25 MLB players who might be fantasy league winners in the second half

Arguably the top prospect in baseball before his call-up this season, Anthony's first go-around has been difficult. His numbers have picked up as the calendar flipped to July, and Anthony showed clear 20/20 ability in the minors. This could be a time to buy low.

Bieber still has a ways to go as he recovers from elbow surgery and a setback, but he's still expected to take the mound this season. The number of innings he will see is unclear, though Bieber is a proven ace when he's healthy with a career 3.22 ERA and 10.2 K/9. He's a worthy stash for the stretch run.

Boyle's brief pro career has already spanned three organizations, as he's struggled to harness his control. The Rays might have found the answer to his troubles, as shown in Boyle's dominance at Triple-A and the majors so far this season. If he can continue to throw strikes, Boyle can take the Rays and fantasy teams to new heights.

Baltimore's season went sideways, and the absence of Bradish is a big reason. He established himself as an ace before hurting his arm last season, but he has a chance to be a regular member of the team's rotation for the final two months.

Burns has been inconsistent since his MLB promotion, but the flashes of brilliance have been there with a 13.5 K/9 through his first three starts. He forced his way to the majors with dominance in the minors, and still has the upside to be an ace-like contributor this season.

Caglianone has found the transition from minor league ball to the majors to be tough, but the lanky power hitter is beginning to find his stroke in July. After hitting more than 30 homers twice in college, Caglianone has shown the upside he's capable of in the majors.

Chandler is arguably the best pitching prospect remaining in the minors, but the Pirates have slow-played him at Triple-A as he works on his control. As we get closer to the trade deadline and opportunities open up for young players in Pittsburgh, Chandler could see his time to shine.

The son of former MLB star Carl Crawford, Justin has a similar game with Batting Title upside and great speed. His profile should play well for a Phillies team that could use more outfield defense, and the former first-round pick is knocking on the door of the majors.

The Rockies acquired Freeman quietly in Spring Training, and he's making the most of regular playing time. He's hit well above .300 with more walks than strikeouts, and also flashing his wheels on the basepaths. With the aid of Coors Field, Freeman is quickly becoming a difference maker.

After claiming AL Rookie of the Year last season, shoulder issues have sidelined Gil for all of 2025. The Yankees desperately need pitching help, and Gil has embarked on a rehab assignment. He will be a welcome addition for New York and fantasy squads soon.

Holmes has been up and down in his first full year as a starter, missing bats but also leading the NL in strikeouts. The big strikeout numbers are enticing, and Holmes has no one coming for his job with a banged-up Braves rotation around him. His ERA metrics indicate some luck, but Holmes could be a key piece for fantasy teams down the stretch with a possible 200-strikeout season.

Kurtz had a slow go initially, but the 2024 draftee has found his footing. He looks like a star with an OPS climbing toward .900 and a possible 30 home run campaign in his rookie season.

Lawlar has struggled with injuries for the second straight year, but eyes will be on him if he gets healthy. Arizona could be in position for a firesale at the trade deadline, opening up the door for the speedster to see another opportunity in the majors. He's hit an impressive .319-10-45 with 18 steals in 53 games at Triple-A Reno this year.

Matthews was promoted to Houston just before the All-Star break, and could get a chance to stick if he impresses. The former first-round pick shows 20/20 upside already.

Matthews has been very inconsistent in 13 career starts, but the hard-throwing right-hander showed great flashes before hurting his shoulder earlier this season. He could make his return in August, and is bound to lower his ERA if his trends from earlier this season continue.

Cleveland is on the outside of the playoff picture, so Messick's opportunity could arrive soon. He's been excellent at Triple-A Columbus, with a 3.36 ERA in 16 starts, and continues to miss bats at will.

The 41-year-old Morton has struggled this season, but the trends have reversed lately. He's 5-1 with a 3.18 ERA since the start of May, and is likely to be traded to a better situation at the trade deadline.

The Phils have been conservative with Painter as he makes his way back from an arm injury, but he's likely to see the majors in the second half. While his ERA at Triple-A is near 5.00, Painter has shown dominant stuff and upside.

Boston needed someone to step up at the plate after trading Rafael Devers, and Rafaela has been the early answer. The young center fielder has nine home runs since the start of June, and could soon find his way up the Red Sox lineup.

Most of the attention in LA has been on the recoveries of Tyler Glasnow and Blake Snell, but Sheehan has been more than worthy of accolades. The young right-hander has returned from an arm injury and dominated early with his elite stuff. He could force the team to keep him in the starting rotation down the stretch.

It appears Simpson is finally in the majors to stay, hitting above .300 with 26 steals in his first 51 games. The speed can single-handedly support the stolen base category in rotisserie-scoring leagues.

Smith has started to show why the Astros wanted him in the Kyle Tucker trade, raising his batting average more than 30 points since the start of June. While the power is seemingly limited for now, Smith's momentum is making him a very nice find for fantasy managers.

Rocker is no stranger to arm injuries, but his potential is beginning to show now that he's healthy. With velocity increasing and a K/BB ratio of nearly 3.00, Rocker could be a key pickup down the stretch.

It's been a frustrating first half for Tovar with multiple injuries, but he's set to return around the All-Star break. He showed his ability last season, leading the NL in doubles along with 26 home runs, and could be a key power threat at shortstop if he can stay on the field.

Woodruff had a long road back from shoulder surgery, but it seems he was worth the wait. He looked like his old self in his first start back, and could put the Brewers and fantasy teams on his back if that form continues.