Johnson will surely manufacture more touches for him. For now, Thomas is merely a deep dynasty/keeper stash who will see most of his playing time on special teams.
Source: ESPN.com - Courtney Cronin
Source: ESPN.com - Courtney Cronin
Elijah Sarratt a Top Target for Dynasty Rebuilders
Baltimore Ravens rookie wide receiver Elijah Sarratt was selected in the fourth round of the 2026 NFL Draft after he recorded 65 catches for 860 yards and 15 touchdowns across 14 games in his final collegiate season at the University of Indiana. As a big-bodied ball-winner, Sarratt carries appeal as both a downfield and red-zone threat in the NFL. He may have trouble seeing the field in his first professional season, as he is likely behind Zay Flowers, Rashod Bateman, Devontez Walker, and fellow rookie Ja'Kobi Lane on the team's WR depth chart entering 2026. However, none of Baltimore's wideouts outside of Flowers has proven themselves to be consistent high-end producers. With a new coaching staff in place for the Ravens this season, Sarratt could emerge as a key piece of the team's plans by the end of this year. Dynasty managers who are building for the future should target Sarratt ahead of 2026.
Source: RotoBaller
Source: RotoBaller
Tyquan Thornton Considered a Starter in Three-Wide Sets
Joshua Brisco of Sports Illustrated writes that it's clear that Kansas City Chiefs wide receiver Tyquan Thornton is a starter in three-wide sets this year alongside Rashee Rice and Xavier Worthy. Thornton played in the first 14 games last season in his first year with the Chiefs before suffering a season-ending concussion. The 25-year-old former second-rounder by the New England Patriots in 2022 from Baylor caught 19 of his 37 targets for a career-high 438 yards and three touchdowns in his 14 games (four starts) last year. Thornton played 33% of the team's offensive snaps when he was healthy, and Brisco writes that the Chiefs are likely to put Thornton "on the field much more consistently" in 2026. Barring injury, Thornton definitely has a clearer path to more snaps with both JuJu Smith-Schuster and Hollywood Brown no longer in town. But as long as Rice and Worthy are healthy and not suspended, Thornton could still struggle for weekly fantasy value in a Chiefs offense that has been lackluster in recent seasons. RotoBaller currently has him ranked as the No. 114 fantasy WR, so he'll be ignored in all 12-team fantasy drafts.
Source: Sports Illustrated - Joshua Brisco
Source: Sports Illustrated - Joshua Brisco
Jakobi Meyers is Undervalued by Current Redraft ADP
After being acquired from the Las Vegas Raiders by the Jacksonville Jaguars at the 2025 trade deadline, veteran wide receiver Jakobi Meyers is entering his first full season in Jacksonville in 2026. The 29-year-old was highly productive for the Jaguars last season, recording 42 catches for 483 yards and three touchdowns on 61 targets across nine games. From Week 10 onwards, Meyers ranked as the WR23 in per-game PPR scoring. In 2026, Jacksonville could get healthier seasons out of wide receiver Brian Thomas Jr. and two-way player Travis Hunter (knee), which might limit Meyers' target opportunities. However, Hunter's involvement on offense remains a question mark, and Thomas Jr. has yet to prove established chemistry with Jaguars quarterback Trevor Lawrence. Jacksonville committed to Meyers with a three-year, $60 million contract extension, so the team clearly views him as an important piece of its offense. At his current redraft ADP of WR42, Meyers is a high-floor sleeper to target.
Source: RotoBaller
Source: RotoBaller
Alec Pierce Expected to be Limited in Camp After Ankle Surgery
Indianapolis Colts wide receiver Alec Pierce (ankle) is expected to be limited for some, if not all, of training camp this summer after having offseason ankle surgery in late March, per Stephen Holder of ESPN. There's still plenty of time for him to get up to speed for the regular-season opener, though, and Pierce is "preparing to ascend to the No. 1 receiver role" after the Colts traded Michael Pittman Jr. to the Pittsburgh Steelers. Holder adds that it's "an inopportune time for Pierce to be out of the lineup," especially when considering starting QB Daniel Jones (Achilles) is also recovering from a torn Achilles tendon late last year. With Adonai Mitchell no longer in town either, Josh Downs figures to operate as the Colts' top receiver, with Ashton Dulin, Nick Westbrook-Ikhine, and rookie Deion Burks behind him. Pierce will no doubt have a bigger role on offense in 2026 if he's healthy after leading the NFL in yards per catch in each of the last two seasons, but his ankle injury could give fantasy managers pause in taking him as an upside WR3/flex in 2026 as he heads into his fifth NFL season.
