RADIO
Can Freddie Freeman Sustain His Elite Production in the Second Half of 2026?
Across 408 plate appearances in 2026, Los Angeles Dodgers first baseman Freddie Freeman is hitting .290/.375/.487 with 15 home runs, 49 RBI, 52 runs scored, and three stolen bases. Even in his age-36 season, Freeman continues to look like one of the better all-around hitters in baseball. He's posted a 10.6% barrel rate and 45.1% hard-hit rate on the year, right in line with his career marks of 11.2% (barrel) and 44.2% (hard-hit). Freeman's plate approach also remains elite, as he's walked in 11.5% of his plate appearances while striking out at just a 15.9% rate. The future Hall of Famer may not be a true threat on the bases anymore, but he still chips in the occasional stolen base for fantasy managers as well. Given his track record, underlying metrics, and everyday role in the potent Dodgers order, Freeman remains a bankable source of high-level four-category production as long as he stays healthy.
Source: RotoBaller
Source: RotoBaller
Jonathan Aranda's 2026 Breakout Poised to Continue After the All-Star Break?
Across 406 plate appearances so far in 2026, Tampa Bay Rays first baseman Jonathan Aranda is hitting .297/.394/.471 with 14 home runs, 64 RBI, and 48 runs scored. After mostly working in a big-side platoon role through the early portion of his Rays career, the 28-year-old has emerged as an everyday staple in the heart of the Tampa Bay lineup this season. Aranda's underlying metrics are not quite as strong as in previous years, but he still maintains a solid 10.4% barrel rate and 44.8% hard-hit rate. The lefty slugger has also posted a 12.6% walk rate while lowering his strikeout rate to a career-low 21.7%. While Aranda does not bring any speed, he profiles as a high-level source of run production and batting average with solid power. Fantasy managers should buy into his breakout season continuing into the second half of 2026.
Source: RotoBaller
Source: RotoBaller
Rangers Sign Alberts Smits to Entry-Level Contract
The New York Rangers have signed defenseman Alberts Smits to a three-year, entry-level contract. With the fifth pick, the Rangers made Smits the highest-drafted Latvian player in NHL history this summer. The team appears ready to give him his debut in 2026-27, despite his tender age of 18. While Smits is a very young player, he has experience playing top-level hockey in Finland and Germany. Additionally, he represented Latvia at both the Olympics and World Championships last season. Rangers general manager Chris Drury recently called Smits a "terrific prospect." He's one for the future but has the potential to make an immediate impact on the Rangers' new-look blue line.
Source: New York Rangers
Source: New York Rangers
Steve Yzerman Steps Down as GM of Red Wings
Steve Yzerman has left his position as the general manager and executive vice president of the Detroit Red Wings. He will continue to serve the organization as a senior adviser to CEO Chris Ilitch. Yzerman, the longest-serving captain in Red Wings history, was appointed as general manager in April, 2019. The team had a 224-251-9 record during his tenure and never made the playoffs. Last season, the Red Wings went 41-31-10, missing the postseason by seven points. Yzerman has also worked in the Tampa Bay Lightning's front office, winning the NHL General Manager of the Year Award in 2015.
Source: NHL.com
Source: NHL.com
Nicholas Robertson Inks Two-Year Contract With Penguins
Pittsburgh Penguins winger Nicholas Robertson has signed a two-year, $6.5 million contract. As a restricted free agent, Robertson filed for salary arbitration, with a hearing scheduled for late July. Ultimately, he managed to work out a deal with his new team. The Penguins acquired Robertson's rights from the Toronto Maple Leafs on July 1 in exchange for a 2028 fourth-round draft pick. Robertson posted a career-high 32 points (16 goals, 16 assists) in 78 games last season, but it wasn't enough to interest the Maple Leafs' brass in keeping him around. A fresh start in Pittsburgh isn't a bad alternative for Robertson, especially if he can carve out a top-six role.
Source: NHL.com
Source: NHL.com
Jack Wenninger Looking for Shot to Contribute at Big-League Level
New York Mets pitching prospect Jack Wenninger is dealing at Triple-A Syracuse with a 4-5 record and a 3.50 ERA and 1.36 WHIP with 77 strikeouts in 79 2/3 innings pitched. The 24-year-old right-hander has done his best at Syracuse to prove he is worthy of a shot in the Mets' starting rotation. He has looked dominant in July, logging 11 2/3 innings to the tune of a 1.54 ERA and a 0.94 WHIP. Wenninger is the No. 4 overall prospect in the Mets' system after he was drafted in the sixth round in the 2023 Draft. If the Mets continue to struggle, or move one of their current starters ahead of the deadline, look for Wenninger to get a big-league shot with his power fastball and elite splitter. That being said, fantasy managers could look ahead and head to the waiver wire to snatch up Wenninger before others. He has the prospect pedigree and the potential opportunity with the struggling Mets team to contribute at the big-league level.
