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Rocky Beers a Top Red Zone Target for Oklahoma
Former Colorado State and Florida International tight end Rocky Beers joined the Oklahoma program via the transfer portal this offseason, and he figures to be a top target in the red zone for quarterback John Mateer. Last season, Beers ranked second nationally among tight ends in touchdown receptions (seven) despite catching just 31 passes for 388 yards. The Senior Colorado native is looking to make a big impact in his first year of Power 4 competition after the departure of Jaren Kanak, who tallied 533 receiving yards last season during his first year at the position. Oklahoma also brought in Florida transfer tight end Hayden Hansen, but based on Beers' success near the end zone last season, he should be one of Mateer's first looks in the red area.
Source: ESPN
Source: ESPN
Cardinals, Rookie QB Carson Beck Agree to Four-Year Deal
The Arizona Cardinals and rookie third-round quarterback Carson Beck agreed to terms on Wednesday, and he will sign his four-year, $7.4 million deal, sources told Ian Rapoport of the NFL Network. Beck is one of the last 2026 NFL draft picks to sign before the start of training camp. The 6-foot-4, 215-pound signal-caller will likely open training camp competing with Kedon Slovis for the QB3 job behind veterans Jacoby Brissett and Gardner Minshew. Beck spent five seasons at the University of Georgia before playing for the University of Miami in 2025, where he led the ACC in completions (338) and completion percentage (72.4%) while throwing for 3,813 yards, 30 touchdowns, and 12 interceptions in 16 games. He should have a shorter development window because of his experience, but he lacks high-end talent, and his ceiling in fantasy might be that of a midrange QB2 because of his lack of rushing ability. Fantasy managers in redraft leagues can ignore Beck, while in dynasty formats, he's merely a low-upside stash in 2026.
Source: NFL Network - Ian Rapoport
Source: NFL Network - Ian Rapoport
Garrett Whitlock's 12-Appearance Scoreless Run Adds Value Beyond Saves
Boston Red Sox right-handed reliever Garrett Whitlock worked a perfect eighth inning in Monday's 6-5 win over Baltimore, striking out one and earning his fifth victory. It was his 12th straight scoreless appearance. Whitlock has allowed four hits and no walks over 11 1/3 innings during that run, with 10 strikeouts. His season numbers are just as useful: a 2.00 ERA, 0.89 WHIP, 39 strikeouts, and two saves across 36 innings. Aroldis Chapman remains Boston's closer and recorded his 22nd save Monday, so Whitlock is not an immediate ninth-inning play. He is still the direct backup and one of the better ratio relievers available. Whitlock is rostered in 24% of Yahoo leagues. That makes him a strong add in deeper formats and leagues that count holds, where the clean innings, strikeouts, and occasional wins already carry value. Any additional saves would be a bonus.
Source: RotoBaller
Source: RotoBaller
Hagen Smith's Command Woes Persist, but 2026 MLB Debut Still Likely
Chicago White Sox pitching prospect Hagen Smith returned to action on Sunday, coming out of the bullpen for one inning of relief for Triple-A Charlotte. While the lefty struck out two batters in the inning, he also allowed a hit and yielded three walks, so there are still some improvements to be made. Chicago's top pitching prospect missed over a month with a left shoulder impingement, but had been struggling to find consistency, and the command has been a problem all year. The southpaw owned a 2.82 ERA and 1.25 WHIP over his first seven starts, but those numbers ballooned to 6.16 and 1.60, respectively, over the last seven, with nearly a 17 percent walk rate in both halves. Even so, the strikeout rate sits in the 93rd percentile, so if he can make some refinements, a debut in the second half is well within reach. As such, the 22-year-old is still probably one of the more promising arms to stash in most fantasy leagues.
Source: MiLB.com
Source: MiLB.com
Jett Williams' MLB Debut on Hold With Wrist Injury
Milwaukee Brewers infield/outfield prospect Jett Williams (wrist) remains shelved with a wrist injury that the team considers minor, according to manager Pat Murphy. Though he hasn't been placed on the injured list, the Brewers' fifth-ranked prospect hasn't seen game action since July 7, a game in which he went 0-for-3. Prior to that hitless outing, the former first-rounder had been riding a nine-game hit streak, during which time he went 13-for-34 (.382) with a pair of doubles, a triple, six steals, and a 6:6 BB:K, so the injury came just when he was heating up. The right-handed hitter is hitting just .234 on the year, but a 13.1 percent walk rate has helped him to a solid .341 on-base percentage, while hitting nine home runs and stealing 21 bags in 80 games for the Sounds. If he can return to action soon, a debut in the majors may not be far behind, and his positional versatility could help get him there, with the ability to play 2B, 3B, SS, and center field. Similar versatility is available on Yahoo! (2B, SS, OF), and while decent pop with some speed makes him intriguing for fantasy, the 22-year-old is really only stashworthy in deeper 12-team and NL-only leagues.
