RADIO
Jake Bennett a Priority Ratio Arm to Grab Off Waivers?
Boston Red Sox left-handed starting pitcher Jake Bennett is not the flashiest waiver arm, but the ratios are getting hard to ignore. The 25-year-old is 4-3 with a 2.64 ERA, 0.94 WHIP, and 35 strikeouts over 47 2/3 innings through his first eight MLB starts. He kept rolling on Wednesday, holding the Chicago White Sox scoreless for seven innings while allowing four hits and striking out four in a 5-0 win. That is useful enough to move quickly, even if this is not a pure strikeout-ceiling play. Bennett's 86.9 mph average exit velocity allowed, 35.5% hard-hit rate, and .268 xwOBA allowed back up the run prevention, while the modest strikeout total keeps the fantasy profile grounded. Bennett is on 47% of Yahoo rosters, so he has not slipped by everyone. RotoBaller's latest waiver rankings still back him as an add in 10-team leagues.
Source: RotoBaller
Source: RotoBaller
Samuel Basallo a High-End Power Add at Catcher?
Baltimore Orioles catcher Samuel Basallo gives fantasy managers a power path at one of the thinnest positions. The 21-year-old is hitting .248 with 14 home runs, 42 RBI, 32 runs, and a .761 OPS over 262 at-bats. There is no speed here, and the recent average has been shaky, so this is not a clean five-category pickup. But catcher power that can move a fantasy lineup is hard to leave on the wire. The batted-ball data backs up the home run total. Basallo owns a 91.3 mph average exit velocity, 45.0% hard-hit rate, and 12.2% barrel rate, which is real impact contact for the position. The downside is batting-average drag if the strikeouts pile up. Still sitting at 49% rostered in Yahoo leagues, Basallo fits as a power add in 10-team formats, matching RotoBaller's latest waiver recommendation.
Source: RotoBaller
Source: RotoBaller
Seiya Suzuki Back in Cubs Lineup on Friday
Chicago Cubs outfielder Seiya Suzuki (calf) is starting in right field and batting cleanup for Friday's series opener on the road against the division-rival Cincinnati Reds and right-hander Hunter Greene, per MLB.com. Suzuki is good to go a day after being pulled from Thursday's contest against the Baltimore Orioles due to cramps in his calf. The 31-year-old Japanese native needs to be returned to fantasy lineups in all traditional formats on Friday, even though the matchup isn't an ideal one against a hard-throwing ace. Suzuki has homered in back-to-back games and has seen the ball well in his career against Greene, batting .444 with a 1.500 OPS, two home runs, and six RBI in his 18 at-bats. Since June 16, Suzuki has gone 24-for-78 (.308) with five home runs, six doubles, 19 RBI, 13 runs scored, and a stolen base in 19 games and 88 plate appearances. He also has cleared the fences three times in his first seven games in July.
Source: MLB.com
Source: MLB.com
Sam Antonacci a Top Speed Target Off Waivers?
Chicago White Sox outfielder Sam Antonacci has played his way into the top waiver mix for managers needing speed, average, and runs. The 23-year-old is hitting .289 with five home runs, 46 runs, 25 RBI, and 12 steals over 253 at-bats. The profile is not built around big power, but it is not empty speed either. Antonacci owns a .380 OBP, has struck out just 15.3% of the time, and brings useful 2B/3B/OF eligibility. That makes him easier to fit than a lot of speed-first waiver options. His 7.5% barrel rate and .370 xwOBA give the bat enough support to keep him in lineups, even if fantasy managers should not expect a major home run jump. With a 47% Yahoo roster rate, Antonacci should be added in most competitive leagues. RotoBaller's latest waiver rankings back him as an add in 10-team formats.
Source: RotoBaller
Source: RotoBaller
Zack Gelof Heads Back to Injured List With Knee Laceration
The Athletics announced on Friday that they placed utility player Zack Gelof (knee) on the 10-day injured list with a right-knee laceration and recalled infielder Joey Meneses from Triple-A Las Vegas in a corresponding move. Gelof injured his right knee making a nice sliding catch in foul territory in Thursday's game against the Detroit Tigers, and he'll now head back to the IL after returning from a stint on the sidelines due to a hand laceration. The 26-year-old former second-round pick in 2021 out of the University of Virginia has been hampered by injuries in his career before, but this time it's even more frustrating, as Gelof has played well for the A's in 2026 when available, slashing .273/.327/.476 with an .802 OPS, 11 home runs, 29 RBI, 41 runs scored, and eight stolen bases across his 227 at-bats. Fantasy managers seeking power and speed for the second half shouldn't forget about Gelof, who is eligible at second base, third base, and the outfield in Yahoo leagues. While he's out, veteran Jeff McNeil figures to see most of the playing time at the hot corner in Sacramento.
