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Trey Ebel Goes to the Brewers at the End of the First Round
The Milwaukee Brewers selected Corona High School (California) shortstop Trey Ebel with the 25th overall pick in the 2026 MLB draft on Saturday, according to MLB.com. Ebel was a surprise first-round selection (even at the end of the round) after coming into this year's draft as the No. 107-ranked overall prospect by MLB.com. He's only 17 years old and stands at 6-foot, 180 pounds. He'll join his brother in the Brewers' system after Milwaukee drafted Brady Ebel with the 32nd overall selection last year. He's the son of Los Angeles Dodgers third base coach Dino Ebel. The right-handed-hitting infielder can handle fastballs and breaking pitches alike and has the ability athletically to stick at shortstop long term. Ebel has excellent plate discipline for his age and generates plenty of bat speed despite his lack of size. Like most prepsters, Ebel is a hit-over-power prospect, but there is room for growth power-wise as he matures in the minor leagues. He's considered a better pure shortstop prospect than his older brother Brady. Some scouts believe that if he doesn't stick at the 6, he'll be a natural candidate to move to the hot corner, especially if he begins to tap into more raw power at the plate.
Source: MLB.com
Source: MLB.com
Mariners Draft Third Baseman Ace Reese at No. 24 Overall in the First Round
The Seattle Mariners selected Mississippi State third baseman Ace Reese with the 24th overall pick in the 2026 MLB draft on Saturday, according to MLB.com. Reese was listed as the No. 18 overall prospect coming into this year's draft, so he slipped a little bit to the bottom of the first round, most likely because of his defensive deficiencies at the hot corner. The 21-year-old from Texas impressed with the bat in 2026 at Mississippi State, though, slashing .336/.432/.721 with a 1.152 OPS, 24 home runs, 74 RBI, 73 runs scored, and a stolen base in 62 games and 292 plate appearances in his junior season. Reese hits from the left side, and power is his calling card at 6-foot-4 and 220 pounds. After he transferred from the University of Houston following his freshman season, Reese really showed his pop, clubbing 45 long balls in 119 games in the last two years. He has power to all fields and clearly has 30-homer upside at the next level, but his aggressiveness at the plate could become an issue as he climbs the ladder in the Mariners' system. And if Reese struggles to hit, he'll have less room for error without much to fall back on defensively. He profiles as a first baseman/designated hitter type as a pro.
Source: MLB.com
Source: MLB.com
Cubs Select Cade Townsend With 23rd Overall Pick on Saturday
The Chicago Cubs selected Ole Miss right-hander Cade Townsend with the 23rd overall pick in the 2026 MLB draft on Saturday, according to MLB.com. Townsend came into this year's draft ranked as the No. 35 overall prospect by MLB.com. The 21-year-old native of Newport Beach, California, went 5-3 in his sophomore season at Ole Miss with a 3.94 ERA, 1.20 WHIP, and 88:22 K:BB in 64 innings pitched over 14 starts. It was a big improvement for the 6-foot-1, 185-pounder after he had a 6.35 ERA, 1.41 WHIP, and 43:20 K:BB in 34 innings across 15 appearances (eight starts) as a freshman. Townsend is a high-upside arm because of his ability to generate high spin rates, and he's a plus athlete to boot. He features a fastball that can hit the upper-90s and plus secondary offerings in a curveball, cutter, and slider. Townsend took a huge leap in his sophomore season at Ole Miss with improved command. If he can improve his changeup as a pro, Townsend will have a deep arsenal with which to attack hitters and could be a quick mover in Chicago's minor-league system.
Source: MLB.com
Source: MLB.com
Cameron Flukey Falls to Tigers With 22nd Overall Selection in MLB Draft
The Detroit Tigers selected Coastal Carolina right-hander Cameron Flukey with the 22nd overall pick in the 2026 MLB draft on Saturday, per MLB.com. Flukey came into this year's draft ranked as the No. 15 overall prospect, so he fell a bit in the first round. The 21-year-old missed a few months earlier this year with the Chanticleers due to a stress reaction in his rib, although he looked pretty good upon returning in April. The 6-foot-6, 210-pounder needs to improve his secondary pitches and add spin to his game, but he's intriguing for his upper-90s heater and curveball with downward movement. Flukey only ended up making seven starts at Coastal Carolina in his final collegiate season in 2026, going 0-2 with a 4.13 ERA, 1.29 WHIP, and 31:9 K:BB in 24 innings pitched. Scouts are concerned that his breaking pitches won't have the same effect against pro hitters, but the Tigers liked enough of what they saw to take him in the first round. The good news is he repeats his delivery with ease and hasn't had trouble throwing strikes. Flukey could take the next step if he adds some muscle to his lean frame.
