MLB News

Didier Fuentes • SP • Braves

Didier Fuentes Entering Must-Stash Territory Amid Dominant Stretch at Triple-A

Atlanta Braves right-handed pitching prospect Didier Fuentes is seeing his value as a stash candidate soar in Week 3 of the fantasy season. The budding ace in the Atlanta system has looked quite sharp with Triple-A and is knocking on the MLB door. Over the last two outings, Fuentes has logged at least six innings of work and has allowed just four runs over 13 total frames while striking out 13 hitters. Fuentes opened the regular season in Atlanta as a reliever but was optioned to Triple-A to further increase his workload. Seeing him quickly increase his pitch count with Triple-A Gwinnett suggests the Braves view him as a potential starting option in the near future. With Atlanta having several starting pitchers on the injured list, such as Spencer Strider (oblique), Spencer Schwellenbach (elbow), and Hurston Waldrep (elbow), Fuentes could return to Atlanta in the coming weeks. His increasing strikeout upside and workload make him an elite pitching prospect to stash in all formats.

Apr 15

Ryan Waldschmidt • CF • Diamondbacks

Ryan Waldschmidt Carries High-End Stash Value in Week 3

Arizona Diamondbacks outfield prospect Ryan Waldschmidt remains an elite stash option in all standard leagues in Week 3 of the fantasy baseball season. The 23-year-old nearly broke camp with the MLB roster but was optioned to Triple-A Reno to begin the 2026 campaign. With Reno Waldschmidt, he has looked more than comfortable, which suggests he could be quickly approaching his MLB debut. Through his first 16 games at the top level of the Arizona system, Waldschmidt has held an elite .311/.415/.557 slash line with five doubles, two home runs, and a stolen base. Last summer, the former 31st overall selection made his High-A and Double-A debuts and carried an overall .289/.419/.473 line over 134 games split between the two levels. With Pavin Smith (elbow) and Jordan Lawlar (wrist) both on the 60-day IL, Waldschmidt could provide some much-needed depth to this outfield.

Apr 15

River Ryan • SP • Dodgers

River Ryan Continues to Hold Sneaky Stash Value Among Pitching Prospects

Los Angeles Dodgers right-handed pitching prospect River Ryan continues to hold sneaky stash value in Week 3 of the fantasy baseball season. Ryan underwent Tommy John surgery in August of 2024 and has been on the shelf ever since. He participated in spring training and was quite effective, logging 9 2/3 innings with a 1.86 ERA and a 12:4 K:BB. However, the Dodgers opted for Ryan to begin the season with Triple-A Oklahoma City to ramp up his workload further. With Triple-A, Ryan has made two starts (logged seven innings) and managed to strike out 10 hitters while allowing four earned runs. Ryan made his MLB debut during the 2024 season and was near-perfect in his first taste, posting an elite 1.33 ERA and 1.18 WHIP over 20 1/3 innings. While the Dodger rotation appears to be full, Roki Sasaki holds a rough 6.23 ERA, and Emmet Sheehan has struggled to find consistency as well. For now, Ryan is a fine stash option in all 12+team leagues.

Apr 15

Colt Emerson • SS • Mariners

Colt Emerson Remains Top Hitting Prospect to Stash, Closing in on MLB Debut?

Seattle Mariners infield prospect Colt Emerson is on the verge of making his MLB debut and remains a top hitting prospect to stash in all fantasy formats. The No. 1-ranked prospect in Seattle was recently added to the 40-man roster and is "as close as they come" to an MLB debut, according to Seattle's president of baseball operations, Jerry Dipoto. The 20-year-old has spent the opening weeks of the regular season with Triple-A Tacoma and has held his own during his first extended look at this level. Through 13 games, Emerson has carried a .265/.321/.408 line with four doubles, a home run, and a stolen base. However, he has struck out at a rather high 31.5% of the time, which could cause some growing pains once he reaches the majors. In 2025, Emerson logged 130 games shared between High-A, Double-A, and Triple-A and posted a .285 AVG with 16 home runs and 14 stolen bases. His five-category potential makes him a top stash option in Week 3.

