As we roll out our latest update to the RotoProspects Top 700 Prospect fantasy baseball rankings, let’s dive into the key updates surrounding the top-ranked prospects this week.

Jonah Tong skyrockets into the Top 15, debuts for Mets with strong outing

Tong (pictured above) debuted on Aug. 29 and instantly made his presence felt. In a blowout over Miami, the 22-year-old allowed just one earned run on six hits over five innings, striking out six and issuing zero walks. Supported by a 12-run early cushion, Tong navigated through his debut with poise—retiring the first nine batters, racking up 17 called strikes, and showcasing a four-seam fastball touching 97.7 mph. His deceptive delivery and elite strikeout stuff point to a high ceiling for the future ace.

More from the Mets: Nolan McLean rises to No. 16 after electric MLB outings

McLean’s meteoric ascent continues: the Mets rookie made his MLB debut on August 16, delivering 5⅓ scoreless innings with 8 strikeouts, earning his first win and halting a 14-game skid for New York. In his second start, he blanked the Braves for seven strong innings (7 K, 0 BB), and in his third, he fired an eight-inning shutout to complete a sweep over the Phillies, becoming the first Mets pitcher ever to win his first three career starts with an astonishing 0.89 ERA, 21 K, and 3–0 record so far. With that statement debut, McLean vaults into the Top 20 at No. 16 overall.

Even more Mets prospect dominance: Carson Benge soars into the Top 50

The Mets’ 2024 first-round pick continues his surge. In July, he earned Eastern League Player of the Month after he slashed .397/.482/.726 with a 1.208 OPS, including seven home runs, 17 RBIs and 22 runs scored. He clubbed his first Triple-A home run on Aug. 29 in his sixth game after being promoted to Triple-A Syracuse.

Nationals prospect Jarlin Susana leaps to No. 60 after an incredible August

Washington’s right-hander is heating up. On Aug. 19, Susana set a new career high with 13 strikeouts in five dominant innings. He followed that with another strong start on Aug. 24, punching out 10 more batters over five innings, allowing only one earned run and two hits. Across his five August starts (23.2 IP), he has a 1.52 ERA, 0.80 WHIP and a 44-9 K-BB.

Jakob Marsee soars into the Top 100 following his electric debut for Marlins

Marsee is off to a remarkable start in Miami, earning his spot in the Top 100 overall at No. 100. Since his call-up on August 1, the rookie has hit .345/.411/.653 at the plate, clubbing 4 homers, swiping 7 bases, and producing a stellar 1.037 OPS over his first 73 MLB at-bats. His impact has been noticeable. Marsee tied the Marlins’ rookie RBI record with a 2-HR, 7-RBI night on Aug. 13, leveling a franchise mark in short-order. He’s continued to stand out with highlight-making offensive contributions, including a bases-clearing triple in a big win over Toronto on Aug. 24.

The Top 30 players in this week’s updated RotoProspects Top 700 Prospect Rankings

The Top 100 can be found HERE (no subscription required). For the complete list, CLICK HERE (subscription required).

As we roll out our latest update to the RotoProspects Top 700 Prospect fantasy baseball rankings, let’s dive into the key updates surrounding the top-ranked prospects this week.

Konnor Griffin takes over at No. 1, looks like a future superstar for the Pirates

Griffin has officially taken over the No. 1 spot in the RotoProspects Top 700 Prospect Rankings, continuing a meteoric rise that’s drawn national attention. Selected ninth overall in the 2024 Draft by the Pirates, Griffin has lived up to every bit of his five-tool billing. Across Low-A and High-A, he posted a .332/.414/.524 line with 16 homers, 97 runs, and 59 steals through 101 games, showing the rare blend of power, speed, and plate approach that few 19-year-olds can manage.

