RADIO
Robbie Ray Raises His Value During Hot Stretch
San Francisco Giants starting pitcher Robbie Ray has been putting together a handful of strong outings on the mound. Most recently, Ray tossed six innings, allowing three runs, while striking out four batters in the win over the Colorado Rockies. Before that outing, Ray had thrown three straight scoreless outings. It has been an impressive run for Ray, but we know that he'll come back down to Earth at some point. The walks are still a problem as Ray has issued 46 free passes across 101.2 innings of work this season. Fantasy managers might be able to take advantage of the moment and sell-high on Ray during the All-Star break. He has pitched well enough lately that fantasy managers in need of pitching should be willing to take a chance on him.
Source: Baseball Reference
Source: Baseball Reference
Sal Frelick Could be a Sneaky Deep-League Option
Milwaukee Brewers outfielder Sal Frelick is having a down year at the plate, but fantasy managers shouldn't write him off yet. Across 86 games, Frelick is slashing .236/.304/.323 with three home runs, 31 RBI, and six steals. His overall numbers aren't pretty, but Frelick has been able to limit his strikeouts with only 28 in his 300 plate appearances. He continues to put the ball in play, but isn't having the best of luck at the moment. Frelick has posted back-to-back strong campaigns, so a rebound in the second half seems possible. The 26-year-old should continue getting regular playing time in the Brewers outfield. Fantasy managers in deep leagues should consider buying low on Frelick during the All-Star break.
Source: Baseball Reference
Source: Baseball Reference
Jacoby Brissett Works Out With Teammates Amid Contract Dispute
Arizona Cardinals veteran quarterback Jacoby Brissett hasn't taken part in organized team workouts this offseason as he works through a contract dispute with the organization, but that hasn't stopped him from working out with some of his teammates in a private setting, according to Tyler Drake of Arizona Sports. Brissett posted on his Instagram recently after a workout with receivers Marvin Harrison Jr. and Simi Fehoko, tight ends Trey McBride and Elijah Higgins, and quarterback Kedon Slovis. Despite the uncertainty about Brissett's contract situation, he's expected to be Arizona's Week 1 starter under center in new head coach Mike LaFleur's offense in early September. The 33-year-old had a career year in 2025 in his 10th year in the league after taking over for the injured Kyler Murray, throwing for 3,366 yards, 23 touchdowns, and eight interceptions in a pass-happy offense. He established great chemistry with McBride and receiver Michael Wilson, but pass-game volume is expected to fall under LaFleur in 2026. And if Brissett struggles, there could be pressure to give rookie Carson Beck a look. Coming off a career year with regression expected, Brissett should go undrafted in single-QB, 12-team fantasy leagues. RotoBaller has Brissett ranked as the QB27 going into the 2026 campaign.
Source: Arizona Sports - Tyler Drake
Source: Arizona Sports - Tyler Drake
Christian Yelich is a Sell-High Candidate
Milwaukee Brewers outfielder Christian Yelich is not having a very successful year at the plate. Fantasy managers were hopeful Yelich would continue to succeed after blasting 29 home runs a year ago. Instead, it appears that time is finally catching up to the 34-year-old veteran outfielder. Through 56 games, Yelich is slashing .242/.326/.381 with six home runs, 31 RBI, and six steals. Despite his struggles at the plate, Yelich remains rostered in 89% of Yahoo leagues coming into Thursday's game against the St. Louis Cardinals. The Brewers have been cautious with Yelich by giving him plenty of rest days and action at designated hitter. Yelich has been able to stay on the field, but it's not helping him at the plate. Fantasy managers should attempt to sell-high on Yelich at the deadline and try to score something to help their team down the stretch of the season. Yelich has enough name value that fantasy managers should be able to move him for something of value.
Source: Baseball Reference
Source: Baseball Reference
Kyler Murray, J.J. McCarthy Dead-Even in QB Competition Heading into Camp?
