Core Jackson was drafted by the New York Yankees in the fifth round after a background review that became a national talking point. The Utah shortstop faced a serious incident in 2021 at Nebraska, where he, then 17, drew a swastika on a Jewish student’s dormitory door. He described the moment as a blackout and said he regrets it deeply. Nebraska’s disciplinary steps included a fine, community service, and online sensitivity training, with no season suspension. Jackson later emphasized accountability and growth, and the Yankees defended their process, noting a comprehensive background check approved by ownership.

Jackson signed for well under slot value and has moved quickly through the minors, debuting at High-A Hudson Valley. The club’s stance reflects a willingness to bank on remorse and development, particularly given his athletic tools: arm strength, power, and overall athleticism. The tie to Diamondbacks prospect Jacob Steinmetz and the decision to disclose the incident to every MLB team before the 2024 draft added a layer of accountability to the narrative. Jackson’s 2024 DUI charge while at Utah, later reduced after community service and rehab, underscores the ongoing scrutiny of his off-field trajectory. In New York, where the Jewish community is sizable, the pick remains polarizing, but Jackson frames his journey as forgiveness and progress in service of a new platform.

Kyle Tucker’s 38-game cliff dive at Wrigley Field is the centerpiece here. Once a driver of power, speed and defensive versatility, Tucker has scuffled to a .189 clip with only four extra-base hits while pulling grounders to the second baseman at alarming frequency. Counsell labeled it a mental reset as Tucker showed visible frustration, from bat-heating slams to a half-hearted dash on a routine ball. The piece frames this as more than a slump: it’s a mechanical and confidence collapse that could redefine his upcoming free agency if it drags on.

Tucker’s profile remains elite—league-average power, running and exceptional outfield defense. Over the last five years, only a handful logged more WAR than him, underscoring his all-around value. The analysis ties his current struggles to swing flaws: a steeper attack angle, less core connection, an upright finish and a tendency to roll the top wrist, all of which sap bat speed and pull-side thump. With a mental and mechanical reset, the upside remains immense and likely to outpace contract benchmarks set by peers like Corey Seager.

Historically, Tucker has learned to hit the ball in the air to the pull side, a development that coincided with a peak production stretch. Since July 1, that ability faded, and the spray charts reveal “hit deserts” in the left-field power alley and pull-side homer range. The piece closes with a note of cautious optimism: when Tucker reestablishes his rhythm and reads spin better, the re-emergence of his best skills could come quickly, and the fantasy upside will dwarf today’s frustration as the season unfolds.

Bobby Witt Jr. joined an exclusive club and powered Kansas City to a 5-2 win over Texas, their fifth straight victory and a step closer to the AL wild-card race. Witt crushed a 449-foot homer in the eighth off Cole Winn, becoming the youngest Royals to reach 100 homers in his career at 25 years, 66 days. The moment underscores his role as the lineup anchor and a symbol of Kansas City’s late-season surge.

The milestone vaults Witt into elite company in MLB history: he’s among a small group of players with 100 homers and 100 steals through their first four seasons, a list that includes Julio Rodríguez. Witt’s season pace remains strong, batting .291 with 18 homers and 69 RBIs while already swiping 32 bases, showing a rare power-speed combination and a Gold Glove-caliber glove that fuels the Royals’ run at a playoff bid.

Kansas City’s skipper Matt Quatraro has leaned on Witt heavily, and teammates like Pasquantino have joined in with big nights to support the star. The Royals head into the Rangers series with momentum and a realistic shot at improving their wild-card odds, with Witt at the center of their plans and the rest of the lineup backing him as they chase a postseason berth.

Final-week fantasy hoarding on the waiver wire centers on rookies and closers as MLB enters Week 21. With 45 days left in the regular season, rookie eligibility for 2026 ROY remains a live asset, spurring a trio of notable recalls and several deeper adds. Basallo, McLean and Abreu headline the top pickups, while Lopez provides a two-start streamer option and Beavers and Vodnik offer meaningful upside in deeper leagues.

Basallo anchors Baltimore’s prospect surge, offering catcher/first-base flexibility and a power-heavy profile that could carve immediate value in shallow formats. McLean’s Mets debut drew rave notes for breaking-ball command and a strong grounder-rate that could sustain multi-start value if the workload cooperates. Abreu stands as Houston’s next-in-line nearer—an attractive upside play if Hader’s health costs him time, with elite ratios and strikeout potential. Lopez’s left-handed mix has you leaning him as a pitcher only, given innings caps, while Beavers and Vodnik supply late-season upside in deeper builds: Beavers via a balanced tools profile and Vodnik via save opportunities in a volatile closer landscape.