The Pirates promoted Griffin to Double-A Altoona on July 19, marking his second promotion in his first professional season. At just 19, he becomes the youngest player in Altoona Curve history, surpassing Andrew McCutchen’s former record. He wasted no time making an impact. In his debut, he singled in his first at-bat, swiped his 60th stolen base of the season, and later delivered a key RBI fly to tie the game in the 6th inning. Just two days later, Griffin followed up with a three-hit game.

Griffin began the year with dominant outputs at Single-A Bradenton (.338/.396/.536) and High-A Greensboro (.325/.432/.510), accumulating 16 HRs and 59 steals across 101 games. His swift ascension—and immediate success—at Altoona strengthens the case for him being ready for even higher competition soon and intensifies talk of a possible 2026 Major League debut.

Hurston Waldrep’s impressive run with the Braves

Waldrep threw six shutout innings with a career-high seven strikeouts in a 2-0 win over the Guardians on Aug. 15. On August 21, Waldrep fired 7 scoreless innings, allowing four hits and one walk while striking out seven to lead the Braves to a 1-0 win over the White Sox. His splitter was particularly sharp. With an 0.73 ERA and near-identical 0.77 WHIP over four outings (including three starts), he’s become just the second rookie in modern MLB history to win each of his first four appearances while allowing one or fewer earned runs—joining Fernando Valenzuela in that rare company.

Kevin McGonigle soars into the Top Ten

McGonigle continues to turn heads this August after his promotion to Double-A Erie. Over his first 14 games with the SeaWolves following a July call-up, he slashed .302 and began to tap into more of his power—launching five home runs in the month, including four in just his last five games. His recent 17-hit eruption in a 12–4 Mud Hens win underscores the Tigers’ strong organizational depth, though the spotlight on his own bat remains bright.

The Top 30 players in this week’s updated RotoProspects Top 700 Prospect Rankings

The Top 100 can be found HERE (no subscription required). For the complete list, CLICK HERE (subscription required).

As we roll out our latest update to the RotoProspects Top 700 Prospect fantasy baseball rankings, let’s dive into the key updates surrounding the top-ranked prospects this week.

JJ Wetherholt into the Top 10, but will he crack the Cardinals’ roster soon?

Wetherholt (pictured above) surged from No. 13 to No. 9, propelled by a scorching Triple-A performance. Since his promotion on July 7, he’s slashed an incredible .344/.425/.754, with six homers and two steals in just 16 games, maintaining a tight 8:9 K:BB ratio. On July 24, he erupted for his first multi-homer game at the level. Still, Cardinals president John Mozeliak cautioned against rushing him — “no need” for a call-up this year, noting Wetherholt isn’t Rule-5 protected. His bat keeps heating up — and the Top 10 recognition is well-earned.

Owen Caissie makes memorable MLB debut for the Cubs

Cubs’ top outfield prospect, and No. 13 overall this week, finally got the call—making his major league debut as the DH in Toronto. Batting fifth against Max Scherzer, Caissie’s debut was as emotional as it was symbolic, with the Canadian crowd rallying for their hometown hero. He went hitless in 4 ABs, including being robbed of at least a double by a highlight-reel catch by Davis Schneider on the first pitch he saw.

Robby Snelling might be pitching his way onto the Marlins’ staff soon

Miami’s 21-year-old left-handed phenom soars up to No. 57 on the strength of his recent dominance at Triple-A Jacksonville. In six starts, Snelling has a miniscule 1.34 ERA and 0.95 WHIP with a 43-7 K-BB. Young for the level, his polish and poise on the mound have him firmly on the radar for a possible MLB call-up.

Hurston Waldrep enters the Top 100… and the Braves’ rotation

Waldrep has bounced back from a rough MLB debut last year, opening 2025 with 10 strikeouts, three walks, and just two earned runs in 10 2/3 innings. The Braves righty scrapped his four-seamer for a sinker-cutter mix to better set up his elite splitter, added more curveballs, and made mechanical tweaks for improved command. The result is a deeper arsenal, sharper execution, and a spot locked in Atlanta’s rotation, though workload limits could come into play after a career-high 101 innings.