Source: MiLB.com
Source: MiLB.com
Walbert Urena's Triple-Digit Heat Is Worth the Walk Risk
Los Angeles Angels starting pitcher Walbert Urena gave St. Louis one run over six innings Tuesday, July 21, allowing six hits and one walk while striking out five. The velocity was the headline. Urena threw 16 pitches at 100 mph or harder in the first inning and reached 101.5. He is now 6-7 with a 2.78 ERA, 1.31 WHIP, and 83 strikeouts across 87 1/3 innings. The walks still make him uncomfortable to trust every time out. Urena has issued 47 of them, a 4.8 BB/9, and there will be starts when the traffic catches up with him. A 34% roster rate on Yahoo leaves plenty of room to add the 22-year-old, though. RotoBaller has him in its 12-team range, and the combination of velocity, strikeouts, and continued rotation work is worth chasing. Just do not treat him as matchup-proof.
Source: RotoBaller
Source: RotoBaller
Ty Simpson a Priority Stash for Rebuilding Dynasty Managers
The Los Angeles Rams shocked the NFL world when they selected quarterback Ty Simpson with the 13th overall pick in the 2026 NFL Draft. The Alabama product was a controversial prospect among draft analysts because of his lack of experience at the collegiate level. Simpson only had 15 starts, which all came in his final year in college. The 23-year-old spent his first three years in Tuscaloosa biding his time as a backup quarterback behind Bryce Young and Jalen Milroe. Simpson now enters the NFL in the best situation imaginable for a young quarterback. He will get to play for an offensive guru in Sean McVay, and he will get to sit and learn behind reigning MVP Matthew Stafford. When Stafford decides to call it a career, Simpson will be able to step into a quarterback-friendly system. It might be risky for a rebuilding dynasty manager to invest in a player who could spend his last five out of six seasons as a backup quarterback if Stafford decides to play two more seasons. However, Simpson's calling card as a quarterback is his High Football IQ and being an elite processor. When he gets a chance, his abilities will slide in smoothly into McVay's system.
Source: RotoBaller
Source: RotoBaller
Reynaldo Lopez Is Now a Matchup Play After Another Rough Start
Atlanta Braves starting pitcher Reynaldo Lopez took another hit Tuesday, July 21, allowing five earned runs on nine hits and three walks over 4 1/3 innings in an 8-3 loss to San Diego. He did strike out six, but Jackson Merrill and Manny Machado both took him deep. Lopez now owns a 3.95 ERA, 1.36 WHIP, and 60 strikeouts over 66 innings. St. Louis had already tagged him for four runs over five innings in his previous start, leaving nine earned runs and 14 hits across the last two. Atlanta is still using Lopez in the rotation, though he has not completed more than five innings since moving back into that role June 26. Lopez is on 24% of Yahoo rosters, and RotoBaller has dropped him to its 15-team range. The SP/RP eligibility helps. In standard mixed leagues, he is now a matchup play rather than someone who needs to be held.
Source: RotoBaller
Source: RotoBaller
Cade Cavalli Is Worth Holding Despite His Coors Field Matchup
Washington Nationals starting pitcher Cade Cavalli is scheduled to face the Rockies at Coors Field on Wednesday, July 22. That is a rough spot, and fantasy managers do not have to force him into their lineups. Cavalli is 6-4 with a 3.78 ERA, 1.31 WHIP, and 119 strikeouts over 104 2/3 innings. The right-hander has been sharper lately, posting a 3.60 ERA and 1.06 WHIP with 43 strikeouts against seven walks across his last seven starts. He also fanned nine without issuing a walk over six innings against the Athletics on Friday. Cavalli is now rostered in 48% of Yahoo leagues, while RotoBaller still places him in its 12-team range. The Coors matchup is dangerous. The season-long strikeout production is worth holding onto beyond one start.