Source: A's Communications
Source: A's Communications
JJ Wetherholt, Cardinals Agree on Long-Term Contract Extension
Rookie infielder JJ Wetherholt and the St. Louis Cardinals agreed to an undisclosed long-term contract extension on Friday that will buy out multiple years of free agency, sources told Jeff Passan of ESPN. The 23-year-old has been tremendous in his first big-league season and becomes the latest rookie to land a nine-figure contract. The 23-year-old former seventh overall pick in 2024 out of West Virginia University has locked down St. Louis' second base job from the get-go in 2026, and he's hitting .267/.362/.411 with a .773 OPS, 13 home runs, 36 RBI, 57 runs scored, and nine stolen bases in his first 87 games and 395 plate appearances in the majors heading into the final weekend of the first half of the season. Wetherholt currently ranks 12th in the big leagues with a 3.6 WAR this year. He's been hot going into next week's All-Star break as well, going 11-for-35 (.314) with a homer, two doubles, two RBI, and eight runs scored in nine games so far in July.
Source: ESPN.com - Jeff Passan
Source: ESPN.com - Jeff Passan
Dillon Dingler Remains Out on Friday With Thumb Injury
Detroit Tigers catcher Dillon Dingler (thumb) is out of the starting lineup for the second straight game for Friday's series opener against the visiting Philadelphia Phillies due to a thumb injury, according to MLB.com. Jake Rogers will make another start behind the dish and catch right-hander Jack Flaherty while hitting ninth against Phillies right-hander Aaron Nola. Dingler injured his thumb when he was hit by a foul tip on Wednesday, and he was removed from the contest early. He's day-to-day, though, and has a shot to return to the starting lineup in one of the last two games of the first half of the regular season on Saturday or Sunday in Detroit. The 27-year-old right-handed-hitting backstop is having a breakout 2026 campaign, slashing .264/.325/.516 with an .841 OPS, 19 home runs, 60 RBI, and 48 runs scored across his 318 at-bats in just his second full MLB season. Dingler ranks third among catchers in homers, is first in RBI, and is fifth in runs scored.
Source: MLB.com
Source: MLB.com
Troy Melton Remains a Steady Waiver-Wire Target Despite Lack of Strikeouts
Detroit Tigers starting pitcher Troy Melton did not make his 2026 debut until late May due to an elbow injury, and then missed a start in June due to back tightness. However, Melton has been highly effective when healthy this season, recording a 5-1 record with a 1.82 ERA, 0.81 WHIP, and 41 strikeouts across 49 1/3 innings (eight starts). The 25-year-old owns just a 21.7% strikeout rate, which is definitely a limiting factor on his fantasy appeal. However, Melton limits free passes (5.8% walk rate) and has pitched into the sixth inning or later in five of his eight starts this season. The young right-hander may also have some untapped swing-and-miss potential, as he logged a 32.4% strikeout rate across 75 1/3 minor league innings in 2025. At the very least, Melton profiles as a priority starting pitcher streamer for fantasy managers to target on the waiver wire.
Source: RotoBaller
Source: RotoBaller
A.J. Ewing Emerging as a Priority Waiver-Wire Target with Five-Category Upside
Since making his MLB debut on May 12, New York Mets outfielder A.J. Ewing is hitting .277/.356/.446 with seven home runs, 24 RBI, 26 runs scored, and nine stolen bases. The 21-year-old has gotten off to a red-hot start in July, hitting .290/.313/.613 with three home runs across 33 plate appearances so far this month. Ewing's 25.2% strikeout rate is slightly elevated, but his 10.5% walk rate has kept his on-base percentage high and allows his speed to play up. Ewing has also established himself as the everyday center fielder in New York and has moved into the leadoff spot in the Mets lineup in each of the team's last four games. In any league where he's not already rostered, Ewing profiles as a must-add outfielder with five-category upside for fantasy managers.
Source: RotoBaller
Source: RotoBaller
Should Fantasy Managers Now Be Targeting Caleb Durbin on the Waiver Wire?
Boston Red Sox third baseman Caleb Durbin got off to a brutal start to the 2026 season, hitting .183 with one home run across 164 plate appearances through the end of May. However, the 26-year-old rebounded with a standout June, hitting .326 with six home runs and five stolen bases across 92 plate appearances in the month. Durbin has just four hits in his first 25 at-bats in July, but two of those hits have gone for home runs. For the season overall, Durbin is now slashing a respectable .225/.288/.396 with nine home runs, 39 RBI, 36 runs scored, and 10 stolen bases. While his 29.1% hard-hit rate is uninspiring, he limits swing-and-miss (13.8% strikeout rate). Now that he's seemingly recovered from his early-season slump, Durbin has value on the waiver wire as a balanced contributor who can fill a depth role for fantasy managers.