Colson Montgomery rockets to No. 60, becoming steady presence for White Sox

Chicago’s top middle infielder climbed from outside the Top 100 to No. 60, moving up 53 spots in the rankings this week. The 23-year-old’s calm, composed approach has held steady through the breakout, and he now looks locked into the heart of the White Sox lineup.

The Top 30 players in this week’s updated RotoProspects Top 700 Prospect Rankings

The Top 100 can be found HERE (no subscription required). For the complete list, CLICK HERE (subscription required).

Baseball’s top prospects aren’t just names on a list… they’re ticking clocks. The “On the Verge” series shines a spotlight on players in the RotoPrpspects fantasy baseball Top 700 Prospect Rankings who are on the cusp of breaking through to the majors. Whether they’re red-hot at Triple-A or pushing past long-term development hurdles, these are the names who are right on the edge of changing everything—for their team, and for themselves.

If you thought the Cubs’ system was barren of impactful prospects—think again. Owen Caissie, Chicago’s top-rated farmhand and one of baseball’s most exciting young bats, has been on fire since early July—and now the big question is: when will he debut with the Cubs?

From Canada to San Diego to the Cubs’ flagship prospect

Caissie’s journey began when the Padres drafted him 45th overall in 2020, making him the highest‑selected Canadian outfielder at the time. He was soon shipped to Chicago in the famed Yu Darvish trade and began to climb the ladder quickly.

• 2021: Debuted with a .923 OPS and seven home runs in 54 games across the Arizona Complex League and Low-A Myrtle Beach
• 2022: Advanced to High-A South Bend — .254/.349/.402, 11 HR, 11 SB in 105 games
• 2023: Breakout in Double-A Tennessee — slashed .289/.398/.519 with 22 HR and 84 RBI over 120 games, earning multiple All-Star nods
• 2024: At Triple-A Iowa, hit .278/.375/.472 with 19 homers and 11 steals across 127 games; added to Cubs’ 40-man roster to protect him from Rule 5 selection
• 2025: Optioned back to Iowa; this season he’s added polish—and power—in a major way

Caissie’s most electrifying trait remains his elite raw power—he routinely ranks near the top in exit velocity within the Cubs system and across Triple-A levels. Scouts peg his skill set as: Hit: 45 | Power: 60 | Speed: 55

Huge July numbers put him “On The Verge”

Caissie’s July was nothing short of explosive. Over 23 games that month, he slashed .323/.417/.675 with 10 doubles, 9 home runs, and 27 RBIs. His 1.092 OPS for the month was one of the highest in all of Triple-A, fueled by his increased lift and pull tendencies that translated into a near-.300 ISO.

While the approach did bump his strikeout rate into the 29–30% range, the tradeoff was more than worth it—every ball he barreled had a chance to leave the park, and pitchers had no safe way to attack him. Scouts raved not just about the raw numbers, but about how Caissie was creating damage across different pitch types, from punishing fastballs up in the zone to turning on breaking balls down and in.

He reached major milestones, like his first five-hit game on July 22. A highlight film-worthy two-run homer that same day marked his 20th of the season, reaffirming the power that scouts rave about.

Trade deadline buzz—and the Cubs opt to stand firm

As July drew to a close, Caissie’s name was heating up the rumor mill:

• Multiple outlets listed him among the prospects most likely to be moved.
• The Athletic reinforced that while Caissie was on the table, any deal would need serious long-term value—no rentals.
• Rumors even connected him with trades for starters like Mitch Keller or MacKenzie Gore.
• And in Miami, fans reported that the Marlins had a wish-list centered on Caissie—and fellow Cubs prospect Jaxon Wiggins—for Edward Cabrera.

Yet, when the dust settled, the Cubs kept their slugger. The decision speaks volumes—Chicago clearly sees him as a near-term contributor, perhaps even a September call-up candidate, rather than a trade chip to cash in for pitching help. In an era when power-hitting corner outfielders with plate discipline are at a premium, Caissie’s profile is simply too valuable to give up unless the return is overwhelming.

