Samuel Basallo, C, BAL (CBS: 33% rostered, ESPN: 2% rostered); Dylan Beavers, OF, BAL (CBS: 12% rostered, ESPN: 1% rostered)
GM Mike Elias has suggested that it would be advantageous for both Basallo and Beavers to get playing time in Baltimore in 2025. A low-cost bid now could result in having both players on your roster by September. The numbers clearly show why.
Cade Cavalli, SP, WAS (CBS: 19% rostered, ESPN: 2% rostered)
It was a long wait between starts for Cavalli, but he took advantage of the opportunity, tossing 4 1/3 shutout innings with six strikeouts in his debut this week against the A’s. That high-90s fastball did the job, and here’s hoping for more of the same this week when he faces Kansas City and the Phillies in a two-start week.
Isaac Collins, OF, MIL (CBS: 27% rostered, ESPN: 6% rostered)
Over the last seven days, the one homer, seven RBIs, and a 1.270 OPS have really been a boost to a team missing Jackson Chourio. For at least the next few weeks, Collins will be consistently getting at-bats until Chourio’s return, and so far he’s rising to the challenge.
Heriberto Hernandez, OF, MIA (CBS: 4% rostered, ESPN: not rostered)
Jesus Sanchez has moved to the Astros, opening up an opportunity in Miami and providing an early 2026 audition for the 25-year-old Hernandez. Over the past week, Hernandez has hit two homers, driven in six runs, and posted a .368 BA over 19 at-bats. That’s solid production that shouldn’t be overlooked.
Luke Keaschall, 2B, MIN (CBS: 53% rostered, ESPN: 13% rostered)
Keaschall isn’t quite ready to return from his rehab stint but isn’t far off. Spending a dollar or two now is a solid plan.” We were close last week, as Keaschall returned on Tuesday and had a pretty good week, going 7-for-17 with a home run and eight RBIs. Last week he was cheap. This week, it will cost.
Brad Lord, SP, WAS (CBS: 6% rostered, ESPN: 1% rostered)
In his last three starts against Houston, Milwaukee, and San Francisco (16 IP), Lord has allowed a total of five earned runs. A small bet is in order to see if he can keep his successful streak going.
Kyle Manzardo, 1B, CLE (CBS: 39% rostered, ESPN: 7% rostered)
Over the past three weeks, Manzardo has hit three home runs, driven in 13 runs, and achieved an impressive 1.116 OPS. He now has 18 homers in 320 at-bats. That’s strong production from a player who is currently rostered in only 39% of CBS Leagues.
Jakob Marsee, OF, MIA (CBS: 29% rostered, ESPN: 7% rostered)
If the start of the week didn’t grab your attention, then the end of the week and those three thefts Saturday night should have.
Hurston Waldrep, SP, ATL (CBS: 15% rostered, ESPN: 5% rostered)
It’s a great chance for a young pitcher to show his talent on the big stage, and so far, Waldrep has done well. Two starts, two wins, and just two earned runs. Think of this as an early 2026 audition, and so far, he’s passing the test.
Closer Report
Hunter Gaddis, RP, CLE (CBS: 15% rostered, ESPN: 7% rostered)
The assumption was that Cade Smith would take over the vacant closer role in Cleveland, and for the most part, he has, but Hunter Gaddis is also sharing the ninth-inning workload with two saves in his last four appearances. If it’s not a committee, it’s close enough that Hunter Gaddis deserves a spot in your starting nine.