Source: RotoBaller
Source: RotoBaller
Jerry Jeudy Emerging as Sneaky Sleeper for Redraft Leagues
Cleveland Browns wide receiver Jerry Jeudy is coming off his worst statistical season since 2021, when he only played 10 games. Last season, Jeudy had 50 catches for 602 yards and two touchdowns on 106 targets. The 27-year-old was forced to play with three different starting quarterbacks, with two of them being rookies. However, the offensive ecosystem has improved dramatically in Cleveland heading into 2026. The team spent their first three picks in the NFL Draft on that side of the ball by selecting Spencer Fano, KC Concepcion, and Denzel Boston. In addition, the quarterback play might not be spectacular, but it will be improved from a year ago. Jeudy is currently being drafted outside the top 135 picks according to Yahoo Sports data. His current price factors in his less-than-ideal quarterback play and the crowded pass-catching room he is in. Conversely, it does not bake in his ability to lead the team in targets and receiving yards. Jeudy is currently a free pick in redraft leagues this season even though he could become a solid flex option at some point this year.
Source: Yahoo
Source: Yahoo
James Tibbs III Continues to Make Case for MLB Debut
Los Angeles Dodgers outfield prospect James Tibbs III continues to produce while biding his time at Triple-A Oklahoma City in wait of an MLB call-up. The Dodgers' ninth-ranked prospect is 9-for-22 (.409) over his last seven games, including a pair of doubles and a 3:2 BB:K. The former first-round draft pick has put together a solid overall campaign, slashing .289/.408/.549 with 21 home runs and a 16.3 percent walk rate, with the second-most RBI (72) and runs scored (75) in the Pacific Coast League. He's gone an uncharacteristic 15 games without a home run, but with average exit velocity, barrel, and hard-hit rates all in the 90th percentile or better, his 22nd round-tripper of the year shouldn't be far off. On any other team, the left-handed hitter likely would have debuted by now, but with a healthy big league outfield and a glut of talented outfield options in the minors who are already on the 40-man roster, Tibbs' debut will have to wait. Still, the 23-year-old is one of the better stash options out there with the bat and the surrounding cast to be productive whenever he gets the call.
Source: MiLB.com
Source: MiLB.com
Lane Thomas Has Turned Everyday At-Bats Into Mixed-League Value
Kansas City Royals outfielder Lane Thomas is no longer just a platoon bat. Since Kyle Isbel (foot) landed on the injured list June 10, Thomas has hit .262/.331/.524 with seven home runs and 12 doubles across 126 plate appearances. He is playing against righties and lefties now, usually in a prominent lineup spot. The full-season line sits at .240 with nine homers, 34 RBI, 29 runs, and five steals over 250 at-bats. Only 11% of Yahoo leagues have Thomas rostered. That is still low for an everyday outfielder offering some power, a little speed, and enough on-base ability to keep the counting stats moving. Isbel began a rehab assignment Tuesday, so the outfield will get crowded again. Thomas has done too much with the opportunity to simply fall back into a strict platoon. He is a worthwhile mixed-league pickup while the role and production are both working.
Source: RotoBaller
Source: RotoBaller
Adam Randall a Priority Dynasty Stash Candidate Entering 2026
After starting his career at Clemson as a wide receiver, Baltimore Ravens rookie Adam Randall transitioned to running back in his final collegiate season. Randall was highly productive across 13 games for the Tigers in 2025, recording 1,068 scrimmage yards and 13 touchdowns on 204 touches. The 22-year-old may not have a path to fantasy-relevant playing time in 2026, as he enters the year behind Derrick Henry, Justice Hill, and Rasheen Ali on the Ravens' running back depth chart. However, Henry is 32 years old, Hill will be a free agent after 2026, and Ali has yet to establish himself as a significant piece of the Baltimore offense. At worst, Randall appears to have a clear path to replacing Hill as the third-down complement to Henry in Baltimore in 2027. Particularly for dynasty managers in the midst of a rebuild, Randall profiles as a player to target for his long-term upside.
