RADIO
Casey Schmitt a Versatile Fantasy Option with Extra-Base Upside
San Francisco Giants infielder Casey Schmitt is off to an impressive start to the season at the plate, and his defensive versatility makes him a particularly appealing waiver wire option in fantasy baseball. After posting a mere .706 OPS last year, he's slashing .296/.344/.539 with six homers and 146 wRC+ in 2026. There are still some holes in his game, such as his 4.0% walk rate and 20.8% strikeout rate. He's also not very fast, swiping just two bags. Still, his potential to launch home runs (and deliver extra-base hits in general) bodes well for his fantasy outlook. He's also getting into the lineup on an everyday basis because of how well he's hitting. The 27-year-old is finally living up to his second-round draft capital, and it comes at a perfect time for fantasy managers looking for reinforcements in their lineup. In RotoBaller's latest fantasy baseball rankings for 2026, Schmitt is the #21 first baseman, #11 second baseman, and #16 third baseman. There's a good chance he's available for you on the waiver wire, because he's rostered in just 30% of leagues right now.
Source: RotoBaller
Source: RotoBaller
Travis Etienne Jr. Remains a Reliable Dynasty Starter Entering First Season in New Orleans
After a down year in 2024, New Orleans Saints running back Travis Etienne Jr. bounced back in a big way while playing for the Jacksonville Jaguars in 2025. Across 17 games, Etienne Jr. recorded 1,399 yards from scrimmage and 13 touchdowns on 296 touches. His resurgence earned him a significant commitment from the Saints, who signed him to a four-year, $48 million contract in March. While legendary Saints running back Alvin Kamara currently remains on the team's roster, the organization's financial ties to Etienne Jr. signify a changing of the guard. Etienne Jr. offers a three-down skill set and should dominate touches and playing time in the Saints' backfield. The offense around him in New Orleans should also be an improved unit in the team's second year with Tyler Shough at quarterback and head coach Kellen Moore calling plays. As he enters his age-27 season, Etienne Jr. profiles as a reliable starting running back option for dynasty managers.
Source: RotoBaller
Source: RotoBaller
Jared Jones a Priority Injured Player to Stash?
Pittsburgh Pirates starting pitcher Jared Jones (elbow) is currently on the 60-day injured list, but he's an intriguing player to stash in fantasy baseball leagues ahead of his eventual activation. Although he must remain on the IL through May 26, he has started his rehab assignment in the minors, suggesting that he'll be activated as soon as he's eligible (barring a setback). Jones was highly impressive as a rookie in 2025, posting a 3.78 xFIP with 9.78 K/9, 2.88 BB/9, and an average fastball velocity of 97.4 mph. That type of production is worthy of a roster spot in fantasy leagues, so managers who can afford to stash Jones for a few weeks should add him while he's still available. He currently ranks #68 among starters in RotoBaller's latest fantasy baseball rankings, and his stock will only rise as his return gets closer.
Source: RotoBaller
Source: RotoBaller
Is Kenneth Gainwell's Dynasty Stock Still Rising After Offseason Change of Scenery?
Tampa Bay Buccaneers running back Kenneth Gainwell put together the most productive season of his career while playing for the Pittsburgh Steelers in 2025, recording 1,023 scrimmage yards and eight touchdowns on 187 touches across 17 games. Gainwell emerged as a security blanket for Steelers quarterback Aaron Rodgers in the passing game, finishing the year with 73 catches for 486 yards and three touchdowns on 85 targets. The Bucs rewarded Gainwell with a two-year contract in free agency, and he now projects as the 1B option in the Tampa Bay backfield behind Bucky Irving. Gainwell may not see as many targets from Bucs quarterback Baker Mayfield as he did from Rodgers, which would hurt his fantasy production. However, Gainwell should still play a role in the Tampa Bay passing game and could emerge as the team's go-to option in short-yardage and goal-line situations. Irving also has to be considered an injury risk after missing seven games with foot and shoulder injuries in 2025. Gainwell's dynasty value would have benefited more had he signed somewhere as a clear starter, but his stock is still up following his breakout 2025 season in Pittsburgh.