Source: MLB.com
Source: MLB.com
Padres Go With Prep Two-Way Player Coleman Borthwick With 21st Overall Pick
The San Diego Padres selected South Walton High School (Florida) right-handed pitcher Coleman Borthwick with the 21st overall pick in the 2026 MLB draft on Saturday, according to MLB.com. Borthwick, who came into this year's draft as the 43rd-ranked prospect by MLB.com, is the first high-school right-hander taken in the first round. The 18-year-old has the size at 6-foot-6 and 245 pounds and the athleticism -- he was a two-way player in high school. Borthwick is expected to be a pitcher moving forward, though, and he features a fastball that can reach the upper-90s and a plus slider. His slider can miss a ton of bats, and if he can stay healthy, Borthwick has the makings of a future workhorse starter at the top of San Diego's starting rotation. He's committed to play at Auburn, where he could continue his dream of being a two-way player as a pitcher and power-hitting corner infielder. Borthwick is young and raw, but the tools are clearly there for him to be a high-upside arm in the Padres' system if he chooses not to go to college.
Source: MLB.com
Source: MLB.com
Tyler Phillips Starting on Short Rest on Sunday
Miami Marlins pitcher Tyler Phillips will take the ball on short rest during Sunday's series finale against the Cleveland Guardians. Phillips tossed five shutout innings against the Seattle Mariners on Wednesday. He'll be asked to take the ball again on three days' rest for what is likely going to be a bullpen game. The expectation is that Phillips isn't going to work deep into Sunday's game, so he probably won't be an ideal streaming option. The right-hander has been solid this season with a 3.28 ERA, 1.36 WHIP, and a 55:34 K/BB ratio across 24 games (eight starts) with the Marlins this season. He's worth a look as a deep league option for the second half of the season.
Source: Christina De Nicola
Source: Christina De Nicola
Blake Snell to Begin Rehab Assignment Next Week
Los Angeles Dodgers starting pitcher Blake Snell (elbow) is expected to begin a minor league rehab assignment next week, according to Sonja Chen. Snell was able to complete a live bullpen session without any issues on Saturday. It was the first time that Snell had faced live batters since undergoing a left elbow procedure in May. The expectation is that Snell is going to require a handful of rehab starts before he's cleared to return to the Dodgers rotation. His timetable will be determined by how he progresses, but hopefully Snell can contribute again in early August. Fantasy managers who are looking for pitching help should check the waiver wire and stash Snell if he's available.
Source: Sonja Chen
Source: Sonja Chen
Ronel Blanco to Make Another Rehab Start
Houston Astros starting pitcher Ronel Blanco (elbow) is scheduled to make another rehab start at Triple-A Sugar Land on Sunday. Blanco was being considered as an option to return for Sunday's series finale against the Texas Rangers. Instead, the Astros will give Blanco at least one more rehab start. His most recent outing was cut short due to the weather, so the Astros want Blanco to build up his pitch count some more before he returns to the team. The right-hander has been working his way back from season-ending right elbow surgery from last year. He should be able to contribute to the Astros rotation during the second half of the season. Blanco could be a possible deep league option in the second half.
Source: Matt Kawahara
Source: Matt Kawahara
Nick Lodolo Removed with Finger Blister
Cincinnati Reds starting pitcher Nick Lodolo (finger) was forced to make an early exit from Saturday's outing against the Chicago Cubs. Lodolo was pulled out of the game in the sixth inning due to a blister on his left finger. He finished this outing allowing two runs on five hits while striking out four batters across five innings of work. Lodolo has dealt with blister issues over the last few seasons, so hopefully this won't result in a trip to the Injured List. He'll get a chance to rest and recover from the All-Star break. Fantasy managers will have a better idea of his status in the coming days. Chase Petty is a candidate to take his spot in the rotation if Lodolo does land on the shelf.
