Major League Baseball

Covered by Greg Hoogkamp                                                                                                                                     🍔🍟Luis Robert, CF CWS (MLB)

2-for-2, HR, 3 R, 2 RBI, 2 BB, SB

The White Sox are hopeful Robert can build up some trade value over the next twelve days so they can ship him out of town for future building blocks. Robert has all the skill in the world; his bat speed is still elite, but the last couple of seasons has struggled to slug. Digging in a little deeper, we can see a steady improvement in his selectiveness at the place; he’s taking more walks by chasing less (3.1% improvement over 2024 and 10.4% improvement over 2022). There is also some poor batted ball luck playing into his .196 average. Robert typically runs BABIPs in the .310-.330 range, but this year it’s .254. I would expect with his approach improvements, that this will positively regress in the second half making him a buy-low candidate. 

💣💣 Bryce Harper, 1B PHI (MLB)

3-for-4, 2 HR, 2B, 2 R, 4 RBI, K

Harper started the second half with a bang, blasting two bombs, a tomahawk shot to right field off Jake Eder in the 3rd inning (105.7 mph) and a line drive to left in the eighth off Jose Fermin 102.1) driving in four of his team's five runs. Harper looks to be getting on a bit of a roll posting a .333/.429/.690 line with 3 homers thus far in July. He’s one of the few bats who can carry your lineup for long stretches; here’s hoping he’s heating up. 

💣💣Austin Hays, LF CIN (MLB)

2-for-3, 2 HR, 2 R, 3 RBI, 2 BB

Hays has been excellent (when healthy) in 2025 putting up a .296/.335/.552 line with 10 home runs in just 197 plate appearances. His barrel rate is far and away a career-high at 14.3%, but this doesn’t seem to be a fluke. It looks like Hays has focused on lifting and pulling (23.3% AIRPULL rate this season, 23.5% last season) which plays in Cincy. Keep in mind that should the Reds choose to look to next season, Hays could be a trade chip and most of the landing spots would reduce his overall value. Regardless, he’s still a cheap source of power who slots in nicely to your outfield. 

‼️Dylan Cease, RHP SDP (MLB)         

5.1 IP, 4 H, 0 ER, 0 BB, 10 K

Cease has continued his back-and-forth Jekyll and Hyde performance in 2025, by putting up his worst ERA mark since his rookie season in 2019. Friday night was his third double-digit strikeout performance this season and just his second scoreless outing. He is a top trade candidate but might not command top dollar on the fantasy market. He still has the stuff to be a front-of-the-rotation contributor, but beware that he has been sprinkling in the odd “dud” which can hurt (especially in head-to-head leagues). 

‼️Nick Lodolo, LHP CIN (MLB)

7.0 IP, 4 H, 2 ER, 1 BB, 7 K, HR

Lodolo has quietly had his best season in 2025 and has done it by throwing strikes with all four of his offerings (4S, SI, CV, CH). His usage for each of these pitches ranges from 21% to 28% so it’s difficult for hitters to sit on any particular pitch. Lodolo’s home park doesn’t do him any favors, and he’s dropped below a strikeout an inning this season, so you will have to look elsewhere for help in that category. He's an extremely trustworthy mid-rotation option in all formats.  

💣💣John Rave, LF KCR (MLB)

2-for-4, 2 HR, 2 R, 4 RBI

Rave wasn’t a highly regarded prospect, and is now 27, but there might just be something here for the Royals. Rave has a solid plate approach (10.7% walk rate and 22.7% chase rate) and doesn’t get himself out. Don’t get used to the multi-homer games, but Rave did collect 21 round-trippers and 32 doubles last season in Omaha. He also chips in some stolen bases (17 in 2024 and 21 (Triple-A/MLB combined) in 2025. He’s gotten some consistent playing time over the last six weeks and for deeper leagues or injury-riddled rosters you could do a lot worse. 

💣💣Kyle Stowers, LF MIA (MLB)

3-for-5, 2 HR, 2 R, 5 RBI, 2 K

Stowers (5 home runs in his last two games and 6 in 3 if you count the All Star swing-off) returned from the Mid-Summer Classic showing the big power that earned him a spot on the NL roster. As long as you can stomach the strikeouts, Stowers will be a valuable bat in your lineup. His hard hit (53.5%) and barrel (19.6%) numbers are elite and he’s even cut down his over-aggressive approach to a near league-average mark (29.1% chase rate). There is still plenty of swing-and-miss here, but you trade that all day for the top-of-the-scale power numbers he’s producing right now.   