Apr 15

Ryan Weathers • SP • Yankees

Ryan Weathers Allows Four Homers, Strikes Out 10 on Tuesday

It was a mixed bag for New York Yankees left-hander Ryan Weathers in his start in the Bronx on Tuesday against the visiting Los Angeles Angels. Weathers allowed five earned runs on five hits (four homers surrendered) while walking two and striking out 10 in five innings of work. In the top of the first inning, the 26-year-old southpaw gave up back-to-back-to-back home runs to outfielders Mike Trout, Jo Adell, and Jorge Soler. The fourth round-tripper he allowed was to Oswald Peraza in the fourth inning. It was not exactly the outing that Weathers wanted, and he was hit with his second loss of 2026, but he also had at least seven strikeouts for the third time in his first four starts of the season. The former first-rounder now has a 4.29 ERA and 1.38 WHIP with 28 strikeouts and seven walks in 21 innings pitched in his first year in pinstripes. For his swing-and-miss stuff alone from the left side, Weathers needs to be held in fantasy baseball leagues.

Apr 15

Bryce Eldridge • 1B • Giants

Bryce Eldridge Riding Dominant Stretch at Triple-A, Remains High-End Stash Option

San Francisco first base prospect Bryce Eldridge remains an elite stash option in all standard formats in Week 3 of the fantasy campaign. The team's top hitting prospect was in strong contention to break camp with the MLB roster but fell just short. However, since returning to Triple-A Sacramento, Eldridge has been playing at an elite level and is quickly making a strong case to return to San Francisco. Over his last three games, Eldridge has tallied at least two hits in each contest and has even hit the three-hit mark in each of his last two. Since April 1 (six games), the former 16th overall selection has carried an elite .416/.512/.639 line with five doubles and a round-tripper. While he posted a modest .107/.297/.179 line during his brief taste of the majors last summer, his dominant play at Triple-A makes him a prime stash candidate in all standard 12-team leagues.

Apr 15

Byron Buxton • CF • Twins

Byron Buxton Sets the Tone for Twins With Two Homers on Tuesday

Outfielder and leadoff man Byron Buxton led the Minnesota Twins in their 6-0 shutout win over the visiting Boston Red Sox at Target Field. Buxton finished the game 4-for-5 at the plate with two home runs, four RBI, and a strikeout. Both of Buxton's homers were of the solo variety, with the first coming off starter Sonny Gray in the third inning. It was the 18th multi-homer game of the 32-year-old's career, and he now has three home runs in the last two days. It's safe to say that the two-time All-Star is heating up in the first month of the season, and he's now slashing .246/.306/.462 with a .767 OPS, three home runs, four RBI, and 15 runs scored in 16 games played. He has yet to steal a base, though, after swiping 24 bags in 126 games a year ago. With Buxton, he should be a nice fantasy contributor when healthy, but staying healthy has been tough for him to do in his 12-year career.

Apr 15

Hunter Goodman • C • Rockies

Hunter Goodman Homers Twice in Loss to Astros

Colorado Rockies catcher Hunter Goodman had a big day at the plate on Tuesday in the team's 7-6 loss to the Houston Astros at Daikin Park. Goodman went 2-for-5 with two solo home runs, but he also struck out three times. It was Goodman's sixth multi-homer game of his career and his first since July 1 of the 2025 season. It was nice to see the 26-year-old show off his power after an injury scare last week in San Diego when he was hit by a pitch in the hand. Goodman is now hitting .254 (15-for-59) on the year with four home runs, seven RBI, 12 runs scored, a stolen base, five walks, and a league-leading 26 home runs in 17 games played. He also has six hits in his last nine games and is batting .296 with three homers and five RBI during that span. Despite the strikeouts, Goodman proved last year that he has elite power at the catching position by hitting 31 long balls in 144 games for the Rockies in his first full season in the big leagues.

Apr 15

JJ Wetherholt • 2B • Cardinals

JJ Wetherholt Goes Yard Twice in Win Over Guardians

St. Louis Cardinals rookie second baseman JJ Wetherholt had a big game for the Cards out of the leadoff spot in the team's 6-5 win on Tuesday at Busch Stadium over the Cleveland Guardians, going 2-for-4 with two home runs, three RBI, and one strikeout. Both of Wetherholt's home runs on Tuesday's came off southpaws, and it was the first multi-homer game of the 23-year-old's career. The home runs were his first since he went deep on Opening Day in his big-league debut. Wetherholt is now hitting .231/.338/.385 with a .722 OPS, three home runs, eight RBI, 13 runs scored, three stolen bases, 10 walks, and 14 strikeouts in his first 17 major-league games. The No. 7 overall pick back in 2024 doesn't have any obvious weaknesses as a prospect and could access 15-homer power in his first MLB season in 2026 if he stays healthy all year. Wetherholt is rostered in 87% of Yahoo leagues and will continue to have plenty of fantasy value if he's hitting at the top of St. Louis' batting order.

