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Kade Anderson has Path to MLB Innings Following Major Trade
Seattle Mariners top pitching prospect Kade Anderson should be on the radar of all fantasy managers heading into Week 19. On Saturday, the Mariners traded veteran right-handed pitcher Luis Castillo to the Chicago White Sox per ESPN's Jeff Passan. This move opens a role in their starting rotation for a potential sixth man. While Emerson Hancock currently occupies the No. 5 spot in the rotation, he has also been linked to many trade rumors, which would create an even clearer path for the team's No. 1 prospect to play a major role over the final stretch. Anderson has been knocking on the MLB door since making his pro debut in 2026. Through his first 16 starts at Double-A (82 1/3 innings), the southpaw has posted a dominant 1.20 ERA, 0.66 WHIP, and a 119:12 K:BB. Even if the Mariners were to hold Hancock through the deadline, Anderson could find a role as a sixth man in the staff. If Hancock were to move to a new club, the budding southpaw could earn the call immediately after. He is a priority stash target across all formats as he would hold must-start upside on a per-start basis.
Source: Jeff Passan
Source: Jeff Passan
Pitching Prospect Brady Smith to Join Detroit Tigers in Major Trade
Right-handed pitching prospect Brady Smith is set to join the Detroit Tigers, according to Jeff Passan of ESPN, in the deal that sent Tarik Skubal to the two-time reigning World Series Champions. Smith was viewed as the No. 29 prospect in the Dodgers system prior to the deal. While Zyhir Hope and River Ryan are viewed as the headliners in this deal, Smith has shown high-end strikeout upside in the lower levels and could be worth close monitoring in deeper dynasty leagues. He began the 2026 season at the Low-A level, where he racked up an impressive 104 strikeouts over only 65 innings of work with a 3.88 ERA. However, since moving up to High-A (9 1/3 innings), Smith has allowed eight runs and totaled just nine punchouts. While the right-hander will need some time as he progresses through the minor leagues, his strikeout potential makes him worth following for the remainder of the second half.
Source: Jeff Passan
Source: Jeff Passan
Dodgers Send Top Pitching Prospect River Ryan to Detroit
The Los Angeles Dodgers are trading right-handed pitching prospect River Ryan, alongside fellow right-hander Brady Smith and outfielder Zyhir Hope, to the Detroit Tigers in exchange for starting pitcher Tarik Skubal, per Jeff Passan of ESPN. While Hope is the headliner of this deal, Ryan holds high upside on his own. Ryan made his MLB debut in 2024 but logged only 20 1/3 innings with a sharp 1.33 ERA. However, the right-hander then underwent Tommy John surgery, which kept him off the field for all of 2025. Through 2026, Ryan has also been limited due to injuries but has been effective when on the Triple-A bump. With Detroit likely selling off other veteran pieces, Ryan should be in a great position to contend for his second MLB stint once he returns from his current hamstring injury. He is worth closely monitoring as he could emerge as a top stash candidate in the coming weeks.
Source: Jeff Passan
Source: Jeff Passan
Zyhir Hope Shipped to Detroit as Headliner Piece in Blockbuster Deal
The Los Angeles Dodgers traded outfielder prospect Zyhir Hope as the headliner in the deal that brought them left-handed pitcher Tarik Skubal on Saturday evening, according to Jeff Passan of ESPN. Hope was viewed as the No. 3-ranked prospect in the Dodgers system before the trade and sits as the No. 19 overall prospect in the sport on MLB Pipeline. Alongside Hope, the Dodgers traded right-handed pitchers River Ryan and Brady Smith. Hope has spent the entire 2026 season at the Double-A level and looked comfortable. Through 94 games at Tulsa, the budding star has posted a dominant .293/.363/.530 line with a .899 OPS, 17 doubles, 23 home runs, and 18 stolen bases. Fantasy managers should keep a close eye on his status as a late-season promotion to Triple-A Toledo is likely in play given how comfortable he has looked at Double-A. He is expected to compete for a 2027 MLB debut.