Source: RotoBaller
Source: RotoBaller
Jalen Coker Profiles as a Top Redraft Sleeper Entering 2026
Carolina Panthers wide receiver Jalen Coker had his 2025 campaign disrupted by a preseason quad injury, which forced him to miss Carolina's first six games. Coker finished the year with modest numbers, recording 33 catches for 394 yards and three touchdowns on 43 targets across 11 contests. Still, the Panthers reaffirmed their commitment to the 24-year-old over the offseason, signing him to a three-year, $35 million contract extension. Entering 2026, Coker profiles as the clear WR2 in Carolina alongside Tetairoa McMillan. He's also riding a strong finish to the 2025 season, as he recorded 28 catches for 378 yards and four scores on 36 targets over his final six games played, including the postseason. Coker may not have true superstar upside, but he's a sleeper to target at his current redraft ADP of WR63.
Source: RotoBaller
Source: RotoBaller
Bryce Lance Carries Long-Term Dynasty Upside into 2026
After recording 51 catches for 1,079 yards and eight touchdowns across 13 games at North Dakota State in 2025, wide receiver Bryce Lance was selected in the fourth round of the 2026 NFL Draft by the New Orleans Saints. The Saints enter 2026 with two high-end wide receiver options who are clearly ahead of Lance on the depth chart in Chris Olave and Jordyn Tyson (undisclosed). However, New Orleans is still looking to replace the downfield ability of former wide receiver Rashid Shaheed, whom the team traded away at the 2025 trade deadline. Lance averaged over 21 yards per reception in his final collegiate season and tested out as an elite athlete at the 2026 Scouting Combine, so he could profile as the explosive big-play threat that the Saints are looking for. Lance may not provide fantasy-relevant production right away, but he's worth targeting in dynasty formats for his long-term upside.
Source: RotoBaller
Source: RotoBaller
Julio Rodriguez Returns to Mariners Lineup on Wednesday
Seattle Mariners outfielder Julio Rodriguez (leg) is serving as the designated hitter and will bat second for the team's game on Wednesday at home against the visiting Cincinnati Reds and right-hander Brady Singer, per MLB.com. Rodriguez was hit in the leg by a throw while running to first base on Monday night in the series opener against the Reds and was held out on Tuesday as a precaution, although he eventually entered the game and homered last night. The 25-year-old Dominican outfielder should be returned to starting fantasy lineups in all leagues now that he's recovered from his minor leg injury. The three-time All-Star and former American League Rookie of the Year in 2022 is currently hitting .258/.321/.426 with a .746 OPS, 15 home runs, 43 RBI, 48 runs scored, and 12 stolen bases in 91 games across 393 plate appearances in 2026. A third 30-30 season might not be in the cards for J-Rod this year due to injuries, but he is still a no-brainer must-start in all leagues when he's active. Rodriguez has struggled so far in July, going 3-for-13 with a homer, three RBI, two runs, two walks, and four strikeouts in just five games played after missing some time while on the concussion injured list.
Source: MLB.com
Source: MLB.com
Is Mike Gesicki Still Worthy of a Deep-League Dynasty Roster Spot?
Across 13 games in 2025, Cincinnati Bengals tight end Mike Gesicki recorded 28 catches for 307 yards and two touchdowns on 42 targets. After a TE13 finish in 2024, Gesicki plummeted to TE41 last season. Entering 2026, Gesicki could play a larger role in the Bengals' offense after the offseason departure of former Cincinnati tight end Noah Fant. However, the 30-year-old's production outlook will likely remain tied to the health of Bengals wide receiver Tee Higgins, as Gesicki's best moments in Cincinnati have often come when Higgins is sidelined by injury. As long as Higgins and fellow superstar Bengals wideout Ja'Marr Chase are on the field, Gesicki is unlikely to see enough target volume to provide fantasy-relevant production. Still, the veteran tight end could remain a low-cost handcuff option for deep-league dynasty managers to roster for the upcoming season.
Source: RotoBaller
Source: RotoBaller
James Cook III Remains a High-End Running Back Option Entering 2026
Buffalo Bills running back James Cook III earned second-team All-Pro honors for his work in 2025, when he recorded 1,912 scrimmage yards and 14 touchdowns on 342 touches across 17 games. The 26-year-old has always been an uber-efficient rusher, and he saw his workload spike from 14.9 touches per game in 2024 to 20.1 touches per game in 2025. The Bills promoted former offensive coordinator Joe Brady to head coach ahead of the 2026 season and did not make any notable additions to their running back room, so there's little reason to think that Cook III's role in the team's offense will change. By measure of per-game PPR scoring, Cook III has been a solid RB1 in back-to-back seasons. Entering 2026, he remains a high-end running back option for fantasy managers in redraft leagues.
