The All-Star break gives us all a reprieve in the fantasy baseball realm from the frantic Modern Times-like deluge of baseball news and the, well, modern times.
I’ll even admit around these parts, it’s been easy to get wrapped up in the weekly matchups and lineup machinations. I mean, I did warn you all about it from the get-go (rule #2) because volume is a key driving force in the fantasy baseball game. I would almost guarantee that you RCL players out there know maximizing every bit of one’s roster and the player pool is crucial to success. Man cannot live on draft alone (well, unless you’re Kirksey, I guess).
But with the pause in action, it’s time to re-focus on the available players that have been producing and/or flashing improved skills as opposed to simply lining up for some of the juiciest matchups. On the NL- and AL-Only league side, now is the time to start stashing minor leaguers about to have full-time roles in a few weeks post-deadline while the cost is low.
Have no fear if you need some robotic assistance to navigate minute roster decisions post-All-Star break. Razzball has you covered with the Rest-of-Season Player Rater, Streamonator, and Hittertron. Because, you know, modern times call for modern measures; humans like me are so passé.
The stats and roster rates below are updated as of noon central time on 7/11.
As always, if you want advice on specific roster decisions you might have, feel free to leave a comment. You can also find me on BlueSky (@mcouill7.bsky.social).
CATCHERS
10/12 Team Adds
Drake Baldwin (ATL, 43% CBS Rostership) – The flip-flopping between the Atlanta backstops continues this week (although, to be fair, Murphy was the target last week with the volume of southpaws on the Braves schedule), as we are back to the rookie Baldwin. Why? Look at this Savant page for the 24-year-old. That profile is not typical for a nascent catcher who is league average defensively; it looks more like a corner/DH type of bat, to be honest. Baldwin has been fully deserving of his .837 OPS and 11 bombs (check that Savant page again to see where the homers are landing on the spray chart). This also makes the former Missouri Valley standout a target for dynasty and keeper situations because the timeshare with Murphy is capping his production a tick (facing fewer lefties is helping Baldwin rate-wise but tamping down the volume). There’s a path for him to round into one of the best and most valuable backstops (non-Cal Raleigh division) to holster going into 2026. If you have the opportunity in a daily moves league to roster both Baldwin and Murphy, you can concoct something akin to a top six or eight catcher relatively cheaply by cycling them. (3-5% FAAB)
QUICK HITS: Ryan Jeffers (MIN, 41% CBS Rostership, 1-3% FAAB), Sean Murphy (ATL, 33% CBS Rostership, 1-3% FAAB), Kyle Teel (CHW, 24% CBS Rostership, 1% FAAB)
15 Team Adds
Victor Caratini (C/1B, HOU, 14% CBS Rostership) – Until Yordan Alvarez returns from his confounding hand injury, Caratini should hold a lineup spot. And honestly, he might even garner one post-Alvarez return thanks to a .250 average with six bombs, 20 RBI and 10 runs scored over the last month (that’s roughly a 35 homer, 120 RBI pace) that has been supported by a career-best 9.4% barrel rate. The 31-year-old has drawn fewer and fewer starts behind the dish, which is helping him settle in and stay healthier. I love catchers and other players like this that have been around for a while in a defense-focused role that get to absorb MLB pitching over time and learn the game, then use the gained experience to become better hitters (recent examples that come to my mind are Yadier Molina and David Ross). It looks like Caratini is finally getting that chance this season. (3-5% FAAB)
QUICK HITS: Edgar Quero (CHW, 8% CBS Rostership, 1% FAAB), Miguel Amaya (CHC, 8% CBS Rostership, 1-3% FAAB), Danny Jansen (TBR, 8% CBS Rostership, 1% FAAB), Kyle Higashioka (TEX, 7% CBS Rostership, 1% FAAB), Liam Hicks (C/1B, MIA, 5% CBS Rostership, 1-3% FAAB), Joe Mack (MIA, 2% CBS Rostership, 1% FAAB)
