MLB News

Francisco Lindor • SS • Mets

Mets Unlikely to Trade Francisco Lindor

There is a possibility that the New York Mets will trade All-Star shortstop Francisco Lindor, but multiple executives across the industry told The Athletic's Will Sammon and Ken Rosenthal that it's unlikely to happen. The Mets are in full-on sell mode to open up the second half of the 2026 season and are willing to listen to offers on nearly all of their players, including Lindor. But any team that shows interest in Lindor "would have to clear a high bar." Despite an injury-plagued and frustrating season to this point, New York still views Lindor as valuable, and at 32, he has the power to veto any trade. He's also owed more than $160 million after this season through 2031. The Mets think he can still be part of a winning team in 2027, which makes them unlikely to be interested in paying down his contract in a potential trade. A person close to the 32-year-old Puerto Rican said he is comfortable with the team and loves the city, and he wants to win with the Mets. In addition to hitting .210 (33-for-157) with only five home runs, 12 RBI, 22 runs, and two steals on the year, Lindor hasn't been as strong defensively at shortstop. Lindor could be showing some signs of a decline, but his buy-low window is firmly open, and he could easily turn things around in the second half if he's healthy.

5 hours ago

Clay Holmes • SP • Mets

Clay Holmes to Begin a Rehab Assignment on Saturday

New York Mets right-hander Clay Holmes (leg) will start his minor-league rehab assignment on Saturday with the High-A Brooklyn Cyclones, according to the team. Despite being out since mid-May due to a fractured fibula, Holmes is considered a significant trade deadline asset for a team that is expected to begin selling off pieces sooner rather than later. Holmes threw a live bullpen session on Tuesday during the All-Star break, and multiple teams are expected to scout his first rehab outing this weekend. The 33-year-old veteran holds a player option worth $12 million for next year and is also a candidate for an extension. In his first nine starts for the Mets in 2026, Holmes was great, going 4-4 with a 2.39 ERA (3.21 FIP) and 1.10 WHIP with 45 strikeouts and 18 walks in 52 2/3 innings pitched. While Holmes' underlying metrics suggest he was fortunate to have the surface stats he did in the first half, he can still help fantasy managers in the second half with a return to full health, especially if he's pitching for a contender. He's only rostered in 27% of Yahoo leagues at the moment, so fantasy managers with rotation needs should consider stashing him now.

5 hours ago

Heliot Ramos • LF • Giants

Heliot Ramos Could Be Poised for a Second-Half Power Breakout

San Francisco Giants outfielder Heliot Ramos had the first half of his 2026 season disrupted by a quad strain, which led to him being placed on the injured list in mid-May and ultimately cost him 37 games. However, Ramos has been productive when healthy this year, hitting .275/.311/.468 with eight home runs, 28 RBI, and 31 runs scored. The 26-year-old entered the All-Star break on a high note, logging a .319 batting average with three home runs across his first 48 plate appearances of July. Ramos also owns elite batted-ball metrics so far this season with a 16% barrel rate and a 51.2% hard-hit rate. Ramos' fantasy upside is limited by his pitcher-friendly home environment in San Francisco and his elevated 26% strikeout rate. Still, he offers high-end power potential for fantasy managers in leagues where he is currently unrostered.

6 hours ago

Blake Snell • SP • Dodgers

Blake Snell to Start a Rehab Assignment on Saturday

Los Angeles Dodgers left-hander Blake Snell (elbow) will start a minor-league rehab assignment with Triple-A Oklahoma City on Saturday, according to Katie Woo of The Athletic. Snell has dealt with shoulder and elbow issues for what feels like his entire Dodgers tenure since joining them before the 2025 season. The two-time Cy Young winner has made only 12 starts for the team during the regular season since the start of last year, and he's currently on the 60-day injured list after having a NanoScope procedure to remove loose bodies from his left elbow. Barring a setback, though, the talented left-hander could be back in L.A.'s starting rotation by early August. He has made just one start for the Dodgers in 2026, so he'll likely need more than just one rehab start on the farm to build his arm back up. Snell allowed five runs (four earned) with two walks and five strikeouts in just three innings in his only start this year on May 9 against the Atlanta Braves, but when he's right, he still has high-end strikeout upside and is worth stashing in all fantasy baseball leagues. He's currently rostered in just under 80% of Yahoo leagues.