Source: Charlie Goldsmith
Source: Charlie Goldsmith
Jacob Misiorowski Won't Pitch on Sunday
Milwaukee Brewers starting pitcher Jacob Misiorowski (fatigue) won't take the ball for Sunday's series finale against the Pittsburgh Pirates. Misiorowski is reportedly dealing with some fatigue following his last start against the St. Louis Cardinals on Tuesday. The plan is for Misiorowski to rest during the All-Star break and be ready to go for the first or second series out of the break. Misiorowski will still travel for the All-Star Game in Philadelphia, but he's not expected to take the mound at all. Fantasy managers shouldn't be worried, as this is likely just the Brewers being cautious with their superstar starter. Robert Gasser will take the ball for Sunday's series finale.
Source: Sophia Minnaert
Source: Sophia Minnaert
Zac Gallen Likely Headed to Injured List
Arizona Diamondbacks starting pitcher Zac Gallen (elbow) was scratched ahead of his scheduled start against the Los Angeles Dodgers. Gallen was supposed to take the ball on Sunday for the final game ahead of the All-Star break. Instead, Gallen is likely headed to the Injured List due to left elbow inflammation. The severity of the injury is unknown at the moment, so fantasy managers will need to stay tuned for more updates. Gallen could use some time to rest and regroup after posting a 6.34 ERA across 19 starts this season. Mitch Bratt is expected to take the ball during Sunday's series finale.
Source: Nick Piecoro
Source: Nick Piecoro
Red Sox Select Shortstop Jake Schaffner With No. 20 Pick on Saturday
The Boston Red Sox selected shortstop prospect Jake Schaffner out of North Carolina with the 20th overall pick in the 2026 MLB Draft. Entering Saturday's draft, MLB Pipeline ranked the infielder as the No. 75 prospect in this year's class. Schaffner began his college baseball career at North Dakota State before transferring to North Carolina in 2026. While at North Dakota, Schaffner hit 17 home runs in back-to-back seasons while holding a .352 AVG. This past season, Schaffner continued to perform at a high level, holding a .356/.467/.552 slash line with 19 doubles, eight triples and six home runs. While his power production dipped, he swiped a season-best 26 bags. While he was only given a 40-grade power score (on MLB Pipeline's pre-draft scouting report), Schaffner sits with a strong 55-grade hit tool and above-average speed on the basepaths (60-grade). Dynasty managers should monitor his production in the minor leagues, but he is shaping up to be a plus asset for stolen bases, with the potential to chip in double-digit home runs once he reaches the big leagues.
Source: MLB.com
Source: MLB.com
Guardians Select Liam Peterson Out of Florida with 19th Overall Pick
The Cleveland Guardians are selecting right-handed pitcher Liam Peterson out of Florida with the 19th overall pick in the 2026 MLB Draft. Peterson has spent all three of his college seasons with the Gators and has continued to increase his workload. After posting a 6.43 ERA as a first-year, Peterson has since improved in his final two seasons. In 2025, the right-hander tossed 69 1/3 innings with a 96:32 K:BB. This past season, Peterson logged a season-high 84 1/3 innings and struck out an eye-catching 111 batters while posting a career-low 3.8 BB/9. While he possesses a sharp 60-grade fastball, his calling card could be his slider, which was given an elite 65-grade during the pre-draft process according to MLB Pipeline. The other pitch to watch in his profile is his budding curveball, which some scouts have credited as his top secondary pitch. Given his extensive college experience, Peterson may not have to wait long to make his MLB debut.
Source: MLB Pipeline
Source: MLB Pipeline
Justin Lebron Joins Reds With 18th Pick in MLB Draft
The Cincinnati Reds strengthened their infield pipeline by selecting shortstop Justin Lebron with the 18th pick in Saturday's draft. Lebron was a highly regarded prospect on MLB Pipeline, ranked No. 9 overall in this year's class ahead of the draft. Lebron has spent all three of his college seasons at Alabama and has been quite productive in each. While he was more of a contact hitter as a freshman (.338 AVG), he has since begun to tap into his power. In 2026, Lebron hit 16 home runs, posted a .920 OPS, and swiped an elite 42 bags. The year prior, he would hit a season-best 18 long balls. On his scouting report, Lebron was given an elite 70-grade in speed and a high-end 60-grade in power, with his lowest mark coming with a 45-grade in hitting. While he has shown a tendency to chase pitches, his budding power and elite speed make him a prime selection at the top of most first-year player drafts.
