Samuel Bassalo, C, BAL (CBS: 27% rostered, ESPN: 2% rostered)
It’s time to remind everyone that Sam Bassalo is one of the best young hitters in the game (and the youngest at Triple-A) and is currently excelling at Triple-A Norfolk with 15 homers and a .973 OPS in 162 at-bats. Oh, did I forget to mention that Adley Rutschman has landed on the IL with an oblique issue and will be out through the All-Star break? Come on, O’s, do the right thing and give the kid a shot. At the very least, it will give the fans an early preview of the 2026 roster.
Brayan Bello, SP, BOS (CBS: 47% rostered, ESPN: 12% rostered)
At one point, I thought that Brayan Bello might be an aspiring #2 type starter, but alas, that hasn’t come to fruition—at least not yet. Does that mean he won’t or can’t hold value as a #4/5 type starter? Absolutely not, and his current streak of four consecutive quality starts is proof of that. Who doesn’t like pudding?
Alec Burleson, 1B/OF, STL (CBS: 63% rostered, ESPN: 36% rostered)
Alec Burleson is on fire, having extended his hitting streak to nine games, during which he is 16-for-41 with 3 homers and ten RBIs. Now’s the time to scour your pool of free agents in hopes that he has somehow been overlooked.
Chase Burns, SP, CIN (CBS: 65% rostered, ESPN: 12% rostered)
In the June 8 Waiver Wire piece, we mentioned that “Triple-A is calling, and from there, it’s just one phone call to the Cincinnati rotation.” Well, the call has been made, and come Tuesday, he’ll be making his MLB debut against the Yankees and Carlos Rodon. The stuff is electric, and if one has an extra couple hundred dollars of FAAB kicking around, Chase Burns is the pitcher to spend it on.
Justin Foscue, DH, TEX (CBS: 1% rostered, ESPN: not rostered)
Justin Foscue is having a strong year down on the farm with ten homers, 37 RBI, and an .847 OBP in 197 at-bats. In deeper leagues, he deserves our attention as it may be a while until Jake Burger returns from the IL with a fully healthy oblique.
Didier Fuentes, SP, ATL (CBS: 7% rostered, ESPN: not rostered)
In what was supposed to be a spot start, giving the rotation an extra day of rest, the 20-year-old Fuentes performed well yesterday, with a 3-run homer by Agustin Ramirez being the only serious blemish. The “spot start” could be extended since Chris Sale is hitting the IL for an extended period due to a fractured rib cage, and a small bid is in order. Let’s see what Rich Wilson has to say about Mr. Fuentes!
“Didier Fuentes was a small Colombian international signee in 2022. After a strong showing in Low-A in 2024, he’s gotten off to an equally strong start in High-A. Despite a 5.54 ERA, he’s striking out 12.5 per nine and throwing strikes – 3.5 per nine.
He’s primarily a two-pitch pitcher with a plus slider that complements his 94 to 95 MPH fastball. He’s only 6 feet, but hasn’t shown that he is homer prone. His most significant limitation is his lack of an effective pitch against glove-side batters (i.e., change-up). If he can’t find one, he’s likely destined for a reliever role. That said, he has a quality arm and should be someone to monitor in deeper Dynasty Leagues.”
Brady House, 3B, WAS (CBS: 35% rostered, ESPN: 4% rostered)
The 13 home runs, 41 RBI, and .872 OPS in his first 260 at-bats this year at Triple-A Rochester earned House a call-up. However, his 5-for-23 start with only one RBI won’t be sufficient for him to keep the job. Let’s hope the Nats take a patient approach.
Jurickson Profar, OF, ATL (CBS: 47% rostered, ESPN: 20% rostered)
The 80-game suspension will conclude on July 2, and Profar is getting into game shape at Triple-A. Left field has been a problem, to say the least, in Atlanta this year, a situation that could be quickly resolved with Profar’s return.
Luke Raley, 1B/OF, SEA (CBS: 14% rostered, ESPN: 1% rostered)
After seven weeks on the IL due to a strained oblique, Luke Raley was activated on Friday. In the two games since his return, he has gone 4-for-7 with two RBIs. There are full-time at-bats available for him, and with 22 homers and 11 steals last year in just 455 at-bats, he shows solid power and speed potential.
Emmet Sheehan, SP, LAD (CBS: 34% rostered, ESPN: 3% rostered)
A successful debut was rewarded with an all-expense-paid flight to Oklahoma City. The Dodgers want him to continue building his arm strength in anticipation of returning to the Dodgers’ rotation, so although it is a bit frustrating, it makes total sense. A small bid this week is likely to secure his services, and a little patience is required, but in Emmet Sheehan’s case, the short wait before his return to LA will be all the more satisfying.
Jose Soriano, SP, LAA (CBS: 65% rostered, ESPN: 16% rostered)
In his last three starts (20 2/3 IP), two of which were against the Astros and Yankees, Soriano has allowed only two earned runs while striking out 28 batters. Who saw this coming? It certainly wasn’t me, but when you’re hot, you’re hot. It’s time to jump on the “Soriano train” and hope it stays on the tracks!
Michael Toglia, 1B/OF, COL (CBS: 26% rostered, ESPN: 3% rostered)
I was a bit surprised when the Rockies demoted Michael Toglia back in May. Did the Rockies think that a month down on the farm is going to convert Michael Toglia into Tony Gwynn? I hope not but it can’t be ruled out. Toglia swings at most everything and when he connects the ball flies a long way. Since being recalled on June 17, that has occurred three times. Expect that trend to continue with both the Rockies and your Fantasy squad living with the low BA.
Justin Wrobleski, SP, LAD (CBS: 4% rostered, ESPN: not rostered)
It appears that Justin Wrobleski has found his niche as the bulk reliever following Shohei Ohtani as he works his way back from TJS. If the past two outings are any indication, a solid ERA and WHIP can be achieved, and we know that the Dodgers’ offense will provide Wrobleski with plenty of opportunities to boost those win totals.
Closer Report
Michael Kelly, RP, ATH (CBS/ESPN: not rostered)
Michael Kelly returned at the beginning of June from a one-year gambling suspension and has been outstanding. In six appearances, he has yet to allow a run, and with Tyler Ferguson’s struggles, he has quickly taken on a prominent role in the A’s bullpen. Could there be saves along with holds in his future?