Source: ESPN.com - Stephen Holder
Source: ESPN.com - Stephen Holder
Khalil Shakir a Dynasty Sell-High Candidate Ahead of 2026
Buffalo Bills wide receiver Khalil Shakir has been a steady security blanket in his team's passing game in recent years, recording back-to-back seasons with at least 95 targets, 70 catches, 700 receiving yards, and four touchdowns. The 26-year-old was Buffalo's leading target-earner in 2025 and finished the year as the WR43 by measure of per-game PPR scoring. However, Shakir's place in the Bills' offense may be altered in 2026. Buffalo traded for wide receiver DJ Moore, who now profiles as the team's clear WR1. The Bills also used a fourth-round pick in the 2026 NFL Draft on wideout Skyler Bell, who was an All-American in his final season in college and could push Shakir for playing time in the slot. Given his likely workload reduction and his lack of high-end upside, Shakir profiles as a potential dynasty sell-high candidate entering 2026.
Source: RotoBaller
Source: RotoBaller
Tetairoa McMillan Practicing at Training Camp
Carolina Panthers wide receiver Tetairoa McMillan (foot), who missed most of spring workouts with a foot injury, was seen in uniform and practicing on Thursday in the team's first training camp practice, according to Joe Person of The Athletic. The Panthers held McMillan out of offseason workouts as a precaution, and he should be full-go for Week 1 of the 2026 regular season this fall. The 23-year-old former eighth overall pick last year out of the University of Arizona was named the Offensive Rookie of the Year in 2025 after catching 70 of his 122 targets for 1,014 yards and seven touchdowns in 17 regular-season starts as he immediately became Carolina's WR1. With added muscle and a more versatile role -- he could play out of the slot more in 2026 -- the Hawaiian native could be poised to build on his impressive rookie campaign. Target McMillan as a low-end WR2 with upside to jump into the WR1 tier if he continues to improve as a sophomore.
Source: The Athletic - Joe Person
Source: The Athletic - Joe Person
Jordan Mason May Be Undervalued by Current Redraft ADP
Across 16 games (five starts) in 2025, Minnesota Vikings running back Jordan Mason recorded 809 scrimmage yards and six touchdowns on 173 touches. The 27-year-old's fantasy upside in PPR scoring formats is limited by his lack of pass-game involvement, as he's recorded just 28 catches across 61 career NFL games. Mason is also likely to split reps for the second straight season in 2026 with veteran Vikings back Aaron Jones Sr. However, Jones Sr. is entering his age-32 campaign and has missed at least five games in two out of the last three years. At this point in their respective careers, Mason profiles as the better between-the-tackles rusher and could take over as Minnesota's primary early-down back. The overall health of the Vikings offense should be improved this year as well, as the team added veteran quarterback Kyler Murray over the offseason. At his current redraft ADP of RB43, Mason could be a value pick for fantasy managers.
Source: RotoBaller
Source: RotoBaller
Malik Nabers Expected to Avoid PUP List to Open 2026 Season
ESPN's Jordan Raanan writes that New York Giants wide receiver Malik Nabers (knee) is expected to avoid opening the 2026 regular season on the Physically Unable to Perform list. However, it remains to be seen when he will practice with the team this summer as he continues to rehab from a torn ACL and meniscus in his right knee that he suffered in Week 4 last season. It's certainly possible that Nabers will be ready for a Sunday night showdown in Week 1 against the division-rival Dallas Cowboys, but nobody knows for sure. We already know that Nabers has high-end WR1 upside in fantasy football when he's healthy, especially with impressive young QB Jaxson Dart leading the offense, but his knee injury has dropped him to a low-end WR2 (ranked No. 24 overall) in RotoBaller's positional rankings for the upcoming season because of his injury uncertainty. We'll be watching his recovery closely this summer and whether he opens training camp on the PUP list. Nabers had surgery last October and a clean-up procedure on his knee this spring.