Source: RotoBaller
Source: RotoBaller
Mac Jones a Deep-League Dynasty Stash Candidate
San Francisco 49ers quarterback Mac Jones showed he still carries some starting potential in 2025, completing 69.6% of his pass attempts for 2,151 yards, 13 touchdowns, and six interceptions across 11 games (eight starts). Jones stepped into the 49ers QB1 role when Brock Purdy went down early in the year with toe and shoulder injuries and performed admirably. While Purdy's presence blocks Jones from fantasy-relevant playing time in San Francisco, 2026 is his final year under contract with the 49ers. At just 27 years old, Jones could land with a team that views him as a starter when he hits free agency next spring. San Francisco could also look to trade him at some point before the 2026 trade deadline, which would be another path to a potential starting role. Either way, deeper-league dynasty managers may want to consider stashing Jones for his long-term upside.
Source: RotoBaller
Source: RotoBaller
Chase Dollander a Top Waiver-Wire Target in Bulk-Relief Role?
Colorado Rockies starting pitcher Chase Dollander has looked sharp in his second MLB season, emerging as a very intriguing rotation option for fantasy baseball managers. Dollander was roughed up as a rookie last year, but he's 3-2 with a 3.14 xERA, 10.13 K/9, and 2.89 BB/9 through eight appearances in 2026. Those numbers would be even better if not for a six-run outburst at home in his last outing on May 2. He has also managed to induce a career-high 51.5% ground ball rate despite making three of his eight appearances at the hitter-friendly Coors Field. Dollander is definitely benefiting from being in his second MLB season, but we might also attribute some of the credit to his role and usage. The Rockies have been deploying him after an opener, so typically, he doesn't face the top of the order his first time through. It's a small sample size, but he has allowed a staggering .385 BA to opposing No. 2 hitters, so perhaps using him after the opener is a wise decision. He currently ranks #65 among starters in RotoBaller's latest fantasy baseball rankings, but he's rostered in just 33% of leagues. He'll return to the mound for his next outing on Friday afternoon in Philadelphia.
Source: RotoBaller
Source: RotoBaller
Tez Johnson Facing Uphill Battle for Playing Time in Tampa Bay
A seventh-round pick in the 2025 NFL Draft, Tampa Bay Buccaneers wide receiver Tez Johnson entered his rookie season buried on his team's depth chart. However, myriad injuries to the Bucs' wide receiver corps opened the door for Johnson to see the field, and he finished 2025 with 28 receptions for 322 yards and five touchdowns on 44 targets across 16 games (eight starts). While Johnson flashed upside when given the opportunity, he lost playing time as Tampa Bay got healthier down the stretch of the season. Johnson failed to play more than 25% of the team's offensive snaps in any of its final four games of the year. Entering 2026, Johnson projects to be behind Bucs wideouts Chris Godwin Jr., Emeka Egbuka, and Jalen McMillan on the depth chart. Tampa Bay also used a third-round pick in the 2026 NFL Draft on Georgia State wide receiver Ted Hurst, which could push Johnson even further down the target pecking order. Given the uphill battle he faces for playing time in Tampa Bay, Johnson's dynasty stock is down as he enters his second NFL season.
Source: RotoBaller
Source: RotoBaller
Tony Santillan the New Closer to Roster in Cincinnati?
Cincinnati Reds reliever Tony Santillan appears to be getting the bulk of the save situations, making him an intriguing closer option in fantasy baseball. The Reds continue to use Santillan in leverage scenarios, and while it has backfired with a blown save and a loss in his last two games, he still appears to be the frontrunner for the role. The Reds used Graham Ashcraft in a save situation on Wednesday, but he blew it, too. Outside of a minor rough patch, Santillan has been effective, posting a 2.87 ERA with 9.19 K/9. He does need to work on limiting walks (5.17 BB/9) and loud contact (1.72 HR/9 and 35.9% GB%). With Emilio Pagan out until late June, it seems like the Reds will just roll with Santillan as their de facto closer. He has jumped to #32 among relievers in RotoBaller's latest fantasy baseball rankings.