Source: MLB.com
Source: MLB.com
Logan Hughes Selected at 17th Overall by Astros
The Houston Astros selected outfielder Logan Hughes out of Texas Tech with the 17th overall pick in the 2026 MLB Draft on Saturday afternoon. Entering the draft, MLB Pipeline ranked the outfielder as the overall No. 42 prospect in this year's class. However, on the college diamond, Hughes has shown high-end upside worthy of a pick in the back half of the opening round. Hughes began his collegiate career at Stetson before transferring to Texas Tech in 2025. While in the Big 12, Hughes has showcased high-end power, hitting at least 18 home runs in each season. In 2025, the 21-year-old posted a season-high .375 AVG with a sharp 1.245 OPS. According to his MLB.com scouting report, Hughes is credited with making good swing decisions and has the ability to make contact against all pitch types. While he has the upside to be a 20-HR hitter in the majors, his lack of speed and lower fielding projections could limit his upside.
Source: MLB.com
Source: MLB.com
Rangers Select Top Left-Handed Pitcher Gio Rojas With 16th Overall Pick
The Texas Rangers selected left-handed pitcher Gio Rojas with the 16th overall selection in the 2026 MLB Draft. Rojas entered the pre-draft process as MLB Pipeline's No. 8 overall prospect and the top left-handed pitcher in the class. The 19-year-old left-hander is a graduate of Stoneman Douglas High School (Florida) and has already shown his raw talent on the big stage, leading the way by tossing 11 shutout frames for Team USA in the WBSC U-18 World Cup. His fastball has reached 98 MPH and has been given a 60-grade rating by MLB.com. Rojas mixes in a well-regarded slider (60 grade) that plays off this dominant fastball quite well. The young southpaw has the potential to become a frontline starter, but dynasty managers will need to be patient as he will likely need several seasons of development in the lower levels of the Texas system.
Source: MLB.com
Source: MLB.com
Diamondbacks Select Catcher Ryder Helfrick With 15th Overall Pick
The Arizona Diamondbacks are selecting catcher Ryder Helfrick with the 15th overall pick in the MLB Draft out of Arkansas. Entering the draft, MLB Pipeline viewed Helfrick as the No. 11 overall prospect in the class. The 21-year-old backstop has spent all three of his college seasons at Arkansas. After a quiet debut season in which he appeared in just 31 games, Helfrick became a key part of their starting nine over the past two seasons, playing in at least 60 games in each season. He turned in his best showing in 2025, when he carried a 1.036 OPS with a .305/.420/.616 line. However, in 2026, Helfrick tapped into his raw power, launching a season-high 18 round-trippers for the Razorbacks. While his bat, especially from a power perspective, is worth close monitoring, Helfrick is more known for his elite defense and was given an elite 65-grade arm and 60-grade fielding ahead of the draft. While his batting average may be a weakness, his high-end power and elite defense should provide him with a clear path to the majors.
Source: MLB.com
Source: MLB.com
Marlins Select Shortstop Jacob Lombard at Pick No. 14 in MLB Draft
The Miami Marlins are selecting shortstop Jacob Lombard with the 14th overall selection during Saturday's MLB Draft. Despite being selected near the middle of the opening round, Lombard entered the pre-draft process as a highly regarded shortstop. Per MLB Pipeline's rankings, Lombard sits at No. 5, behind the four players selected with the top four picks. Lombard is an 18-year-old out of Gulliver Prep and will now join his brother, George Lombard Jr., as one of the top-ranked shortstop prospects in the sport. Lombard is credited with having high-end power at his position. MLB.com gave him a 60-grade in power and credits him for having the "acumen to be a plus hitter in the future." Additionally, he is viewed as a plus runner, which further boosts his long-term fantasy value. Dynasty managers should keep a close eye on his progression, as he has the skill set to emerge not only as the top prospect in the Marlins system but also as one of the top shortstops in the minor leagues, given his favorable fantasy profile.
