RADIO
Ben Brown is Worth Adding During Breakout Campaign
Chicago Cubs pitcher Ben Brown is in the midst of a breakout campaign and is quickly becoming a top waiver wire option. The right-hander is coming off his best start of the season against the Pittsburgh Pirates on Monday. Brown tossed six innings, allowing one earned run while striking out seven batters. Overall, Brown owns a 2.01 ERA, 0.98 WHIP, and a 47:14 K:BB ratio across 16 appearances (four starts) with the Cubs this season. Brown started the season in a multi-inning role in the bullpen, but was moved into the starting rotation due to injuries. The Cubs are currently without a handful of starting pitchers, so they need Brown to stay in the rotation for now. Fantasy managers seeking pitching help should consider adding Brown while he's in this hot stretch. There's a chance he heads back to the bullpen eventually, but he's worth an add right now.
Source: Baseball Reference
Source: Baseball Reference
Jacob Latz is Top Option for Saves in Arlington
Texas Rangers relief pitcher Jacob Latz appears to be running away with the closer job in Arlington. Latz earned his sixth save of the season when he recorded four outs to slam the door against the Houston Astros on Tuesday. He did allow a home run in that game, but he remains arguably the best bullpen arm in Texas right now. Latz owns a 2.16 ERA, 0.60 WHIP, and a 23:5 K:BB ratio across 25.0 innings of work this season. It seems like the Rangers are going to continue leaning on Latz as the closer until he gives them a reason to otherwise. Fantasy managers seeking bullpen help or a source of saves should snag Latz before it's too late.
Source: Baseball Reference
Source: Baseball Reference
Connelly Early is Becoming a Must-Add Pitcher
Boston Red Sox starting pitcher Connelly Early is quickly becoming a must-add fantasy option. The southpaw has been solid on the mound over his last handful of starts. Most recently, Early tossed seven scoreless innings, allowing four hits, and striking out seven batters in the win over the Atlanta Braves on Wednesday. The 24-year-old has allowed three earned runs or fewer in four of his last five starts. He also struck out five or more batters in each of his last four starts. Everything seems to be going right for Early at the moment. He's looking like a solid fantasy option at the moment while he's pitching this well.
Source: Baseball Reference
Source: Baseball Reference
Graham Ashcraft is Placed on 60-Day Injured List
Cincinnati Reds relief pitcher Graham Ashcraft (elbow) was placed on the 60-day Injured List on Friday. Ouch, this is a tough break for the Reds with Ashcraft being one of the team's best relievers this season. The expectation is that he'll be sidelined until around August due to a UCL sprain in his right forearm. This season, Ashcraft owns a 3.33 ERA and 32:16 K:BB ratio across 27 innings of work this season. He only notched one save, but was one of the better late-inning options for the Reds. The absence of Ashcraft will put more pressure on Tony Santillan, Pierce Johnson, and Brock Burke.
Source: Charlie Goldsmith
Source: Charlie Goldsmith
Coleman Crow to Start on Friday
Milwaukee Brewers starting pitcher Coleman Crow is scheduled to take the mound against the Houston Astros on Friday. Crow joined the team on Tuesday, with Logan Henderson (back) landing on the 15-day Injured List. The expectation is that Crow is going to take the vacant spot in the rotation until Henderson is ready to return. Crow has pitched well during his previous two outings against the Miami Marlins and Minnesota Twins. He owns a 2.61 ERA with a 7/1 K/BB ratio during those two starts. The 25-year-old is an intriguing deep league streaming option for Friday's slate.
Source: Adam McCalvy
Source: Adam McCalvy
Carson Williams Optioned to Triple-A
Tampa Bay Rays shortstop Carson Williams was optioned to Triple-A Durham on Friday. Williams will head back to the minors after struggling during his short stint with the big league club. Across 33 plate appearances, Williams slashed .100/.156/.133 with three RBI and two walks. Brandon Williamson (back) was activated off the Injured List, so Williams will head to the minors to get everyday at-bats. It shouldn't be too long before Williams is back with the big league club. He can be sent to the waiver wire in redraft formats, but remains a dynasty stash.
Source: Tampa Bay Rays
Source: Tampa Bay Rays
James Tibbs III a Must-Stash Prospect with Opening on MLB Roster?