Since the deadline—still raking

If there was any question about how he’d handle the uncertainty, Caissie answered quickly. Since the deadline, he’s picked up right where he left off, posting three multi-hit efforts in his first eight August games. The power remains, but so does his patient approach, as he’s drawn multiple walks in key spots and continued to drive the ball to all fields.

His steady production post-deadline reinforces the idea that he’s mentally equipped for the big stage—able to block out noise, stick to his process, and deliver results regardless of off-field speculation.

What’s next for Caissie and the Cubs

The Cubs are still very much in the hunt for both the NL Central crown and a Wild Card spot. While there’s no guarantee Caissie gets the call this year, his readiness is becoming harder to ignore—especially if an injury or prolonged slump opens a roster spot.

Even if his debut waits until 2026, Caissie has positioned himself as a key piece of Chicago’s future core. And for now, his blend of power, patience, and athleticism continues to be one of the most exciting daily shows in the minors—a perfect fit for our On The Verge watch list.

About the “On the Verge” series

These prospects are pounding on the door to The Show. Some might be just one swing, one hot week, or one roster shake-up away from a call-up. Others could be key pieces in deadline deals that change the balance of a pennant race. This On The Verge series captures those players in that exact moment, when potential meets opportunity, and the trajectory of a career—and maybe a franchise—hangs in the balance.

Next up: JJ Wetherholt of the Cardinals

Welcome to the 20th installment of our Weekly Hot Prospects Report ranking the top minor-league performances from the week of August 4-10. We’re back with this week’s top performers making waves across the minors—and this week’s trio at the top is stacked with thunderous bats and rising stars knocking on the MLB door. Fantasy baseball owners, take note. CLICK HERE to check out the full list, with ETAs and updated statistics (subscription required).

A quick look at the Top Three

1. Konnor Griffin, OF, Pirates (High-A, age 19)

Griffin (pictured above) continues to rip Greensboro pitching, slashing .325/.429/.575 for an OPS of 1.004 in August, including three homers, 12 RBIs, and seven stolen bases over 40 ABs. His torrid stretch earned him South Atlantic League Player of the Week and the Pirates may have found their future middle-of-the-order star. At just 19 years old, Griffin already has the frame and swing path scouts dream about, and he’s turning raw athleticism into consistent production.

Week stats: 1.138 OPS, 3 HR, 11 RBI, 3 SB, 10-for-28, 4 BB, 6 SO

2. Abimelec Ortiz, 1B, Rangers (Triple-A, age 23)

Ortiz has lit the upper minors on fire and was named Texas League Player of the Month for July. In just his fourth game with Round Rock, he crushed two home runs and racked up eight RBIs in a single night — the kind of box score that turns heads in the big-league front office. Scouts note that Ortiz’s ability to punish both fastballs and off-speed pitches makes him a nightmare for pitchers, and his plate discipline continues to improve. If he keeps this pace, Texas could give him his MLB debut before the end of the season to add another bat to their playoff push.

Week stats: 1.694 OPS, 4 HR, 13 RBI, 9 R, 8-for-18, 3 BB, 6 SO

3. Robby Snelling, SP, Marlins (AA, age 21)

Snelling’s latest start was a masterpiece in efficiency and dominance. The left-hander carved through opposing hitters for six shutout innings, allowing just five hits and fanning 11 batters — matching his career high in strikeouts. This marks his second 11-strikeout game in just three Triple-A outings, and his ability to command a mid-90s fastball while tunneling a sharp curveball has made him nearly unhittable at this level. Miami’s rotation could use a boost, and Snelling’s recent performances suggest he’s knocking loudly on the big-league door. Don’t be surprised if the Marlins give him a look before season’s end.

