RADIO
Caleb Thielbar Notches Third Save on Saturday, Remains a Deep-League Waiver Wire Target
Chicago Cubs left-hander Caleb Thielbar picked up his third save of the season on Saturday, pitching a scoreless ninth inning in his team's 5-2 win over the New York Yankees. Across 34 innings (39 games) in 2026, Thielbar has recorded a 3.97 ERA and 1.21 WHIP with 43 strikeouts. The 39-year-old has missed bats at an impressive rate so far this season, striking out 30.3% of the batters he's faced. With Cubs closer Daniel Palencia (elbow) currently on the injured list due to elbow inflammation, Thielber appears to be part of a closer committee in Chicago with right-handers Trent Thornton and Jacob Webb. While fantasy managers should not expect Thielbar to see every save opportunity for the Cubs, the veteran left-hander could be worth targeting on the waiver wire in deeper leagues as a quality source of strikeouts and the occasional save.
Source: RotoBaller
Source: RotoBaller
Gregory Soto Re-Emerging as Ninth-Inning Favorite in Pittsburgh
Pittsburgh Pirates left-hander Gregory Soto picked up his 14th save of the season on Saturday, pitching a scoreless ninth inning with a strikeout in his team's 4-1 win over the Cincinnati Reds. It was a nice bounce-back outing for Soto, who allowed the game-winning run to score after entering the ninth inning with the game tied against Cincinnati on Thursday. Soto had a rough month in June, allowing 11 earned runs in 7 1/3 innings. However, he stabilized himself in July, allowing just two earned runs while notching 11 strikeouts and two saves. Soto's numbers for the year overall remain strong, as he's posted a 27.7% strikeout rate and a 3.69 ERA. Barring an addition to the Pirates' bullpen in the next couple of days before the trade deadline, Soto remains the saves source to target in Pittsburgh.
Source: RotoBaller
Source: RotoBaller
Rays Acquiring Freddy Peralta From the Mets
The Tampa Bay Rays are acquiring right-handed starting pitcher Freddy Peralta from the New York Mets on Sunday, league sources told Will Sammon of The Athletic. It's unclear who the Rays sent to the Mets in return. Peralta was basically a lock to be traded by Monday's Aug. 3 deadline from the last-place Mets after he was acquired from the Milwaukee Brewers in January of this year. The 30-year-old veteran Dominican hurler hasn't exactly had a great 2026 season in Queens, going 5-9 with a 4.99 ERA (4.45 FIP) and 1.48 WHIP with 113 strikeouts and 48 walks in 113 2/3 innings across his 22 starts for the Mets. Since June 20, Peralta has gone off the rails, allowing 33 runs (27 earned) on 45 hits (seven home runs) while walking 15 and striking out 32 in 30 2/3 innings in seven starts (four losses). It all started when he allowed a season-high 10 earned runs to the division-rival Philadelphia Phillies on June 20 on the road. The good news is that Peralta's expected ERA for 2026 sits more than a full run lower than his current ERA, and his xSLG of .363 (SLG of .448) shows that he was hit with some bad luck in his short time with the Mets. The Rays will be hoping to turn his season around down the stretch as they look to stay atop the American League East.
Source: The Athletic - Will Sammon
Source: The Athletic - Will Sammon
Several Owners Believe the Entire 2027 Season Could be Wiped Out
According to Bob Nightengale of USA Today, several MLB owners believe the entire 2027 season could be wiped out. "It's nearly impossible to find an owner these days who doesn't believe there will be a prolonged work stoppage in 2027," per Nightengale. When an owner was asked the chances of an MLB season happening in 2027, he responded with "maybe 25%, maybe higher." The MLB collective bargaining agreement is set to expire on December 1, with the biggest sticking point of negotiations being the salary cap. MLB owners are pushing hard for a salary cap and floor in the new deal. MLB commissioner Rob Manfred met with interim executive director of the players' union Bruce Meyer and had a brief discussion at the Hall of Fame last weekend. The chances of an MLB season happening in 2027 look dire, but there is still time for both sides to agree on a deal. Stay tuned.
Source: Bob Nightengale of USA Today
Source: Bob Nightengale of USA Today
Seranthony Dominguez Traded to the Mariners
The Chicago White Sox traded reliever Seranthony Dominguez, outfielder Nolan Jones, and catcher Boston Smith to the Seattle Mariners in exchange for right-hander Luis Castillo, according to Jeff Passan of ESPN. Dominguez signed a two-year, $20 million contract with the White Sox this offseason to be the team's closer. He struggled as the team's closer earlier in the season, converting just 12 of 17 save opportunities and eventually lost the job to Grant Taylor and Sean Newcomb in June. The 31-year-old owns a 3.99 ERA, 1.33 WHIP, and 47 strikeouts across 38 1/3 innings. With Andres Munoz locked in as Seattle's closer, Dominguez will be used mostly in leverage situations. Fantasy managers can move on from Dominguez outside leagues that reward saves and holds, as he is third in the pecking order for save chances behind Munoz and Jose A. Ferrer.