6 hours ago

TJ Rumfield • 1B • Rockies

TJ Rumfield a Top Source of Batting Average on the Waiver Wire

Across 384 plate appearances this season, Colorado Rockies first baseman TJ Rumfield is hitting .296/.380/.475 with 12 home runs, 47 RBI, and 42 runs scored. The 26-year-old's breakout success has come as a bit of a surprise, as he spent most of 2024 and all of 2025 in Triple-A as a member of the New York Yankees organization. Rumfield's underlying batted-ball metrics don't suggest tremendous upside, as he's logged just a 5.3% barrel rate and a 28.2% hard-hit rate. However, the lefty swinger has an elite plate approach, as he's walked in 10.4% of his plate appearances while posting an excellent 13.8% strikeout rate. With his ability to put the bat on the ball and his hitter-friendly home environment at Coors Field, Rumfield profiles as a high-end source of batting average for fantasy managers. Particularly in deeper leagues, Rumfield is a worthwhile waiver wire target for managers in need of a corner infield upgrade.

6 hours ago

Ian Seymour • RP • Rays

Ian Seymour Emerging as a Breakout Candidate to Target on the Waiver Wire

Across 64 2/3 innings (33 games) in 2026, Tampa Bay Rays left-hander Ian Seymour has recorded a 6-2 record with a 4.59 ERA, 1.16 WHIP, and 75 strikeouts. The 27-year-old opened the year in a traditional relief role, but he's been operating as a starter or bulk reliever since early June. Seymour has demonstrated intriguing swing-and-miss upside overall this season, posting a 27.8% strikeout rate. He's been even better since moving into his current role, recording a 30.9% strikeout rate over his last seven outings (33 2/3 innings). While Seymour's ERA is a bit elevated, he's been hurt by an abnormally low 66.2% strand rate. If the left-hander can do a better job of getting out of jams in the second half of the season, he could be a major value-add for fantasy managers to target on the waiver wire.

6 hours ago

Max Clark • CF • Tigers

Max Clark Could Bring Elite Five-Category Skill Set to Detroit Outfield

Detroit Tigers outfield prospect Max Clark has spent the whole season in Triple-A Toledo and has shown off some of the five-tool skills that made him such a highly regarded prospect. Clark has eight homers and 35 RBI while hitting .264 with 58 runs scored and 20 stolen bases. Clark has had a pretty successful July before the All-Star break with two homers and three RBI in 38 at-bats while hitting .289. The 21-year-old is the Tigers' top overall prospect and received a 60 overall scouting grade with a 70 run grade. Clark has the speed and arm to be a big-league outfielder; the question is when he will get his chance in Detroit. James Outman and Matt Vierling are manning center field right now for the Tigers, so there seems to be a spot for Clark to work his way towards. It would be beneficial for fantasy managers to monitor Clark's progress, as he has elite-prospect skills and a favorable profile for fantasy given his ability to hit for power and steal bases.

6 hours ago

A.J. Ewing • CF • Mets

A.J. Ewing a Priority Speed Target on the Waiver Wire

Across 227 plate appearances in 2026, New York Mets outfielder A.J. Ewing is hitting .274/.347/.438 with seven home runs, 25 RBI, 27 runs scored, and nine stolen bases. The 21-year-old got off to a bit of a slow start after making his MLB debut in mid-May, hitting .238 with one home run and a 32.4% strikeout rate across his first 74 plate appearances in the big leagues. However, Ewing has turned it on since the start of June, hitting .290 with six home runs and five stolen bases across his last 153 trips to the plate. Ewing's strikeout rate is still slightly elevated at 26%, but the young outfielder also draws walks at a 9.7% clip. His ability to get on base allows his speed to play up, which is his main appeal for fantasy managers. Ewing stole 70 bases across 124 minor league games in 2025. For fantasy managers in need of speed, Ewing profiles as a priority waiver wire target.

