RADIO
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
Gregory Soto Tallies 13th Save, Re-Emerging as Name to Roster in Pittsburgh Bullpen
Pittsburgh Pirates left-hander Gregory Soto picked up his 13th save of the season on Wednesday, throwing a scoreless 10th inning with a strikeout in his team's 5-3 extra-inning win over the New York Yankees. Soto had a rough month in June, allowing 11 earned runs across 7 1/3 innings. However, the 31-year-old has bounced back in July, pitching to a 1.35 ERA with six strikeouts and two saves across his first 6 2/3 innings this month. The 31-year-old's underlying metrics for the year remain strong, as he's averaging 97.2 miles per hour on his fastball and owns a 27.6% strikeout rate. With his recent rough patch now seemingly in the rearview mirror, Soto once again looks like the closer to roster in Pittsburgh.
Source: MLB.com
Source: MLB.com
Bryan Hudson Earns Save for White Sox, Remains Deep-League Target in Committee
Chicago White Sox left-hander Bryan Hudson picked up his fourth save of the season on Wednesday, throwing a scoreless ninth inning with two strikeouts in his team's 4-2 win over the Texas Rangers. It was Hudson's first save since June 10, as the White Sox continue to operate a closer committee between Hudson, Sean Newcomb, and Grant Taylor. Still, Hudson has been a very effective reliever in 2026, recording a 3-2 record with a 2.08 ERA, 1.20 WHIP, and 42 strikeouts across 43 1/3 innings (44 games). The 29-year-old owns a middling 23.2% strikeout rate, but he's allowed just one home run on the year. In deeper leagues, Hudson could be worth targeting on the waiver wire as a source of solid ratios who also provides the occasional save.
Source: MLB.com
Source: MLB.com
Eric Brown Jr. Promoted to Triple-A Nashville Sounds
Milwaukee Brewers prospect Eric Brown Jr. received his promotion from Double-A Biloxi to Triple-A Nashville. In 54 games and 178 at bats with Biloxi this season, Brown Jr. hit five homers and drove in 27 runs with 26 runs scored, all while hitting .212. Brown Jr., a former first round pick out of Coastal Carolina, will receive his first taste of Triple-A in his age 25 season. Drafted back in 2002, Brown Jr. does not appear on the Brewers' current top prospects list, so he will need to make the most of his Triple-A opportunity to prove that he is big league ready and able to contribute to a loaded Brewers organization. Brown Jr. is listed as a shortstop, a position in which the Brewers are loaded with the likes of top prospect Jesus Made as well as Cooper Pratt and Jett Williams. The promotion to Triple-A is a good sign for Brown Jr. in his development but he still has a lot of work to do to prove he is big-league ready and ready to produce for fantasy.
Source: Minor League Baseball
Source: Minor League Baseball
Corey Seager Could Take Live Batting Practice This Weekend
Texas Rangers shortstop Corey Seager (back) has continued his hitting progression with machine work in the batting cage and has also continued to take ground balls and run the bases. He could potentially start taking live batting practice on Saturday or Sunday, according to MLB.com. Seager was placed on the 10-day injured list on July 1 with back discomfort, and his expected return is to be determined. Ezequiel Duran should continue to fill in at the 6 for as long as Seager remains out. It's been an injury-plagued and extremely disappointing 2026 campaign for Seager, a five-time All-Star and two-time World Series MVP. The 32-year-old veteran has played in only 51 games this year and is hitting .182/.292/.374 with a career-worst .667 OPS, 10 home runs, 25 RBI, 28 runs scored, and a stolen base in his 219 plate appearances. Fantasy managers definitely should not expect Seager to return until August at this point, and when he does, he could be rested often to prevent another injury down the stretch as Texas looks to get into the postseason.
Source: MLB.com
Source: MLB.com