Source: RotoBaller
Source: RotoBaller
Jared Goff Remains a High-Floor Dynasty QB2 Heading into 2026
Detroit Lions quarterback Jared Goff put together another solid statistical season in 2025, completing 68% of his pass attempts for 4,564 yards, 34 touchdowns, and eight interceptions. Goff's complete lack of rushing ability limits his fantasy upside. However, the 31-year-old has now posted three consecutive seasons with at least 4,500 passing yards and 30 touchdowns, giving him a stable production floor. Heading into 2026, Goff still has a strong supporting cast of pass-catchers around him, led by wide receivers Amon-Ra St. Brown and Jameson Williams. Running back Jahmyr Gibbs is also a weapon in the passing game, and tight end Sam LaPorta (back) should be part of the equation as well after missing the final eight games of 2025 with a back injury. The Lions have some questions on the offensive line, but the team added veteran center Cade Mays in free agency and used a first-round pick in the 2026 Draft on Clemson tackle Blake Miller. As long as Detroit can keep Goff upright, he profiles as a steady dynasty QB2 with matchup-dependent streaming upside.
Source: RotoBaller
Source: RotoBaller
De'Von Achane Remains a High-End Dynasty RB Despite Uncertain Supporting Cast
Miami Dolphins running back De'Von Achane put together an excellent season in 2025, recording 1,838 yards from scrimmage and 12 touchdowns on 305 touches across 16 games. While the 24-year-old has established himself as one of the best running backs in fantasy football, there are some notable changes around him in Miami going into 2026. Bobby Slowik will take over for Mike McDaniel as the Dolphins' play-caller, and Malik Willis is replacing Tua Tagovailoa as the team's starting quarterback. Achane is also currently in somewhat of a contract standoff with the organization as he enters the final year of his rookie contract and seeks a monster extension. Still, despite the relative uncertainty around him, Achane profiles as the most talented player on the Miami offense by far. With the Dolphins having traded away star wideout Jaylen Waddle over the offseason, Achane could even surpass the 85 targets he saw as a receiver in 2025. In dynasty formats, Achane remains a high-end RB1.
Source: RotoBaller
Source: RotoBaller
Chiefs Limited Xavier Worthy's Usage After Injury Last Year
Kansas City Chiefs head coach Andy Reid told The Athletic's Jesse Newell at last month's annual NFL meeting that the team limited wide receiver Xavier Worthy's (shoulder) routes last year to protect him after his labrum injury in Week 1. "I would tell you that we kind of, after that, we were afraid to do certain things with (Worthy)," Reid said. "So I think him coming back healthy, I think opens up that whole picture you saw during training camp, where he had a whole bunch of different routes in there." The 23-year-old former first-rounder and speed threat took a step back in Year 2 in 2025, catching just 42 of 73 targets for 532 yards and one touchdown in 14 games after putting up a 59-638-6 line in 17 regular-season games as a rookie in 2024. Worthy's shoulder injury never allowed him to reach his true ceiling in his sophomore campaign, and he never went over 85 receiving yards in a single game. With a full route tree again in 2026, Worthy will have bounce-back potential, but his slight frame (5-foot-11, 165 pounds) will continue to leave him vulnerable to injuries. He's currently ranked as the No. 52 fantasy wideout at RotoBaller, but he'll have bounce-back potential in Year 3 if he can stay healthy.
Source: The Athletic - Jesse Newell
Source: The Athletic - Jesse Newell
Chiefs Not Ready to Discuss Extension With Rashee Rice?
The Athletic's Jesse Newell suggests that wide receiver Rashee Rice needs to prove himself more both on and off the field before the Kansas City Chiefs realistically consider approaching him about a long-term contract extension. Newell writes that there is "a long way to go between that potential reality and where things sit now." The 26-year-old former second-rounder (55th overall) in 2023 out of SMU is in the final year of his rookie deal in 2026, but he needs to "prove he can go a calendar year without ending up in negative offseason headlines." Rice has played in just 12 regular-season games since the start of 2024 due to suspensions after posting a 79-938-7 line in 16 games in his rookie campaign with KC. Despite his off-the-field issues, Rice is clearly the Chiefs' WR1 going into the upcoming season, and he should be treated as a WR1 in fantasy football as well. In just eight starts in 2025, he caught 53 of his 78 targets for 571 yards and five touchdowns, and he's scored 14 times in his 28 NFL games over his first three seasons. Rice's after-the-catch abilities are as good as any wideout in the league.