6 hours ago

Kenley Jansen • RP • Tigers

Kenley Jansen a Closer to Fade Coming Out of the All-Star Break

Across 23 2/3 innings (27 games) in 2026, Detroit Tigers closer Kenley Jansen has recorded a 1-4 record with a 4.56 ERA, 1.23 WHIP, 25 strikeouts, and 11 saves. The 38-year-old has held onto the ninth-inning role in Detroit despite some ups and downs this season, recording saves in two out of his last three appearances before the All-Star break. However, Jansen's profile carries some major red flags for fantasy managers. The veteran right-hander has struggled with command this season, as his 13.1% walk rate is his worst since 2010 and his 12.1% K-BB rate is the worst of his career. Jansen has also had major difficulty keeping the ball in the ballpark, allowing 1.90 HR/9. The combination of walks and homers is a dangerous one for closers, as it leads to blow-up outings and blown saves. Detroit is also currently eight games under .500, which could lead to Jansen being traded to a team where he's no longer the closer. All things considered, fantasy managers may want to avoid Jansen in the second half of 2026.

6 hours ago

Kade Anderson • SP • Mariners

Kade Anderson Sees Stash Value Climb with Path to Majors

Seattle Mariners starting pitching prospect Kade Anderson suffered his first loss this season at Double-A Arkansas on July 3, lowering his overall record to 8-1 on the year. It was one of the only blemishes on Anderson's pitching record this season at Arkansas, with a microscopic 1.36 ERA and 0.69 WHIP to go with 108 strikeouts in 72 2/3 innings pitched. The top overall prospect for the Mariners, Anderson seems to be biding his time before making a big league debut. But will he need some development time at Triple-A before getting the call up to Seattle? A left-hander with an elite grade (60) on his fastball and changeup, the former first-round pick looks close to a sure thing at the big-league level. He could be a difference-maker in fantasy leagues over the second half. With Emerson Hancock banged up on the MLB roster with a hand injury, Anderson's path to the majors looks clearer than ever.

6 hours ago

Isaac Paredes • 3B • Astros

Isaac Paredes Profiles as a Steady Source of Power and Run Production

Across 384 plate appearances so far this season, Houston Astros infielder Isaac Paredes is hitting .254/.349/.417 with 12 home runs, 49 RBI, and 39 runs scored. The 27-year-old's underlying batted-ball metrics are underwhelming, as he owns a 5.9% barrel rate and a 30% hard-hit rate. However, Paredes specializes in pulling the ball in the air to left field, which makes him a perfect fit for Houston's Daikin Park. The righty slugger also does a nice job of controlling the strike zone, logging a 9.6% walk rate with a 15.9% strikeout rate. With Astros third baseman Carlos Correa (ankle) out for the season due to ankle surgery, Paredes is locked into an everyday role in Houston as long as he stays healthy. Paredes' profile may not offer tremendous upside for fantasy managers, but he should continue to be a solid source of power and run production.

6 hours ago

Karson Milbrandt • SP • Marlins

Karson Milbrandt Remains High on Stash Rankings Despite July Blip

In two July starts, Miami Marlins pitching prospect Karson Milbrandt hit a bump in the road at Triple-A Jacksonville, allowing nine earned runs over 3 2/3 innings pitched. It's simply a bump in the road, because Milbrandt has been very good in the minors over the rest of the season. In four total June starts for Jacksonville, Milbrandt allowed a total of five earned runs over 19 1/3 innings pitched. Between Double-A Pensacola and Triple-A Jacksonville, Milbrandt has recorded a 4-3 overall record with a 2.70 ERA and 1.29 WHIP over 70 innings pitched with a whopping 90 strikeouts. The strikeout rate, compiled mainly at Pensacola, is elite and is very enticing for fantasy managers in search of starting pitchers. Milbrandt, the Marlins' No. 4 overall prospect, has four elite pitches, but his control needs work according to his scouting grades. With the quality strikeout rate and four top-notch pitches, Milbrandt has the looks of a successful fantasy option and should be in serious contention for a second-half promotion.