Source: MLB.com
Source: MLB.com
Cardinals Select Outfielder Trevor Condon With 13th Pick
The St. Louis Cardinals selected outfielder Trevor Condon with the 13th overall pick in the 2026 MLB Draft. Condon is a high school graduate who committed to Tennessee ahead of the MLB Draft. The 18-year-old possesses elite raw speed and fielding and has already begun to draw comparisons to Chicago's star center fielder Pete Crow-Armstrong, according to MLB.com. The left-handed bat is credited with above-average swing decisions and the ability to make contact on all fields. While he is only credited with 45-grade power, his above-average bat speed could help him reach higher production on the diamond. However, the main calling card of his fantasy profile will be his 70-grade speed. Fantasy managers should keep a close eye on Condon as he progresses through St. Louis' lower levels, as any added power could make him an intriguing dynasty stash.
Source: MLB.com
Source: MLB.com
Angels Take Two-Way Player Jared Grindlinger With 12th Overall Selection
The Los Angeles Angels are selecting left-handed pitcher/outfielder Jared Grindlinger with the 12th overall pick in the 2026 MLB Draft. While listed as a two-way player in MLB.com's pre-draft pipeline rankings, the 17-year-old was announced as an outfielder when selected, suggesting the team may view his long-term role on the offensive side of the game. Grindlinger, who is a University of Tennessee commit, began his baseball career as a catcher but has since shifted to a two-way role. Per his MLB.com scouting report, Grindlinger's fastball has hit 95 MPH, and he possesses a 60-grade changeup. On the hitting side, Grindlinger does not project to be a high-power hitter (40 grade), but given his young age, his raw power could continue to climb as he progresses through the lower levels. Dynasty managers should continue to keep a close eye on the young prospect, as the Angels may provide him with various roles at the lower levels.
Source: MLB.com
Source: MLB.com
Nationals Select Chris Hacopian With 11th Overall Pick
The Washington Nationals are selecting second baseman Chris Hacopian out of Texas A&M with the 11th overall pick in the 2026 MLB Draft. Hacopian was ranked as MLB.com's No. 14 overall prospect in this year's class ahead of the draft. Hacopian began his college career at Maryland (for two seasons) before joining Texas A&M ahead of the 2026 season. With Maryland, Hacopian turned in his best season (in 2025), posting a sharp .375/.505/.652 slash line with 14 home runs and a stolen base. During his lone season in Texas, Hacopian took a slight step back, carrying a .319/.405/.578 line with 11 long balls and three stolen bases. According to MLB.com, the infielder is credited with having one of the best bats among college hitters. The lone concern in his profile is his fielding (45 grade), as MLB.com suggests he could be shifted to the corner outfield later in his career. Given his elite hit tool and solid power upside (50-grade), Hacopian is a worthy pick in early-round first-year player drafts.
Source: MLB.com
Source: MLB.com
First Overall Pick Roch Cholowsky to be MLB-Ready Next Season?
Chicago White Sox shortstop prospect Roch Cholowsky went first overall in the 2026 MLB Draft on Saturday, July 11, and may not spend much time at all in the minors. MLB Pipeline already had him on course to reach Chicago at some point in 2027, while one scouting executive said Cholowsky should be in a major-league uniform by the end of next season. The 21-year-old earned that confidence after hitting .329/.448/.624 with 52 home runs in 178 games at UCLA and winning Big Ten Player of the Year twice. Mid-2027 is still an aggressive target, not a promise. Cholowsky has yet to sign or take a professional at-bat, and the upper minors can slow down even polished college bats. Still, his bat, strike-zone control, and defense at shortstop give him a real chance to move quickly. He is an immediate dynasty riser, with 2027 now firmly in play.