Apr 15

Bryan King • RP • Astros

Bryan King Falls Short of Five-Out Save, Seeing Closer Value Increase

Houston Astros reliever Bryan King delivered a strong outing Tuesday, nearly securing a five-out save in a 7-6 win over the Colorado Rockies. King allowed no runs on three hits and recorded two strikeouts across 1 1/3 innings before handing off the final out to Enyel De Los Santos. The appearance signals growing trust from the coaching staff in high-leverage spots. King now owns a 1.13 ERA and 1.25 WHIP, and he has not allowed a run since his first outing of the season. His steady performance should lead to more late-inning chances, and is worth keeping an eye on as his closer stock rises.

Apr 15

Graham Ashcraft • RP • Reds

Graham Ashcraft Seeing Stash Value Increase Following Bullpen Injury

Cincinnati Reds reliever Graham Ashcraft delivered a clean inning in Tuesday's 2-1 victory vs. the Giants, striking out two batters. Graham Ashcraft has been a reliable presence in the bullpen, posting a 2.00 ERA, 1.00 WHIP, and 13 strikeouts across nine innings. The 28-year-old has spent his entire career in Cincinnati and is showing signs of taking a meaningful step forward. His ability to miss bats has stood out early in the season, with a 38.2 K%. Injuries within the Reds bullpen have created additional opportunities. If Ashcraft continues to perform at this level, he could solidify a consistent high-leverage role moving forward.

Apr 15

Jeff Hoffman • RP • Blue Jays

Jeff Hoffman Blows Third Save of the Season, Falling out of Ninth-Inning Job?

Toronto Blue Jays closer Jeff Hoffman struggled again Tuesday, blowing his third save of the season in a 9-7 extra-innings win against the Brewers. Hoffman entered the ninth inning with a 6-4 lead but allowed two runs on two hits, forcing extra innings. The 33-year-old is now two for five in save chances, a large concern for a contender. He owns a 1.80 WHIP and 4.32 ERA across nine appearances. Hoffman has not found consistency since arriving from Philadelphia, and his grip on the closer role is weakening. Toronto could begin to consider alternative options if these struggles continue.

Apr 15

Trevor Megill • RP • Brewers

Trevor Megill Allows Three Runs, Closer Job in Question?

Milwaukee Brewers reliever Trevor Megill took another step backward Tuesday, allowing three runs in one inning during a 9-7 loss against the Blue Jays to blow his first save of the season. Megill has now given up runs in three of his six outings, and his ERA has risen to 14.40. The 32-year-old opened the season as the clear closer, but early inconsistency is raising concern. His strikeout rate has dipped after last season's breakout, and reduced swing-and-miss ability has led to more hard contact. Megill has a track record that suggests improvement is possible, but Milwaukee may explore alternatives if struggles continue.

Apr 15

Alex Vesia • RP • Dodgers

Alex Vesia Earns Second Save, Emerging as Elite Closer Handcuff

Los Angeles Dodgers left-hander Alex Vesia delivered a perfect inning in Tuesday's 2-1 victory vs. the Mets, earning his second save of the season. Alex Vesia struck out all three batters he faced and has converted both of his save chances. The 30-year-old has yet to allow a run, posting a 0.68 WHIP with nine strikeouts across 7 innings. He has limited pull-side contact effectively, holding hitters to a 13.3 percent rate, supporting his early success and pointing to sustainable production. Vesia continues to carve out a high-leverage role and is positioning himself as a strong closer handcuff option out of the Dodgers bullpen.

Apr 15

Ketel Marte • 2B • Diamondbacks

Diamondbacks Expect Ketel Marte to Return on Wednesday

Arizona Diamondbacks manager Torey Lovullo said that he has second baseman Ketel Marte (back) in the starting lineup for Wednesday's game against the Baltimore Orioles as of now, according to Diamondbacks reporter Jody Jackson. The Snakes scratched Marte from Tuesday's starting lineup in Baltimore as a precaution due to lower-back tightness, but apparently, he's already feeling much better. Fantasy managers have to be pretty stoked that Marte will end up missing just one game. The three-time All-Star is a must-start anytime he's in Arizona's lineup. Marte is off to a .212 (14-for-66) start to the 2026 season, his 12th in the league, but he's been heating up of late and has four homers and nine total RBI in 72 plate appearances. If he indeed returns on Wednesday in the series finale at Camden Yards, Marte will be facing right-hander Kyle Bradish. He's only faced Bradish twice in his career and has two hits and an RBI.