Source: RotoBaller
Source: RotoBaller
Chris Brazzell II Set to Compete for WR3 Role in Training Camp
Anthony Rizzuti of Panthers Wire writes that Carolina Panthers rookie third-round wide receiver Chris Brazzell II will be competing with Xavier Legette for the WR3 role this summer in training camp behind second-year wideout Tetairoa McMillan and Jalen Coker. Legette, a former first-rounder, is running out of chances to prove himself, so he could quickly fall out of favor if Brazzell impresses during camp. The University of Tennessee will bring more of a speed element to the Panthers' offense, which is something they've been missing, so that could help set him apart from Legette as he heads into his first NFL campaign. Brazzell impressed head coach Dave Canales while developing chemistry with QB Bryce Young during offseason workouts, but he'll need to keep it going when the pads go on in camp. In 2025 with the Volunteers, Brazzell was an All-SEC first-team selection after catching 62 passes for 1,017 yards and nine touchdowns in 12 games. He's just inside RotoBaller's top-100 WR rankings for 2026, but his ADP could skyrocket if he's named the WR3 before the start of the season.
Source: Panthers Wire - Anthony Rizzuti
Source: Panthers Wire - Anthony Rizzuti
J.J. McCarthy Carries Dynasty Buy-Low Appeal into 2026
Minnesota Vikings quarterback J.J. McCarthy struggled in his first chance to be an NFL starter in 2025. McCarthy missed seven games due to ankle, concussion, and hand issues and finished the year with 1,632 passing yards, 11 touchdowns, and 12 interceptions. Minnesota brought in some significant competition for McCarthy in free agency, signing veteran quarterback Kyler Murray. Given Murray's established track record from his time with the Arizona Cardinals, it wouldn't be a surprise if McCarthy is limited to QB2 duties in 2026. However, the Vikings reportedly plan to allow the battle between Murray and McCarthy to run through training camp and the preseason. McCarthy is just 23 years old, and Minnesota could still view him as a key piece of the team's future. McCarthy also brings some fantasy juice with his legs, as he rushed for 181 yards and four touchdowns in 10 games last season. With his value at a low point, McCarthy could be a worthy buy-low candidate for dynasty managers.
Source: RotoBaller
Source: RotoBaller
Zach Charbonnet Placed on PUP List
The Seattle Seahawks placed running back Zach Charbonnet (knee) on the Physically Unable to Perform list on Wednesday as he continues to make his way back from offseason knee surgery to fix a torn ACL that he suffered in the postseason, according to Adam Schefter of ESPN. The 25-year-old has reportedly made good progress in his rehab this offseason, but he's still fully expected to miss the start of the 2026 regular season this fall, which will obviously hurt his fantasy redraft value. With Kenneth Walker III now in Kansas City, the Seahawks are expected to use some sort of committee approach in the backfield to begin the season, involving rookie Jadarian Price, George Holani, and Emanuel Wilson. But once Charbonnet is cleared to return for his season debut, he figures to eventually be a key piece of Seattle's backfield once again. The former second-rounder in 2023 out of UCLA had a bigger role next to Walker in 16 regular-season games last year and posted a career-high 730 rushing yards and 12 rushing touchdowns on 184 carries while also catching 20 passes for 144 yards through the air. RotoBaller currently has Charbonnet ranked as the No. 62 fantasy RB for the upcoming season.
Source: ESPN - Adam Schefter
Source: ESPN - Adam Schefter
Nnamdi Madubuike Not Medically Cleared to Play
Baltimore Ravens two-time Pro Bowl defensive lineman Nnamdi Madubuike (neck) missed all but two games last year due to a significant neck injury. He had surgery in April and hasn't been medically cleared by team doctors to return to the field, according to Jeff Zrebiec of The Athletic. If the 28-year-old pass-rusher gets the green light to return, though, he could be one of the biggest additions to their defense for the 2026 season, even when considering the offseason addition of edge rusher Trey Hendrickson. General manager Eric DeCosta said last week on 105.7 The Fan that things are "pointed in the right direction" for Madubuike. The former third-rounder in 2020 out of Texas A&M was a Pro Bowler in both 2023 and 2024 before injuring his neck last year. In his six years with Baltimore, he has recorded 30 sacks, 203 tackles (124 solo), 42 tackles for loss, 69 QB hits, and two pass breakups in 78 games played (66 starts). Most likely, the Ravens will ease Madubuike in this summer and in the preseason if he's cleared to play, but his presence on the D-line in Baltimore this year could be a huge boost if he can recapture his pre-injury form.
