Pete Crow-Armstrong is in a rough patch after the break, but the underlying data paints a patient, long-term bounce-back story. He’s posting solid contact metrics and power indicators, suggesting the slump is temporary rather than a failing profile. Fantasy managers should weigh the Cubs’ lineup context and the rookie’s track record before pulling the plug.

James Wood carries a contrasting arc: elite raw exit velocity and hard-contact rates point to a breakout ceiling, even as a two-week lull drags his ownership down. Wyatt Langford owns a different tale—early-season promise tempered by a brutal month, with strike-zone discipline and plate approach as the keys to his next stretch. Lawrence Butler and Brendan Donovan illustrate the mid-season reality: big counting stats can mask inefficiencies, making them risky or retreat-worthy in shallower formats while still usable in deeper leagues where flexibility matters.

Max Fried remains a pillar, but recent results urge matchup-driven decisions rather than reckless trust. Josh Hader’s shoulder issue clouds late-season plans, elevating Brian Abreu as a potential save-hand in the short term. The host’s broader theme is clear: with playoff push here, owners must cut the fat, protect the core, and ride the upside players who can carry through the final sprint while managing risky spots with strategic benching and timely pickups.

Gavin Williams showcased his potential with a brilliant performance against the New York Mets, taking a no-hitter into the ninth inning. He struck out six and limited hard contact, showcasing improved control and a refined pitch mix. Despite skepticism, his numbers suggest he may be turning a corner with a 1.30 ERA in the second half. Cade Cavalli also made headlines with a strong return, striking out six over four scoreless innings, despite a rough Triple-A record prior. Meanwhile, Josh Naylor continued to impress with back-to-back games featuring two steals, pushing him towards a potential 30-steal season, an astonishing feat for him. The Blue Jays' offense has also come alive, scoring an astounding 45 runs in a three-game series against the Rockies, with standout performances from Vladimir Guerrero Jr. and Bo Bichette.

The Milwaukee Brewers have been on a tear, achieving a franchise-record 56 hits over a three-game series against the Washington Nationals, winning 16-9, 8-2, and 14-3. Despite injuries to key players like Jackson Churio and Jacob Misarowski, the team continues to thrive, with standout performances from Brandon Woodruff and Andrew Vaughn. The Nationals, on the other hand, are struggling, showing potential to have one of the worst bullpens in baseball history this season.

Concerns mount about Churio's injury, with reports suggesting he may be sidelined for over a month. Misarowski's injury is viewed differently; while he could pitch through it, the team's management seems keen on monitoring his innings, especially given the depth in their rotation. The Brewers have been effective at putting the ball in play and aren't solely reliant on home runs, showcasing a versatile offensive approach.

The trade deadline is fast approaching, and teams are eyeing key players like Luis Robert, Eugenio Suarez, and Sandy Alcantara as potential game-changers for their rosters. Robert, the Chicago White Sox center fielder, has seen his ownership steadily rise, currently at 74%, as he heats up just at the right time. His move to a more hitter-friendly park like Citizens Bank Park could lead to a significant boost in his fantasy numbers. Suarez, hitting an impressive 36 home runs this season, is rumored to be a target for the Cubs, which could enhance his already solid RBI potential.

Meanwhile, McKenzie Gore's future is uncertain with the Nationals, as he showcases potential for a trade, likely to contenders like the Cubs. Gore's performance has been steady this season, but the workload may become a concern. Joe Ryan is also on the radar, with Seattle looking to bolster their rotation. As the deadline nears, the fantasy landscape may shift dramatically, urging teams to act quickly on these players.