Los Angeles Dodgers outfield prospect James Tibbs III has been viewed as an intriguing fantasy baseball prospect for a while now, but up until recently, there hadn't been much room for him on the major league roster. That's no longer the case, as outfielder Teoscar Hernandez (hamstring) is headed to the 10-day injured list. While the Dodgers have recalled Ryan Ward to take Hernandez's spot on the 26-man roster for now, Tibbs could force the front office's hand and earn a promotion. Through 51 games this season, he is slashing .310/.413/.616 with 14 home runs, three steals, a 14.6% walk rate, a 25.8% strikeout rate, and 156 wRC+. He's up to 32 extra-base hits on the year, and his blend of contact and power should continue if (and when) he reaches the major league roster. Tibbs has jumped to #12 among outfield prospects in RotoBaller's latest redraft rankings, and he's currently available on the waiver wire in 97% of leagues.
Source: RotoBaller
Source: RotoBaller
Joshua Baez Showcasing Big Power, Emerging as a Must-Stash Prospect
St. Louis Cardinals outfielder Joshua Baez continues to swing a dominant bat at Triple-A, and he has emerged as a must-stash prospect in many fantasy baseball leagues. Through 47 minor league games this year, Baez is slashing .257/.338/.578 with 16 homers, 11 stolen bases, an 8.1% walk rate, a 31.9% strikeout rate, and 130 wRC+. The power is undeniable, and we're impressed that he has showcased decent speed on the basepaths, too. Now, Baez just needs to crack down on strikeouts. While we expect some whiff from a power bat, a 31.9% strikeout rate in Triple-A likely translates to 35% or higher in the majors, which is something Baez needs to avoid. Once he cuts down on strikeouts, he'll likely get his call to the show, marking another key chapter in the development of the 2021 second-round pick. Baez ranks #5 among outfield prospects in RotoBaller's latest redraft rankings, and he's still available in 98% of fantasy baseball leagues.
Source: RotoBaller
Source: RotoBaller
Jacob Gonzalez a Must-Stash Power Bat in Fantasy Baseball
Chicago White Sox shortstop prospect Jacob Gonzalez has been one of the top power hitters in the minor leagues this season, and he's a must-stash player in fantasy baseball as he gets closer to making his MLB debut. Through 51 games this year, the 2023 first-round pick is slashing .308/.414/.646 with 18 home runs, seven steals, a 14.1% walk rate, a 20.5% strikeout rate, and 162 wRC+. While that strikeout rate is a little higher than we'd like to see against Triple-A pitching, it's a fair trade-off when you consider that he's homering once in every 13 plate appearances. The advanced metrics are terrific, too, as Gonzalez owns a 113.6 mph maximum exit velocity (95th percentile), a 12.5% barrel rate (87th percentile), and a 22.6% wiff rate (71st percentile). This is a very advanced profile, and we expect Gonzalez to have a relatively seamless transition to the majors once he does get the call. He projects as a big power bat in the majors, while also offering solid speed and defensive versatility at all four infield positions.
Source: RotoBaller
Source: RotoBaller
Max Clark a Priority Stash with Speed and On-Base Upside
Detroit Tigers outfield prospect Max Clark continues to hit the ball well in Triple-A, using his bat and speed to rise up the prospect rankings in fantasy baseball. Clark has reached base in seven consecutive contests, bringing his season OBP to a respectable mark of .344. Through 47 total games, he's slashing .268/.344/.389 with two homers, 17 total extra-base hits, 12 stolen bases, a 10.2% walk rate, a 14.9% strikeout rate, and 99 wRC+. He's been right around league average in terms of run creation, but his ability to rack up extra-base hits and stolen bases makes him a worthwhile stash in fantasy baseball, even though he's still in the minors. Clark, the No. 3 pick in 2023, is already rostered in 5% of leagues, and we expect that percentage to soar as he gets closer to making his MLB debut. Managers should get ahead of the race to roster Clark and add him while he's still widely available.
