Five big-play moments from the weekend span UFC, MLB, golf, soccer and football, but fantasy managers should lock in on Victor Scott II. The Cardinals’ outfielder flashed athleticism with a diving grab against the Yankees, hinting at a path to more plate appearances and potential stolen-base upside in deeper leagues if he wins regular reps. Scottie Scheffler’s dramatic BMW Championship finish reinforces his near-elite ceiling and ongoing DFS/DK appeal, while Akshay Bhatia’s 227-yard hole-in-one at 17, which netted a BMW, elevates his long-hitting profile for golf formats. In other sports, Alexander Hernandez’s first-round KO and Gustavo Hamer’s remarkable 54.79-yard strike add flash but carry less direct fantasy translation this week.

Jordan Walker’s hot July run elevates a puzzling Cardinals decision to sit him in a key series opener, stirring fan debate as St. Louis clings to a postseason push. Walker is batting .315 with a .797 OPS since July, leading the team’s July batting average and trailing only Willson Contreras in OPS, yet Oli Marmol benched him in favor of Lars Nootbaar. The club just capped back-to-back wins vs Dodgers and Cubs, but the move sparked backlash on X from supporters who view Walker as central to the youth movement and the club’s present or near-future success.

Meanwhile, the lineup battle highlights a broader theme: balancing immediate results with long-term development. Walker’s absence could ripple through fantasy rosters, particularly for managers relying on Cardinals outfield stability. As St. Louis remains 3.5 games out of the NL Wild Card, the Marmol decision becomes a talking point about how to evaluate upside versus current form in a pennant-race context.

As MLB ramps up post-All-Star break, savvy fantasy owners should keep an eye on the waiver wire as several undervalued hitters are emerging as strong options for Week 17. With the trade deadline looming, players like Austin Hays of the Cincinnati Reds (23% rostered) are making noise, hitting four homers since returning from injury, particularly excelling against lefties. Jordan Beck of the Colorado Rockies (17% rostered) is also heating up with a solid .296 average in recent games, making him a candidate for a boost in production during upcoming matchups. Jesus Sanchez (OF, Miami Marlins; 6% rostered) continues to show power potential and could be moved to a better lineup before the trade deadline, while St. Louis Cardinals' Victor Scott II (14% rostered) brings unmatched speed with 25 stolen bases this season. Lastly, Nationals' prospect Brady House (5% rostered) is proving his worth with a .308 average since his call-up, making him a valuable fill-in for those needing infield depth.

As the 2025 MLB season approaches the halfway mark, identifying key fantasy baseball contributors from the waiver wire is crucial. This week, players like Willi Castro and Javier Baez are racking up runs, with Castro hitting .319 and Baez contributing significantly in various positions. For power hitters, Ryan McMahon is proving his worth with six home runs this month, while Jo Adell continues to show promise with 16 homers this season. On the bases, Spencer Steer and Victor Scott II offer speed, and Ernie Clement is delivering a strong average with .380.

The fantasy landscape is evolving, with players like Casey Schmitt and Brooks Lee also emerging as valuable assets. As managers look to boost their lineups, these under-the-radar options could provide the necessary edge in the competitive fantasy landscape.