RADIO
Lazaro Montes Gets Back on Track, Promotion Now in Sight?
Seattle Mariners outfield prospect Lazaro Montes had a brutal 1-for-27 (.037) stretch with a .188 on-base percentage from June 16 through June 24, but in the four games since, the left-handed hitter is 6-for-10 (.600) with seven walks and a hit-by-pitch, leading to an astounding .778 OBP during that time. The Mariners' fourth-ranked prospect is hitting just .239 on the season, but a high 14.2 percent walk rate has buoyed a solid .361 OBP, and his 23 home runs (second-most at Double-A) anchor a .556 slugging percentage. The team would surely like to see some developmental progress on his 29.0 percent strikeout rate, and if the 6-foot-5 slugger's recent approach is any indication of that progress (7:3 BB:K), he could be headed to Triple-A soon. With the kind of power the 21-year-old possesses, he could become a stash candidate later in the year, so keep an eye out for any developments.
Source: MiLB.com
Source: MiLB.com
Jonah Tong Still Worth Stashing Amid Rough Return to Triple-A?
New York Mets pitching prospect Jonah Tong is hardly making the case for a return to the majors in the near future after being sent back to Triple-A earlier this month. The Mets' top-ranked prospect has yielded 17 runs (13 earned) on 25 hits and 10 walks in 18 innings pitched in the four starts for Syracuse since June 9. Not that he was having much success before his promotion to the big league club back in May, and now for the season, the right-hander owns a 5.95 ERA, 1.55 WHIP, and a 14.5 percent K-BB% in 56 IP. It's a far cry from the 1.43 ERA, 0.92 WHIP, and 29.9 percent K-BB% that he posted across Double-A and Triple-A last year. Still, the 6-foot-1 hurler will likely get another shot with the big league club at some point this season, however, he was used in long relief the last time up, and if that is the case next time, he'll hold little fantasy value. With his talent, managers should keep the 23-year-old on their radar, but he's not worth stashing at the moment.
Source: MiLB.com
Source: MiLB.com
Has Jhostynxon Garcia Fallen Off the Stash Radar?
Pittsburgh Pirates outfield prospect Jhostynxon Garcia went 13-for-42 (.310) with two doubles and two home runs in the 12 games following his return to Triple-A Indianapolis earlier this month, but has gone just 3-for-22 (.136) in the six games since without any extra base hits. On the bright side, he's still drawn four walks during that time and stole his first base of the season. The Venezuelan debuted with the Red Sox in 2025 and has played 13 games for the Pirates in 2026, but has done little with his opportunities, going 8-for-42 (.190) with a 32.6 percent strikeout rate during his time in the majors. The Pirates' fourth-ranked prospect makes some loud contact, as evidenced by a 93rd percentile max exit velocity this season of 113.5 at Triple-A, but the right-handed slugger will need to pick it up at the plate to become a stash consideration for fantasy squads. The 23-year-old will likely be back in the big leagues at some point this season, but there is little reason to stash him at this point.
Source: MiLB.com
Source: MiLB.com
Luis Lara Not Slowing at Triple-A, Remains a Top Stash Option
Milwaukee Brewers outfield prospect Luis Lara reached base three times on Sunday, doubling once and drawing two walks, pushing his season-long on-base percentage to .438, which is good for second-best in all of Triple-A among qualified players. The Brewers' fourth-ranked prospect is now hitting .326 with a .457 slugging percentage, and has also stolen 20 bases so far this season in 73 games. Maybe the most impressive thing is that the switch-hitter is boasting a 15.3 percent walk rate compared to a minuscule 13.7 percent strikeout rate, thanks to a 91st percentile whiff rate. The 21-year-old looks ready to take the next step and should get his opportunity for a major league debut in the second half. With excellent bat-to-ball skills and plenty of speed, along with the ability to hit for extra bases, the 5-foot-7 Venezuelan should be viewed as one of the top bats to stash for fantasy in most leagues.
Source: MiLB.com
Source: MiLB.com
Logan Henderson to Make Another Rehab Start on Friday
Milwaukee Brewers right-hander Logan Henderson (back) will make his next minor-league rehab start on Friday, according to Jack Stern of Brewer Fanatic. Henderson looked great in his first rehab start on Sunday at Triple-A Nashville, when he threw three scoreless innings on 50 pitches while striking out seven. Manager Pat Murphy said this week that Henderson is expected to come off the 15-day injured list to rejoin the Brewers' starting rotation before the All-Star break, so Friday's rehab outing should be his last. Fantasy managers in need of starting-pitching help should look no further than Henderson, who has gone 5-1 with a 2.23 ERA (2.73 FIP) and 1.01 WHIP with 63 strikeouts and 14 walks in 48 1/3 innings pitched across 10 starts for the Brew Crew since debuting in the big leagues in 2025. He allowed only seven earned runs with six walks and 30 strikeouts in 23 innings over his five starts this year before landing on the IL with his back injury. Henderson is only rostered in 41% of Yahoo leagues, and he could be a difference-maker in the second half.
