Mike Yastrzemski opened his Royals chapter with a jolt, blasting three leadoff homers in 15 games—an MLB milestone that only Rickey Henderson has surpassed for a new team in fewer games. The quick trio puts Yaz in elite company and fuels KC’s late-season pulse, even as his overall batting average sits at .222. Four homers, four doubles and eight walks have yielded a .905 OPS, underscoring value from the top of the lineup as Kansas City eyes a push for meaningful contention.

The Kansas City move, after a Giants swap, hasn’t been spotless—yet the leadoff power and plate discipline keep Yaz squarely on fantasy radar. If he continues to start games with homers, the Royals’ offenses and run production will hinge on his continued atop-order impact. His three-leadoff bombs in 15 games highlight a rare spark that fantasy managers will monitor closely as the season unfolds, especially in formats valuing OBP and plate appearances.

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.

St. Louis faces a pivotal offseason with Mozeliak out and Chaim Bloom at the helm, and two lefty outfielders—Lars Nootbaar and Alec Burleson—emerge as prime trade chips. Burleson, the article argues, is the more sensible move because he could net a bigger return and, despite defensive limitations, he carries more offensive upside and clear DH potential. Nootbaar provides solid defense and a steady bat, but his ceiling may be lower in a sale scenario. Both are under team control into the late 2020s, giving Bloom flexibility to pursue a controllable starting pitcher to elevate the rotation. The overarching theme: leverage depth to reshape the outfield and sharpen STL’s rotation window.

With Bloom steering the offseason, a reshuffled outfield could unlock payroll flexibility and prospect capital to pursue a top pitching target. Burleson’s value stands out because a package built around him could fetch a high-end, controllable arm. The Cardinals’ plan appears to balance keeping Nootbaar’s defense and floor while exploring Burleson as a headline trade asset. The winter promises a busy stretch as STL weighs which asset moves best fit their long-term championship arc.

Ultimately, the piece frames a bittersweet but strategic path: use Burleson or Nootbaar to land a rotation boost and keep the rest of the pipeline intact. If Bloom executes, STL could pivot toward a more formidable 2025-26 window while maintaining enough depth to stay competitive during the transition.

In this week's analysis of injured fantasy baseball players, several names stand out as potential game-changers for the remainder of the season. Shane Bieber of the Toronto Blue Jays, currently rostered at 39%, is making a strong recovery from Tommy John surgery and is projected to return by mid-August. His recent rehab performances have been impressive, suggesting that he could be a key asset for teams looking to bolster their pitching rotation.

Spencer Arrighetti of the Houston Astros and Daulton Varsho from the same team are also worth noting, both nearing their returns and offering significant potential value to fantasy managers. Varsho has shown impressive power metrics this season and could provide a boost to the Blue Jays’ already potent lineup. Meanwhile, Ryan Mountcastle of the Baltimore Orioles is expected back soon, making him an appealing option for teams needing depth at first base. Each of these players may be available on waivers, making them ideal candidates to stash as the season heats up and playoff pushes begin.

The MLB trade deadline is approaching rapidly, with significant transactions already impacting team dynamics. The Seattle Mariners made headlines by acquiring Josh Naylor from the Arizona Diamondbacks, bolstering their lineup. Meanwhile, the New York Yankees brought in Ryan McMahon from the Colorado Rockies, indicating their pursuit of postseason success.

The Philadelphia Phillies are eyeing Eugenio Suárez, a third baseman with impressive power numbers. Despite their regular third baseman Alec Bohm being on the injured list, the Phillies are considering this move as they aim to capitalize on Suárez's strong performance this season. The St. Louis Cardinals are also in a state of flux, reportedly open to offers for stars like Nolan Arenado and Sonny Gray, suggesting a potential shift in their competitive strategy.

As the trade deadline approaches, the Tampa Bay Rays are leaning towards a selling strategy. Although they are battling for a wild-card spot, their recent struggles could lead to significant roster changes. Key players like Pete Fairbanks and Brandon Lowe could be on the move as the organization reevaluates its future.