Source: ESPN New York - Jordan Raanan
Source: ESPN New York - Jordan Raanan
Fernando Mendoza Signs Rookie Contract
Las Vegas Raiders quarterback Fernando Mendoza has signed his rookie contract, per Ian Rapoport of NFL Network. Raiders rookies are due to report to the team facility today, with the team's training camp officially beginning on Tuesday. Now that Mendoza's contract is signed, his participation in training camp will not be impacted in any way. The number one overall pick in the 2026 NFL Draft, Mendoza threw for 3,535 yards, 41 touchdowns, and six interceptions while rushing for 276 yards and seven scores across 16 games in his final collegiate season at the University of Indiana. The 22-year-old is expected to see some first-team reps in training camp, but he will likely enter camp behind veteran signal-caller Kirk Cousins on the team's depth chart. Still, Mendoza profiles as the quarterback of the future in Las Vegas, and it may only be a matter of time before he takes over as the team's QB1.
Source: NFL Network - Ian Rapoport
Source: NFL Network - Ian Rapoport
Robert Gasser a Short-Term Streaming Option in Milwaukee
Milwaukee Brewers left-hander Robert Gasser should stick around in the Brewers' starting rotation for a little while longer with fellow southpaw Kyle Harrison (elbow) still on the injured list, making him a starting option off the waiver wire in deeper leagues after his latest bounce-back effort. The 27-year-old lefty allowed a season-high seven earned runs on eight hits (two homers) to the Pittsburgh Pirates in his final start before the All-Star break, but he bounced back nicely on July 19 against the Miami Marlins, giving up just one earned run while walking none and striking out five in five innings for a no-decision. Gasser's 4.91 ERA (5.13 FIP) and 1.21 WHIP in 10 starts and 51 1/3 innings don't look particularly enticing, but he does have a career-high 21.9% strikeout rate and a solid 6.4% walk rate in a small sample size in 2026. Deep-league managers looking for a decent streaming option in the second half should consider Gasser while he remains in a starting role. The former second-rounder by the San Diego Padres in 2021 out of the University of Houston is rostered in just 11% of Yahoo leagues, and he has a very attractive next outing at home against the Colorado Rockies.
Source: Baseball Reference
Source: Baseball Reference
Jonathon Brooks Seeing First-Team Reps in Training Camp
Carolina Panthers running back Jonathon Brooks is seeing action with the first-team offense during the team's first day of training camp practices on Thursday, according to Mike Kaye of The Charlotte Observer. A second-round pick in the 2024 NFL Draft, Brooks played in just three games as a rookie before suffering a knee injury that knocked him out for the remainder of 2024 and all of 2025. However, the 23-year-old appears to be fully healthy heading into 2026. The Panthers have veteran back Chuba Hubbard atop their running back depth chart, but the team let running back Rico Dowdle walk in free agency. Dowdle collected 1,373 scrimmage yards and seven touchdowns on 275 touches for Carolina in 2025, leaving plenty of production on the table for Brooks to potentially step into in 2026. Brooks averaged over six yards per carry during his college career at Texas and was considered a high-end running back prospect before the injury issues. If he can stay healthy and put together a solid preseason, his fantasy stock will continue to rise throughout the summer.
Source: The Charlotte Observer - Mike Kaye
Source: The Charlotte Observer - Mike Kaye
Elvis Alvarado a Desperation Relief Option in Deeper Leagues
Athletics right-handed reliever Elvis Alvarado is technically still part of the team's closer-by-committee situation, but he only has two saves on the season, with his last save coming way back on June 13. Since his last blown save on June 24 against the San Francisco Giants, he has allowed four earned runs on five hits while walking six and striking out 11 in nine appearances out of the bullpen. The 27-year-old Dominican hurler is 3-3 in just his second major-league season and has a bloated 5.59 ERA (5.21 FIP) and 1.24 WHIP with 36 strikeouts and 13 walks in 29 relief innings for the A's. For better or worse, Alvarado is essentially still in the A's late-inning bullpen mix for lack of better options. Even though he's technically still an option for saves in Sacramento, left-hander Hogan Harris is the better waiver-wire option for fantasy managers who need saves in the second half. Alvarado is currently rostered in only 3% of Yahoo leagues.