‼️Spencer Strider, RHP ATL (MLB)

6.0 IP, 3 H, 0 ER, 3 BB, 8 K

We might never see the 2022/2023 Strider again, however, even a 75th percentile version of that is a very good starting pitcher. His velocity has dropped a tick or two, but he still has enough to reach back and get up to the upper-90s when he needs it. The fastball/slider combo is good enough to get most hitters out (19.9% K-BB), and he’s also showing a curve and change-up a handful of times a game to keep hitters honest. He’s no longer the best dynasty pitcher in the game, but he should be included in the first five to ten starting pitchers you mention. 

💣💣Junior Caminero, 3B TBR (MLB)

3-for-5, 2 HR, 2 R, 4 RBI, BB

If you didn’t realize that Caminero was a top tier power-hitter, his performance in the home run derby undoubtedly opened your eyes. His max EV of 116.5 is top 3% in MLB and he’s done a great job improving his ability to turn his ground balls into fly balls (-1.1% GB rate, +2.1% FB rate) which has led to a 21.8% AIRPULL rate. Caminero is moving up the dynasty rankings and should profile as a Vlad Jr. type bat for many years to come. 

Yandy Diaz, DH TBR (MLB)

3-for-4, HR, 3 R, 4 RBI, BB

Yandy is often an afterthought at the first base position because he doesn’t hit a ton of homers or steal bases, but he does everything else as good, or better than anyone at the position. Diaz’ approach is elite and he hits the ball hard (93.2 mph AVGEV, 53.5% hard hit rate), but too often on the ground (53.3% ground ball rate). Diaz is a great complimentary player who provides tremendous value in OBP leagues.  

‼️Taj Bradley, RHP TBR (MLB)

6.0 IP, 3 H, 0 ER, 1 BB, 6 K

Taj’s top-tier talent is tremendously tantalizing. Friday night’s line vs the O’s is what we all expect each time he takes the mound, but we just haven’t seen this type of performance consistently from Bradley. His three July starts (17.2 IP, 2.04 ERA, 0.91 WHIP 16:5 K:BB) have been solid and the Rays are pitching savants, so there might be signs the tide is turning. The buying window is closing, but Bradley’s value has not reached his lofty ceiling just yet. 

🍔🍟Jordan Beck, LF COL (MLB)

3-for-5, HR, 3B, 2 R, 2 RBI, K, SB

Beck is a big power/speed producer and playing in Coors for half his games pushes up his overall value. He does have strikeout concerns, but has improved his contact/approach profile in his second season reducing his chase rate (33.5% in 2024 to 28.6% in 2025) and making more contact in the zone (73.4% in 2024 to 76.1% in 2025). Beck is certainly a 20/20 candidate with a healthy finish.    

‼️Brandon Pfaadt, RHP ARI (MLB)

7.0 IP, 4 H, 0 ER, 0 BB, 6 K

The most average pitcher in the game and the only pitcher to throw a “yes-hitter” this season had a great start on Friday night to try and turn around what’s been an ugly year. Pfaadt has always been great at limiting walks, but has often found too much of the zone leading to damage being done against him. You hope for more consistency from back-end starters, but now back-to-back strong starts (8.0 IP, 2 ER on 7/9) could point towards a better second half. His value might be at an all-time low, so it’s worth checking in with the Pfaadt owner to see what the ask might be. 

‼️Brandon Walter, LHP HOU (MLB)

6.0 IP, 3 H, 1 ER, 1 BB, 7 K, HR

From one Brandon to another, this time of the left-handed variety. We know the Astros have been very successful cultivating pitching over the years, but I don’t think they get the credit they are due as we often hear several teams being named ahead of them when it comes to pitching development. Walter is a hidden gem (26th round in the 2019 draft) out of the University of Delaware. He averages just 91.9 mph with his heater and takes a “kitchen sink” approach with hitters. His 23.7% K-BB rate would rank fourth (Skubal, Wheeler, Crochet) in MLB if he had enough innings to qualify. His command is impeccable (1.6 BB%) and pitch-to-contact ability sublime (86.0 mph avg EV, 5.3% barrel rate). He’s a depth arm that could turn into a pumpkin at any point, but with his control, he’s worth a flyer at the back end of your rotation.

