RADIO
Dalton Rushing Is a Strong Two-Catcher Add 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
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
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
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
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
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
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