Source: Baseball Reference
Source: Baseball Reference
Brayan Rocchio's Hot Streak has Put him on the Waiver Map
Cleveland Guardians middle infielder Brayan Rocchio has been heating up at the plate this summer. The 25-year-old Venezuelan went 2-for-5 with a double, an RBI, and a run scored in Wednesday's 10-6 loss to the division-rival Minnesota Twins to extend his hitting streak to five games. During his five-game streak, he's gone 7-for-22 (.318) with a homer, a double, four RBI, and three runs scored. Extending back to June 18, Rocchio has slashed .296/.319/.452 with four home runs, six doubles, 16 RBI, and 14 runs scored in a stretch of 29 games. He has hit .299 (20-for-67) with an .826 OPS, four home runs, two doubles, 14 RBI, 10 runs scored, and a stolen base in 17 games and 70 plate appearances so far in July. The hot streak has boosted the switch-hitter's season line to .275/.338/.409 with a .746 OPS, nine home runs, 48 RBI, 15 steals, and 43 runs scored across his 345 at-bats. Fantasy managers looking for a quick batting average fix should consider riding Rocchio's hot bat, but long-term, he's unlikely to be a savior with a .258 xBA and a .306xwOBA.
Source: MLB.com
Source: MLB.com
Spencer Steer A Waiver Option for Power Despite Recent Hitless Stretch
Cincinnati Reds infielder/outfielder Spencer Steer returned on Wednesday from a rib injury he suffered on Monday and went 0-for-4 at the plate in the 5-3 win over the hosting Seattle Mariners at T-Mobile Park. Steer is now hitless in his last 11 at-bats, but the 28-year-old has been much better so far in July than he was in June, when he hit just .159 (13-for-82) with a .629 OPS, six home runs, a double, 13 RBI, 14 runs scored, nine walks, and 28 strikeouts in 24 games played. The 28-year-old right-handed slugger is currently batting .259 (14-for-54) with an .818 OPS, three home runs, two doubles, six RBI, and six runs scored in 16 games and 62 plate appearances in July. Steer is up to 16 home runs in 96 games across 378 plate appearances in 2026 in his fifth year with the Reds, and he offers under-the-radar power in a hitter-friendly home environment in deeper fantasy leagues for managers who are searching for more pop. Now that Steer is over his recent rib injury, hopefully he will begin to put his power stroke on display once again. He's currently rostered in only 36% of Yahoo leagues.
Source: MLB.com
Source: MLB.com
Cubs Calling Up Prospect James Triantos for MLB Debut
The Chicago Cubs are calling up second base/outfielder prospect James Triantos from Triple-A Iowa on Thursday for his major-league debut, according to Geoff Pontes of Baseball America. Triantos, the team's No. 7 prospect per MLB Pipeline, is getting his first MLB call after slashing an impressive .306/.344/.440 with a .784 OPS, seven home runs, 52 RBI, 18 stolen bases, and 58 runs scored in 88 games across 378 plate appearances this year at Iowa. The 23-year-old former second-rounder in 2021 should give the Cubbies a utility option off the bench, as he has experience at all three outfield spots while mostly playing second and third base on the farm in 2026. The 5-foot-11, 195-pounder has bounced back nicely after a rough showing in the minors last year, although he's unlikely to have an everyday role in Chicago this year if he sticks in the majors. Triantos, who bats and throws right-handed, has been compared to Alex Bregman and David Wright for his high-end contact skills. To become a big-league regular, he'll need to develop more power and improve his plate discipline. Fantasy managers in most leagues can ignore Triantos for now.
Source: Baseball America - Geoff Pontes
Source: Baseball America - Geoff Pontes
Andrew Kittredge Remains a Deep-League Waiver-Wire Target
Across 28 innings (32 games) in 2026, Baltimore Orioles right-hander Andrew Kittredge has recorded a 3.86 ERA, 1.29 WHIP, 25 strikeouts, and three saves. While the 36-year-old's overall line and his 20.7% strikeout rate are both middling, Kittredge has emerged as a ninth-inning option in Baltimore in recent weeks, with Orioles closer Ryan Helsley (elbow) currently on the 60-day injured list due to an elbow injury. Baltimore has also given save chances to right-hander Tyler Wells, who has pitched to a 2.94 ERA with a 20.6% K-BB rate so far this season. Still, dating back to June 24, Kittredge has now logged 11 consecutive appearances without allowing an earned run. Kittredge may not see every save chance for Baltimore the rest of the way, but he still profiles as a worthwhile waiver wire target in deeper league formats.