Source: Brewer Fanatic - Jack Stern
Source: Brewer Fanatic - Jack Stern
Shane McClanahan to Return to the Rotation on Wednesday
Tampa Bay Rays left-hander Shane McClanahan will return to the starting rotation and will pitch on Wednesday versus the Kansas City Royals, according to Marc Topkin of the Tampa Bay Times. After that, he'll make one more start against the division-rival New York Yankees before the All-Star break. McClanahan had his turn in the rotation skipped last week, so he'll be on seven days of rest in Kansas City this week. The 29-year-old southpaw is fully healthy, but the Rays are monitoring his workload a bit at the tail end of the first half of the season given his lengthy injury history. He hasn't been as sharp in four June starts, either, going 0-4 with a 5.79 ERA (5.35 FIP) with 16 runs (12 earned) allowed on 25 hits (four homers) while walking nine and striking out 20 in 18 2/3 innings pitched. McClanahan has a 6-5 record, 3.30 ERA (3.40 FIP), 1.22 WHIP, and 73:28 K:BB in 73 2/3 frames across 15 starts in 2026 after missing each of the last two seasons due to injury. He gets a rematch against the Royals after allowing six runs (two earned) while walking one and striking out four in six innings in a loss on June 23 against them.
Source: Tampa Bay Times - Marc Topkin
Source: Tampa Bay Times - Marc Topkin
Hector Rodriguez Holding Steady at Triple-A, Nearing MLB Debut?
Cincinnati Reds outfield prospect Hector Rodriguez capped off his week by reaching base three times on Sunday, going 2-for-3 with a walk. The effort pushed his season-long slash line to .288/.367/.536 with 18 home runs and six steals. The Reds' fifth-ranked prospect also owns solid walk (10.6 percent) and strikeout rates (18.9 percent), and is making the case for a second-half call-up. Though there is some chase in his profile (15th percentile), the left-handed hitter doesn't have a problem making decent contact with a 68th percentile whiff rate, while hard-hit rate, barrel rate, xBA, and xwOBA are all 71st percentile or better, not to mention a 93rd percentile max exit velocity. Fantasy managers in deep 12+ team leagues looking for potential home run and RBI production should consider stashing the 22-year-old in an NA spot ahead of his eventual call-up.
Source: MiLB.com
Source: MiLB.com
Luke Adams Emerging as Another Name to Monitor in Loaded Brewers System
Milwaukee Brewers corner infield prospect Luke Adams has been a force at Triple-A Nashville during his limited action so far this season. The Brewers' 12th-ranked prospect missed about a month and a half earlier this year, but in the 32 games he's played, he's collected 26 hits, 15 of which have gone for extra bases, including 10 home runs, giving him a .574 slugging percentage. The 6-foot-4 slugger also owns a solid 11.4 percent walk rate as well and has managed to get hit by a pitch 10 times already, providing the foundation for a .382 on-base percentage. In all, it's resulted in a .956 OPS, which would put him near the top of the leaderboard had he played in enough games to qualify. The 22-year-old is a candidate for a call-up in the second half, and fantasy managers, especially those in very deep or OBP leagues, should put the right-handed hitter on their stash radar.
Source: MiLB.com
Source: MiLB.com
Daulton Varsho a Must-Add Outfielder Ahead of Potential Second-Half Breakout
Across 267 plate appearances in 2026, Toronto Blue Jays outfielder Daulton Varsho is hitting .258/.330/.425 with seven home runs, 22 RBI, 31 runs scored, and seven stolen bases. The oft-injured Varsho hit the 10-day injured list earlier this month with a wrist issue, but he returned as soon as eligible and has largely stayed healthy otherwise this season. Varsho's power is down in 2026, as he's logged a 7% barrel rate after posting a 15.9% barrel rate in 2025. However, he's cut his strikeout rate to a career-best 21%, which has helped raise his batting average floor. Varsho is also slugging .472 in June and has three stolen bases this month despite the missed time. If his power/speed profile fully returns in the second half of the season, Varsho could be a highly valuable five-category contributor for fantasy managers. In leagues where he remains available, Varsho should be a priority waiver wire target.
Source: RotoBaller
Source: RotoBaller
Joey Cantillo Emerging as a Priority Waiver-Wire Target
Across 86 innings (17 starts) in 2026, Cleveland Guardians left-hander Joey Cantillo has recorded a 6-3 record with a 3.87 ERA, 1.35 WHIP, and 85 strikeouts. The 26-year-old's WHIP is elevated by his 10.8% walk rate, which limits his value to fantasy managers to some degree. Still, Cantillo has limited opposing batters to a 36.6% hard-hit rate and has been a reliable innings-eater for the Guardians so far this season. Cantillo has also demonstrated a higher upside in recent outings, recording a 28.7% strikeout rate and 7% walk rate across 28 innings (five starts) in June. Especially in more favorable matchups, Cantillo profiles as a quality starting pitcher streamer. His next scheduled start will come on Wednesday against the Texas Rangers in Cleveland.