Minnesota Vikings head coach Kevin O'Connell wouldn't shed much light on where the quarterback competition stands between Kyler Murray and J.J. McCarthy during an appearance on The Dan Patrick Show with training camp quickly approaching later this month, according to NFL.com's Nick Shook. "Kyler has come in and done a great job," O'Connell said. "J.J., I think, has benefited from it; he's had a really good spring. Carson Wentz is this veteran quarterback in the room," O'Connell said. Some believe that Murray is already the favorite to win the starting job, but O'Connell isn't going to admit it before camp even begins. Murray, 28, flamed out with the Arizona Cardinals and is no stranger to injury, but given his experience and dual-threat abilities, he makes sense as the QB1 to begin the 2026 regular season, and he will have clear bounce-back potential in a better offensive situation in Minnesota with a QB whisperer as his new head coach. In fantasy, Murray is the much more intriguing QB2 option with upside because of his rushing ability. RotoBaller has Murray ranked as the QB19, with McCarthy not even listed among the top-34 signal-callers.
Source: NFL.com - Nick Shook
Source: NFL.com - Nick Shook
Dalano Banton Gets Waived by Celtics
Boston Celtics forward Dalano Banton was waived by the organization on Thursday, according to Adam Himmelsbach. Banton signed a two-year deal with the team towards the end of the regular season. It was a non-guaranteed deal, so the team has decided to move on and look elsewhere for depth. Banton has bounced around in the league, but averaged 16.7 points during his time with the Portland Trail Blazers in 2023. He has been playing minutes in the teens since then, but will look to land elsewhere as a depth option.
Source: Adam Himmelsbach
Source: Adam Himmelsbach
Nate Boerkircher the Favorite for TE2 Duties in Jacksonville
Sports Illustrated's John Shipley writes that Jacksonville Jaguars rookie second-rounder Nate Boerkircher is the favorite to be the team's No. 2 tight end behind Brenton Strange in 2026. Boerkircher had only 38 catches for 417 yards and four touchdowns in five collegiate seasons with Nebraska and Texas A&M, but the Jags "have been extremely high on their rookie" and what he can do for the rest of the offense. The 6-foot-4, 220-pounder figures to make an impact immediately as a blocker, but they also think that he has untapped potential in the passing game. It won't be easy for Boerkircher, though, as he'll face competition from Quinton Morris and fellow rookie fifth-rounder Tanner Koziol. Koziol was "hands-down the most impressive tight end" not named Strange during offseason workouts. Depending on how the numbers shake out for the final 53-man roster, Hunter Long could be the odd-man out at the position. For Jacksonville's No. 2 TE role, blocking will be a point of emphasis, and Boerkircher definitely has the upper hand there over Koziol, whose blocking was a serious question mark in college.
Source: Sports Illustrated - John Shipley
Source: Sports Illustrated - John Shipley
Pete Nance Agrees to Two-Year Deal With Bucks
The Milwaukee Bucks have signed forward Pete Nance to a two-year, veteran-minimum contract, according to Jake Fischer. The Bucks waived Nance last week, but have decided to bring him back on a two-year, non-guaranteed deal. This past season, Nance averaged 5.4 points, 2.7 rebounds, and 1.0 assists across 15.7 minutes per game in 47 contests. This was the most that Nance has played since entering the league with the Cleveland Cavaliers in 2023. It's unclear if the 26-year-old will even have a consistent role in the rotation, but they've decided to bring him back as depth.
Source: Jake Fischer
Source: Jake Fischer
Travis Hunter's Snaps Likely to be Managed Early in Training Camp
The Florida Times-Union's Ryan O'Halloran writes that "fully cleared" for Jacksonville Jaguars two-way player Travis Hunter (knee) won't mean "full-go" at the start of training camp at the end of this month. Internally, the expectation is that Hunter's snaps will likely be managed early on in camp because it will be his first team work since October of last year before his season-ending knee injury. The goal is for Hunter to be ready for the Sept. 13 regular-season opener against the Cleveland Browns, and not for the Aug. 15 preseason contest against the New Orleans Saints. The former second overall pick and Heisman Trophy winner was just starting to hit his stride offensively for the Jags last year before injuring his LCL. He finished his rookie campaign with a disappointing 28-298-1 line on 45 targets across seven games (four starts). Fantasy managers who bought into the hype and drafted him with hopes of him being a WR2 in Year 1 were sorely disappointed. In Year 2, the Jags are expected to use him more on defense, and in a crowded WR room that also features Jakobi Meyers, Brian Thomas Jr., and Parker Washington, the target competition is going to be stiff. Expectations have now been tempered for the two-way star, with RotoBaller dropping him to No. 73 in the WR rankings for the 2026 season.
Source: The Florida Times-Union - Ryan O'Halloran
Source: The Florida Times-Union - Ryan O'Halloran
Browns Interested in Trading Shedeur Sanders?
