
Chicago Cubs catching prospect Moises Ballesteros moved up 28 spots to No. 61 overall in MLB.com's latest prospect rankings, the second-biggest jump aside from Tigers infield prospect Kevin McGonigle, who jumped 31 spots. Ballesteros has been on fire this season, slashing .299/.372/.495 over 56 games at Double-A, and he's been even better so far in a small 10-game sample at Triple-A, slashing .366/.409/.561 as a 20-year-old. He's got a major-league ETA of 2026, per MLB.com, but if he keeps it up, he may get a shot as early as this season before all is said and done. Dynasty managers should already be aware of the left-handed-hitting backstop, if they are not already stashing him.


Toronto Blue Jays shortstop Bo Bichette's defensive shortcomings make him a poor fit for the Los Angles Dodgers in a trade this summer. Dodgers president of baseball operations Andrew Friedman, going back to his days of running the Tampa Bay Rays, is a stickler for defense. Rival evaluators say the 26-year-old Bichette can get careless at shortstop, rushing at times. He's also been on the injured list with leg injuries three times in the last year, perhaps contributing to his diminished range. Bichette entered Sunday ranked 23rd among shortstops in outs above average and 28th in defensive runs saved. In addition to his poor defense, Bichette's .623 OPS was the eighth-lowest in the majors. A change of scenery could be good for him, but as of now, it's looking more likely that he'll stay in Toronto until maybe next summer.


Tampa Bay Rays pitcher Shane Baz had another strong showing at Triple-A Durham this past Wednesday, throwing 93 pitches (59 strikes) in five innings, allowing two earned runs on six hits and two walks while striking out seven. Baz has now started ten games for Durham, allowing two runs or less in the last five and striking out 44 batters in 39 1/3 innings. Baz is stretched out and has nothing left to prove in the minors, so while it is somewhat perplexing that he hasn't been called up yet, it is only a matter of time. Fantasy managers in need of some pitching should stash the 25-year-old, who is available in 44% of Yahoo leagues.

Minnesota Twins second baseman prospect Luke Keaschall has moved into MLB.com's updated Top 100 Prospects list, now sitting at No. 95 overall. The 2023 second-round draft pick began the year at High-A (44 games) but was promoted to Double-A on May 27 and is currently hitting .303 there in 31 games. Across both levels this season, the 21-year-old owns a .321/.432/.495 slashline with nine home runs and 18 stolen bases. He's posted strong walk rates during his minor league career, helping to buoy his above-average OBP. Keaschall doesn't figure to make the majors any time soon, MLB.com gives him a 2026 ETA, but with his contact skills, speed, and patient approach, he's a name dynasty managers should be keeping an eye on.


Houston Astros closer Josh Hader didn't pitch a clean outing but did convert his 13th save of the season in Monday's 3-1 win over the Blue Jays. Hader came in to pitch the bottom of the ninth inning up by three. He got the first two outs on a strikeout and fly-out, allowed a solo home run, and got the final out on a pop-out. The 30-year-old has now converted all but one save opportunity with a 3.82 ERA, a 14.34 K/9 rate, and a 2.63 BB/9 rate in 37 2/3 innings pitched. His ERA has been higher than fantasy managers would expect, but he has done a good job limiting walks. Ultimately, Hader's skillset is still that of a top fantasy option, but he has surprisingly not had a ton of save opportunities due to the Astros' overall mediocre performance.