6 hours ago

George Lombard Jr. • SS • Yankees

George Lombard Jr. a Name to Closely Monitor for Late-Season Call-Up

New York Yankees infield prospect George Lombard Jr. is currently on a rehab assignment for the FCL Yankees after injuring his left hand at Triple-A Scranton/Wilkes-Barre. A first-round pick in the 2023 MLB Draft, Lombard has impressed when healthy this season, racking up 10 homers and 27 RBI with a .263 batting average between three minor league teams this season, including Scranton/Wilkes-Barre. Lombard is the top prospect in the Yankees' minor league system. The 21-year-old boasts an elite power bat and fielding skills graded as elite. The elite fielding won't help us in fantasy, but it could help Lombard get a look in New York quicker than otherwise. He can also run a bit on the bases and has recorded 12 stolen bases between the three minor league levels. The Yankees have some capable middle infielders at the big-league level in Jose Caballero and Anthony Volpe, among others, but Lombard needs to prove his health first. If he can return to action, a big-league shot could follow, and fantasy managers will want to pay attention for his five-category upside.

7 hours ago

Angel Genao • 3B • Guardians

Act Now on Red Hot Guardians Prospect Angel Genao

Cleveland Guardians infield prospect Angel Genao maintained a scorching pace at Triple-A Columbus before the All-Star break during the month of July. In 33 July at-bats, Genao is hitting a whopping .515 with one homer and four RBI to go with 10 runs scored. The talented switch-hitting, Dominican Republic native is making a case for promotion to Cleveland, and savvy fantasy managers will want to hop on board now. Since his call-up to Columbus from Double-A Akron, Genao is hitting .308 with seven homers and 28 RBI to go with 41 runs scored. The Guardians' No. 2 overall prospect has an elite hit tool and has the speed to be a nuisance on the base paths. He has a total of eight steals between Double-A and Triple-A this season. The 22-year-old is a must-stash for the second half and could be a sneaky source of batting average and runs scored for fantasy rosters.

7 hours ago

Charlie Condon • LF • Rockies

Charlie Condon Stays Red-Hot in Search of Call-Up to Majors

Colorado Rockies first base/outfield prospect Charlie Condon has continued his brilliant minor league season with a torrid start to July before the All-Star break. In 29 July at-bats, Condon is hitting .310 with two homers and four RBI to go with six runs scored. This is all at Triple-A Albuquerque as Condon, a first-round pick out of Georgia, awaits a shot to make his big league debut. Condon is the No. 2 prospect in the Rockies' system behind Ethan Holliday, and the 23-year-old is making a case for the time to be sooner rather than later for a big league chance. The Georgia slugger represents one of the top stashes in fantasy baseball over the second half. He has proven that with 20 homers and 60 RBI while hitting .289 throughout the 2026 season. The hit tool and the power are elite for Condon, and that should translate to fantasy rosters as soon as this year. He is a priority stash across all formats.

7 hours ago

Connelly Early • SP • Red Sox

Connelly Early Resumes Throwing, Making Progress

Boston Red Sox left-hander Connell Early (elbow) is making progress with his throwing program, interim manager Chad Tracy told Chris Cotillo of MassLive.com. "Connelly threw at the tail end of the break, which is good. He's gonna throw 75 feet today, 90 feet tomorrow. We'll just keep, as he increases distance, read and react to how he's feeling. That's a good sign." Early is on the 15-day injured list with inflammation in his left elbow, but it sounds as though he might be able to rejoin Boston's starting rotation in the second half sooner rather than later. It's unclear yet if he'll need a minor-league rehab start first, but even if he does, Early could be back in action in the big leagues before the calendar flips to August. Despite his injury, the 24-year-old southpaw is one of the more intriguing young long-term pitchers to follow in fantasy. Before going on the IL, he was 7-5 with a 3.44 ERA (4.60 FIP) and 1.25 WHIP with 93 strikeouts and 34 walks in 91 2/3 innings over his 17 starts in his first full year in Boston. Don't lose sight of him as a potential waiver addition when he nears his return. Early is rostered in under half of Yahoo leagues right now.