The NFL Network's James Palmer reports that "there have been some things circulating" that the Cleveland Browns "could be moving on" from second-year quarterback Shedeur Sanders. Cleveland now has plenty of draft capital and are expected to be in on the strong QB class in next year's NFL draft. Palmer also reports that Sanders is "making up ground" and "has closed the gap" in the quarterback competition with veteran Deshaun Watson. The belief is that the competition is close this summer in training camp, the Browns will go with Watson, who has more NFL experience and also much more invested into him by the organization. Sanders is improving in terms of his pocket presence and in going through his progressions, and he's done everything right since he fell to the fifth round in last year's draft. Accuracy is the 24-year-old's strength, but he's been more of a developmental prospect in terms of playing under center, reading defenses, and playing with anticipation. Palmer is not convinced that the Browns are set on trading Sanders because of the improvement that he's shown since joining the NFL. Neither Watson nor Sanders will carry much value in single-QB, 12-team fantasy leagues in 2026, but now might be a good time to buy low on Sanders in dynasty/keeper formats.
Source: NFL Network - James Palmer
Source: NFL Network - James Palmer
Charles Bassey Lands With Warriors
The Golden State Warriors have signed forward/center Charles Bassey to a one-year deal on Thursday. The Warriors decided not to match the offer sheet on Quinten Post, so he'll head to the Memphis Grizzlies. It didn't take them long to find another big man as they signed Bassey on what is assumed to be a veteran minimum deal. Bassey played with four organizations this past season, including the Warriors. He has bounced around in the league, but only played minutes in the teens when he was getting consistent playing time. He'll likely be a reserve option for the Warriors, but there's no guarantee that Bassey will be a significant part of the rotation.
Source: Shams Charania
Source: Shams Charania
Kawhi Leonard Trade on Hold Due to Ongoing Investigation
The Los Angeles Clippers recently agreed to trade forward Kawhi Leonard to the Toronto Raptors. In exchange, the Clippers get back Brandon Ingram, Gradey Dick, and draft compensation. This deal was done at the end of June, but has been put on hold while the league continues its investigation into the Clippers' Aspiration scandal. There is a possible outcome where Leonard faces a suspension for his involvement in this scandal. The expectation is that Leonard will be allowed to play, and this deal will be completed ahead of training camp. There should be more details on this situation in the coming weeks.
Source: Shams Charania
Source: Shams Charania
Jordan Clarkson Heading Back to the Knicks
The New York Knicks have agreed to terms on a one-year deal with guard Jordan Clarkson on Thursday. According to Shams Charania, Clarkson is headed back to New York on a one-year, $3.9 million deal for the 2026-2027 season. Clarkson was a valuable depth piece on this roster during their championship run. He averaged 8.6 points, 1.3 assists, and 1.8 rebounds in 17.8 minutes per game across 72 contests last season. The 34-year-old figures to have a similar role on this roster again next season. Clarkson probably won't have nightly fantasy value as a rotational piece, but this is a solid move for the Knicks roster.
Source: Shams Charania
Source: Shams Charania
White Sox Considering Three Players With First Overall Pick in Upcoming Draft
The Chicago White Sox are deciding between UCLA shortstop Roch Cholowsky, Georgia Tech catcher Vahn Lackey, and Texas high school shortstop Grady Emerson with the first overall pick in this year's MLB draft, according to Jesse Rogers of ESPN. Emerson closed the gap on Cholowsky during his senior year of high school, but vice president of amateur scouting Mike Shirley said Cholowsky "held serve" during his junior year with the Bruins, hitting .320 with 21 home runs. Shirley called Lackey a "supreme catcher who could define the position." The White Sox are expected to take the best overall player, but the conversations on who that will be on Saturday are still ongoing up to the minute. The White Sox have a lot to be excited about with the first overall pick, as well as the fact that after three straight 100-loss seasons, they are currently in first place in the American League Central. "I don't want to pick 1-1 again," Shirley said. "I want to pass this on to someone else, and I want the White Sox to win a championship here real soon."