Source: Bruce Levine
Source: Bruce Levine
Tyler Bell Rounds Out the Top 10, Drafted by Rockies
The Colorado Rockies selected University of Kentucky shortstop Tyler Bell with the 10th overall pick in the 2026 MLB draft on Saturday, according to MLB.com. Bell, who stands at 6-foot-1 and 190 pounds, came into this year's draft as MLB.com's No. 10 overall prospect. The 21-year-old finished his second year with the Wildcats in 2026 with a .343/.510/.608 slash line with a 1.119 OPS, nine home runs, 29 RBI, 10 stolen bases, and 49 runs scored across 41 games played and 194 plate appearances. Bell chose to attend Kentucky despite being taken in the second round in 2024 by the Tampa Bay Rays. He'll be slow to get going as a professional after suffering a torn labrum in his non-throwing shoulder that will require surgery. Bell doesn't stand out with any singular tool, but he has the chance to develop several above-average tools with his bat and legs. He's a switch-hitter at the plate and has enough bat speed to be a 20-plus-homer guy, especially if he makes it to hitter-friendly Coors Field. Bell isn't extremely flashy on defense, but he does enough and has the instincts and athleticism to stick at the position long term. Most likely, Bell will develop into a utility infielder with plus power and above-average speed.
Source: MLB.com
Source: MLB.com
Braves Take Outfielder AJ Gracia With Ninth Overall Pick on Saturday
The Atlanta Braves selected University of Virginia outfielder AJ Gracia with the ninth overall pick in the 2026 MLB draft on Saturday, per MLB.com. Coming into this year's draft, Gracia was considered the 19th-best prospect by MLB.com. The 21-year-old has good size at 6-foot-3 and 195 pounds, and he finished his lone season this year at Virginia with a .354/.489/.632 slash line with a 1.121 OPS, 14 home runs, 48 RBI, 64 runs scored, and four stolen bases in 56 games played across 272 plate appearances. Gracia projects to find a home in left or center field because he lacks the arm strength to stay in right. From the left side of the plate offensively, Gracia could become one of the best overall hitters in this year's class. He limits his swing and miss and has great plate discipline, which should make him a fast riser in Atlanta's farm system in the next couple of years. Speed really isn't in the cards with Gracia, but fantasy managers in dynasty/keeper leagues will gladly take a four-tool player with a high ceiling as a hitter.
Source: MLB.com
Source: MLB.com
Braves Recall Top Prospect Owen Murphy to Majors, Will he Carve Out a Role?
Atlanta Braves right-handed pitcher Owen Murphy was recalled from Triple-A Gwinnett on Saturday, July 11, with James Karinchak optioned in the corresponding move. It is Murphy's second stint in less than a week. Braves manager Walt Weiss framed the 22-year-old as a long-relief option the first time around, so fantasy managers should not assume a rotation turn. Murphy has a 4.44 ERA, 1.26 WHIP, and 92 strikeouts over 81 minor-league innings this season, including a 3.88 ERA and 1.08 WHIP across 11 starts at Gwinnett. The strikeouts make him interesting if Atlanta gives him multiple innings at a time, but the role could leave him short on wins and volume. Murphy is rostered in just 1% of Yahoo leagues, while RotoBaller places him in the 12-team add range. He is worth a bench gamble in deeper 12-team formats and a stronger pickup in 15-team leagues.
Source: Atlanta Braves
Source: Atlanta Braves
Georgia Tech Outfielder Drew Burress Goes to A's at Pick No. 8 in MLB Draft
The Athletics selected Georgia Tech outfielder Drew Burress with the eighth overall pick in the 2026 MLB draft on Saturday, according to MLB.com. Burress came into this weekend's draft as the No. 7-ranked overall prospect by MLB.com. The 21-year-old 5-foot-9, 185-pound outfielder finished up his collegiate career at Georgia Tech this season by hitting .358/.473/.657 with a 1.130 OPS, 16 home runs, 60 RBI, 82 runs scored, and 10 stolen bases in 61 games and 311 plate appearances. Burress may be on the short side, but what he lacks in size, he makes up for in tools. Burress has excellent plate discipline and doesn't have any notable weaknesses as a hitter. On defense, he's an adequate defender in center field and also has a strong enough arm to play right field as well. He has a solid and compact swing at the plate from the right side and plus power that will play to all fields. On the basepaths, Burress' speed won't impress anyone, but he can steal a bag when needed. Because of his polished approach without many weaknesses as a hitter, Burress should move quickly through the A's system.