Source: RotoBaller
Source: RotoBaller
Walbert Urena Remains a Waiver-Wire Priority Despite Rough Outing
Los Angeles Angels starting pitcher Walbert Urena had a rough day in his most recent start, allowing seven earned runs across 4 1/3 innings against the Athletics. However, even with the blowup outing, Urena has been a breakout success story this season for the Angels. Across 71 2/3 innings (15 games), Urena has recorded a 5-6 record with a 3.14 ERA, 1.34 WHIP, and 69 strikeouts. The 22-year-old's WHIP is inflated by his 11.8% walk rate, which is a bit of a concern for fantasy managers. Still, Urena is averaging 97.6 miles per hour on his fastball and owns a 54.5% ground ball rate, which has helped him limit damage via the long ball (0.63 HR/9). Particularly in deeper league formats, Urena profiles as a quality innings eater who should be targeted on the waiver wire where available.
Source: RotoBaller
Source: RotoBaller
Curtis Mead a Priority Waiver-Wire Target Amidst Breakout Campaign
Washington Nationals infielder Curtis Mead has been one of the bigger breakout surprises of the 2026 season thus far, hitting .227/.323/.468 with 14 home runs, 39 RBI, 36 runs scored, and three stolen bases across 251 plate appearances. The 25-year-old has reduced his strikeout rate to a career-best 18.7% while upping his barrel rate to a career-high 11%. Mead has also emerged as a near-everyday fixture in the Nationals lineup at third base after opening the year in more of a short side platoon role. He got off to a slow start to the month of June but has turned it on of late, logging six hits and two home runs in his last 21 plate appearances. In leagues where he's not already rostered, Mead profiles as a priority waiver wire target.
Source: RotoBaller
Source: RotoBaller
Aaron Ashby Remains an Intriguing Waiver-Wire Target Despite Lack of Saves
Milwaukee Brewers left-hander Aaron Ashby picked up his MLB-leading 11th win of 2026 on Monday, pitching a scoreless eighth inning in his team's 5-3 win over the Cincinnati Reds. Ashby has been extremely valuable in a high-leverage bullpen role for Milwaukee so far this season, recording a 3.24 ERA and 1.36 WHIP with 68 strikeouts across 50 innings (39 games). The 28-year-old's 12% walk rate inflates his WHIP, but he's also struck out 31.5% of the batters he's faced this year. The Brewers have Trevor Megill entrenched as their closer, so Ashby is unlikely to provide fantasy managers with saves. Still, Ashby's ability to work multiple innings and Milwaukee's willingness to use him in close games has consistently put him in position to pick up wins while racking up strikeouts. Particularly in deeper league formats, Ashby could be worth targeting on the waiver wire.
Source: MLB.com
Source: MLB.com
Grant Taylor Picks Up Fourth Win on Monday, Worth Targeting on the Waiver Wire?
Chicago White Sox right-hander Grant Taylor recorded his fourth win of the season on Monday, throwing two scoreless innings with two strikeouts in his team's 8-2 win over the Baltimore Orioles. Taylor has been one of MLB's best high-leverage arms so far in 2026, recording a 2.70 ERA, 1.08 WHIP, 62 strikeouts, and two saves across 43 1/3 innings (32 games). The 24-year-old is averaging 98.3 miles per hour on his fastball and owns an elite 28.2% K-BB rate. The White Sox have gotten serviceable production from veteran Seranthony Dominguez in the ninth inning so far this season and may not want to move Taylor out of his current fireman role. Still, Taylor may have value in deeper fantasy leagues as a multi-inning reliever who provides elite ratios, an elite strikeout rate, and solid win potential while picking up the occasional save.
Source: MLB.com
Source: MLB.com
Hurston Waldrep Likely to Enter Braves Starting Rotation?
MLB.com's Mark Bowman writes that "there's reason to be excited" about what Atlanta Braves right-hander Hurston Waldrep "might offer over the next few weeks." In his season debut on Friday against the San Francisco Giants in relief, Waldrep walked four in two innings. He also walked six in 7 2/3 innings at Triple-A Gwinnett before being called up, but four of those came in a rain-soaked, three-inning outing on June 16. Bowman thinks that Waldrep has the higher upside than right-hander Reynaldo Lopez, who made the start for the Braves on Friday. Lopez is starting Wednesday's game against the St. Louis Cardinals, so Waldrep could pitch in relief at some point that night. With Bryce Elder potentially being skipped in Atlanta's rotation due to a recent rough stretch, Waldrep could be the top candidate to make a start or multiple starts before the All-Star break in July. The 24-year-old figures to be a rotation option in the second half after he went 6-1 with a 2.88 ERA (3.21 FIP) and 1.19 WHIP with 55 strikeouts and 22 walks in 56 1/3 innings over 10 outings (nine starts) for the Braves last year. Waldrep is absolutely an upside arm for savvy fantasy managers to stash now. He's rostered in only 5% of Yahoo leagues.
Source: MLB.com - Mark Bowman
Source: MLB.com - Mark Bowman