Source: Minor League Baseball
Source: Minor League Baseball
Cole Perfetti Agrees to Five-Year Contract With Jets
Winnipeg Jets forward Cole Perfetti has avoided a salary arbitration hearing by signing a five-year, $30 million contract. The Jets now won't have to worry about Perfetti's contract situation for quite some time, though questions about his ability may linger within the organization. In 2025-26, Perfetti totaled only 32 points (12 goals, 20 assists) in 68 games. Still, at 24 years old, Perfetti is a relatively young player and has time to prove his worth in the league. He was a 50-point scorer only two seasons ago.
Source: NHL.com
Source: NHL.com
George Klassen is a Risky Stash to Target Entering Second Half
Los Angeles Angels pitching prospect George Klassen has endured some growing pains over his first two MLB starts. He is saddled with an 0-1 record, a 11.57 ERA, and a 3.64 WHIP. Klassen is doing his best to prove that he is worth another shot with the Angels while pitching with Triple-A Salt Lake. The numbers are much more respectable at Salt Lake with a 4-6 record and a 4.48 ERA and 1.52 WHIP, along with 64 strikeouts in 72 1/3 innings. However, he has shown some progress in July, carrying a 3.06 ERA and a sharp 0.96 WHIP. Should Klassen continue to prove himself at Salt Lake, he could find his way into the Angels rotation. It's a risky play, but a stash could end up being beneficial for fantasy managers looking for a pitching edge. As of now, the former sixth-round selection is best viewed as a risky stash target in deeper leagues.
Source: Minor League Baseball
Source: Minor League Baseball
Chase Burns Scheduled to Make his Next Start on Tuesday
Cincinnati Reds right-hander Chase Burns (groin), who pulled out of the All-Star Game on Tuesday due to a groin issue that he picked up in his final start of the first half on July 8 against the Philadelphia Phillies, is penciled in to make his first start of the second half next Tuesday on the road against the Seattle Mariners, per MLB.com. Burns will avoid a trip to the injured list and will get some extra rest at the midway point of the season. The 23-year-old former second overall pick from Wake Forest University in 2024 has had a breakout first full season in the majors with the Reds in 2025, going 11-1 with a 2.54 ERA (3.40 FIP) and 1.11 WHIP with 118 strikeouts and 37 walks in 102 2/3 innings pitched across 18 starts. If anything, Burns might be a sell-high candidate in single-year fantasy leagues, but he's a firm hold in dynasty/keeper leagues for his high-end strikeout upside long-term. Going into the second half, Burns ranks in the 87th percentile in strikeout rate, the 89th percentile in whiff rate, and the 84th percentile in chase rate. Get ready to throw him back into your starting lineups next week in Seattle.
Source: MLB.com
Source: MLB.com
Anthony Mantha Joins Devils on Two-Year Deal
Winger Anthony Mantha will remain in the Metropolitan Division next season after agreeing to a two-year, $9.5 million contract with the New Jersey Devils. Last term, Mantha had an impressive year as a member of the Pittsburgh Penguins, recording a career-high 64 points (33 goals, 31 assists) in 81 contests. Previously, the 11-year veteran hadn't even reached the 50-point mark in the NHL. It remains to be seen whether he can replicate that form with the Devils. Given his unusually high 21.7 shooting percentage last season, Mantha probably won't maintain the same goal-scoring pace in 2026-27.
Source: NHL.com
Source: NHL.com
Trevor Zegras Signs Four-Year Extension With Flyers
Philadelphia Flyers forward Trevor Zegras signed a four-year, $36.5 million contract on Wednesday, avoiding salary arbitration. With the average annual value of his contract at $9.125 million, Zegras is now Philadelphia's highest-paid player. He earned a handsome deal after putting up a career-high 67 points (26 goals, 41 assists) in 81 games last season. Zegras chipped in with two goals and four assists in 10 games during the postseason. Six years into his NHL career, Zegras has reached the 60-point plateau three times. Provided he stays injury-free, a 70-point campaign should be well within his reach next season.
