As the MLB trade deadline approaches, savvy fantasy baseball players should keep a close eye on potential closer-closing changes and stash some high-potential relief pitchers. Jason Adam of the San Diego Padres, with a standout ERA of 1.69, is the top handcuff to monitor, especially given Robert Suarez's recent struggles. Similarly, Randy Rodriguez of the San Francisco Giants is poised for a possible promotion should Camilo Doval falter. Griffin Jax from the Minnesota Twins and Bryan Abreu of the Houston Astros also boast impressive strikeout rates and are positioned well should their teams' closers be traded or falter. Stashing these pitchers could lead to valuable saves down the stretch.

Garrett Crochet of the Red Sox continues his impressive season with stellar statistics, including a 2.06 ERA and 135 strikeouts, making him an essential start in all fantasy leagues. Joe Ryan of the Twins also shines with an 8-3 record and a 2.86 ERA, showcasing his potential against weaker teams like the Marlins and Rays. Max Fried, pitching for the Yankees, is another strong option, consistently performing well despite challenging matchups against the Blue Jays and Mets.

Meanwhile, Jacob Lopez of the Athletics is showing signs of improvement, boasting a low earned run average recently. George Kirby of the Mariners is a high-risk option with variable performances but faces favorable matchups against weaker lineups in the Royals and Pirates. For those looking for potential streaming options, the likes of Trevor Rogers and Emerson Hancock could also provide value despite their ups and downs this season.

With Andrew McCutchen nearing the end of his illustrious career, there are whispers of a potential farewell tour back in Pittsburgh. The Pirates view McCutchen, now 39, as one of their untouchable players alongside rising star Paul Skenes. His latest season shows solid numbers, with a .259 batting average, eight home runs, and 28 RBIs, though the Pirates sit at the bottom of the standings.

As Pittsburgh navigates a rebuilding phase, they might explore trading other assets like Mitch Keller, who recently secured a five-year, $77 million extension. Should the Pirates consider moving McCutchen to a contender, a similar approach as the Miami Heat’s handling of Udonis Haslem could emerge, with one-year contracts offered in gratitude for his contributions to the franchise.

In today's MLB DFS landscape, focus on high-scoring matchups with a mix of elite talents and budget-friendly players. Pitcher Spencer Schwellenbach stands out against the Mets, boasting significant strikeout potential, despite a recent rough outing. Chad Patrick is another solid option against the struggling Pirates, while rookie Braxton Ashcraft could surprise with a low price and potential for innings.

In the infield, Nolan Schanuel is emerging as a powerful left-handed bat, potentially exploiting Walker Buehler's weaknesses. Miguel Vargas and Marcelo Mayer are also great value picks against left-handed pitchers. Outfield options like Luke Raley and TJ Friedl offer consistency and upside. Consider stacking the Mariners against Bailey Ober's recent struggles and the Red Sox against Jack Kochanowicz for a robust lineup.

Ryan Yarbrough, a key member of the Yankees' rotation, has been sidelined with a right oblique strain, prompting a shake-up in the team's pitching plans. Allan Winans is set to step in for Yarbrough, making his debut against the Cincinnati Reds. Meanwhile, Marcus Stroman, recovering from a knee injury, is progressing well and may soon be back in the mix as a rotation option. JT Brubaker has also been mentioned as a potential starter due to his solid performances in long relief. With the trade deadline approaching, the Yankees are actively exploring options to bolster their pitching staff after losing Gerrit Cole and Luis Gil earlier in the season.