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Mariners Acquire Catching Prospect Boston Smith From the White Sox
The Seattle Mariners acquired catching prospect Boston Smith, right-handed reliever Seranthony Dominguez, and outfielder Nolan Jones from the Chicago White Sox on Saturday in exchange for veteran right-hander Luis Castillo, sources told Jeff Passan of ESPN. The 23-year-old Smith will immediately become Seattle's No. 14 prospect, per MLB Pipeline. He heads to the American League West after slashing .291/.450/.589 with a 1.038 OPS, 22 home runs, 58 RBI, 10 stolen bases, and 68 runs scored in 79 games across 347 plate appearances with Single-A Kannapolis, High-A Winston-Salem, and Double-A Birmingham this year. Smith was originally drafted in the sixth round by the Washington Nationals out of Wright State University before they sent him to Chicago in the Curtis Mead trade in March. The 5-foot-10, 195-pounder can also play the outfield, and he has an uppercut left-handed swing that takes full advantage of his power to the pull side. Smith is an above-average athlete, but he still needs work on defense, and strikeouts could be an issue as he works his way closer to the big leagues.
Source: ESPN.com - Jeff Passan
Source: ESPN.com - Jeff Passan
Sam Antonacci a Speed and Batting Average Asset to Target on the Waiver Wire
Across 361 plate appearances entering play on Sunday, Chicago White Sox outfielder/second baseman Sam Antonacci had hit .279/.369/.413 with eight home runs, 32 RBI, 58 runs scored, and 14 stolen bases. The 23-year-old does not profile as a high-end power source, as he's posted just a 6.6% barrel rate and a 36.3% hard-hit rate. The lefty swinger has also logged just a .519 OPS against left-handed pitching this season, which has led the White Sox to deploy him in a big-side platoon role. However, Antonacci has displayed an impressive plate approach for a young player, limiting his strikeout rate to 15.8%. He also offers high-end speed that helps him run a high batting average on balls in play. As a quality source of batting average, stolen bases, and runs scored, Antonacci profiles as a must-add waiver wire target across most league formats.
Source: RotoBaller
Source: RotoBaller
Tommy Edman a Versatile Depth Piece to Target on the Waiver Wire
After missing the start of the 2026 season while recovering from offseason ankle surgery, Los Angeles Dodgers utility man Tommy Edman has been a standout performer since his return. Across 129 plate appearances, the 31-year-old is hitting .313/.394/.455 with two home runs, 18 RBI, 19 runs scored, and three stolen bases. Edman does not profile as a high-end power source, as he's logged just a 6.7% barrel rate and a 38.2% hard-hit rate. His batting average may be due for some regression as well, as his current .388 batting average on balls in play is significantly higher than his career mark of .294. Still, Edman brings a balanced profile at the plate, and his presence in the Dodgers lineup should allow him to continue racking up runs and RBI. Particularly given his multi-positional eligibility, Edman profiles as a must-roster depth piece for fantasy managers to target on the waiver wire.
Source: RotoBaller
Source: RotoBaller
Tyler Wells Emerging as a Worthy Deep-League Waiver-Wire Target
Across 54 innings (43 games) in 2026, Baltimore Orioles right-hander Tyler Wells has recorded a 2.67 ERA, 0.96 WHIP, 53 strikeouts, 10 holds, and four saves. With Orioles closer Ryan Helsley (elbow) on the injured list due to elbow inflammation, Baltimore has utilized multiple relievers in the ninth inning. However, Wells earned the team's most recent save on Friday and may be establishing himself as Baltimore's preferred closer. Wells has notched a strong 19.0% K-BB rate this season. He's also been difficult to square up, as he's allowed just a 31.5% hard-hit rate and 1.00 HR/9. Even if Wells does not see every save chance for Baltimore the rest of the way, he profiles as a reliable source of quality ratios, and his ability to work multiple innings in high-leverage spots puts him in a position to steal wins. Particularly in deeper leagues, Wells looks like a worthy waiver wire target.
Source: RotoBaller
Source: RotoBaller
Brandyn Garcia Emerging as a Must-Add Saves Source
Arizona Diamondbacks left-hander Brandyn Garcia has emerged as one of his team's better bullpen arms so far this season, recording a 2.10 ERA and 0.80 WHIP with 36 strikeouts, 13 holds, and three saves across 30 innings (36 games). Garcia has logged an impressive 31.9% strikeout rate while posting just a 6.2% walk rate. He also owns a stellar 65.6% ground ball rate and has not allowed a home run yet in 2026. The 26-year-old appears to be establishing himself as the preferred closer in Arizona, as he's notched saves in each of his last two appearances. In leagues where he's not already rostered, Garcia should be a priority waiver wire target for fantasy managers in need of saves.