Source: NHL.com
Source: NHL.com
Is it Time to Stash Jhostynxon Garcia Following Triple-A Surge?
Pittsburgh Pirates outfield prospect Jhostynxon Garcia has had his audition this season with the Pirates at the big-league level, and it didn't go resoundingly well. That being said, he still might be a name to keep in mind for the second half of the season for fantasy purposes. In the minors this season, between High-A Bradenton and Triple-A Indianapolis, Garcia is hitting .279 with nine homers and 30 RBI to go with 38 runs scored and five stolen bases. He hit just .200 in his brief spell with Pittsburgh, but that doesn't mean he will be precluded from another shot at the big leagues. He is the No. 4 overall prospect in the Pirates' system, and at 23 years old, he should get another opportunity in Pittsburgh. Additionally, Garcia enters the midway point swinging a hot bat, posting a .333/.419/.463 line over his last 15 games. He is an impact outfielder, and while the Pirates' outfield is deep at the big league level, it would be wise to stash Garcia as a potential impact bat in the second half, especially for those in deeper 15-team leagues with several N/A spots.
Source: Minor League Baseball
Source: Minor League Baseball
Oronde Gadsden an Ideal Late-Round Swing for Managers Waiting at Tight End
For a four-week stretch early into his rookie season, Los Angeles Chargers tight end Oronde Gadsden had the appearance of the league's next young superstar. From Weeks 6 through 9, the 2025 fifth-round pick caught 24 of 27 targets for 377 yards and two scores, essentially a full-season pace of 100-1,600-8 that, unsurprisingly, made him the fantasy TE1 over that stretch. While he was unable to maintain that torrid pace the rest of the way, catching only 17 passes for 211 yards and one score over his final eight games, there is plenty to be excited about heading into his second season, especially now that he finds himself in Mike McDaniel's quick-game-heavy offense. While the free agent acquisitions of David Njoku and Charlie Kolar add a level of competition that was not present in 2025, Gadsden is still the safest bet to lead the position group in targets, and with veteran receiver Keenan Allen no longer under contract, he could step into an important role as one of the team's primary chain-movers. Currently ranked as RotoBaller's TE16, Gadsden is the exact type of high-upside swing that redraft managers should be looking to target in the closing rounds of drafts if they missed out or were unwilling to spend up on the elite tier of the position.
Source: RotoBaller
Source: RotoBaller
Time to Stash Elmer Rodriguez Ahead of Looming Return to Yankees?
New York Yankees starting pitching prospect Elmer Rodriguez could be a sneaky pitching source for fantasy owners during the second half of the season. Rodriguez has had his audition with the big-league club and went 0-2 with a 4.76 ERA and a 1.76 WHIP. He struck out 10 in 17 innings pitched over four starts. Rodriguez has spent much of the season dominating at Triple-A Scranton/Wilkes-Barre. At Scranton, the right-hander has posted a 5-3 overall record with a 2.85 ERA and 1.30 WHIP with 67 strikeouts in 66 1/3 innings. He also has the prospect pedigree as the Yankees' No. 3 overall prospect. Having already tried his hand in the majors, now might be a good time to stash Rodriguez before he is called up again to aid the Yankees. His strikeout numbers are good in the minors, making him a promising candidate to perform well in the major league rotation. With Carlos Rodon set to face a lengthy absence, Rodriguez is in a good position to earn another stint in the Bronx later in the summer.
Source: Minor League Baseball
Source: Minor League Baseball
Can Ceddanne Rafaela Continue His Momentum in the Second Half?
Boston Red Sox second baseman/outfielder Ceddanne Rafaela earned his way to the All-Star game with a .281 batting average, eight homers, 12 stolen bases, and a .333 wOBA to go with his excellent defense. The 25-year-old has been much more selective this season and has hit .289 with six of those stolen bases over his 35 games since June 1. His contact metrics haven't been great over that span, but he has done a good job of piling up run production from the second spot in the lineup as Boston's batting order has come to life over the last few weeks. Rafaela is a solid source of speed and some potential power. He's been a streaky contributor throughout his time in the majors and has the potential to get hot in the second half and continue his emergence as a strong and versatile option on your fantasy roster.