INFIELDERS
10/12 Team Adds
Tyler Freeman (2B/OF, COL, 40% CBS Rostership) – The Tyler Freeman revolution is really starting to gain steam, as I noticed along with other fantasy publications, I wasn’t the only one touting his virtues this past week. The 26-year-old continues to play a prominent role at the top of the Colorado lineup and while his single homer and .345 average with a .368 BABIP might point to a luck-driven, weak batsman, his pink and red-hued Savant page says otherwise. Freeman is a good contact hitter that puts oomph into the ball but is strategically not swinging for the fences. All of the projections have him pegged for a .285-ish batting average (BAT X is projecting a Luis Arraez-like .295… that’s tough to do in projection systems) with double-digit steals rest of way. Given Freeman’s multiple positional eligibilities along with being a significant fantasy asset for average, runs, and steals, he’s likely to swing a few roto leagues down the stretch. And oh yeah, **points at sign**. (5-7% FAAB)
QUICK HITS: Ezequiel Tovar (SS, COL, 49% CBS Rostership, 3-5% FAAB), Ryan McMahon (3B, COL, 45% CBS Rostership, 3-5% FAAB), Jake Burger (1B/3B, TEX, 47% CBS Rostership, 3% FAAB), Michael Toglia (1B, COL, 22% CBS Rostership, 3% FAAB), Jorge Polanco (2B/3B, SEA, 49% CBS Rostership, 1-3% FAAB), Willi Castro (2B/3B/SS/OF, MIN, 46% CBS Rostership, 1-3% FAAB), Jose Caballero (2B/3B/SS/OF, TBR, 45% CBS Rostership, 1% FAAB), J.P. Crawford (SS, SEA, 41% CBS Rostership, 1-3% FAAB), Colt Keith (1B/2B/3B, DET, 40% CBS Rostership, 1-3% FAAB), Brooks Lee (2B/3B/SS, MIN, 31% CBS Rostership, 1% FAAB), Carlos Santana (1B, CLE, 25% CBS Rostership, 1-3% FAAB), Luke Keaschall (2B, MIN, 24% CBS Rostership, 1-3% FAAB), Ha-Seong Kim (SS, TBR, 24% CBS Rostership, 1-3% FAAB), Luis Rengifo (2B/3B, LAA, 20% CBS Rostership, 1-3% FAAB)
15 Team Adds
Brice Matthews (2B/SS, HOU, 11% CBS Rostership) – I want to tee up this analysis by noting Matthews’ profile is very high risk, high reward. The results at Triple-A this year have been fantastic for the 2023 first round pick, as he’s popped 10 homers, swiped 25 bags, and slashed .283/.400/.476 across 73 games. That’s all well and good, but Matthews swings out of his shoes, running a 30.2% K-rate and 66.6% contact rate. The power is legit, producing a 12% barrel rate and 46.1% HardHit, so it’s a matter of seeing whether this slug-first approach works against big-league pitching now. The 23-year-old isn’t likely arriving in Houston to sit or play in a part-time role and has mostly been playing second base with Sugar Land. I think we are seeing why the Astros toiled with Jose Altuve in the outfield so much, because the short king looks headed back for left, opening the keystone for Matthews to be the double-play partner with Jeremy Pena when the latter returns. If you are scrambling for some middle infield help, there are worst players to acquire than Matthews, who could push double-digit homers and steals with a .250 average in the second half but could also be back in Sugar Land by August thanks to a 40% strikeout rate. Just know what you are getting into here and bid accordingly based on desperation. (3-5% FAAB)
QUICK HITS: Thairo Estrada (2B, COL, 17% CBS Rostership, 3% FAAB), Casey Schmitt (1B/2B/3B, SFG, 8% CBS Rostership, 3% FAAB), Brett Baty (2B/3B, NYM, 18% CBS Rostership, 1-3% FAAB), Ke’Bryan Hayes (3B, PIT, 15% CBS Rostership, 1% FAAB), Nick Gonzales (2B, PIT, 11% CBS Rostership, 1-3% FAAB), Eric Wagaman (1B/3B/OF, MIA, 11% CBS Rostership, 1-3% FAAB), Max Muncy (2B/3B/SS, ATH, 11% CBS Rostership, 1-3% FAAB), Spencer Horwitz (1B/2B, PIT, 7% CBS Rostership, 1% FAAB), Lenyn Sosa (1B/2B/3B, CHW, 7% CBS Rostership, 1-3% FAAB)
Only Team Adds