Source: ESPN Chicago - Jesse Rogers
Source: ESPN Chicago - Jesse Rogers
Marlins to Give Max Meyer Extra Rest Going into the All-Star Break
Miami Marlins right-hander Max Meyer will not make his scheduled start in Sunday's series finale against the Cleveland Guardians, according to Kevin Barral of Fish on First. The Marlins will go with a bullpen game to close out the first half of the regular season with the All-Star break coming on Monday. Meyer isn't hurt, but the Marlins want to give him some extra rest going into the second half. The 27-year-old will not pitch in the All-Star Game next week, either. Meyer, who has already exceeded 100 innings pitched this year for the first time in his career, is in the midst of a breakout season in his fourth year with the Fish. The Marlins could continue to manage his innings in the second half, too, considering he hasn't thrown more than 64 2/3 frames in the big leagues before this year. Meyer has gone 9-1 with a 2.58 ERA (3.54 FIP) and 1.11 WHIP with 116 strikeouts and 38 walks in his 19 starts. He's a must-hold in keeper leagues, but in redraft formats, fantasy managers may want to consider selling high on Meyer, who has a 3.78 xERA and .302 xwOBA (wOBA of .280).
Source: Fish On First - Kevin Barral
Source: Fish On First - Kevin Barral
J.T. Ginn to Make his Next Start on Sunday
Athletics right-hander J.T. Ginn (illness) is set to make his next start in Sunday's series finale against the Chicago White Sox to close out the first half of the regular season, according to Jason Burke of Inside the A's. The 27-year-old was pulled from his last start early on Tuesday against the Detroit Tigers due to an illness, but he's already feeling better and should be able to take the ball this weekend on the South Side of Chicago. The former second-round pick by the New York Mets in 2020 out of Mississippi State University is having his best season in 2026 in his third year in the league, going 7-5 with a 3.10 ERA (4.28 FIP) and 1.22 WHIP with 86 strikeouts and 43 walks in 98 2/3 innings pitched across his 20 appearances (17 starts). Ginn has allowed three earned runs or fewer in each of his last five starts, allowing just 11 runs (nine earned) while walking 13 and striking out 21 over that span. However, he hasn't had more than five strikeouts in any of his last six starts and sports a career-high 10.5% walk rate. Ginn is definitely more attractive away from hitter-friendly Sutter Health Park,
Source: Inside the A's - Jason Burke
Source: Inside the A's - Jason Burke
Zack Gelof Exits Thursday's Game With Knee Injury
Athletics infielder/outfielder Zack Gelof (knee) was forced from Thursday's game early in the third inning against the Detroit Tigers after making an amazing sliding catch in foul territory down the third-base line, according to Chris McCosky of The Detroit News. Gelof went 0-for-1 at the plate before he was replaced in left field by Colby Thomas. Lawrence Butler entered the game to play right field for the A's. The 26-year-old had just returned from the injured list over the weekend due to a hand injury, but now he's hurt again. It remains to be seen how serious Gelof's right-knee injury is, but with only three games remaining before next week's All-Star break, the A's could be cautious with Gelof and hold him out for this weekend's series in Chicago against the White Sox. Before injuring his hand, Gelof had become an intriguing waiver-wire pickup with eligibility at second base, third base, and the outfield in Yahoo leagues. He entered Thursday's game with a .274/.328/.478 slash line, an .806 OPS, 11 home runs, 29 RBI, 41 runs, and eight steals in 66 games played. Gelof's power/speed upside is more interesting in 2026 since he has a career-low 25.2% strikeout rate.
Source: The Detroit News - Chris McCosky
Source: The Detroit News - Chris McCosky
Red Sox Promote Brett Harris, Can he Carve Out a Role?
The Boston Red Sox called up third baseman Brett Harris from Triple-A Worcester on Thursday, according to Milb Central. Harris, a former seventh-round pick by the Athletics in 2021 out of Gonzaga University, was acquired from the A's last month after he hit .336 (50-for-149) with five home runs, 34 RBI, 32 runs scored, and three stolen bases in 37 games with Triple-A Las Vegas. The 28-year-old appeared in four games at the big-league level with the A's earlier this year, but he went hitless in six plate appearances with a walk and two strikeouts. In 68 games (207 plate appearances) with the A's in 2024 and 2025, Harris hit .199 (35-for-176) with three homers, 17 RBI, 26 runs, a steal, 24 walks, and 46 strikeouts. After being called up by Boston on Thursday, Harris made the start at first base in the 2-1 win over the Chicago White Sox and went 0-for-2. He could see more playing time to close out the first half of the season in Boston with Willson Contreras (foot) serving a five-game suspension, but he should only attract short-term waiver-wire interest in deep AL-only leagues.