Source: RotoBaller
Source: RotoBaller
Nate Ament Leads Milwaukee Past Charlotte in Vegas
Milwaukee Bucks forward Nate Ament notched 23 points on 7-for-13 shooting in Wednesday's 110-91 Summer League win over Charlotte, adding six rebounds, two steals, and one assist across 25 minutes. The No. 13 pick had been quiet in Las Vegas to that point, scoring six and seven points in his first two outings, which made the aggression a welcome shift. He hit 2-for-7 from deep but got to the line six times, and Milwaukee's bench produced 43 points in the blowout. Ament arrived via a draft-night trade with Miami, and a Bucks roster in transition should hand him a real runway as a rookie. He averaged 16.7 points, 6.3 rebounds, and 2.3 assists across 35 starts in his lone season at Tennessee.
Source: NBA
Source: NBA
Should You Sell High on Davis Martin?
Chicago White Sox starting pitcher Davis Martin had a very strong first half of the season, already setting a personal best with nine wins in his 18 starts while posting a 3.41 ERA through 100 1/3 innings. His K% is up from last year, and he has been especially effective at home with a 1.80 ERA and 1.04 WHIP. However, despite his overall success, Martin has some concerning underlying metrics. He has a 4.31 xERA as a result of a 43.8% hard-hit rate against him, which ranks only in the 12th percentile of qualified pitchers. He's also in the bottom 20 percent of pitchers in terms of xBA and average exit velocity allowed. He gave up five runs in his last start against the Red Sox and has allowed at least four runs in four of his last nine starts. He could be due for some regression in the second half, so if you can flip him to a team that needs pitching for an option with better metrics, Martin's value may be near its peak.
Source: RotoBaller
Source: RotoBaller
David Njoku Could Still Have His Place in Fantasy in 2026
With Los Angeles Chargers veterans reporting for training camp on July 28, one of the most interesting position battles to pay attention to will be at tight end, after the late free agent signing of 10th-year professional David Njoku helped to make theirs one of the more well-rounded tight end rooms in the league. The Chargers return 2025 fifth-round pick Oronde Gadsden II after he reached some historic highs as a rookie, and the team made an early commitment to free agent Charlie Kolar, one of the best blocking tight ends in the league. It was the addition of Njoku in mid-May, though, that brought true multi-functionality to the room in Mike McDaniel's new offense. A first-round pick in 2017, Njoku had fallen clearly behind rookie Harold Fannin Jr. in his final season with the Browns, but given a fresh start with one of the most creative playcallers in the league, he could again find sporadic fantasy relevance in 2026. At RotoBaller's TE32, he is not a player worth targeting in redraft leagues, but he is a low-cost depth piece for contending dynasty managers and is worthy of the occasional late-round swing in best ball drafts.
Source: RotoBaller
Source: RotoBaller
Hugo Gonzalez Fills the Box Score as Celtics Top Kings
Boston Celtics guard Hugo Gonzalez recorded a game-high 24 points on 8-for-18 shooting in Wednesday's 82-76 Summer League win over the Kings, adding 10 rebounds, five assists, and one steal across 33 minutes. The 20-year-old Spaniard led Boston in points, rebounds, and assists while resting just six minutes, connecting on 3-for-9 from deep and 3-for-3 at the line. It's a sharp correction after a 3-for-16 showing in the Vegas opener against Toronto. Boston reportedly declined to include Gonzalez in its trade package for Giannis Antetokounmpo, ESPN's Shams Charania reports, which speaks to how the front office values him. A larger second-year role looks plausible, though his jumper will set the fantasy ceiling.
Source: NBA
Source: NBA
Ralphy Velazquez Ready to Bring Power Skills to Major Leagues
Cleveland Guardians prospect Ralphy Velazquez has split his time nicely this season between Double-A Akron and Triple-A Columbus. Between the two levels, Velazquez has 11 homers and 47 RBI to go with 44 runs scored while hitting .293. A first-base prospect who bats left-handed, Velazquez was the No. 23 overall pick in the first round of the 2023 MLB Draft. Velazquez, who can also play in the outfield, is the top prospect in the Guardians' system. At age 21, he might be a stash-worthy fantasy prospect who can fill a roster spot at first base or outfield. He has shown nice hitting skills in the minors with a high batting average and some solid power. He doesn't steal bases, but he fills the other four categories quite nicely. Velazquez's numbers have dipped a little bit since moving to Triple-A, but it appears he is ready to face big-league pitching. Now is the time to make a move on Velazquez before your peers, as he appears poised for a second-half promotion to Cleveland.
Source: Minor League Baseball
Source: Minor League Baseball
Is Ivan Herrera a Buy-Low Target Behind the Plate for the Second Half?