Source: The Athletic - Jesse Newell
Source: The Athletic - Jesse Newell
Shota Imanaga Continues Strong Season With 10-Strikeout Performance
Chicago Cubs left-hander Shota Imanaga continued his masterful 2026 season in Thursday's 8-3 victory over the division-rival Cincinnati Reds at Wrigley Field to win his fourth game of the season. Imanaga allowed just one earned run on six hits (one homer) while walking three and striking out 10 in six innings of work. It was the second time this year that he reached double-digit strikeouts. With the strong effort against the Reds on Thursday, the 32-year-old Japanese native is 4-2 with a 2.28 ERA (2.82 FIP), a 0.93 WHIP, and a 53:13 K:BB in 47 1/3 innings pitched. The only run that Imanaga allowed in the outing was a solo shot by infielder Sal Stewart, who has been one of the best all-around hitters in the majors so far in 2026. Imanaga will have a difficult test his next time out against the Atlanta Braves on the road, but he's become a must-start for fantasy managers with the way he's been pitching so far this year.
Source: MLB.com
Source: MLB.com
Padres Move Joe Musgrove to 60-Day Injured List
The San Diego Padres announced on Thursday that they transferred right-hander Joe Musgrove (elbow) to the 60-day injured list. Musgrove had Tommy John surgery late in the 2024 season and missed the entire 2025 campaign as a result. The 33-year-old veteran was working his way back in the offseason for a potential return to San Diego's starting rotation for the start of this season, but he just has not recovered as expected, and now he won't be eligible to make his 2026 season debut until at least late May. It's unclear exactly where he's at in his throwing program to build his arm strength back up, but we'd be surprised to see Musgrove back with the Padres in the first half of the season at this point. It's becoming harder and harder to recommend holding Musgrove in single-year fantasy leagues. He's currently rostered in 22% of Yahoo leagues. The Padres could really use the rotation boost, but Musgrove's return to a big-league mound is not imminent.
Source: San Diego Padres
Source: San Diego Padres
Garrett Crochet Resumes Throwing, Red Sox Not Rushing him
Boston Red Sox left-hander Garrett Crochet (shoulder), who was placed on the 15-day injured list on April 29 with left-shoulder inflammation, has resumed throwing from 60 feet and is continuing to make progress in his strength program, interim manager Chad Tracy told Mac Cerullo of the Boston Herald. Crochet is eligible to come off the IL on Tuesday, but the Red Sox want to make sure he's fully built back up before activating him. Whether or not Crochet requires a minor-league rehab assignment will depend on how long he's out, according to Tracy. The talented southpaw should return by mid-May, but it won't be by next Tuesday. Despite an inconsistent start to the 2026 season, Crochet should be held in all fantasy leagues. Rookie left-hander Jake Bennett has made his first two big-league starts in Crochet's place so far. The 26-year-old Crochet has gone 3-3 with a 6.30 ERA (4.34 FIP) and 1.47 WHIP with 37 strikeouts and 11 walks across 30 innings over his first six starts with the BoSox this year. He was an All-Star each of the last two seasons and finished second in the American League Cy Young voting in 2025.
Source: Boston Herald - Mac Cerullo
Source: Boston Herald - Mac Cerullo
Ryan Waldschmidt Back in Action in Minors After Injury Scare
Arizona Diamondbacks outfield prospect Ryan Waldschmidt (head) had an injury scare while at Triple-A Reno on Tuesday when he was hit square in the helmet by a pitch. Waldschmidt initially stayed in the game before eventually being pulled, and he was held out of Wednesday's lineup as a precaution. The 23-year-old was back on the field for Thursday's game at Triple-A, though, and he went 2-for-5 at the plate with an RBI for the Aces. Arizona's top prospect, per MLB Pipeline, has struggled at the dish of late, hitting just .105 with two doubles, two RBI, five runs scored, and two stolen bases in his last five games, but overall, he's still hitting a strong .289/.400/.477 with an .877 OPS, three home runs, 22 RBI, six stolen bases, and 30 runs scored in 34 games on the farm. Despite being rostered in only 4% of Yahoo leagues, Waldschmidt remains one of the top young outfield stashes in fantasy baseball, and he should be up in the big leagues in 2026 sooner rather than later. The 6-foot, 205-pounder is intriguing for his above-average raw power from the right side of the plate.