Source: Milb Central
Source: Milb Central
Tigers Promote Catching Prospect Eduardo Valencia, Worth a Deep-League Pickup?
The Detroit Tigers recalled catching prospect Eduardo Valencia from Triple-A Toledo on Thursday, with primary catcher Dillon Dingler injuring his thumb on Wednesday, according to Daniel Alvarez-Montes of ElExtraBase. Valencia, 26, is considered the Tigers' No. 21 prospect per MLB Pipeline, and he will join the major-league squad for the first time after slashing .267/.353/.486 with an .840 OPS, 16 home runs, 49 RBI, 56 runs scored, and a stolen base in 76 games and 331 plate appearances this year with the Mud Hens. The 6-foot-1, 180-pounder has successfully added more lift to his swing this year, but he's still a work in progress as a defensive backstop. For the time being, he'll provide Detroit with some extra catching depth to close out the first half of the regular season with Dingler banged up. Dingler's thumb injury isn't considered very serious, though, so we doubt that Valencia will see much playing time before next week's All-Star break. For now, he's merely a catching prospect to watch in dynasty/keeper leagues for his power from the right side.
Source: ElExtraBase - Daniel Alvarez-Montes
Source: ElExtraBase - Daniel Alvarez-Montes
Hunter Goodman Returns as DH on Thursday Against Giants
Colorado Rockies catcher Hunter Goodman (wrist) is serving as the designated hitter and is batting cleanup for the Rockies in Thursday's series finale against the division-rival San Francisco Giants and left-hander Carson Whisenhunt at Oracle Park, according to MLB.com. Goodman will return to the starting lineup after missing the last two games with a wrist injury that he suffered on Monday. Fantasy managers will want to get the power-hitting backstop back into their starting lineups in all traditional formats. The 26-year-old former fourth-round pick in 2021 out of the University of Memphis is proving that last year's breakout was no fluke, as he enters Thursday's action with a .250/.318/.543 slash line, .861 OPS, 27 home runs, 51 RBI, 58 runs scored, and five stolen bases across 324 at-bats in his fourth year in the big leagues. He has hit .280 (28-for-100) with seven of his 27 dingers against lefties this year and has also hit .275 with 18 of his long balls on the road in 2026. Goodman comes into Thursday's action tied for fourth in the big leagues with Junior Caminero in home runs.
Source: MLB.com
Source: MLB.com
Seiya Suzuki Leaves Early on Thursday Due to Calf Cramps
Chicago Cubs outfielder Seiya Suzuki (calf) left Thursday's game early against the Baltimore Orioles after experiencing cramping in his calf, according to Vinnie Duber of the Chicago Sun-Times. Neither Suzuki nor the Cubs is worried about it. "I'm going to go eat about 100 bananas," Suzuki said through an interpreter. Before being replaced in right field by Justin Dean in the eighth inning, Suzuki went 3-for-4 at the plate in the eventual 3-2 loss at Camden Yards with his 15th home run of the year and two RBI to raise his season average to .266 and his OPS to .314. Fantasy managers will want to check back on Suzuki's status to see if he's available for Friday's series opener in Cincinnati against the division-rival Reds. The 31-year-old Japanese native came into Thursday's series finale in Baltimore with a .260/.342/.449 slash line, .791 OPS, 14 homers, 45 RBI, and 44 runs across 76 games in his fifth year with the Cubs. Suzuki has two homers in the last two games and three homers in seven games so far in July.
Source: Chicago Sun-Times - Vinnie Duber
Source: Chicago Sun-Times - Vinnie Duber
Manny Machado Back in Lineup Following Foot Injury
San Diego Padres third baseman Manny Machado is back at the hot corner and is batting cleanup for the Friars in Thursday's series finale against the division-rival Arizona Diamondbacks and right-hander Merrill Kelly, per MLB.com. Machado didn't play in Wednesday night's 10-4 victory over the Snakes as a precaution after fouling a ball off his foot in Tuesday's win, but he'll be right back in there after just one day off. The 34-year-old seven-time All-Star and three-time Silver Slugger winner has 18 home runs in his 15th year in the big leagues, but he's also hitting a career-low .188 (61-for-324) with a career-high 22.7% strikeout rate in 374 plate appearances in 2026. Machado has picked things up a bit of late, though, going 15-for-59 (.254) with six home runs, five doubles, 15 RBI, 11 runs scored, and a stolen base in his last 17 games, dating back to June 20. He has plenty of experience against Kelly, but he's hit just .159 against him with a .458 OPS, one homer, and four RBI in 44 career at-bats.