Source: RotoBaller
Source: RotoBaller
Caleb Thielbar Remains a Deep-League Waiver-Wire Target
Chicago Cubs left-hander Caleb Thielbar picked up his third save of the season on Saturday, pitching a scoreless ninth inning in his team's 5-2 win over the New York Yankees. Across 34 innings (39 games) in 2026, Thielbar has recorded a 3.97 ERA and 1.21 WHIP with 43 strikeouts. The 39-year-old has missed bats at an impressive rate so far this season, striking out 30.3% of the batters he's faced. With Cubs closer Daniel Palencia (elbow) currently on the injured list due to elbow inflammation, Thielbar appears to be part of a closer committee in Chicago with right-handers Trent Thornton and Jacob Webb. While fantasy managers should not expect Thielbar to see every save opportunity for the Cubs, the veteran left-hander could be worth targeting on the waiver wire in deeper leagues as a quality source of strikeouts and the occasional save.
Source: RotoBaller
Source: RotoBaller
Gregory Soto Re-Emerging as Ninth-Inning Favorite in Pittsburgh
Pittsburgh Pirates left-hander Gregory Soto picked up his 14th save of the season on Saturday, pitching a scoreless ninth inning with a strikeout in his team's 4-1 win over the Cincinnati Reds. It was a nice bounce-back outing for Soto, who allowed the game-winning run to score after entering the ninth inning with the game tied against Cincinnati on Thursday. Soto had a rough month in June, allowing 11 earned runs in 7 1/3 innings. However, he stabilized himself in July, allowing just two earned runs while notching 11 strikeouts and two saves. Soto's numbers for the year overall remain strong, as he's posted a 27.7% strikeout rate and a 3.69 ERA. Barring an addition to the Pirates' bullpen in the next couple of days before the trade deadline, Soto remains the saves source to target in Pittsburgh.
Source: RotoBaller
Source: RotoBaller
Rays Acquiring Freddy Peralta From the Mets
The Tampa Bay Rays are acquiring right-handed starting pitcher Freddy Peralta from the New York Mets on Sunday, league sources told Will Sammon of The Athletic. It's unclear who the Rays sent to the Mets in return. Peralta was basically a lock to be traded by Monday's Aug. 3 deadline from the last-place Mets after he was acquired from the Milwaukee Brewers in January of this year. The 30-year-old veteran Dominican hurler hasn't exactly had a great 2026 season in Queens, going 5-9 with a 4.99 ERA (4.45 FIP) and 1.48 WHIP with 113 strikeouts and 48 walks in 113 2/3 innings across his 22 starts for the Mets. Since June 20, Peralta has gone off the rails, allowing 33 runs (27 earned) on 45 hits (seven home runs) while walking 15 and striking out 32 in 30 2/3 innings in seven starts (four losses). It all started when he allowed a season-high 10 earned runs to the division-rival Philadelphia Phillies on June 20 on the road. The good news is that Peralta's expected ERA for 2026 sits more than a full run lower than his current ERA, and his xSLG of .363 (SLG of .448) shows that he was hit with some bad luck in his short time with the Mets. The Rays will be hoping to turn his season around down the stretch as they look to stay atop the American League East.
Source: The Athletic - Will Sammon
Source: The Athletic - Will Sammon
Several Owners Believe the Entire 2027 Season Could be Wiped Out
According to Bob Nightengale of USA Today, several MLB owners believe the entire 2027 season could be wiped out. "It's nearly impossible to find an owner these days who doesn't believe there will be a prolonged work stoppage in 2027," per Nightengale. When an owner was asked the chances of an MLB season happening in 2027, he responded with "maybe 25%, maybe higher." The MLB collective bargaining agreement is set to expire on December 1, with the biggest sticking point of negotiations being the salary cap. MLB owners are pushing hard for a salary cap and floor in the new deal. MLB commissioner Rob Manfred met with interim executive director of the players' union Bruce Meyer and had a brief discussion at the Hall of Fame last weekend. The chances of an MLB season happening in 2027 look dire, but there is still time for both sides to agree on a deal. Stay tuned.
Source: Bob Nightengale of USA Today
Source: Bob Nightengale of USA Today
Seranthony Dominguez Traded to the Mariners
The Chicago White Sox traded reliever Seranthony Dominguez, outfielder Nolan Jones, and catcher Boston Smith to the Seattle Mariners in exchange for right-hander Luis Castillo, according to Jeff Passan of ESPN. Dominguez signed a two-year, $20 million contract with the White Sox this offseason to be the team's closer. He struggled as the team's closer earlier in the season, converting just 12 of 17 save opportunities and eventually lost the job to Grant Taylor and Sean Newcomb in June. The 31-year-old owns a 3.99 ERA, 1.33 WHIP, and 47 strikeouts across 38 1/3 innings. With Andres Munoz locked in as Seattle's closer, Dominguez will be used mostly in leverage situations. Fantasy managers can move on from Dominguez outside leagues that reward saves and holds, as he is third in the pecking order for save chances behind Munoz and Jose A. Ferrer.
Source: Jeff Passan of ESPN
Source: Jeff Passan of ESPN
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 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 outfield 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