Source: Sports Illustraded - Alex D'Agostino
Source: Sports Illustraded - Alex D'Agostino
Rico Garcia a High-End, Short-Term Option for Saves
Baltimore Orioles right-hander Rico Garcia locked down his second save of the season on Wednesday against the Miami Marlins and continues to be a high-end short-term option for the Orioles while Ryan Helsley (elbow) remains on the injured list. Garcia has been one of the go-to Orioles late-inning, high-leverage relievers coming into the season, as he has six holds on the season, and is 3-0 with a 0.53 ERA and 0.41 WHIP with 19 strikeouts in 17 innings pitched. The two saves Garcia has picked up this season have been the first two saves in his six-year career, and through 18 appearances on the season, Garcia is pitching the best he has in his entire career. The underlying metrics are supporting Garcia's breakout, with a 1.91 xERA, .156 xBA, and 33.3 percent strikeout rate. While Garcia's value as someone to pick up saves will be short-lived, in deeper, head-to-head formats, Garcia should be looked at as a top option. Helsley is tentatively expected back on May 15, so fantasy managers have a chance to secure a few more saves from Garcia until then.
Source: Baseball Savant
Source: Baseball Savant
Cade Otton Remains a Quality Dynasty Depth Piece
Tampa Bay Buccaneers tight end Cade Otton has caught exactly 59 passes in each of the past two seasons while averaging 586 receiving yards. His 11 total touchdowns across his four professional seasons point to a ceiling incapable of winning leagues, but he has long provided an underrated floor. With the Buccaneers' relatively quiet offseason already leading into organized team activities, Otton should continue to provide quality depth as a second or third tight end in dynasty leagues. The Buccaneers were a team commonly linked to Oregon's Kenyon Sadiq throughout the pre-draft process, but with Rueben Bain Jr. falling to them in the first, Tampa did not make any offensive selections until receiver Ted Hurst in the third. Hurst and free agent running back Kenneth Gainwell will help to soften the blow of losing Mike Evans and his average receiving line of 72 catches for 1,088 yards and nine touchdowns from the past 12 seasons, but in a tight end room with only Payne Durham, Ko Kieft, and sixth-round rookie Bauer Sharp, Otton's role could also expand. His rapport with Baker Mayfield makes him a natural candidate to inherit some of Evans' vacated targets, and at RotoBaller's dynasty TE32, Otton is perennially underrated as a depth piece who can be trusted to get contending managers through the inevitable stretch of injuries and bye weeks that pop up every season.
Source: RotoBaller
Source: RotoBaller
Is Spencer Jones a Must-Stash Candidate Ahead of His MLB Debut?
New York Yankees outfield prospect Spencer Jones is set to join the MLB roster ahead of Friday's contest against the Milwaukee Brewers. With Giancarlo Stanton on the injured list and Jasson Dominguez slated to join him on the shelf with a shoulder injury, the team's top outfield prospect is set to make his MLB debut. Throughout his time in the minor leagues, the slugger has showcased high-end power but has often struggled to make consistent contact. This season, across 33 games at Triple-A Scranton/Wilkes-Barre, Jones has launched 11 home runs while holding a .258/.366/.592 line. However, he has struck out a hefty 46 times. Last summer, Jones went deep 35 times while swinging 29 bags over a 116-game stint. While his strikeout tendencies do hinder his upside in points leagues, Jones is a priority stash option in standard leagues given his five-category skill set. He could carve out a starting role in the short term, given the numerous injuries in the Yankees' starting nine.
Source: MiLB.com
Source: MiLB.com
Walker Lyons Could be Go-To Target for Bear Bachmeier
BYU tight end Walker Lyons, who transferred from USC ahead of the 2026 season, could emerge as one of quarterback Bear Bachmeier's top options in the passing game following the departure of his top three leading receivers from last season. Parker Kingston, Chase Roberts, and Carsen Ryan combined to catch 166 passes for 2,350 yards and 14 touchdowns last season. Bachmeier threw for 3,033 yards and 15 touchdowns as a freshman, so the bulk of his receiving production is gone. Lyons played in 12 games for the Trojans last year, collecting 20 passes for 223 yards and two scores. For Bachmeier to take the next step as a passer, he'll need Lyons to take a step forward, giving him breakout potential for the Big-12-contending Cougars in 2026.
Source: ESPN
Source: ESPN
Is Max Clark Still Worth Stashing Amid Triple-A Skid?