Source: Jeff Passan of ESPN
Source: Jeff Passan of ESPN
Kade Anderson has Path to MLB Innings Following Major Trade
Seattle Mariners top pitching prospect Kade Anderson should be on the radar of all fantasy managers heading into Week 19. On Saturday, the Mariners traded veteran right-handed pitcher Luis Castillo to the Chicago White Sox per ESPN's Jeff Passan. This move opens a role in their starting rotation for a potential sixth man. While Emerson Hancock currently occupies the No. 5 spot in the rotation, he has also been linked to many trade rumors, which would create an even clearer path for the team's No. 1 prospect to play a major role over the final stretch. Anderson has been knocking on the MLB door since making his pro debut in 2026. Through his first 16 starts at Double-A (82 1/3 innings), the southpaw has posted a dominant 1.20 ERA, 0.66 WHIP, and a 119:12 K:BB. Even if the Mariners were to hold Hancock through the deadline, Anderson could find a role as a sixth man in the staff. If Hancock were to move to a new club, the budding southpaw could earn the call immediately after. He is a priority stash target across all formats as he would hold must-start upside on a per-start basis.
Source: Jeff Passan
Source: Jeff Passan
Pitching Prospect Brady Smith to Join Tigers in Major Trade
Right-handed pitching prospect Brady Smith is set to join the Detroit Tigers, according to Jeff Passan of ESPN, in the deal that sent Tarik Skubal to the two-time reigning World Series Champions. Smith was viewed as the No. 29 prospect in the Dodgers system prior to the deal. While Zyhir Hope and River Ryan are viewed as the headliners in this deal, Smith has shown high-end strikeout upside in the lower levels and could be worth close monitoring in deeper dynasty leagues. He began the 2026 season at the Low-A level, where he racked up an impressive 104 strikeouts over only 65 innings of work with a 3.88 ERA. However, since moving up to High-A (9 1/3 innings), Smith has allowed eight runs and totaled just nine punchouts. While the right-hander will need some time as he progresses through the minor leagues, his strikeout potential makes him worth following for the remainder of the second half.
Source: Jeff Passan
Source: Jeff Passan
Dodgers Send Top Pitching Prospect River Ryan to Detroit
The Los Angeles Dodgers are trading right-handed pitching prospect River Ryan, alongside fellow right-hander Brady Smith and outfielder Zyhir Hope, to the Detroit Tigers in exchange for starting pitcher Tarik Skubal, per Jeff Passan of ESPN. While Hope is the headliner of this deal, Ryan holds high upside on his own. Ryan made his MLB debut in 2024 but logged only 20 1/3 innings with a sharp 1.33 ERA. However, the right-hander then underwent Tommy John surgery, which kept him off the field for all of 2025. Through 2026, Ryan has also been limited due to injuries but has been effective when on the Triple-A bump. With Detroit likely selling off other veteran pieces, Ryan should be in a great position to contend for his second MLB stint once he returns from his current hamstring injury. He is worth closely monitoring as he could emerge as a top stash candidate in the coming weeks.
Source: Jeff Passan
Source: Jeff Passan
Zyhir Hope Shipped to Detroit as Headliner Piece in Blockbuster Deal
The Los Angeles Dodgers traded outfield prospect Zyhir Hope as the headliner in the deal that brought them left-handed pitcher Tarik Skubal on Saturday evening, according to Jeff Passan of ESPN. Hope was viewed as the No. 3-ranked prospect in the Dodgers system before the trade and sits as the No. 19 overall prospect in the sport on MLB Pipeline. Alongside Hope, the Dodgers traded right-handed pitchers River Ryan and Brady Smith. Hope has spent the entire 2026 season at the Double-A level and looked comfortable. Through 94 games at Tulsa, the budding star has posted a dominant .293/.363/.530 line with a .899 OPS, 17 doubles, 23 home runs, and 18 stolen bases. Fantasy managers should keep a close eye on his status as a late-season promotion to Triple-A Toledo is likely in play given how comfortable he has looked at Double-A. He is expected to compete for a 2027 MLB debut.