Source: RotoBaller
Source: RotoBaller
Kyle Schwarber to Participate in Home Run Derby on Monday
Philadelphia Phillies outfielder Kyle Schwarber will officially participate in this year's Home Run Derby to kick off All-Star week on Monday, according to MLB. Schwarber will join teammate Bryce Harper in front of the home faithful at Citizens Bank Park, joining Junior Caminero, Ben Rice, Willson Contreras, and Jac Caglianone. The 33-year-old three-time All-Star and former Silver Slugger winner is an easy choice for the Derby, as he currently leads all of baseball with 32 round-trippers through 338 at-bats in 2026. Schwarbs also leads the league with 140 strikeouts in 90 games across 401 plate appearances while slashing .254/.369/.571 with a .940 OPS, 58 RBI, 57 runs scored, and two stolen bases in his 12th year in the big leagues and fifth with the Phillies. Despite his elevated 34.9% strikeout rate, Schwarbs has continued to get on base at a high clip and hit the ball hard 54% of the time when he makes contact. He has homered twice in his last three games and is batting .250 (14-for-56) with three homers, six RBI, six runs, and a steal in 16 games since June 22.
Source: MLB
Source: MLB
TJ Rumfield is a High-Floor First Baseman to Target on the Waiver Wire
Colorado Rockies first baseman TJ Rumfield has been a revelation so far this season, hitting .297/.376/.480 with 12 home runs, 47 RBI, and 42 runs scored across 372 plate appearances. The 26-year-old had been blocked from making his MLB debut as a member of the New York Yankees organization before 2026, but he's taken full advantage of his opportunity in Colorado and emerged as the Rockies' everyday first baseman. With just a 5.4% barrel rate and a 28.6% hard-hit rate, Rumfield's underlying power metrics are uninspiring. However, the lefty-swinger's plate approach is strong, as he owns a 9.7% walk rate with just a 14.2% strikeout rate. Rumfield's hitter-friendly home environment in Colorado also helps maximize his production at the plate. While Rumfield may not have incredible upside, he profiles as a steady corner infield contributor for fantasy managers to target on the waiver wire.
Source: RotoBaller
Source: RotoBaller
Griffin Jax Emerging as a Priority Waiver-Wire Target
After a disappointing beginning to the 2026 season while working out of the bullpen, Tampa Bay Rays right-hander Griffin Jax has found success since being moved into his team's rotation in late April. Across 24 appearances (13 starts) on the year, Jax has recorded a 4-6 record with a 3.60 ERA, 1.22 WHIP, and 68 strikeouts in 65 innings pitched. Dating back to June 7, Jax owns a 3-2 record with a 2.32 ERA, 0.94 WHIP, and 36 strikeouts across 31 innings (six starts). In that span, Jax owns a 30.3% strikeout rate with just a 5.0% walk rate, good for an elite 25.3% K-BB rate. In any fantasy league where Jax is not already rostered, he profiles as a priority waiver wire pickup.
Source: RotoBaller
Source: RotoBaller
Jake McCarthy a Must-Add Outfielder Amidst Breakout Campaign
Across 294 plate appearances in 2026, Colorado Rockies outfielder Jake McCarthy is hitting .299/.341/.507 with nine home runs, 51 RBI, 37 runs scored, and 14 stolen bases. The 28-year-old has been consistently above-average at the plate for most of the season, and he's already hit three home runs and collected 14 RBI in July. McCarthy's underlying power metrics remain uninspiring, as he owns a 5.8% barrel rate and a 26% hard-hit rate. However, McCarthy has taken full advantage of his hitter-friendly home environment in Colorado, hitting .317 with seven home runs across 152 plate appearances at Coors Field. The lefty-swinging McCarthy has also logged a .952 OPS against same-handed pitching in 2026, which allows him to stay in the Rockies lineup every day. Between his plus speed and advantageous situation in Colorado, McCarthy profiles as a must-add outfielder in any fantasy league where he remains on the waiver wire.
Source: RotoBaller
Source: RotoBaller
Connelly Early's Doctor Visit Confirms Elbow Inflammation
Boston Red Sox left-hander Connelly Early's (elbow) visit to Dr. Keith Meister confirmed the diagnosis of posterior elbow inflammation/irritation and nothing more serious, a source told Chris Cotillo of MassLive.com. It's great news for Early and the Red Sox moving forward, although it's unclear when the young southpaw might be ready to rejoin Boston's starting rotation in the second half. The BoSox put Early on the 15-day injured list after he was pulled from his start on June 30 early with discomfort in his elbow. In his second season in the big leagues, the 24-year-old former fifth-rounder from the University of Virginia in 2023 has gone 7-5 with a 3.44 ERA (4.62 FIP) and 1.25 WHIP with 93 strikeouts and 34 walks in 91 2/3 innings pitched in his 17 starts. His strikeout rate has dropped from 36.7% in a small sample size (four starts) in his MLB debut last year to 23.8% in 2026, but he's still one of the more intriguing young left-handed arms in the game to keep an eye on in the second half of the season. Early is available in over half of Yahoo leagues.
Source: MassLive.com - Chris Cotillo
Source: MassLive.com - Chris Cotillo