Detroit Tigers outfield prospect Max Clark has hit a bit of a skid at Triple-A, which could slightly delay his MLB debut. Over his last 13 games, the team's top-ranked prospect has posted a modest .140/.232/.160 line with a low .392 OPS. During this stretch, Clark has yet to go deep while swiping three bags with an 11:6 K:BB. However, over his first 19 games of the campaign, Clark looked like a completely different hitter, posting an elite .351/.416/.519 line with a stellar .935 OPS. He launched one home run while adding eight doubles, six stolen bases, and a strong 10:10 K:BB. Last season, Clark spent most of his time with High-A before moving up to Double-A in the second half. While Clark's track record at Triple-A is not overly lengthy, a hot stretch could push him to the majors ahead of the All-Star break.
Source: MiLB.com
Source: MiLB.com
Connelly Early Still a Must-Roster Player?
Boston Red Sox left-hander Connelly Early has been inconsistent so far this season after getting called up on March 29 to replace Johan Oviedo (elbow), pitching to a 3.79 ERA and 1.32 WHIP with 31 strikeouts in 35 2/3 innings pitched. He entered the 2026 season as a consensus top-65 MLB prospect, and although his surface stats look acceptable, the underlying metrics do not support them (5.33 xERA, 4.72 xFIP, and 4.64 SIERA). In addition to the expected numbers, his strikeout rate (20.5 percent) and walk rate (11.3 percent) are the worst marks of his career, dating back to his five starts with the Red Sox in 2025 and his career Minor League stats. All that being said, the season is still early, and the young left-hander is still only 24 years old and has the upside to turn it around quickly. At this time, Early remains a must-roster player in deeper formats or points leagues, but not necessarily in shallower category formats.
Source: Baseball Savant
Source: Baseball Savant
Austin Reaves Scores 31 Points in Game 2 Defeat
Los Angeles Lakers guard/forward Austin Reaves finished with 31 points, two rebounds, and six assists in 38 minutes during Thursday's Game 2 loss to Oklahoma City. He bounced back from an eight-point Game 1 dud, shooting 10-for-16 from the field while adding three three-pointers and eight free throws. The scoring and playmaking keep him firmly in DFS consideration, but the five turnovers add some risk. With Luka Doncic (hamstring) unlikely to return this round, Reaves and LeBron James will need to carry the offense, while Rui Hachimura remains a useful floor-spacing option.
Source: NBA
Source: NBA
T.J. Hockenson's Bounce-Back Chances Stifled by Improved Pass-Catching Depth
Minnesota Vikings tight end T.J. Hockenson was a popular bounce-back candidate after his 438 receiving yards in 2025 marked the lowest total since his rookie season. With the Vikings agreeing to a one-year deal on Thursday with former 49ers receiver Jauan Jennings, Hockenson's chances of a fantasy resurgence took a meaningful hit. While operating largely in the intermediate areas of the field over the past two seasons, Jennings has caught 132 passes for 1,618 yards and 15 touchdowns. Now surrounded by Jennings, Justin Jefferson, and Jordan Addison, Hockenson is unlikely to approach the 120+ targets of his glory days, but he is one more year removed from the ACL injury that ended his 2023 season, and the presence of Kyler Murray is expected to increase scoring opportunities for the entire Vikings offense. At RotoBaller's dynasty TE22 and falling, Hockenson could still provide usable fantasy depth, making him a worthwhile buy on the inevitable post-trade dip.
Source: RotoBaller
Source: RotoBaller
Ty Benefield a Potential Game-Changer for LSU Defense
Boise State transfer safety Ty Benefield was one of the top defensive backs available in this offseason's transfer portal, and he was the first defensive player to commit to Lane Kiffin's Tigers. The 6'2" California native has had a standout career in three seasons with the Broncos, tallying 235 tackles (162 solo), 18 tackles for loss, five interceptions, 12 pass deflections, three fumble recoveries, and one forced fumble in 41 career games. He notably led Boise State in tackles (nine) in its College Football Playoff Game against Penn State in 2025. Kiffin said Benefield has an "ultra-elite skill set and mindset," so expectations are reasonably high for his first season in the SEC. Benefield is set to play for one of the country's best defensive coordinators in Blake Baker, and a strong season could propel him into an early-round NFL Draft grade in 2027.