St. Louis Cardinals catcher/designated hitter Ivan Herrera has improved his plate discipline in the first half of the season, cutting down on his strikeout rate and increasing his walk rate. His batting average has dropped as well, though, and his ISO and SLG are both below his numbers from the last two years. The Cardinals have tried to keep the 26-year-old fresh by playing him just 36 games behind the plate and 59 games at designated hitter. Hopefully, his fresher legs will lead to more power in the second half, but he struggled over the past 20 games, with just a .183 batting average and 26.8% hard-hit rate. His track record over the last few seasons does give him upside in the second half. After the All-Star break last season, he hit .260 with 11 homers and a .344 wOBA. Since he's in a prime lineup spot, hitting second for the Cardinals, he has the potential for a nice bounce-back in the second half and could be a nice pickup if his current manager is down on him due to his slump.
Source: RotoBaller
Source: RotoBaller
Heat Send Ryan Conwell Home From Summer League
Miami Heat guard Ryan Conwell has been sent home from Summer League, with the staff satisfied it had seen enough from the second-round pick, the Sun-Sentinel's Ira Winderman reports. The early exit reads as a vote of confidence rather than a demotion. The former Louisville standout averaged 21 points across three California Classic games and scored 19 in his lone Las Vegas appearance, backing the shooting that made him the ACC leader in made threes as a senior. Miami traded up to No. 37 to get him and has open roster spots but little room under the first apron, so a cheap movement shooter fits the need for backcourt creation around Giannis Antetokounmpo. The Heat are hard-capped at the first apron with several spots left to fill, math that favors a minimum-salaried guard who has already convinced the staff.
Source: Ira Winderman
Source: Ira Winderman
Will Devin Neal Matter for Fantasy in 2026?
A sixth-round pick in the 2025 NFL Draft, New Orleans Saints running back Devin Neal found himself starting games late in the year for an injury-stricken Saints squad before he himself was put on injured reserve with a season-ending hamstring injury. Early in the offseason, there remained some hope that he could return to a fantasy-relevant role in his second season, but those hopes have since been all but dashed. The Saints spent big in free agency to acquire former first-round pick Travis Etienne Jr., and with veteran Alvin Kamara agreeing to a restructured deal to stick in New Orleans for at least one more season, few opportunities could remain for Neal, who will still need to beat out Kendre Miller and Audric Estime for the team's third running back spot. Ranked outside of RotoBaller's top 300 players, Neal is not a player who should factor into 2026 redraft plans, and outside of the deepest dynasty leagues, he is no longer a player who must be held through roster cuts.
Source: RotoBaller
Source: RotoBaller
Does Triple-A Call Up Mean Chase Davis is Inching his Way Toward Majors?
St. Louis Cardinals prospect Chase Davis has done most of his damage this year at Double-A Springfield with eight homers and 24 RBI to go with 24 runs scored and nine stolen bases, but he just recently got the call-up to Triple-A Memphis. The first-round pick out of Arizona has spent a bit of time this year injured and has rehabbed at High-A and Rookie ball. He has shown off the speed that makes him a five-tool contributor. The 24-year-old outfielder is not ranked among St. Louis' top overall prospects, but he was the No. 21 pick in the 2023 MLB Draft. The left-handed hitter is putting up solid numbers in the minors but will have to prove himself at Triple-A before he can put his best foot forward towards a big league call-up. The St. Louis outfield of Jordan Walker, Nathan Church, and Lars Nootbaar seems pretty set, but if Davis continues to make waves, he could force his way to the majors.
Source: Minor League Baseball
Source: Minor League Baseball
James Wood on His Way to a Career Year
Washington Nationals outfielder James Wood continues to impress and is establishing himself as one of the top power hitters in the MLB. He has hit 28 homers in 97 games and seems certain to pass his previous career-high of 31 homers from last year. His batting average is up from .256 to .279 while his wOBA has climbed from .353 to .416. He's already matched his career high with 15 stolen bases as well. He has the highest barrel rate and the highest hard-hit rate in the majors this season, along with the second-highest average exit velocity behind only Oneil Cruz. With such strong underlying metrics and elite production, Wood looks poised to be a fantasy centerpiece for years to come. He's still only 23 years old and continues to be one of the most exciting hitters in the game heading into the second half.
