Two big themes dominate the latest fantasy baseball today: two starting pitchers are being relegated to the drop pile as the season tightens, while a flock of power-rich Yankees and top-end NL stars keep fantasy managers marching toward playoff bids. Baz is dropped in many leagues after a brutal August stretch, with two starts looming and a shaky command profile. Meanwhile, Christopher Sanchez shines, pushing into a top-rest-of-season tier thanks to a changeup-heavy approach that keeps hitters off balance and deep outings. The crew also gushes over David Peterson’s rebound, Adley Rutschman’s continued value, and a rising Guardians name who could shake up rest-of-season rotations. The Yankees erupt for 13 runs and nine homers, Judge and Stanton both taping up their health narratives, while the lineup shuffle around Ben Rice and Caballero hints at late-season batting order shifts. Across the minors to the majors, Parker Messick is watched intently as the Guardians tee up a rotation shakeup, and Parker Messick’s potential grab becomes a talking point for 15-team and deeper rosters. Vlad Guerrero Jr. lands on the day-to-day radar with a hamstring issue, while Jacob deGrom’s workload and Judge’s health become tug-of-war storylines for playoff rosters. The show also threads in the NL Young contender chatter around Sanchez and the late-season steam of Wander Franco, Ward, and a handful of hot hitters who could swing category-heavy leagues in the final weeks.

The latest insights from the fantasy baseball realm reveal some emerging talents and ongoing struggles in July. Christopher Sanchez has made headlines with his remarkable performance, boasting a 154 ERA with 12 strikeouts in a complete game, positioning him as a potential ace. Meanwhile, Mickey Moniak is on fire, hitting .379 over 29 games with impressive power numbers, yet his reliance on Coors Field raises caution.

Logan Gilbert is also gaining attention with his elite splitter and strikeout potential, indicating he might be a top-five pitcher if he can maintain consistency. The Texas Rangers' hitters, notably Corey Seager and Marcus Semien, have shown signs of life, but the overall team performance remains mediocre. Finally, the anxiety surrounding players like Tommy Edman and Brian Reynolds highlights the volatility of player performance as the season progresses.

Struggling stars such as Mookie Betts, Jackson Merrill, and Ozzie Albies are on the fantasy radar this season, but their underwhelming performances raise concerns for managers. Betts, with a career-low batting average, is still seen as a buy-low candidate, primarily due to his potential for a strong second half. Meanwhile, Merrill is viewed as a high-upside prospect who could bounce back after injury setbacks. Albies also presents a compelling buy opportunity for managers seeking power and speed from their second baseman, despite his current struggles.

Pitchers like Blake Snell, who is currently nursing a shoulder injury, might be worth acquiring for teams positioned for a playoff push, especially given his history of strong second halves. Conversely, Christopher Sanchez’s impressive first half has sparked debate on whether he can maintain that success as the season progresses. The fantasy landscape is dynamic, with injuries and performance fluctuations influencing trade strategies.