Source: ESPN
Source: ESPN
Kaelen Culpepper Entering High-End Stash Territory Following Power Surge
Minnesota Twins infield prospect Kaelen Culpepper has begun to climb the stash rankings following an impressive power surge at Triple-A St. Paul. Over his last eight games, the No. 2-ranked prospect in the system, according to MLB.com, has gone deep five times while carrying an impressive .294/.390/.794 slash line. During this dominant stretch, Culpepper has also swiped two bags while holding a 4:5 K:BB. Overall, across 31 games, Culpepper has looked quite comfortable at the Triple-A level, posting a .250/.345/.484 line with an .829 OPS. Last season, the infielder split time between High-A and Double-A and carried an overall .289/.375/.469 slash line with 20 home runs and 25 stolen bases. His five-category upside has made him a priority stash option in all 12-team leagues heading into Week 7 of the fantasy baseball season.
Source: MiLB.com
Source: MiLB.com
Luis Lara Emerging as Name to Monitor in Milwaukee Pipeline
Milwaukee Brewers outfield prospect Luis Lara is gradually emerging as a potential deep-league stash candidate. Lara is currently ranked as the team's No. 11 prospect on MLB.com but has flashed elite upside in the early going of the Triple-A campaign. Over his first 35 games against Triple-A pitching, Lara has held his own, posting a strong .315/.414/.523 line with four doubles, seven home runs, and 12 stolen bases. During this stretch, the 21-year-old has held a 19:20 K:BB. Last summer, Lara spent his entire campaign at the Double-A level but did not enjoy as much success, hitting only two home runs with a modest .712 OPS. Seeing the young outfielder not only find more consistent success but tap into his raw power against tougher pitching is an excellent sign. Even though Jackson Chourio has returned from injury, Lara remains on track to compete for a mid-season promotion.
Source: MiLB.com
Source: MiLB.com
Charlie Condon Remains in Elite Stash Territory Despite Cold Stretch
Colorado Rockies first base prospect Charlie Condon remains an elite hitting prospect to stash in all standard leagues ahead of Week 7 despite his cold stretch at the plate. Over his last eight games with Triple-A Albuquerque, Condon has posted a low .188/.333/.219 line with just one extra-base hit and 10:6 K:BB. However, prior to this short skid, Condon was enjoying a strong start to his Triple-A career, carrying a .269/.410/.462 line with three doubles, four home runs, and a 19:17 K:BB, over his first 21 contests of the campaign. Condon was given an opportunity to nearly claim the first base job out of camp but was sent to Triple-A to put the finishing touches on his development. Even though the current starting first baseman, TJ Rumfield, has been able to snap out of his cold skid, Condon possesses far more upside and could be in the mix to debut in the near future, once he finds his footing. His high-end raw power upside makes him a top stash option in all 12-team leagues.
Source: MiLB.com
Source: MiLB.com
Chet Holmgren Anchors Thunder Past Lakers in Game 2
Oklahoma City Thunder forward/center Chet Holmgren delivered 22 points, nine rebounds, three assists, four steals, and two blocks in 33 minutes during Thursday's 125-107 Game 2 win over the Los Angeles Lakers. The former second-overall pick tied Shai Gilgeous-Alexander for the team lead in scoring on 7-for-11 shooting, including 3-for-5 from three and 5-for-7 at the line. Holmgren stepped up after Gilgeous-Alexander exited early in the third, helping Oklahoma City flip a one-point halftime deficit into a 93-80 cushion heading to the fourth. Head coach Mark Daigneault called him "unbelievable" postgame, and Austin Reaves' playoff career-high 31 points wasn't enough for the Lakers. The Thunder lead the series 2-0 ahead of Saturday's Game 3 in Los Angeles.
Source: NBA
Source: NBA
Jack Perkins the Reliever to Roster in Athletics Bullpen
Athletics right-handed reliever Jack Perkins picked up his third save of the season on April 30 and his fourth save opportunity on May 6. He appears to be the front-runner for the closer role for the Athletics for the time being. It is worth noting that Perkins blew his save opportunity on May 6, and this season, he has converted three of his four save opportunities. The Athletics do not have a true closer on their roster, and given the opportunities Perkins has gotten, he appears to be the guy to own out of this bullpen. Especially in deeper leagues where save opportunities are scarce in a season where a handful of relievers have been inconsistent or injured. Perkins overall has been solid on the season, with a 3.68 ERA (3.42 xERA) and 1.16 WHIP with 19 strikeouts in 14 2/3 innings pitched. Prior to his first blown save against the Phillies on May 6, he had a 2.70 ERA. Fantasy managers in deep leagues struggling to compete for saves should take a look at Perkins based on his opportunities over the past few weeks.
Source: Baseball Savant
Source: Baseball Savant