Nick Yorke (2B, PIT, 4% CBS Rostership) – The time is nigh for Yorke, who was acquired at last year’s deadline in exchange for Quinn Priester, to solidify a regular role in Pittsburgh. With Isiah Kiner-Falefa (I’ll take my sandwich in a wrap with extra spicy sauce, please) likely to be shipped at the deadline and Ke’Bryan Hayes’ name also floating in the rumor mill, a starting spot or two should be available on the Pirates infield soon. Look for Yorke to plug that hole thanks to a solid .270/.341/.400 (100 wRC+) with six homers and 12 steals at Triple-A while putting up a .272/.352/.481 (120 wRC+) slash over his last 20 games. The results won’t be too sexy for Yorke, something that would pace to like a .260 average with 10 homers/15 steals (hello, Nick Gonzales clone… Pittsburgh has a type), but that’s a formidable MI option in an NL-Only league. (1-3% FAAB)
C.J. Kayfus (1B/OF, CLE, 7% CBS Rostership) – A putrid 9-16 record in June has sunk the Guardians’ battleship and should make them sellers at the deadline. The easiest piece to be sent out will be first baseman Carlos Santana, thanks to his switchy bat, veteran leadership, and golden glove, so get ready to welcome C.J. Kayfus to Northeast Ohio sooner rather than later. And hey, there’s some insurance here because if Cleveland miraculously claws its way back into playoff contention, Kayfus would likely be a part of the run because his scorching .307/.399/.557 (158 wRC+) slash line with 13 taters in 76 Triple-A contests probably makes him one of the Guardians’ nine best bats right now. His Prospect Savant page looks exactly how you want for a corner guy, so start that service time clock, Guards! (3% FAAB)
OUTFIELDERS
10/12 Team Adds
Jordan Beck (COL, 48% CBS Rostership) – The outfield options have been depleted faster than a stack of toasted Uncrustables in an MLB clubhouse. Beck, who is still pacing for a season with a .265 average and 18 homers/steals apiece, remains the best everyday option especially while **points at sign**. If Tyler Freeman is already rostered, Beck is the best widely available option while his other teammate, Brenton Doyle, is the next best option because he’s started becoming available. Although Doyle could be able to bounce back because the couple of times on the pine this week look more like a chance to get him reset for the Rockies’ final march towards the history books (derogatory). (3-5% FAAB)
QUICK HITS: Brenton Doyle (COL, 49% CBS Rostership, 3% FAAB), Jake Meyers (HOU, 33% CBS Rostership, 1-3% FAAB but keep an eye on his calf injury), Chase DeLauter (CLE, 28% CBS Rostership, 1% FAAB), Jesus Sanchez (MIA, 23% CBS Rostership, 1-3% FAAB), Matt Wallner (MIN, 23% CBS Rostership, 1% FAAB), Jake Mangum (TBR, 20% CBS Rostership, 1-3% FAAB)
15 Team Adds
Mickey Moniak (COL, 19% CBS Rostership) – Yep, another Rockie. No, I don’t really like it much either, but strong-side platoon options don’t come better than Moniak with his .262/.304/.555 (120 wRC+ because he hardly walks and Coors) with 12 tanks against right-handers. It’s no fluke thanks to a 44.4% flyball-rate plus 45.5% HardHit against righties – that equates to a lot of pull-side flies and justifies his 18.8% HR/FB rate. Plus, **points at sign**. As noted above, the outfield options are getting thin and while the dudes in the Quick Hits below are getting regular run with their teams, none have come close to producing the damage Moniak has. (3-5% FAAB)
QUICK HITS: Isaac Collins (MIL, 11% CBS Rostership, 3-5% FAAB), Ramon Laureano (BAL, 16% CBS Rostership, 3% FAAB), Dane Myers (MIA, 13% CBS Rostership, 3% FAAB), Luke Raley (1B/OF, SEA, 13% CBS Rostership, 3% FAAB), Dominic Canzone (SEA, 5% CBS Rostership, 3% FAAB), Wenceel Perez (DET, 18% CBS Rostership, 1-3% FAAB), Harrison Bader (MIN, 13% CBS Rostership, 1% FAAB), Brandon Marsh (PHI, 9% CBS Rostership, 1-3% FAAB), Tommy Pham (PIT, 9% CBS Rostership, 1-3% FAAB), Mike Tauchman (CHW, 4% CBS Rostership, 1% FAAB), Nathan Lukes (TOR, 3% CBS Rostership, 1% FAAB), Daylen Lile (WSN, 2% CBS Rostership, 1% FAAB)
Only Team Adds