Source: RotoBaller
Source: RotoBaller
Tank Bigsby Could be One of the Top RB Handcuffs to Roster
Philadelphia Eagles running back Tank Bigsby is heading into his first full year as the top backup in Philly to star Saquon Barkley after the Eagles acquired him from the Jacksonville Jaguars in 2025 after just one game. In 16 regular-season games in Philly last year, Bigsby had 58 rushing attempts for 344 yards (5.9 yards per carry) and two rushing touchdowns, adding only three receptions for 32 yards as a pass-catcher. The 24-year-old is a power back with little pass-catching prowess, but if Barkley were to miss time due to injury in 2026, the former third-rounder by the Jaguars in 2023 out of Auburn would at least be the team's unquestioned early-down back in an offense looking to bounce back from a woeful 2025 campaign. Bigsby's big-play abilities -- he has six carries of 20-plus yards in his last 231 rushing attempts -- make him an intriguing handcuff option for fantasy managers who take Barkley early in drafts. The downfall is that Bigsby's fantasy upside as a lead back if Barkley is injured will be limited because he has shown very little in the way of producing as a pass-catcher. The Eagles have Will Shipley, Dameon Pierce, and Elijah Mitchell in the RB room, too, but it would be a surprise if Bigsby didn't enter the regular season as the unquestioned RB2.
Source: Pro Football Reference
Source: Pro Football Reference
Brett Baty Heating Up in July, Re-Emerging as a Viable Streaming Option
New York Mets utility man Brett Baty has had a rough season overall in 2026, hitting .223/.295/.331 with six home runs, 33 RBI, 38 runs scored, and five stolen bases across 343 plate appearances. However, the 26-year-old has begun to turn it on in July, hitting .281 with three home runs, 11 runs scored, and two stolen bases across 60 plate appearances so far this month. Baty has shown he can be a productive big-league hitter in the past, hitting .254 with 18 home runs and eight stolen bases across 432 plate appearances in 2025. The lefty swinger profiles more as a platoon bat, as he owns a .535 OPS across 297 career plate appearances against left-handed pitching. Still, Baty can be a useful streamer for fantasy managers to target on the waiver wire, particularly given his multi-positional eligibility.
Source: RotoBaller
Source: RotoBaller
Eli Willits has the Look of a Fantasy Superstar
Now with High-A Wilmington, Washington Nationals shortstop prospect Eli Willits is continuing to produce in his age 18 season. Willits, a former first round pick by the Nationals is the top prospect in the Washington system. He possesses a 60-grade hit tool and a 60-grade run tool, giving him massive upside in fantasy circles. At age 18, Willits has split time between two levels of the minors this season, but has 12 homers and 53 RBI combined at both levels while hitting .274 with an .894 OPS. He also has combined for a huge 38 stolen bases to show off his speed potential. Willits has the looks of a five-tool fantasy contributor and is a must-add in dynasty leagues. He will likely need a few years to showcase his growth in the minor leagues but once he makes it up to Washington, he could be a fantasy superstar.
Source: Minor League Baseball
Source: Minor League Baseball
Luke Weaver a Top Closer Handcuff to Stash
New York Mets right-hander Luke Weaver has arguably been his team's top reliever in 2026, recording a 1.98 ERA and 0.80 WHIP with 43 strikeouts, 14 holds, two wins, and one save across 41 innings (39 games). The 32-year-old owns a stellar 20.4% K-BB rate, and opposing batters are hitting just .152 against him. Weaver's path to saves with the Mets is currently blocked off by established closer Devin Williams. However, Williams has struggled to a 4.54 ERA this season and has allowed four earned runs across his first 5 1/3 innings pitched in July. The Mets may also be looking to move Williams at the upcoming trade deadline if they can find an interested buyer. If Williams is removed from New York's closer role for either reason, Weaver profiles as a logical choice to assume the job. He has experience in the ninth inning, recording eight saves as a member of the New York Yankees in 2025. Particularly in deeper leagues, Weaver could be worth stashing off the waiver wire.
Source: RotoBaller
Source: RotoBaller
Woody Marks a Sneaky Value Pick in PPR Formats in 2026
Houston Texans running back Woody Marks led the team in rushing in 2025 in his rookie season after being taken in the fourth round (116th overall) out of USC, carrying the ball 196 times for 703 yards and two touchdowns in 16 regular-season games (eight starts). The 25-year-old added 24 receptions for 208 yards and three touchdowns on 36 targets as a pass-catcher. Fantasy managers may be down on him going into his second NFL season due to the Texans' offseason addition of David Montgomery, which could present a buying opportunity in both redraft and dynasty/keeper leagues this year. Running backs coach Danny Barrett said he still thinks the Georgia native will take on a sizable role in the team's backfield this year despite Monty's presence. Marks lacks the explosiveness as a pure runner -- he averaged just 3.6 yards per carry as a rookie -- and although he disappointed somewhat as a receiver in 2025, that's where most of his value will most likely lie in 2026. He profiles as a nice late-round target for RB depth in PPR leagues, and he'll be a solid handcuff to Montgomery as well.