‼️Luis Castillo, RHP SEA (MLB)

6.2 IP, 3 H, 0 ER, 2 BB, 7 K

We’ve mentioned that Castillo is on the back nine of his career on previous sheets, but he can still turn back the clock and provide outings like this one vs the first-place Astros. He’s lost a couple of ticks on his 4-Seamer over the last few seasons, but it remains incredibly effective because of how well he locates it at the top of the zone. He will miss his spot from time to time and allow some hard hit balls (6 home runs and 10 doubles vs the 4Seam), but it’s been his bread and butter for several seasons and you take the bad with the good. Castillo is no longer a top-of-the-rotation pitcher, but is perfectly acceptable as a four or five in your dynasty rotation. 

‼️Quinn Priester, RHP MIL (MLB)

6.0 IP, 3 H, 0 ER, 0 BB, 10 K

The Brewers are incredible! This organization knows how to get the most out of its players, especially with their pitchers. The Brewers have tweaked Priester’s arsenal by increasing his sinker and cutter usage while dropping his curveball and change-up usage. This has improved the overall effectiveness of his arsenal; he now boasts plus run values for his sinker, slider and curveball. He’s also throwing his sinker harder this year which has led to more ground balls and even some whiff. Incredibly, Priester is still only 24 years old, is there more here? Time will tell, but he's found money this season for you patient managers. 

Triple-A

Covered by Will Thompson

TJ Rumfield, 1B NYY (Triple-A)

3-for-5, HR, 2 R, 3 RBI, 2 K

Rumfield is a guy I watched a good amount in his younger days and a profile that I really like. So far this season with Scranton, he’s hitting .302/.380/.493 with 11 HR and a 130 wRC+. He’s a free swinger but he doesn’t strike out much and has a terrific 92% in-zone contact rate. Of course, there’s no room for Rumfield at the big league level with the 1B logjam the Yankees have at the position already, but I could see him being an added piece to a deadline trade so remember this name.  

Kristian Campbell, 1B BOS (Triple-A)

0-for-5, 2 K

I can’t sugarcoat it, Kristian Campbell has been brutal since being optioned to Worcester about a month ago. In his first 20 games there, he’s hitting .186/.352/.300 with 1 HR and a 34% K rate. Reportedly the Red Sox might be tweaking his swing which could explain the bad results, but he’s whiffing a ton and not hitting the ball hard. I’m not panic selling any Campbell stock here, but certainly these results in Triple-A need to turn pretty soon. 

‼️Brendan Beck, RHP NYY (Triple-A)

5.0 IP, 0 H, 0 ER, 1 BB, 9 K

Beck will turn 27 years old in October, but you’d never know it because he’s only thrown 111 pro innings since being drafted in the second round in 2021. He missed the entire 2022 season recovering from TJS and missed all of last season with more elbow problems. Despite the age, Beck could very well develop into a backend starter because he’s had a great season and this start last night was the latest example of that. The righty has excellent command and generated 14 whiffs at a 42% clip against Worcester. If the Yankees have more starting rotation holes, Beck could make his debut this year. 

🔜Shane McClanahan, LHP TB (Triple-A)

0.2 IP, 3 H, 3 ER, 1 BB, 1 K, 2 HR allowed

McClanahan has had a rough first three rehab starts and this one was no exception. It’s been a long road back for the lefty, who originally looked like he was going to come back from TJS near the start of the season but an injury in spring training set everything back. McClanahan’s velo was way down last night as well, with the fastball sitting 90-93 and topping out at 93.4, not close to what we’re used to seeing from him. It’s going to take time to build velocity back, but McClanahan is at least a few weeks away from a big league return and I figure the Rays will use the entire 30 day clock here. 

JJ Wetherholt, SS STL (Triple-A)

4-for-5, 2 2B, 2 R, K

To no one’s surprise, JJ Wetherholt has rolled right into Triple-A and is raking. A four-hit day yesterday for last year’s first rounder who is 8-for-16 with five XBH since being promoted to Memphis. I love his approach, he never tries to do too much and sprays the ball all over the field. Not that this is breaking news, but Wetherholt is a stud. 

Troy Melton, RHP DET (Triple-A)

4.0 IP, 5 H, 0 ER, 1 BB, 8 K

Why are more people not talking about Troy Melton? He had another great outing with Toledo yesterday and has broken out in a big way this season. Between Double-A and Triple-A, the righty has a 2.99 ERA with 20 walks to 101 strikeouts in 75.1 IP. This isn’t backend starter stuff either. Melton has a fastball up to 98 to go with a cutter, slider, and curveball, all of which are above average pitches. He’s got a very short arm path so there’s some deception there too and the ball gets on you in a hurry. The stuff is good enough to play in the big league bullpen right now so we’ll see if the Tigers choose to go that route at some point. 