Week stats: 0.00 ERA, 1.00 WHIP, 11-1 K-BB, 6 IP, 5 H

Other Notables

• Samuel Basallo (Orioles, AAA): Continued mashing with a 1.310 OPS, racking up 12 RBIs on just 7 hits.
• Daniel Eagen (D-backs, High-A): Perfection on the mound again — 0.00 ERA, 0.17 WHIP, and 10 strikeouts over 6 innings.
• Jonah Tong (Mets, AAA): With 16 K’s in 10 innings and a 0.90 ERA, he’s building a serious rotation case.
• Chris Newell (Dodgers, High-A): Hit a juicy 1.392 OPS with 2 homers and 3 steals across 10 hits.
• Rio Foster (Angels, High-A): Torched pitching with a 1.562 OPS, belting 4 homers and driving in 10 across 8 hits.

The Top Ten in the Weekly Hot Prospects Report

From dominant arms to scorching-hot bats, here are the Top Ten prospects below who turned heads and boosted their stock. CLICK HERE to check out the full list, with ETAs and updated statistics (subscription required).

As we roll out our latest update to the RotoProspects Top 700 Prospect fantasy baseball rankings, let’s dive into the key updates surrounding the top-ranked prospects this week.

Jhostynxon Garcia’s bat stays white-hot in Triple-A, surges to No. 51

Boston’s rising star is bursting with power in Triple-A Worcester. Over the past week, “The Password” has 14 hits, 4 home runs and 16 RBIs in his past nine games, including a 441-foot grand slam and homers in three straight games. Additionally, the Red Sox have started giving Garcia looks at first base, addressing logjam concerns in the outfield and potentially fast-tracking his path to the majors. A Futures Game alum and vocal offensive leader, he’s charging toward Boston’s big-league roster.

Dylan Beavers jumps to No. 57, could be on the verge of a call-up to Baltimore

The Orioles’ top outfield power source keeps proving he’s ready. In a dominant 12-1 win for Triple-A Norfolk, Beavers homered twice, powering Baltimore’s minors with authority alongside Samuel Basallo. Then he hit two more home runs in the next game against Rochester. Orioles GM Mike Elias confirmed Beavers is “close to making his MLB debut,” adding that it would be “beneficial” to get him a taste of the majors this season. Beavers continues to “bust the door down” despite Baltimore’s post-deadline struggles.

C.J. Kayfus climbs to No. 77, makes his MLB debut for the Guardians

Kayfus (pictured above) officially broke through with his MLB debut for the Guardians on August 2 — and he’s already making an impact. After receiving a call-up following a .929 OPS across Double-A and Triple-A, he stepped into the lineup as a first baseman, right fielder and designated hitter. He also has at least one hit in three of his first five MLB games.

The Top 30 players in this week’s updated RotoProspects Top 700 Prospect Rankings

The Top 100 can be found HERE (no subscription required). For the complete list, CLICK HERE (subscription required).

Welcome to the 19th installment of our Weekly Hot Prospects Report ranking the top minor-league performances from the week of July 28-August 3. We’re back with this week’s top performers making waves across the minors—and this week’s trio at the top is stacked with thunderous bats and rising stars knocking on the MLB door. Fantasy baseball owners, take note. CLICK HERE to check out the full list, with ETAs and updated statistics (subscription required).

A quick look at the Top Three

1. Jhostynxon Garcia, OF, Red Sox (AAA, age 22)

Garcia (pictured above) went nuclear in Worcester, posting a 1.545 OPS with 4 home runs, 13 RBIs, and 10-for-24 on the week. Named to the All‑Star Futures Game earlier in July as Boston’s top outfield prospect, “The Password” homered in three straight games and delivered a 441-foot grand slam mid-week, launching it to center field. His power surge continues to command attention across MLB circles, with recent talk of giving him repetitions at first base as a path to the big leagues.

2. Austin Overn, OF, Orioles (High‑A, age 22)

At Aberdeen, Overn logged a 1.458 OPS, clouting 4 home runs, scoring five runs, and adding five stolen bases in nine hits over the week. A true multisport athlete from California, Overn’s athletic foundation is translating into game-breaking speed (59 stolen bases in 105 career games) and emerging pull power. He is also being promoted to Double-A Chesapeake this week.