Source: Jeff Passan
Source: Jeff Passan
Mariners Trade Luis Castillo to the White Sox
Seattle Mariners right-hander Luis Castillo was traded to the Chicago White Sox in exchange for Seranthony Dominguez, Nolan Jones, and Boston Smith, according to Jeff Passan on ESPN. Castillo will head to Chicago to bolster the team's starting rotation as the White Sox make a playoff push. The 31-year-old struggled in his previous start against the Dodgers, allowing five runs on 11 hits across five innings. He didn't record a win in July and owned an ugly 5.48 ERA. Hopefully, the move to Chicago will help Castillo turn things around this season. He owns a (3-9) record along with a 5.06 ERA, 1.39 WHIP, and an 86:32 K:BB across 99 2/3 innings. Chicago hopes to get the version of Castillo who posted a 3.50 ERA and a 1.15 WHIP from 2023-2025. It's unclear when Castillo will make his debut with the White Sox, but the change of scenery should only help him rebound from what is the worst season of his career so far.
Source: Jeff Passan of ESPN
Source: Jeff Passan of ESPN
Tarik Skubal Traded to Dodgers for Three Prospects
The Detroit Tigers have finalized a trade to send their ace pitcher Tarik Skubal to the Los Angeles Dodgers in exchange for three prospects - outfielder Zyhir Hope, pitcher River Ryan, and pitcher Brady Smith, according to Jeff Passan of ESPN. Hope is considered to be one of the top prospects in all of baseball, with big long-term fantasy upside, and is currently ranked #14 on Eric Cross's most recent dynasty fantasy baseball prospect rankings. He is currently in Double-A and sporting a .293/.369/.530 line with 23 home runs, 18 steals, and 87 RBI across 372 at-bats.
Source: Jeff Passan - ESPN
Source: Jeff Passan - ESPN
Lane Thomas, Bailey Falter Get Traded to the Braves
Kansas City Royals outfielder Lane Thomas and left-handed pitcher Bailey Falter were traded to the Atlanta Braves on Saturday, according to Mark Feinsand of MLB.com. There is no return package for the Royals yet, but that should be announced shortly. This season, Thomas is slashing .230/.325/.392 with 10 home runs, 37 RBI, and seven stolen bases across 96 games. He doesn't have great stats, but he excels against left-handed pitching. Thomas remains a deep league option, but a move to a better lineup in Atlanta should help his fantasy value. As for Falter, he owns a 13.97 ERA across five appearances this season. He's unlikely to be fantasy relevant unless the Braves work their magic on him.
Source: Mark Feinsand
Source: Mark Feinsand
Zyhir Hope is Scratched from Saturday's Lineup
Los Angeles Dodgers outfielders Zyhir Hope and Kendall George have been scratched from the starting lineup ahead of Saturday's game with Double-A Tulsa, according to Jon Heyman of the MLB Network. There is no injury reason given for their absence, so the assumption is that both players could be part of an upcoming blockbuster trade. Hope is considered one of the best outfield prospects in the league and is currently ranked as the No. 25 prospect in baseball. George is a former first-round pick who offers good upside with the bat as well. Fantasy managers should stay tuned for more updates on this situation in the coming days.
Source: Jon Heyman
Source: Jon Heyman
Luis Arraez Gets Scratched on Saturday
San Francisco Giants second baseman Luis Arraez (cramping) was scratched ahead of Saturday's game against the San Diego Padres. Arraez was forced to leave Friday's contest due to cramping. He'll be held out of the lineup here due to the same issue. The Giants are likely going to be careful with Arraez, with the trade deadline only a few days away. The 29-year-old is expected to be traded, with the Rays, Red Sox, and Yankees reportedly showing interest. This season, Arraez is slashing .328/.364/.446 with four home runs, 43 RBI, and 10 stolen bases in 104 games. It wouldn't be shocking to see the Giants hold him out of the lineup until they likely trade him on Monday.
Source: mlb.com
Source: mlb.com
Red Sox Trade Discussions for Elly De La Cruz Stalled Out
Cincinnati Reds shortstop Elly De La Cruz is reportedly on the trade block ahead of Monday's trade deadline. The Boston Red Sox attempted to make a deal for De La Cruz, but the two sides couldn't agree on a deal. According to Sean McAdam, the Reds wanted young major leaguers in exchange for De La Cruz. The Red Sox were unwilling to move their young MLB talent and would rather trade from within their farm system. It doesn't sound like a deal is going to happen between the two, but it wouldn't be shocking to see the Red Sox add another bat before the deadline is over.
Source: Sean McAdam
Source: Sean McAdam
Roch Cholowsky Gets Assigned to High-A Winston-Salem
Chicago White Sox shortstop Roch Cholowsky has been assigned to High-A Winston-Salem. Cholowsky was the first overall pick during last month's draft. The 21-year-old is universally regarded as the most polished collegiate shortstop of the last decade. If everything goes right, Cholowsky shouldn't need much time in the minor leagues. There is speculation that Cholowsky could be ready for the big leagues as early as sometime next season. The White Sox aren't going to rush him, but Cholowsky's ability with the bat might force their hand sooner rather than later.