Source: The Athletic - Jeff Zrebiec
Source: The Athletic - Jeff Zrebiec
Romeo Doubs Set to Serve as Patriots Top Inside Receiver
Evan Lazar of the New England Patriots' official website writes that new wide receiver Romeo Doubs projects as the team's top inside receiver and profiles more like a high-volume "big" slot in a similar role to former wideout Stefon Diggs, who led the team with 85 catches, 1,103 yards, and four touchdowns on 102 targets through 17 regular-season games in 2025. The Patriots essentially replaced Diggs with the additions of both Doubs and Pro Bowl pass-catcher A.J. Brown this offseason. The 26-year-old Doubs will try to expand on a career year in his final season with the Green Bay Packers, when he had 55 catches for 724 yards and six touchdowns on 85 targets in 16 regular-season contests. While Doubs is going to have a big role while working with a rising young QB in Drake Maye, he's nothing special athletically, and he figures to be more of a complement to Brown in New England than a true star. Fantasy managers shouldn't overpay for his services on draft day. RotoBaller currently has Doubs ranked as the No. 53 fantasy WR for the 2026 season.
Source: Patriots.com - Evan Lazar
Source: Patriots.com - Evan Lazar
Jacob Webb Remains the Closer to Roster in Chicago
Across 43 1/3 innings (44 games) in 2026, Chicago Cubs right-hander Jacob Webb has recorded a 3-2 record with a 2.91 ERA, 1.32 WHIP, 50 strikeouts, and five saves. The 32-year-old has begun to emerge as Chicago's preferred ninth-inning option in July, logging three saves across seven outings so far this month. Cubs closer Daniel Palencia (elbow) is expected to return from his current elbow injury in mid-August, so Webb's fantasy value as a source of saves could be relatively short-lived. Still, he's performed well in the role so far, and his 27% strikeout rate backs up his strong results. For fantasy managers in need of a short-term saves solution, Webb profiles as a priority waiver wire target.
Source: RotoBaller
Source: RotoBaller
Mike Washington Jr. has the Potential to Grow into RB2 Role
Las Vegas Raiders rookie fourth-round running back Mike Washington Jr. has the "potential to grow into a second option in the backfield" in 2026 in his first year in the league behind RB1 Ashton Jeanty, according to Ryan McFadden of ESPN. Washington has a nice blend of size (6-foot-2, 228 pounds) and speed (4.33-second 40-yard dash) and rushed for 1,070 yards (606 yards after first contact) and eight touchdowns at the University of Arkansas last year. He added 28 receptions for 226 yards and another touchdown as a pass-catcher. The Raiders expect Jeanty to have a heavy workload under new head coach Klint Kubiak, but "that shouldn't take away from Washington playing meaningful snaps" in his first year in the league as the top backup in Vegas. Washington took reps with the second team and occasionally with the first-team offense during the offseason program. The 23-year-old has a clear path to RB2 duties, but he still has plenty to clean up, including ball-security issues he showed in college. He'll be trying to hold off undrafted rookie RB Roman Hemby in training camp.
Source: ESPN.com - Ryan McFadden
Source: ESPN.com - Ryan McFadden
Luke Adams Gets Back on Track With Multi-Hit Performance
Milwaukee Brewers corner infield prospect Luke Adams went 2-for-4 with a run scored on Tuesday, getting back to pre-All-Star-break form. The Brewers' 11th-ranked prospect was 9-for-20 (.450) in the six-game lead-up to the break, but came out of the break just 1-for-11 (.091) before Tuesday night's multi-hit effort. The former 12th-rounder missed over a month earlier this season due to injury, but has been productive when on the field, recording a .952 OPS, .416 wOBA, and 147 wRC+ in the 45 games he's played for Nashville. With 12 home runs on the season and plenty of power metrics ranking in the 84th percentile or better, there's ample fantasy intrigue in his bat, which makes for a potential stash candidate in deeper 14-team and NL-only leagues, but there is no current opening on the MLB roster at the moment, and the 6-foot-4 slugger would have to be added to the 40-man roster ahead of an MLB debut.