Source: Pro Football Reference
Source: Pro Football Reference
Kevin Alvarez Turning in a Productive Month of July
Houston Astros outfield prospect Kevin Alvarez is adding to his well-rounded statistics this month while in Single-A-ball with the Fayetteville Woodpeckers. In 55 July at-bats, Alvarez has two homers and 11 RBI with 11 runs scored and a .327 batting average. At age 18, Alvarez is the top overall prospect for the Astros out of Cuba. The left-handed hitting outfielder is hitting .278 with eight homers and 41 RBI this season for Fayetteville. Blessed with a 60-grade hit tool, Alvarez has massive potential and is beginning to show that at Single-A. But he's just 18 years old and needs time to mature in the minor leagues. A high-priority dynasty league target, Alvarez is a ways away from producing in the major leagues. It could be two to three seasons before Alvarez is contributing to fantasy leagues, but he is someone fantasy managers won't want to forget about.
Source: Minor League Baseball
Source: Minor League Baseball
Bryce Eldridge a Must-Add Hitter with High-End Power Upside
Across 243 plate appearances in 2026, San Francisco Giants first baseman Bryce Eldridge is hitting .265/.358/.469 with 10 home runs, 23 RBI, 30 runs scored, and one stolen base. After opening the year at Triple-A, the 21-year-old has been a rock-solid producer in his first extended run of MLB action. Eldridge's strikeout rate is elevated at 25.9%, but he also owns a stellar 12.8% walk rate. The lefty slugger has also posted excellent underlying contact metrics with a 12.8% barrel rate and a 55.0% hard-hit rate, which help keep his batting average stable despite his swing-and-miss tendencies. Playing in San Francisco's pitcher-friendly home park may hurt Eldridge's power output, but he has enough raw power to overcome the less-than-ideal environment. As he continues to settle in at the big-league level, Eldridge profiles as a must-add young hitter with significant power upside in any fantasy league where he's still on the waiver wire.
Source: RotoBaller
Source: RotoBaller
Nick Sirianni Calls DeVonta Smith a "Special Player"
Philadelphia Eagles head coach Nick Sirianni called wide receiver DeVonta Smith a "special player" and said he's excited about the extra opportunities coming his way in 2026 now that A.J. Brown is in New England, according to Dave Zangaro of NBC Sports. "I'm excited for the extra opportunities that DeVonta is going to get his way," Sirianni said. "And I know every time that we've given him extra opportunities, he's always taking advantage of those. And so now he's going to get more of those." Brown had over 5,000 receiving yards in just four seasons with the Eagles, but Smith, 27, has gone over 1,000 receiving yards in three of his five NFL seasons and has averaged 111 targets per season. If the 27-year-old former 10th overall pick from the University of Alabama in 2021 gets up to 140-150 targets in 2026, a monster year could be in store. The Eagles appear to be all-in on Smith as their new WR1, so his expanded target share alone should prop him up as a low-end WR1/high-end WR2 in fantasy with a strong floor. RotoBaller currently has Smith ranked as the No. 12 fantasy WR with Brown out of the picture in 2026.
Source: NBC Sports Philadelphia - Dave Zangaro
Source: NBC Sports Philadelphia - Dave Zangaro
Tai Peete Red-Hot in Return to High-A Peoria
St. Louis Cardinals outfield prospect Tai Peete is on fire since returning to High-A Peoria with two homers and six RBI in four games back from injury. Peete was recovering from a concussion and has done so nicely. He has played three games on a rehab assignment with the FCL Cardinals but has spent the rest of the season at Peoria. With Peoria, Peete has racked up seven homers and 30 RBI to go with 28 runs scored while hitting .281. At age 20, Peete checks in at No. 17 on the Cardinals' top prospects list. He received a 55-grade power and 60-grade run tool, so he has the potential for fantasy production. He might need some time to progress through the minors, though, at such a young age. A dynasty prospect for sure, it is worth monitoring Peete's progress in the minors, and he could see time in St. Louis in a year or two.
Source: Minor League Baseball
Source: Minor League Baseball