Source: RotoBaller
Source: RotoBaller
Sean Tucker Remains a Deep Dynasty Stash with Little Redraft Appeal
Tampa Bay Buccaneers running back Sean Tucker has rarely seen anything close to a featured role through his first three seasons in the league, but when entrusted with an expanded workload, he has tended to deliver. With Buccaneers starter Bucky Irving missing seven games in 2025 with foot and shoulder injuries, Tucker split time with Rachaad White, carving out a larger role along the way. From Weeks 8 through 12, he led the team with 52 carries for 243 yards and three touchdowns, but with Irving's eventual return in Week 13, Tucker averaged fewer than four carries per game the rest of the way. Heading into 2026, a healthier Irving is expected to head the Buccaneers' backfield once more, while free agent acquisition Kenneth Gainwell was brought in as a direct replacement for White after leading the Steelers with 73 catches in 2025. Again relegated to third-string duties, Tucker maintains some value as a dynasty stash, having proven capable of delivering fantasy-relevant performances in a pinch, but as RotoBaller's RB51, he is unlikely to factor into 2026 drafts.
Source: RotoBaller
Source: RotoBaller
Tucker DeVries Joins Celtics on Non-Guaranteed Deal
The Boston Celtics have signed guard/forward Tucker DeVries to an Exhibit 10 contract, Spotrac's Keith Smith reports. The deal is non-guaranteed, and DeVries joins fellow undrafted rookie Milos Uzan on terms that typically funnel players to a franchise's G League affiliate. A two-time Missouri Valley Conference Player of the Year at Drake, DeVries averaged 13.7 points, 5.3 rebounds, 3.3 assists, and 1.1 steals in 34.2 minutes across 32 games last season at Indiana. He's added 11.0 points on 40.0 percent three-point shooting in two Summer League appearances in Las Vegas. Boston can convert an Exhibit 10 into a two-way deal before the season opens, but there's no fantasy angle here unless that conversion comes.
Source: Keith Smith
Source: Keith Smith
Milos Uzan Signs Exhibit 10 Deal With the Celtics
Point guard Milos Uzan has signed an Exhibit 10 contract with the Boston Celtics, Spotrac's Keith Smith reports. The four-year college guard went undrafted in June despite ranking 57th on ESPN's pre-draft board, and he agreed to terms with Boston that same week. Uzan started all 77 games across two seasons at Houston, averaging 11.3 points, 4.1 assists, and 2.9 rebounds while shooting 41.6 percent from the field and 37.7 percent from three. He has posted 8.0 points, 5.0 assists, and 4.3 rebounds for Boston's Summer League team, alongside former Houston teammate Chris Cenac Jr. Exhibit 10 deals are non-guaranteed camp contracts, and Smith notes most of them end with the player reporting to the club's G League affiliate. Uzan can be ignored in fantasy until that changes.
Source: Keith Smith
Source: Keith Smith
Is Puka Nacua the Top Receiver in Fantasy?
Los Angeles Rams wide receiver Puka Nacua led the NFL with 129 receptions in 2025, but it's what he's been able to do once the ball is in his hands that makes him such a dynamic player and one of the game's truly elite fantasy assets. His incredible contact balance and willingness to fight through every tackle helped him to accrue more yards after catch than any other receiver in the league, and he also ranked first in 20+ yard receptions and receiving first downs. A standout player in all the areas that translate to fantasy success and surrounded by one of the league's best offensive infrastructures, it's no surprise that he is again ranked at the top of draft boards. Despite his recent off-field concerns, which have included an offseason stint in rehab, Nacua shows no signs of slowing between the white lines and is RotoBaller's WR1, the third overall player in half-PPR formats, and one of the strongest picks at the start of 2026 drafts.
Source: RotoBaller
Source: RotoBaller
Is Jeff Hoffman a Sneaky Stash Based on Underlying Metrics?
Toronto Blue Jays relief pitcher Jeff Hoffman had a brutal start to the year and lost his job as the team's closer, with the emergence of Louis Varland as an elite bullpen option. He has put together a few strong weeks, though, and could return to fantasy relevance at some point after the All-Star break. He is 5-6 with a 4.57 ERA in his 44 games, but his 2.64 FIP and 3.07 xERA indicate he has pitched much better than his ERA indicates. He has a sky-high .402 BABIP against him (league average is .289 this season), so there could be some positive regression for him in the second half if ht gets some better batted-ball luck. Hoffman did give up two earned runs in his last outing before the break, snapping a 13-game span without an earned run against him. Varland will likely keep the closer job as long as he's healthy, but Hoffman could be a very valuable setup option or end up in a closer spot as bullpens get shuffled at the Trade Deadline. In deep leagues, he makes sense to stash and see, while in standard-sized leagues, he's definitely a reliever to keep a close eye on.
Source: RotoBaller
Source: RotoBaller