Carlos Rodriguez (ATL, 0% CBS Rostership) – Navigating the Carlos Rodriguezes on the wire can be a tricky business, so make sure you find the right one if you are pursuing this recommendation. Atlanta’s Carlos Rodriguez, outfielder, has been solid across the upper levels of the minors this season with three taters and 15 steals to go with a .290/.359/.352 slash line. He’s not going to be a huge power asset, but Rodriguez has a 60-grade hit tool per FanGraphs and could be a batting average asset since his K-rate has hovered around 11% at every stop. Mix in his roughly 10% walk rate, and you’ve got a nifty little deep league OF player that is likely to be up after Atlanta tidies house a bit at the trade deadline. The 24-year-old is already on the 40-man roster and could use the runway in August and September to prove whether he can stick in a big-league role in 2026. (1% FAAB)
Dylan Beavers (BAL, 3% CBS Rostership) – Cedric Mullins and Ryan O’Hearn are the two most obvious bats to be on the move at the upcoming trade deadline, perfectly opening space for the monstrous 6’5” Beavers. The former Cal standout has nothing left to prove at Triple-A, as he’s slashed .318/.409/.500 (145 wRC+) with 10 homers and 20 steals in 66 games while posting a solid 17.4% K-rate. Beavers is regularly hitting leadoff and playing a mix of all three outfield spots (though, mostly in the corners) and designated hitter. Plus, the 23-year-old is Rule 5 eligible this offseason, warranting a 40-man addition in the next six-ish months. Everything is lining up for Beavers to have a prominent lineup spot in Baltimore post-deadline, so start stashing now if you have the roster space. (1-3% FAAB)
STARTING PITCHERS
10/12 Team Adds
Cam Schlittler (NYY, 50% CBS Rostership) – Although Grey was a touch underwhelmed by what Schlittler showed in his debut this week, I loved what the rookie right-hander flashed. The velocity out of his hand was breezy to where the fastball, topping out at 100 mph, almost appeared to be accelerating as it neared the plate. His curveball is nasty and will be a weapon, clocking in at a 124 Stuff+. Schlittler’s command was a bit wobbly, but that’s to be expected in a debut at Yankee Stadium against a solid Seattle lineup. The 24-year-old looked a lot like Ben Brown on the mound, but that is complimentary because Brown has electric stuff but only offers a two-pitch mix. Schlittler relied heavily on three pitches (fastball, slider, curve) but also flashed a 97.7-mph sinker and has a what Savant labelled a sweeper, but I’m pretty sure is a cutter. Schlittler’s full arsenal of pitches should keep major-league bats guessing much more than Brown’s ever does, against whom batters can sit on a fastball and wait to tee it up. (5-7% FAAB)
Charlie Morton (BAL, 42% CBS Rostership) – We can’t play matchups for this week’s piece. We’re flying blind thanks to the rotation reshuffles that will happen post-All-Star break. So the Quick Hits below focus on pitchers that have looked the sharpest of late. The surface level stats (5.18 ERA, 1.52 WHIP) don’t paint the complete picture for the ageless Morton. Since reentering the Baltimore rotation May 26, the one-time fantasy stud has been back in form, going 5-0 a 2.76 ERA, 2.85 FIP, and 1.30 WHIP (eh) with a 10.2 K/9 over eight starts. That’s rosterable anywhere and everywhere with upside if he’s traded out of the AL East at the deadline. (3-5% FAAB)
QUICK HITS: Joe Boyle (TBR, 49% CBS Rostership, 3-5% FAAB), Brandon Walter (HOU, 25% CBS Rostership, 3% FAAB), Hayden Birdsong (SFG, 46% CBS Rostership, 1% FAAB), Adrian Houser (CHW, 42% CBS Rostership, 1-3% FAAB), Eric Lauer (TOR, 37% CBS Rostership, 1% FAAB), Zebby Matthews (MIN, 30% CBS Rostership, 1-3% FAAB), Michael Lorenzen (KCR, 29% CBS Rostership, 1% FAAB), Colin Rea (CHC, 29% CBS Rostership, 1% FAAB), Slade Cecconi (CLE, 28% CBS Rostership, 1-3% FAAB), Simeon Woods Richardson (MIN, 25% CBS Rostership, 1-3% FAAB)
15 Team Adds