3. Walker Jenkins, OF, Twins (AA, age 20)

Jenkins powered his way through Wichita, posting a 1.510 OPS with five multi-hit games, 3 home runs, 5 RBIs, and two steals in 12 hits. He reached base five times via walks in six game-winning performances last week, including a even .500 average across the span. Despite battling injuries earlier in the year, Twins Daily notes Jenkins’s elite power, plate discipline, and athleticism are all returning to form—just in time for a potential mid‑season promotion push.

Other Notable Performers

• Abimelec Ortiz, Rangers, AA: 1.315 OPS with 3 HR, 8 RBI, going 10-for-24 and showing legit middle-of-order pop.
• Manuel Pena, Diamondbacks, AA: Racked up 4 HR, 11 RBI in 11-for-27 action for a solid 1.296 OPS.
• Andrew Pinckney, Nationals, AAA): Hit 4 home runs with 10 RBI in just 7-for‑24 output, pushing his OPS over 1.190.
• On the mound, Fernando Perez (Blue Jays High‑A) stayed perfect with 0.00 ERA and 13 K’s in 11 IP, while Silvano Hechavarria (Blue Jays Single‑A) tossed shutout ball over 10.1 innings with 12 strikeouts.

The Top Ten in the Weekly Hot Prospects Report

From dominant arms to scorching-hot bats, here are the Top Ten prospects below who turned heads and boosted their stock. CLICK HERE to check out the full list, with ETAs and updated statistics (subscription required).

At RotoProspects.com, we pride ourselves on being your source for up-to-the-minute bullpen updates that matter for fantasy baseball with our Fantasy Baseball Closer Chart. Whether it’s injury news, role changes, or late-inning trends, we monitor every bullpen across the league to help fantasy managers stay ahead of the curve.

As we move into the dog days of summer, MLB bullpens are under the microscope with the trade deadline looming and postseason races intensifying. Roles are shifting, new names are emerging, and veteran closers are fighting to prove they still belong.

The 2025 trade deadline delivered a whirlwind of bullpen shakeups, as contenders loaded up on high-leverage arms and several longtime closers found new homes. Many teams were active, either fortifying the back end of their bullpens or moving key relievers in deals that reshaped depth charts across the league.

From surprise closer changes to dark horse saves candidates emerging, here’s a team-by-team breakdown of the seven most significant bullpen developments over the past week.

San Diego Padres: Mason Miller joins a supercharged bullpen

Key Move: Acquired Miller and JP Sears from the A’s
Departed: Leo De Vries (SS) and a haul of top pitching prospects

The Padres went nuclear. Miller (pictured above) is one of baseball’s most electric arms and joins a bullpen that already featured 2025 All-Stars Robert Suarez, Jason Adam, and Adrian Morejon. Manager Mike Shildt has flexibility galore—but Suárez and Miller could end up sharing ninth-inning duties, with Miller likely easing in at first. Adam may be used as a fireman in the highest-leverage matchups.

Fantasy Impact: Suárez loses some solo closer value, Miller gains long-term upside. Both should of course be rostered in all formats.

New York Mets: Edwin Diaz gets support with Ryan Helsley and Tyler Rogers

Key Move: Acquired Helsley from the Cardinals, Rogers from the Giants and Gregory Soto from the Orioles
Departed: None of significance at the MLB level

After weeks of bullpen volatility, the Mets finally gave Edwin Díaz some breathing room. Helsley brings power late-inning stuff and postseason experience, while Rogers offers contrast with his funky delivery. The Mets now boast arguably the deepest bullpen in the NL, with Ryne Stanek, Brooks Raley and the recently-acquired Soto also in the mix.