💣💣🍔🍟Andrew Pinckney, LF WAS (Triple-A)

3-for-5, 2 HR, 2 R, 3 RBI, 2 K, SB

The rare double dong combo meal for Andrew Pinckney! One heck of a night for the former Alabama star, who hasn’t had a great season with Rochester up to this point. There’s some power in the bat, but with a 29% K rate it’s not enough power to overcome that much swing and miss and make it an appealing profile. What a night for Pinckney against Lehigh Valley though. 

🔜Bailey Ober, RHP MIN (Triple-A)

4.0 IP, 4 H, 0 ER, 0 BB, 3 K

Ober is close to coming back after landing on the IL with a hip impingement a little over two weeks ago. Hopefully he looks more like the early season Ober now that he’s healthy because he simply didn’t look like a big league quality arm the month prior to the injury. 

Bubba Chandler, RHP PIT (Triple-A)

3.2 IP, 8 H, 5 ER, 2 BB, 4 K, 2 HR allowed

After dominating in his previous two starts, Chandler got knocked around again last night in Nashville. The pure stuff is really good, there’s no question there. Rhys White categorized Chandler’s issues as “the Jackson Jobe issue” where the stuff itself is good, but there’s zero deception in the delivery and it gets hit. I do believe that’s a big part of the issue here, but also the command has taken a step back and he’s just not hitting spots right now the way he was earlier in the year. It doesn’t change my long-term view of Chandler, but maybe big league impact won’t be this year.   

🔜‼️Nestor Cortes, LHP MIL (Triple-A)

5.1 IP, 2 H, 1 ER, 2 BB, 3 K

Cortes looked great in his third rehab start and got stretched out to 80 pitches in the outing. He looks ready to come back, but who is getting bumped from this Brewers rotation right now? They have so much starting pitching depth that they should probably sell off a piece or two to help the lineup. Chad Patrick is a name to watch out for to be on the move at the deadline. 

💣💣Daz Cameron, LF MIL (Triple-A)

2-for-4, 2 HR, 2 R, 2 RBI

I’ve been burned before so I refuse to believe in Daz Cameron again. That being said though, he has 10 home runs in 16 games with Triple-A Nashville and he hit two home runs in his first two ABs against Bubba Chandler last night. You are tempting me Mr. Cameron, but I will hold strong. This heater he’s on is pretty insane though. 

🚑🔜Brendan Rodgers, 2B HOU (Triple-A)

0-for-2, 2 K

Just when it looked like the Astros were close to getting a piece back, Brendan Rodgers left his rehab start after a nasty collision with shortstop Edwin Diaz on a grounder up the middle. He was able to walk off under his own power, but was holding his face as he was heading off the diamond. We’ll wait for more updates, but I would bet the Rodgers rehab assignment is on hold for the moment. 

‼️Jason Alexander, RHP HOU (Triple-A)

6.2 IP, 1 H, 0 ER, 0 BB, 9 K

I was at this start in Sugar Land and even though Jason Alexander is far from a prospect, I had to throw him in there. The veteran righty was phenomenal in this outing and it might sound cliche, but he put on a clinic of how to pitch. Alexander never topped 92 MPH, but generated eight whiffs on 13 swings with his changeup, which averaged 11 MPH off the fastball. There’s not many pitchers who do this successfully anymore, but I love the softer changeups that have significant tumble, which is exactly what Alexander does. He’s no more than a spot starter for the Astros, but has a 1.55 ERA in Triple-A this season with Sugar Land and Las Vegas. 

💣💣Tristin English, 1B ARI (Triple-A)

2-for-5, 2 HR, 2 R, 4 RBI

This is English’s third season in Triple-A but has been by far his best one. The 28-year-old did get a big league opportunity this year, but played just one game. A double dong day for English in what was a blowout win for Reno and he continues to anchor their lineup. Man it must be fun to hit in Reno though. 

Ryan Ward, LF LAD (Triple-A)

2-for-4, HR, 2B, R, 2 RBI

Someone. Please. Trade. For. Ryan. Ward. I will take every opportunity I can to write about this guy because he deserves a big league opportunity but will never get it with the Dodgers. The strikeout problems of his 33 home run season a year ago have improved a ton and the power has only gotten better. He has played a lot of corner outfield lately and so maybe that’s the Dodgers trying to find a way to get his bat up if needed, but it would be great if he’s traded somewhere where he can play in the big leagues immediately. Ward more than deserves the chance.