Apr 14

Tony Santillan • RP • Reds

Tony Santillan the Priority Handcuff in Reds Bullpen?

Cincinnati Reds reliever Tony Santillan is off to a strong start to the 2026 season, as he's recorded 10 strikeouts and has yet to allow an earned run across his first eight innings pitched (eight games). With the news that Reds closer Emilio Pagan (hamstring) is being evaluated for a hamstring injury, Santillan could be in line to assume the ninth-inning role in Cincinnati. The 29-year-old was one of the Reds' best high-leverage arms in 2025, recording a 2.44 ERA and 1.11 WHIP with 75 strikeouts across 73 2/3 innings (80 games). Santillan also picked up seven saves and has 11 saves in his big-league career, so he has some experience as a closer. If Pagan ends up missing time, Santillan would immediately become a priority target on the waiver wire for fantasy managers.

Apr 14

Mick Abel • SP • Twins

Mick Abel a Must-Add Following 10-Strikeout Performance?

Minnesota Twins starting pitcher Mick Abel was excellent against the Boston Red Sox on Tuesday, pitching seven strikeout innings with 10 strikeouts and earning his first win of the season in his team's 6-0 victory. Abel allowed just four hits and did not allow a walk. Across his first four appearances (20 1/3 innings) of 2026, the 24-year-old has pitched to a 3.98 ERA and 1.59 WHIP with 23 strikeouts. However, since allowing nine earned runs over his first 7 1/3 innings of the year, Abel has now thrown 13 straight scoreless frames. Abel's walk rate is still 10.8% even after his most recent start against the Red Sox, so control is an issue. Still, if he can limit free passes, Abel has good enough stuff to consistently generate strikeouts and work deep into games. He profiles as a priority waiver wire target ahead of his next scheduled start against the New York Mets next Tuesday.

Apr 14

Emilio Pagán • RP • Reds

Emilio Pagan Getting Hamstring Checked After Earning Save on Tuesday

Cincinnati Reds manager Terry Francona said that closer Emilio Pagan (hamstring) is getting his hamstring checked out after earning the save in his team's 2-1 win over the San Francisco Giants on Tuesday, per Jeremy Rauch of Fox 19 Cincinnati. Pagan pitched a scoreless ninth inning with a strikeout for his fifth save of the season, but is apparently dealing with some discomfort that will need monitoring. The 34-year-old is five-for-six on save chances so far this season and has pitched to a 4.82 ERA and 1.32 WHIP with nine strikeouts across 9 1/3 innings pitched. If Pagan is forced to miss time, Cincinnati right-handers Tony Santillan and Graham Ashcraft could be the favorites to move into the ninth-inning role for the Reds.

Apr 14

Brandon Sproat • SP • Brewers

Brandon Sproat Scheduled to Rejoin Brewers Rotation on Thursday

Milwaukee Brewers right-handed pitcher Brandon Sproat (knee) is slated to rejoin the team's starting rotation on Thursday against the Miami Marlins, according to Jack Stern of Brewer Fanatic. Sproat's first appearance of 2026 came as a starter, but his most recent two have come in long relief. The 25-year-old was also evaluated for a knee injury after his most recent outing on Saturday, but it appears as though he has avoided missed time. Sproat has struggled across 10 1/3 innings so far this season, recording a 10.45 ERA and 2.32 WHIP with 10 strikeouts. Command has been the biggest issue, as he's allowed 10 walks. However, Sproat allowed just one run across 3 2/3 innings pitched in his last appearance. He remains a well-regarded prospect with upside who could be a worthy target on the waiver wire for fantasy managers.

Apr 14

Willson Contreras • 1B • Red Sox

Willson Contreras Exits Early on Tuesday Due to Lower-Back Tightness

Boston Red Sox first baseman Willson Contreras (back) has been removed from his team's Tuesday night matchup against the Minnesota Twins due to lower-back tightness, per Tim Healey of The Boston Globe. Contreras was hitless in two at-bats before exiting the game. The 33-year-old is off to a strong start to his first season with Boston, hitting .298/.444/.491 with three home runs, 11 RBI, and nine runs scored. It doesn't appear as though this latest back ailment is particularly serious, but it will be worth monitoring for fantasy managers nonetheless. Contreras was replaced by utility man Andruw Monasterio on Tuesday, so Monasterio could be the favorite to see an increase in playing time if Contreras ends up requiring a stint on the injured list.

Apr 14

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