Fantasy Impact: Díaz is locked in as closer, but Helsley is an elite handcuff and holds monster. Rogers may not close, but he could vulture wins and K’s in bulk.

New York Yankees: Surprise bullpen reload with David Bednar and Camilo Doval

Key Moves: Acquired Bednar from the Pirates and Doval from the Giants
Departed: Oswald Peraza, Drew Thorpe, and other prospects

The Yankees shocked the league by loading up on not one but two top-tier relievers. Williams is expected to keep closing, with Bednar and Doval sliding into setup and matchup roles. Luke Weaver and Tim Hill move down the ladder.

Fantasy Impact: Williams retains top-tier closer value. Bednar and Doval become elite holds options. If Williams were to falter, the Yankees have at least two capable closers waiting.

Minnesota Twins: Jhoan Duran and everyone else traded, free-for-all now

Key Move: Traded elite closer Duran to the Phillies, and also traded Griffin Jax, Brock Stewart, Louis Varland and Danny Coulombe well
Acquired: Top pitching prospect Mick Abel and top catching prospect Eduardo Tait

Minnesota made a rare move by trading away their closer mid-season. Without Duran, the Twins are expected to go committee-style, at least for now. In terms of closing experience, Cole Sands‘ two saves represent the only saves from what’s left in the bullpen. Justin Topa and Kody Funderburk could get into the mix as well.

Fantasy Impact: This is a volatile situation and it’s anyone’s guess as to who gets the most saves going forward.

Philadelphia Phillies: Duran now leads a contender’s bullpen

Key Move: Acquired elite closer Duran from the Twins
Departed: Top pitching prospect Mick Abel and top catching prospect Eduardo Tait

The Phillies made the most of Duran’s availability, sliding him into a ninth-inning role that’s been in flux all year. Orion Kerkering and Matt Strahm will now operate as setup men, with José Alvarado seeing leverage once he returns from suspension. And don’t forget former closer Jordan Romano is still around as well. This group now boasts power, swing-and-miss stuff, and October upside.

Fantasy Impact: Duran is a top-10 closer rest-of-season. Kerkering, Strahm and Romano are all potential deep-league stashes.

Detroit Tigers: Acquisition of Kyle Finnegan immediately pays dividends

Key Moves: Acquired Kyle Finnegan from the Nationals and recently signed former Rangers closer Luke Jackson
Departed: None

The Tigers also strengthened their rotation by acquiring Chris Paddack and Charlie Morton, but quietly upgraded their bullpen by trading for Finnegan. He brings closing experience (108 career saves) and a power sinker to the bullpen. Will Vest then immediately blew a save on Aug. 1 and then Finnegan got his first save for the team on Aug. 2.

Fantasy Impact: Finnegan is a legitimate threat to take over the closer’s role from Vest completely, and the team also has Tommy Kahnle (9 saves this season) and Jackson (9 saves for the Rangers this season) to back them up if needed.

Baltimore Orioles: Patchwork bullpen ahead after multiple trades and injuries

Key Context: Felix Bautista remains out with injury, while the team also traded Seranthony Dominguez, Gregory Soto and Andrew Kittredge
Additions: None via trade; internal promotions only

Baltimore didn’t make any splashy bullpen additions despite losing arms to injury and trade. Instead, Corbin Martin and Keegan Akin are getting chances in late innings, with Grant Wolfram looming. Yennier Cano has struggled with command, and it’s unclear whether anyone will take the reins outright.

Fantasy Impact: This is a fluid—and frustrating—situation. Martin has short-term closer potential, but don’t be surprised if Akin, Wolfram or even a waiver add ends up with the job by mid-August.

A look at the above-mentioned bullpens (* denotes committee)

Don’t miss the next big change

Closer roles are among the most fluid in fantasy baseball—and the biggest source of sneaky value. That’s why it’s essential to stay on top of bullpen usage, velocity trends, and manager comments.

Our Fantasy Baseball Closer Chart does just that. We monitor every MLB bullpen so you can act before your league-mates do.