Janson Junk (MIA, 17% CBS Rostership) – Junk previously put the concept of nominative determinism to work, entering this season with a career 6.75 ERA over 40 frames. However, with the Marlins in 2025, the 29-year-old simply decided, “hey, I’m not gonna walk anyone anymore,” as he’s allowed just four free passes in 43.1 innings. That has been the anchor for his profile that’s produced an incredible 3.12 ERA, 2.00 FIP, and 1.04 WHIP. While the Ks might be a smidge light, they are still playable (7.5 K/9). I have no idea where this is all coming from, but watching Junk pitch is a total throwback. The Miami development team has turned him into a pinpoint command artist, so just let him cook on your team and ride the hot hand while you can. Options are limited in deeper leagues this weekend without knowing matchups for the back of MLB rotations post-All-Star festivities. So the suggestions below focus on the known quantities while speculating on arms on the precipice of promotion. (3-5% FAAB)
QUICK HITS: Ryan Gusto (HOU, 16% CBS Rostership, 1% FAAB), Frankie Montas (NYM, 16% CBS Rostership, 1% FAAB), Richard Fitts (BOS, 11% CBS Rostership, 1% FAAB), Mike Burrows (PIT, 10% CBS Rostership, 1% FAAB), Michael McGreevy (STL, 11% CBS Rostership, 1% FAAB), Nolan McLean (NYM, 10% CBS Rostership, 1-3% FAAB)
Only Team Adds
Robby Snelling (MIA, 8% CBS Rostership) – Snelling received the call this week to join the Jumbo Shrimp at Triple-A, leaving him at the doorstep of the majors after a successful stint at Double-A with a 3.61 ERA, 1.22 WHIP and 20.9% K-BB in 72.1 innings. The last step for him to make a debut with the Marlins is a 40-man roster spot, which could easily open up around the deadline (Cal Quantrill and Sandy Alcantara will be dangled during the deadline like an infant chilling with Michael Jackson on a balcony). My guess is that if Snelling is sharp in his first few Triple-A rotation turns before the deadline, he will receive a call to allow the front office to examine if the 21-year-old can be a part of the 2026 rotation. (1-3% FAAB)
Parker Messick (CLE, 3% CBS Rostership) – No news on the Luis Ortiz situation feels like bad news. Also bad news? Joey Cantillo’s performance in the rotation as he’s made a pair of short, three-walk outings, taxing a perpetually overworked Cleveland bullpen even further. In addition, with the Guardians starting to slip and appear in the standings next to the Baltimore Orioles (derogatory), don’t be shocked if the team sells at the deadline and opens a 40-man spot for Messick. The southpaw absolutely shredded the Toledo Mudhens recently in his best start of the season, firing seven scoreless innings while allowing three hits and one walk while fanning nine. (3-5% FAAB)
RELIEVERS
10/12 Team Adds
Grant Taylor (CHW, 22% CBS Rostership) – We’ve entered a fallow period for saves options. Even with the looming trade deadline, I’m not sure many opportunities will open up as the teams possibly dealing closers (Washington, Pittsburgh, and… maybe that’s it?) are not likely to offer many future saves and will probably be moving to committees, as the modern roster management ethos dictates. Don’t worry too much about the Sox save Jordan Leasure sniped this week; Taylor pitched in that game against the heart of the Toronto order in the eighth. Former LSU Tiger remains the man to target in the Chicago bullpen thanks to a 1.51 FIP and 23.5% K-BB. (3-5% FAAB)
QUICK HITS: Robert Garcia (TEX, 25% CBS Rostership, 3% FAAB), Jason Adam (SDP, 38% CBS Rostership, 1-3% FAAB), Tommy Kahnle (DET, 33% CBS Rostership, 1-3% FAAB), Randy Rodriguez (SFG, 31% CBS Rostership, 1-3% FAAB), Orion Kerkering (PHI, 26% CBS Rostership, % FAAB), Abner Uribe (MIL, 25% CBS Rostership, 1% FAAB), Bryan Abreu (HOU, 22% CBS Rostership, 1% FAAB)
15 Team Adds
Kevin Ginkel (ARI, 10% CBS Rostership) – Beggars can’t be choosers, SAGNOF gonna SAGNOF. With Shelby Miller’s latest forearm strain, The Gink, even with his 8.57 ERA and 1.67 WHIP in 21 innings, looks like the next victim of whatever curse haunts the closer role in Phoenix. (3-5% FAAB)
QUICK HITS: Griffin Jax (MIN, 15% CBS Rostership, 1% FAAB), Reid Detmers (LAA, 13% CBS Rostership, 1-3% FAAB), Matt Strahm (PHI, 16% CBS Rostership, 1% FAAB), Phil Maton (STL, 8% CBS Rostership, 1% FAAB), Seranthony Dominguez (BAL, 6% CBS Rostership, 1% FAAB), Yariel Rodriguez (TOR, 6% CBS Rostership, 1% FAAB), Braydon Fisher (TOR, 4% CBS Rostership, 1% FAAB)