Source: Jeff Passan
Source: Jeff Passan
Mariners Trade Luis Castillo to the White Sox
Seattle Mariners right-hander Luis Castillo was traded to the Chicago White Sox in exchange for Seranthony Dominguez, Nolan Jones, and Boston Smith, according to Jeff Passan on ESPN. Castillo will head to Chicago to bolster the team's starting rotation as the White Sox make a playoff push. The 31-year-old struggled in his previous start against the Dodgers, allowing five runs on 11 hits across five innings. He didn't record a win in July and owned an ugly 5.48 ERA. Hopefully, the move to Chicago will help Castillo turn things around this season. He owns a (3-9) record along with a 5.06 ERA, 1.39 WHIP, and an 86:32 K:BB across 99 2/3 innings. Chicago hopes to get the version of Castillo who posted a 3.50 ERA and a 1.15 WHIP from 2023-2025. It's unclear when Castillo will make his debut with the White Sox, but the change of scenery should only help him rebound from what is the worst season of his career so far.
Source: Jeff Passan of ESPN
Source: Jeff Passan of ESPN
Tarik Skubal Traded to Dodgers for Three Prospects
The Detroit Tigers have finalized a trade to send their ace pitcher Tarik Skubal to the Los Angeles Dodgers in exchange for three prospects - outfielder Zyhir Hope, pitcher River Ryan, and pitcher Brady Smith, according to Jeff Passan of ESPN. Hope is considered to be one of the top prospects in all of baseball, with big long-term fantasy upside, and is currently ranked #14 on Eric Cross's most recent dynasty fantasy baseball prospect rankings. He is currently in Double-A and sporting a .293/.369/.530 line with 23 home runs, 18 steals, and 87 RBI across 372 at-bats.
Source: Jeff Passan - ESPN
Source: Jeff Passan - ESPN
Lane Thomas, Bailey Falter Traded to the Braves
Kansas City Royals outfielder Lane Thomas and left-handed pitcher Bailey Falter were traded to the Atlanta Braves on Saturday, according to Mark Feinsand of MLB.com. There is no return package for the Royals yet, but that should be announced shortly. This season, Thomas is slashing .230/.325/.392 with 10 home runs, 37 RBI, and seven stolen bases across 96 games. He doesn't have great stats, but he excels against left-handed pitching. Thomas remains a deep league option, but a move to a better lineup in Atlanta should help his fantasy value. As for Falter, he owns a 13.97 ERA across five appearances this season. He's unlikely to be fantasy relevant unless the Braves work their magic on him.
Source: Mark Feinsand
Source: Mark Feinsand
Zyhir Hope is Scratched from Saturday's Lineup
Los Angeles Dodgers outfielders Zyhir Hope and Kendall George have been scratched from the starting lineup ahead of Saturday's game with Double-A Tulsa, according to Jon Heyman of the MLB Network. There is no injury reason given for their absence, so the assumption is that both players could be part of an upcoming blockbuster trade. Hope is considered one of the best outfield prospects in the league and is currently ranked as the No. 25 prospect in baseball. George is a former first-round pick who offers good upside with the bat as well. Fantasy managers should stay tuned for more updates on this situation in the coming days.
Source: Jon Heyman
Source: Jon Heyman
Luis Arraez Scratched on Saturday With More Cramping
San Francisco Giants second baseman Luis Arraez (cramping) was scratched ahead of Saturday's game against the San Diego Padres. Arraez was forced to leave Friday's contest due to cramping. He'll be held out of the lineup here due to the same issue. The Giants are likely going to be careful with Arraez, with the trade deadline only a few days away. The 29-year-old is expected to be traded, with the Rays, Red Sox, and Yankees reportedly showing interest. This season, Arraez is slashing .328/.364/.446 with four home runs, 43 RBI, and 10 stolen bases in 104 games. It wouldn't be shocking to see the Giants hold him out of the lineup until they likely trade him on Monday.
Source: mlb.com
Source: mlb.com
Red Sox's Trade Discussions for Elly De La Cruz Have Stalled Out
Cincinnati Reds shortstop Elly De La Cruz is reportedly on the trade block ahead of Monday's trade deadline. The Boston Red Sox attempted to make a deal for De La Cruz, but the two sides couldn't agree on a deal. According to Sean McAdam, the Reds wanted young major leaguers in exchange for De La Cruz. The Red Sox were unwilling to move their young MLB talent and would rather trade from within their farm system. It doesn't sound like a deal is going to happen between the two, but it wouldn't be shocking to see the Red Sox add another bat before the deadline is over.
Source: Sean McAdam
Source: Sean McAdam