Source: MiLB.com
Source: MiLB.com
Jacoby Brissett to Report for Start of Training Camp
Arizona Cardinals quarterback Jacoby Brissett will report for the start of the team's training camp on Wednesday, a source told Ben Volin of The Boston Globe. However, Volin said he wouldn't expect to see Brissett on the field much until his contract situation is resolved. The 33-year-old veteran and former third-rounder by the New England Patriots in 2016 out of North Carolina State is looking for a raise going into his 11th year in the league after becoming Arizona's starting QB in 2025, when he threw for a career-high 3,366 yards, 23 touchdowns, and eight interceptions in 14 games (12 starts) in his first year with the organization. The Cardinals agree that Brissett has earned a new contract, but despite negotiating for the last several months, the two sides have yet to come to an agreement. Expect something to happen sooner rather than later so that the Cardinals can get Brissett back on the field as he tries to learn new head coach Mike LaFleur's offense. Fantasy managers should treat the veteran gunslinger as a low-end QB2 with regression most likely coming his way in what should be a much more balanced offense in 2026 under LaFleur.
Source: The Boston Globe - Ben Volin
Source: The Boston Globe - Ben Volin
Zac Thornton Emerging as a Starting Pitcher Streamer to Target on the Waiver Wire
New York Mets starting pitcher Zac Thornton picked up his first win of the season on Tuesday night, throwing six scoreless innings with two strikeouts in his team's 4-0 win over the Milwaukee Brewers. Thornton has spent most of the 2026 season at Triple-A, where he's recorded a 4.02 ERA across 62 2/3 innings. However, the 24-year-old was recalled by New York on July 12 and has been extremely effective across his last two starts, throwing 13 scoreless innings while allowing just five hits and three walks. Thornton averages just 92 miles per hour on his fastball and has posted a 19.5% strikeout rate in the big leagues this season, so fantasy managers should not expect high-end strikeout upside. Still, the young left-hander has allowed just a 6.9% walk rate, and opposing batters are hitting .173 against him. In the midst of his current hot streak, Thornton profiles as a starting pitcher streamer to target on the waiver wire.
Source: RotoBaller
Source: RotoBaller
No Timetable for Garrett Crochet to Resume Throwing
Boston Red Sox left-hander Garrett Crochet (shoulder, lat) said on Tuesday that he and the training staff still don't have a timetable for when he will restart his throwing program, according to Christopher Smith of MassLive.com. Crochet was initially placed on the injured list on April 29 with inflammation in his left shoulder, but he felt lat tightness two days later while throwing a one-inning simulated game, and he hasn't thrown a baseball since. "Making a lot of progress in the strength department right now," Crochet said. When asked if there was a chance he might not pitch again this season, the ace said, "It's tough to say." He's now on the 60-day IL after originally hoping his IL stint would last the minimum 15 days. Crochet started throwing weighted plyo balls in mid-June but stopped near the start of July. His shoulder injury is the biggest issue, as he called his lat injury "super minor." In shallow-mixed fantasy leagues, we wouldn't blame any managers for cutting the 27-year-old southpaw, as at this point, it's looking more likely that he won't return until September, if at all. Currently, he's still rostered in 94% of Yahoo leagues.
Source: MassLive.com - Christopher Smith
Source: MassLive.com - Christopher Smith
AJ Smith-Shawver a Priority Waiver-Wire Stash Ahead of Impending Return
Atlanta Braves right-hander AJ Smith-Shawver (elbow) has yet to pitch in the big leagues in 2026 as he works his way back from Tommy John surgery, which he underwent in June 2025. However, the 23-year-old began a minor league rehab assignment in late June and has now made four appearances in the minors, with his two most recent starts coming at Triple-A. Smith-Shawver has pitched well in his rehab outings, recording a 1.98 ERA and a 1.32 WHIP with 16 strikeouts across 13 2/3 innings. Before getting injured last season, the hard-throwing right-hander recorded a 3-2 record with a 3.86 ERA, 1.42 WHIP, and 42 strikeouts across 44 1/3 innings (nine starts). With Braves left-hander Martin Perez (forearm) landing on the injured list in early July due to a forearm contusion, Smith-Shawver should immediately have a role in the Atlanta rotation once he's ready to return to the big leagues. Particularly in deeper leagues, fantasy managers should look to stash Smith-Shawver off the waiver wire ahead of his impending return.
Source: RotoBaller
Source: RotoBaller