Source: MLB.com
Source: MLB.com
Wyatt Langford Activated and Starting on Thursday
The Texas Rangers announced on Thursday that they activated outfielder Wyatt Langford (hamstring) from the 10-day injured list and optioned infielder Josh Smith to Triple-A Round Rock in a corresponding move. Langford is serving as the designated hitter and is batting second for Thursday's series finale at home against the division-rival Los Angeles Angels and left-hander Reid Detmers. The 24-year-old former fourth overall pick in the 2023 MLB draft out of the University of Florida will return to the Rangers' lineup without having gone on a minor-league rehab assignment after missing under two weeks with a strained left hamstring. Fantasy managers will want to get the power/speed threat back in their starting lineups right away. Injuries have been the story of Langford's career to this point in his third MLB season. He's been good when healthy in 2026, hitting .278/.324/.500 with an .824 OPS, eight home runs, 20 RBI, 23 runs scored, and six stolen bases across 40 games and 173 plate appearances. Langford has hit .200 with a homer and two RBI in just five career at-bats against Detmers.
Source: Texas Rangers PR
Source: Texas Rangers PR
Matt McLain Out on Thursday With Calf Injury
Cincinnati Reds manager Terry Francona said that middle infielder Matt McLain (calf) is out of the starting lineup on Thursday against the Philadelphia Phillies because his calf is a little beat up, according to Charlie Goldsmith of FOX 19. Edwin Arroyo is starting at the keystone and will bat eighth versus Phillies left-hander Jesus Luzardo. McLain's injury doesn't sound all that serious, but the Reds could elect to be cautious and give the struggling 26-year-old some extra rest this weekend before next week's All-Star break. The former 17th overall pick out of UCLA in 2021 continues to lose playing time while hitting just .190/.293/.328 with a .622 OPS, eight home runs, 25 RBI, 11 stolen bases, and 32 runs scored in 83 games across 309 plate appearances. McLain should have some positive regression in the second half, but his .226 xBA and .317 xwOBA don't scream buy-low candidate in fantasy circles. His next chance to return to the lineup will come on Friday at home versus the division-rival Chicago Cubs.
Source: FOX 19 - Charlie Goldsmith
Source: FOX 19 - Charlie Goldsmith
Dillon Dingler Out on Thursday, Considered Day-to-Day
Detroit Tigers catcher Dillon Dingler (thumb) is out of the starting lineup for Thursday's contest against the visiting Athletics, but he said his hand feels "10 times better" than it did on Wednesday, according to Tigers reporter Logan Reever. The All-Star catcher will be day-to-day as the team waits for the swelling in his right thumb to go down. Detroit is encouraged about a quick return, possibly on Friday for the series opener against the Philadelphia Phillies. Jake Rogers will do the catching for left-hander Framber Valdez in the series finale against the A's on Thursday and will hit eighth against left-hander Jose Suarez. Dingler departed Wednesday's game early after a foul tip hit his thumb, but thankfully, X-rays came back clean, and he could play again this weekend before next week's All-Star break. The 27-year-old right-handed-hitting backstop is rostered in 89% of Yahoo leagues thanks to a breakout 2026 campaign. Dingler came into Thursday with a .264/.325/.516 slash line, .841 OPS, 19 home runs, 60 RBI, and 48 runs scored across 318 at-bats in his second full season in the majors.
Source: Logan Reever
Source: Logan Reever
Nick Kurtz Returns From Illness on Thursday
Athletics first baseman Nick Kurtz (illness) is serving as the designated hitter and is batting second for the A's in Thursday's contest against the hosting Detroit Tigers and left-hander Framber Valdez, according to MLB.com. Kurtz returns to the starting nine a day after he was pulled in the second inning of Wednesday's game because he was feeling sick. Despite slowing down at the plate recently and facing a lefty, fantasy managers in all traditional leagues will want to get Kurtz back into their starting lineups now that he's feeling better. The 23-year-old left-handed slugger and former fourth overall pick out of Wake Forest University in 2024 brings elite power. Kurtz had 36 homers and 86 RBI in 117 games in his rookie campaign in 2025 and is currently slashing .270/.409/.503 with a .912 OPS, 20 homers, 66 RBI, 61 runs, seven stolen bases, and a league-high 76 walks across 408 plate appearances. He has gone hitless in 14 at-bats with seven strikeouts in his last four games, but he's also hitting .667 with a homer and two RBI in six career at-bats against Valdez.