Source: MLB.com
Source: MLB.com
Juan Mejia Called On to Seal the Win, Worth a Deep-League Pickup?
The Colorado Rockies right-handed reliever Juan Mejia needed one pitch to finish Friday's 4-3 win over the San Francisco Giants, getting Bryce Eldridge to ground out with the bases loaded. Jordan Romano opened the ninth with a two-run lead but allowed a sacrifice fly and issued three walks before Mejia came in for his fourth save. It was another clean outing for Mejia, who has allowed one run with seven strikeouts and two walks over his last seven appearances and 8 2/3 innings. Still, one save does not make him the closer. Mejia owns a 5.74 ERA and 1.56 WHIP through 42 1/3 innings, while Romano remains the preferred ninth-inning option despite Friday's stumble. Colorado has already used 10 pitchers for saves, so Mejia could steal another chance when Romano is unavailable or runs into trouble. With a roster rate near 0%, he is a speculative add in 15-team leagues and deeper, not someone to chase in standard formats.
Source: RotoBaller
Source: RotoBaller
Eric Booth Jr. Drafted by Baltimore at No. 7 Overall
The Baltimore Orioles selected Oak Grove High School (Mississippi) outfielder Eric Booth Jr. with the seventh overall pick in the 2026 MLB draft on Saturday, according to MLB.com. Booth, who was ranked as MLB.com's No. 6 overall prospect in this year's draft, stands at 6-foot, 207 pounds and throws and hits from the left side. The 18-year-old's top tool is his speed. At the plate, he has an unconventional setup that makes his swing choppy, but he still makes consistent contact to utilize his speed on the basepaths. Booth is the most in need of development of any of the top-10 picks so far in this draft, but in the long run, he could reach 25 home runs in the big leagues if he can find a way to get to his pull power more. He won the Home Run Derby at the Perfect Game All-Star Game last July and was one of the fastest players in this year's high-school class, so Booth's power/speed profile is extremely intriguing. He could be one of the bigger boom/bust prospects to be taken early on in the first round this year. Expect the Orioles to work quickly on fine-tuning his mechanics at the plate in the lower levels of the minors later this year.
Source: MLB.com
Source: MLB.com
Luis Lara a Top Waiver Target for Five-Category Upside?
Milwaukee Brewers outfielder Luis Lara has reached base in each of his first three major-league games since being recalled on July 7, adding his first extra-base hit on Saturday, July 11, against Pittsburgh. The 21-year-old earned the promotion after batting .321/.432/.470 with nine home runs, 42 RBI, 67 runs, and 24 stolen bases in 78 games at Triple-A Nashville. He walked 54 times while striking out only 48, an encouraging sign that the average and on-base skills can travel. The crowded outfield is the catch. Jackson Chourio, Sal Frelick, and Garrett Mitchell are all competing for starts, but Lara has already appeared at all three outfield spots, and Blake Perkins was optioned when he arrived. RotoBaller's latest waiver rankings put Lara at 10% rostered and recommend him in 10-team leagues. The speed and average should arrive first, while the nine Triple-A homers leave room for more than a two-category profile.
Source: RotoBaller
Source: RotoBaller
Zion Rose Goes to Royals at No. 6 Overall in MLB Draft
The Kansas City Royals selected University of Louisville outfielder Zion Rose with the sixth overall pick in the 2026 MLB draft on Saturday, per MLB.com. It's a bit of a surprise that Rose snuck into the top 10 picks in this year's draft, as MLB.com had him ranked as the No. 30 overall prospect in this year's draft. The 21-year-old former catcher stands at 6-foot-1 and 200 pounds. In his final collegiate season in 2026 with Louisville, he slashed .417/.491/.646 with a 1.137 OPS, six home runs, 47 RBI, 24 stolen bases, and 44 runs scored across 36 games and 173 plate appearances. Rose is a plus runner on the basepaths, and the Royals will surely look to get more out of his raw power by getting him to lift the ball more in the air. He produces high-end exit velocities thanks to above-average bat speed, and he also has solid bat-to-ball skills at the plate. Rose will need to improve his plate discipline as he heads to the next level, but his speed will be his calling card as an eventual dynasty stash candidate sooner rather than later.
Source: MLB.com
Source: MLB.com
