Joe Boyle, SP, TBR (CBS: 31% rostered, ESPN: 3% rostered)
In the June 15 Waiver Wire Article, we mentioned that “He’s ready, but currently, the Rays are not. It’s only a matter of time before we see him pitching in Tampa Bay, and the price will be considerably more affordable now compared to when he eventually gets the call.” Well, the Rays are now apparently ready as Joe Boyle was promoted this morning, and I’m willing to bet the price will be considerably higher than three weeks ago.
Paul DeJong, 3B/SS, WAS (CBS: 3% rostered, ESPN: not rostered)
DeJong has lost his regular third-base job to Brady House while out since mid-April with a fractured orbital bone, but he did what he does best—hit a three-run shot in his third game since being activated off the IL. It’s not like House has been tearing it up, and DeJong slugged 24 home runs in 445 at-bats last season, so there’s potential for more than just a platoon role in his future.
Yanquiel Fernandez, OF, COL (CBS: 6% rostered, ESPN: not rostered)
The 22-year-old can hit the ball far and has shown clear improvement this season in his strike zone judgment, posting a 38/23 K/BB ratio in 243 Triple-A at-bats. Let’s hope the Rox are patient and give the young player plenty of chances to show what he can do. Will I bet on that happening? The answer is a big, NO!
Romy Gonzalez, 1B/2B/SS/3B, BOS (CBS: 4% rostered, ESPN: 1% rostered)
Gonzalez is still in a platoon situation, but in his last four games he has gone 8-for-18 with seven RBI. He’s still best suited for AL-only formats, but with Abraham Toro cooling off from that hot early start, Gonzalez could see more playing time as we approach the break.
Ha-seong Kim, SS, TBR (CBS: 21% rostered, ESPN: 3% rostered)
Kim was activated off the IL (labrum surgery) on Friday and quickly did what he does best, stole a base. It will take some time to shake off the rust, but a 5-to-8 home run and 10-to-15 stolen base second half should be likely for the former Padre.
Brice Matthews, 2B, HOU (CBS: 5% rostered, ESPN: not rostered)
Jose Altuve has only played 28 games at second base this year, and that number could decrease further in the second half with Brice Matthews on the verge of making his MLB debut. In 261 at-bats down on the farm, Matthews has slugged 10 homers, stolen 24 bases, and posted a solid .401 OBP. The 23-year-old appears very ready to take the next step.
Let’s share Rich Wilson’s thoughts on the youngster. “Brice Matthews is athletic, hits the ball hard, and is a 70 runner. He has split his time between shortstop and second base this season, and he played a lot of third base in 2024. I could also see him playing center field. This opens up many options for him once his ticket is punched for Houston.
While the tools are alluring, he strikes out too often. However, he’s improved his strikeout rate to the best of his career in 2025, with a K-Rate of 28.6%. That’s not great and points to a .230 batting average, but there are some encouraging signs beneath the surface stats. He has a very low chase rate, and his in-zone contact rates are above average. At the heart of his strikeout rate is his approach. He’s too passive, which is putting him in bad hitting counts. There are a ton of called strikes against him.
The fantasy tools are intriguing. He’ll light up Statcast with hit hard-hit rates, bat speed, and sprint speeds. If he can hit enough, there’s impact potential. I’m not convinced he will, but with a tweak in his approach, he could be a monster.”
Colson Montgomery, SS, CWS (CBS: 17% rostered, ESPN: 1% rostered)
The power potential is enticing, but upon closer inspection, the 82 strikeouts in just 216 Triple-A at-bats are concerning. Bid accordingly!
Tyler O’Neill, OF, BAL (CBS: 43% rostered, ESPN: 10% rostered)
The oft-injured outfielder is back on the field. Haste makes waste, so don’t waste any of your haste and get him back active on your roster to take advantage of that power potential. O’Neill did hit a solo shot yesterday in his second game since being activated off the IL.
Donovan Solano, 1B/3B, SEA (CBS: 2% rostered, ESPN: 1% rostered)
Donovan Solano spent most of his time early on on the short side of a platoon, but with his bat heating up (2 HR, 13 RBI, .347 over the last 21 days), so have the opportunities. In deeper and AL-only formats, he should be both rostered and in your active lineup.
Cam Schlittler, SP, NYY (CBS: 21% rostered, ESPN: not listed)
Clarke Schmidt appears to be heading for TJS and the chatter has Cam Schlittler getting the call and making his debut this coming week against the Mariners. A solid year down on the farm bodes well for his chances of success in the “Big Apple”. Let’s share Rich’s updated thoughts after seeing him a couple of time this season.
“Cam Schlitter was the Yankees’ seventh-round pick in 2021 and built on his breakout 2024 season by continuing to pitch well in Double-A. He has swing-and-miss stuff with a fastball that averages 96 to 97 MPH with a lot of carry through the zone. He doesn’t always repeat his delivery and is prone to bouts of wildness, but at 6-foot-6, it’s to be expected. His best secondary pitch is his slider, which is a solid 60-pitch.
He did show some platoon splits in 2024, with lefties slugging a hundred points higher than right-handed hitters. That has not been the case in 2025. He’s using his curveball against lefties, and it seems to be working. However, I’m not convinced this is a long-term solution. He can defy the odds; some pitchers do. However, most do not, and after seeing him pitch multiple times, I think he needs the pitch.
He’s close, and the Yankees seem confident that things will succeed at the highest level. He’ll get his chance soon, but when the short right-field porch comes a calling, don’t complain that you weren’t warned.”
Lenyn Sosa, 1B/2B/3B, CWS (CBS: 5% rostered, ESPN: 1% rostered)
Sosa has been picking up the pace lately, going 12-for-40 at the plate with three homers and 10 RBI over the past couple of weeks. We’ve seen hot streaks from Sosa in the past, so while he’s hot, it’s a good idea to take advantage of the streak.
Colby Thomas, OF, ATH (CBS: 11% rostered, ESPN: not rostered)
Why would the A’s bring up a player who has hit 17 homers in 306 Triple-A at-bats to serve in a reserve role? I’ll keep my expectations modest and hope that Thomas has more than just pinch-hitting in his future.
Closer Report
Ronny Henriquez, RP, MIA (CBS: 30% rostered, ESPN: 8% rostered)
He’s on the verge of owning the ninth-inning gig in Miami with only Calvin Faucher seemingly in the way. It’s time to scour your Free Agent pool and invest in the best arm in the Marlins’ bullpen.