7 hours ago

Hunter Goodman • C • Rockies

Yankees Have Called on Hunter Goodman

The New York Yankees need a catcher at the trade deadline, as Austin Wells, J.C. Escarra, and Ali Sanchez rank last in baseball in OPS and wRC+. ESPN's Jorge Castillo writes that there are two obvious upgrades in Minnesota Twins catcher Ryan Jeffers and Colorado Rockies backstop Hunter Goodman. The Twins are just three games out of first place in the American League Central, so they understandably haven't become sellers this summer. Castillo reports that the Yankees have called on Goodman, per a source, although not recently. Goodman, who is hitting .254 with 27 home runs and an .863 OPS in 90 games, could prove costly for the Bombers if they decide to go that route. The 26-year-old catcher has three years of team control remaining beyond 2026 and is going to require a substantial haul as one of the best power hitters at his position. The Yankees prefer to acquire players at the deadline who aren't just short-term additions. Perhaps most intriguing about Goodman is that he's hit 18 of his 27 homers with a .964 OPS away from hitter-friendly Coors Field. He's already one of the most valuable catchers in fantasy, but a move to the Bronx would make Goodman even more attractive in a stronger lineup.

7 hours ago

Eduardo Rivera • SP • Red Sox

Eduardo Rivera to Start Game 2 of Friday's Doubleheader

Boston Red Sox left-handed pitching prospect Eduardo Rivera will get the starting nod for Game 2 of the team's doubleheader on Friday at Fenway Park against the division-rival Tampa Bay Rays, interim manager Chad Tracy told Chris Cotillo of MassLive.com. It will be Rivera's third major-league outing and his second start. The 23-year-old Cuban southpaw has thrown seven shutout innings so far in his two big-league outings with two walks and six strikeouts. In his first MLB start against the New York Mets on July 7, Rivera held them scoreless in 3 2/3 frames with two walks and three K's. Rivera is a pitching prospect to keep an eye on in dynasty/keeper leagues as Boston's No. 25 prospect, per MLB Pipeline, but he won't be a recommended streamer against the first-place Rays with a likely short leash in the second game of the twin bill. Rivera has mostly operated as a multi-inning reliever rather than a full-time starter in 2026. In his 20 outings (two starts) at Triple-A Worcester earlier this year, Rivera had a 6-2 record, 2.84 ERA, 1.21 WHIP, and 46:21 K:BB in 38 innings pitched.

7 hours ago

Ranger Suarez • SP • Red Sox

Ranger Suarez Could Return From Injured List on Tuesday

Boston Red Sox left-hander Ranger Suarez (groin) is eligible to return from the 15-day injured list on Tuesday, but it's to be determined if the Red Sox will activate him then or give him a couple of extra days, according to Gabrielle Starr of the Boston Herald. If Suarez returns on the first day he's eligible, he'll be lined up to face the division-rival Baltimore Orioles at Fenway Park. The veteran southpaw is recovering from a minor strained left groin that caused him to miss Tuesday's All-Star Game. It sounds as though he won't need a minor-league rehab start before rejoining Boston's starting rotation, which is good news for his fantasy managers. The 30-year-old Venezuelan hurler was named as an All-Star in 2026 for just the second time of his career after going 4-3 with a 3.15 ERA (2.61 FIP) and 1.16 WHIP with 97 strikeouts and 26 walks in 91 1/3 innings across 17 starts in his first year in Beantown. Suarez's strong first half was backed by a career-high 25.8% strikeout rate. He'll be riskier in his first start back next week, and he could be on a bit of a pitch count, making him a DFS fade.

8 hours ago

Cedric Mullins • CF • Rays

Second-Half Bounce-Back Seems Unlikely for Cedric Mullins

Tampa Bay Rays outfielder Cedric Mullins has really struggled at the plate in 2026 in his first season with the Rays, as he heads into the second half with a rough .200/.278/.339 slash line with a .617 OPS through 82 games and 319 plate appearances. On the bright side, he does have 11 home runs and 14 stolen bases to go with 30 RBI and 32 runs scored. There's obviously still some power and speed there from the left side of the plate, but with an expected batting average of .190 and an xwOBA of .262, which is fifth-worst among hitters, fantasy managers shouldn't be looking to buy low here. The 31-year-old former All-Star and Silver Slugger winner isn't playing much against left-handed pitchers, and he's gone just 14-for-66 (.212) against southpaws this year with none of his 11 home runs. Mullins just isn't making great contact either, ranking in the 15th percentile in hard-hit rate and the 17th percentile in barrel rate. His xSLG also sits in the fifth percentile. Fantasy managers shouldn't expect Mullins to get to the 20-20 mark for the second time in his career.

8 hours ago

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