Source: Milb Central
Source: Milb Central
Ryan O'Hearn Out 6-8 Weeks With Quadriceps Strain
The Pittsburgh Pirates placed first baseman/outfielder Ryan O'Hearn (quadriceps) on the 10-day injured list on Saturday with a strained left quadriceps muscle that is expected to keep him sidelined for six to eight weeks, according to Jason Mackey. O'Hearn injured his quad while running to first base on Friday, and the injury could keep him out for the remainder of the 2026 season. It's a really tough break for the 33-year-old left-handed slugger, who was in the midst of the best year of his MLB career. If O'Hearn doesn't play again for Pittsburgh this year, he'll finish with a .270/.334/.454 slash line, a .788 OPS, a career-high-tying 17 home runs, 69 RBI, 54 runs scored, and a stolen base in 96 games across 398 plate appearances. Fantasy managers in single-year leagues should not feel the need to hold O'Hearn on their rosters because of the high likelihood he won't play again this year. Rookie Rafael Flores Jr., who is coming off the concussion injured list, and Jacob Gonzalez could split playing time at first base for the Bucs going forward with O'Hearn on the shelf.
Source: Jason Mackey
Source: Jason Mackey
Jose Soriano Scratched From Saturday's Start With Trade Deadline Approaching
The Los Angeles Angels announced that right-hander Jose Soriano has been scratched from his scheduled start on Saturday against the Milwaukee Brewers with Monday's trade deadline right around the corner. "Today, Jose Soriano will not make his scheduled start. With the trade deadline on Monday and the uncertainty of the next 48 hours, we decided to take a prudent approach and see where these next few days lead us," baseball operations consultant John Mozeliak said in a statement. Left-hander Brent Suter will open Saturday's bullpen game against the Brew Crew. Both Soriano and left-hander Reid Detmers could be traded by the Halos this weekend, with the team looking at a potential full rebuild after another dismal season in 2026. The 27-year-old Soriano was looking like one of the best pitchers in baseball early this year before coming back to Earth quickly, and he currently sits with a 9-6 record, career-low 3.29 ERA (3.79 FIP) and 1.25 WHIP with 127 strikeouts and a league-high 57 walks in 123 innings and 22 starts. Soriano's volatile command makes him a boom/bust fantasy starting pitcher, but his overall value should be boosted if he's traded to a contender this weekend.
Source: Angels PR
Source: Angels PR
Mariners Listening to Offers on Randy Arozarena
The Seattle Mariners are listening to offers for outfielder Randy Arozarena, according to Adam Jude and Ryan Divish of the Seattle Times. Arozarena is set to be a free agent at the end of the season, and trade talks are expected to "intensify" leading up to the MLB trade deadline on August 3. Seattle is also listening to offers for pitchers George Kirby, Emerson Hancock, and Luis Castillo. The Mariners are sellers and are expected to move Arozarena by the deadline. He has been hitting well over his last 12 games, slashing .277/.358/.426 with three home runs, five RBI, eight runs, and a stolen base. Overall, the 31-year-old is slashing .280/.375/.447 with 13 homers and 20 steals over 440 plate appearances this season. Arozarena's fantasy value could take a bump if he gets moved to a better offense. Still, regardless of where the veteran is traded to, he should continue to be a multi-category contributor for fantasy managers.
Source: Seattle Times
Source: Seattle Times
George Kirby Could Be Moved Before the Trade Deadline
Seattle Mariners right-hander George Kirby could be moved before the August 3 trade deadline, according to Jeff Passan of ESPN. Multiple teams have engaged the Mariners on a potential deal for Kirby. The Mariners are also listening to offers for starters Emerson Hancock and Luis Castillo. Kirby owns a 3.98 ERA, 1.30 WHIP, and 107 strikeouts across 120 innings. The 28-year-old was rocked for seven earned runs, serving up four long balls across just four innings in his last start on Monday. Before that start, Kirby posted a 1.73 ERA in his previous four starts before Monday's implosion. His fantasy value might change a little if he's traded but should remain a viable starter regardless of where he lands. Kirby is scheduled to start on Sunday against the Twins, but the Mariners could hold him back until after the MLB deadline. Stay tuned.
Source: Jeff Passan of ESPN
Source: Jeff Passan of ESPN