Source: RotoBaller
Source: RotoBaller
Edwin Arroyo a Must-Stash Prospect with Power and Speed
Cincinnati Reds shortstop Edwin Arroyo is having a fantastic season at the plate in Triple-A, and it seems like he's due for a promotion to the majors sooner rather than later. Through 51 games this year, he's slashing .332/.393/.567 with 10 home runs, nine steals, a 7.5% walk rate, a 14.9% strikeout rate, and 148 wRC+. His in-zone metrics have been phenomenal, including a 75.5% zone swing rate (89th percentile) and a 90.1% zone contact rate (87th percentile). He also ranks in the top one-third of Triple-A batters with an average exit velocity of 90.1 mph. Arroyo's blend of power and speed makes him a very intriguing prospect to stash in fantasy baseball, as we expect his home run and steal outbursts to continue at the major league level. We would be surprised if Arroyo doesn't get promoted to the majors in June, given how well he has hit all year long.
Source: RotoBaller
Source: RotoBaller
Zebby Matthews Off to a Much Better Start in 2026, a Top Pitcher to Add?
Minnesota Twins starting pitcher Zebby Matthews has impressed through three big-league starts this year, and he has emerged as an intriguing pitcher to add in fantasy baseball leagues. Matthews was called up to the majors on May 14, and although he posted a 5.50+ ERA in each of his first two seasons, he's off to a much better start in 2026. Through three starts this year, he owns a 2.37 ERA and 3.59 xFIP with 8.05 K/9, 0.95 BB/9, and 1.42 HR/9. While we'd like to see a couple more strikeouts and fewer home runs, we're in awe over the walk rate. Limiting walks has always been one of Matthews' strengths, but he has taken his control to a new level this year. As long as he continues to pitch at a high level, he'll remain a key bullpen piece for the Twins while offering tremendous upside in fantasy baseball. There's still time for managers to reap the rewards of Matthews' promising start, as he remains available to be added in 71% of leagues.
Source: RotoBaller
Source: RotoBaller
Colt Emerson Hitting Well, Emerging as a Must-Add on the Waiver Wire?
Seattle Mariners third baseman Colt Emerson made his MLB debut less than two weeks ago, and he has already emerged as a must-add player on the fantasy baseball waiver wire. Through 10 games, he is slashing .258/.361/.516 with one home run, one triple, three doubles, an 11% walk rate, a 22% strikeout rate, and 152 wRC+. He has reached base in four consecutive contests, and during that span, he's hitting 6-for-14 with four extra-base hits and a pair of walks. He hasn't given us a ton of home run power yet, but the extra-base hits are quite impressive, and we're encouraged that he can sustain his .877 OPS going forward. There are still plenty of opportunities for him to get scooped up in fantasy baseball, as he's available in 82% of leagues at the moment. Managers should prioritize adding him from the waiver wire.
Source: RotoBaller
Source: RotoBaller
Agustin Ramirez Flashing Five-Category Upside at Triple-A, Emerging as Must-Stash Catcher?
Miami Marlins catcher Agustin Ramirez continues to swing a hot bat since being sent down to Triple-A, and the bat isn't his only strength. He has also flashed decent power and speed while showcasing above-average defensive skills. Across 16 games at Triple-A this year, Ramirez is slashing .317/.400/.567 with four home runs, five steals, a 10.0% walk rate, a 20.0% strikeout rate, and 154 wRC+. His stats in the majors weren't atrocious, either, as he posted a .663 OPS and 88 wRC+. Defensively, Ramirez has thrown out five of 18 base-stealers for a 27.8% caught stealing rate. It seems like Ramirez will be called back up to the majors soon, and when he does, he could have some immediate fantasy appeal. He's worth stashing ahead of his anticipated promotion. Managers should act fast, because he's rostered in 39% of leagues now, and that percentage will increase going forward.
Source: RotoBaller
Source: RotoBaller
Dylan Crews Extends Hitting Streak, Remains a Priority Waiver Wire Target?
Washington Nationals outfielder Dylan Crews currently owns a five-game hitting streak, and he has already emerged as an intriguing waiver wire target in fantasy baseball leagues despite being called up from Triple-A just 10 days ago. In eight games since his promotion, Crews is slashing .242/.265/.364 with one home run, one stolen base, a 2.9% walk rate, a 20.6% strikeout rate, and 75 wRC+. Those numbers aren't great, but he has reached base in all eight of those contests, and he has a hit in seven of the eight. This type of consistency makes him an intriguing waiver wire addition, especially in deeper leagues. He's available for most managers, too, as he's rostered in just 20% of fantasy baseball leagues. It's a low-risk move for managers, and it could pay off as Crews continue to play (and hit the ball well) just about every day.
Source: RotoBaller
Source: RotoBaller