Source: MLB.com
Source: MLB.com
Tre' Harris has a Path to Relevance, but Target Competition Will be Fierce
Los Angeles Chargers wide receiver Tre' Harris has a better Year 2 setup than his rookie numbers show, but his path to consistent targets will be complicated. Harris caught just 30 passes for 324 yards and one touchdown in 17 games last season, a quiet start for a 2025 second-round pick. The Chargers still have reasons to keep developing him. He is 24, has 6-foot-3 size, and averaged 17.2 yards per catch at Ole Miss before Los Angeles drafted him 55th overall. Mike McDaniel's arrival also gives the Chargers offense a different look around Justin Herbert, which at least keeps the door open for new usage patterns. The issue is that Harris has to earn targets, not just snaps. Ladd McConkey is the clear top receiver, Quentin Johnston is directly ahead of him on the depth chart, and Oronde Gadsden plus David Njoku add tight-end volume to the mix. At WR81 on RotoBaller's board, Harris is a late redraft swing and dynasty hold, not someone to buy as if the breakout already happened.
Source: RotoBaller
Source: RotoBaller
Jalen Nailor Still More Dart Throw Than Dynasty Buy
Las Vegas Raiders wide receiver Jalen Nailor has a better opportunity than he ever had in Minnesota, but that does not automatically make him a dynasty buy. Nailor is already 27 and has never topped 29 catches or 444 receiving yards in a season, which matters for a player whose value is still built more on projection than proven volume. The Raiders did make a real commitment with a three-year deal that includes $23 million guaranteed, and the fit is interesting after he produced 57 catches, 858 yards, and 10 touchdowns over his last two seasons in Minnesota. He also reunites with Kirk Cousins in a wide receiver room where Tre Tucker is the top returning producer but not an untouchable target hog. Still, Brock Bowers should lead the passing game, Jack Bech and Dont'e Thornton Jr. are entering Year 2, and Malik Benson adds more speed. Sitting at WR66 on RotoBaller's board, Nailor is fine as a late redraft or best-ball swing. Dynasty managers should be careful paying like a breakout is already here.
Source: RotoBaller
Source: RotoBaller
RJ Harvey Still Has Upside, But Workload Is Messy
Denver Broncos running back RJ Harvey (shoulder) still has enough upside to draft, but managers should not treat him like a clean Year 2 breakout. Harvey scored 12 total touchdowns as a rookie, catching 47 passes for 356 yards while adding 540 rushing yards and seven scores on the ground. Denver has praised his route-running and playmaking with the ball in his hands, and that receiving role still matters in Sean Payton's offense. The problem is the backfield did not get simpler. J.K. Dobbins is back on a two-year deal after looking like Denver's best early-down runner when healthy, and the Broncos used a fourth-round pick on Jonah Coleman, a physical runner with third-down ability. Harvey is also coming off offseason shoulder surgery, so training camp matters. RotoBaller has him ranked RB35 across formats, which fits the risk. He is an upside bench pick in redraft and a dynasty hold, not someone to value like a locked-in lead back.
Source: RotoBaller
Source: RotoBaller
J.K. Dobbins Better as Redraft Asset Than as a Dynasty Hold
Denver Broncos running back J.K. Dobbins (foot) is easier to trust as a 2026 redraft pick than as a long-term dynasty hold. Dobbins looked good when available last season, rushing for 772 yards and four touchdowns in 10 games while averaging 5.0 yards per carry. Denver then brought him back on a two-year deal, so there is still a real early-down path in Sean Payton's offense. The problem is how much managers can actually count on. Dobbins is 27, missed the final seven regular-season games with the foot injury, and the Broncos have added real competition around him. RJ Harvey was a second-round pick in 2025, and fourth-round rookie Jonah Coleman has already been framed as part of a possible three-headed run game. RotoBaller has Dobbins priced around RB30-RB31, which is fair for the risk. He can help redraft managers and dynasty contenders, but rebuilders should sell if another manager is buying a full rebound.
Source: RotoBaller
Source: RotoBaller
