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

The Cubs catcher spot has been anemic this season, to say the least, with a sub-.500 OPS. Meanwhile, Ballesteros is having an outstanding year between Double- and Triple-A, and his arrival couldn't come soon enough. Through 69 games, Ballesteros has hit .308-10-46 with strong contact, and he could be a major factor in the second half.

The Rays have babied Baz following multiple arm injuries, but he's finally set to help after the team traded Aaron Civale. He's shown elite stuff, leading to a 10.7 K/9 over his first nine MLB starts, and should play a big role in the second half.

Caminero entered the season as arguably the top prospect in baseball, but multiple injuries threaten to turn 2024 into a lost year. It's not too late for Caminero to make an impact this season in Tampa Bay, where he has a chance to contribute huge power after hitting 31 home runs between High-A and Double-A last season.

Casas was dropped in many leagues after suffering a rib injury early in the year. His recovery has been slow, but Boston expects him back in the second half. He looked like a middle-of-the-order hitter before the injury, with six home runs in 22 games, and he could provide big power down the stretch.

DeGrom's timetable remains uncertain after undergoing Tommy John surgery last year, but he's throwing and could be a factor for the stretch run. Even a few starts could make all the difference for fantasy managers as deGrom has been baseball's most dominant pitcher when on the mound over the last several seasons.

If Detmers was dropped in your league, now is a good time to stash him. The frustrating lefty posted a 6.14 ERA in 12 starts, but his stuff still looked electric with a 10.0 K/9. Detmers has been prone to streakiness during his career and has started to come around recently at Triple-A. The rebuilding Angels will want to see what Detmers has after a Triple-A recharge, and his great 2022 second half (3.36 ERA, 9.9 K/9) shows the potential.

A seemingly routine wrist surgery led to repeated setbacks for Edman this year, and he's yet to make his season debut. There remains hope for the long-time Cardinal after the All-Star break, and he could step in promptly as the team's center fielder. He's an impact fantasy player, averaging nearly 30 steals over the last three seasons with double-digit home runs.

The Marlins finally moved on from Tim Anderson in July, making way for Edwards. He has a great opportunity to establish himself as the team's long-term shortstop and shows great fantasy potential. Edwards hit .351- with 32 steals in 93 games at Triple-A last season, and he was similarly productive in 26 games this season after returning from injury. Fantasy managers craving batting average and steals have a cheap, upside play.

The Astros are desperate for rotation help, and Garcia will be ready to provide it soon. He's currently on a rehab assignment as he works his way back from Tommy John surgery and should get a rotation spot in the second half. Garcia isn't an ace, but he's been a consistent contributor for his career with a 3.61 ERA and 9.3 K/9.

Goodman has shown his potent pop in the majors already this season with seven home runs in 35 games. Colorado's action at the trade deadline could make him even more valuable. He has extensive experience at catcher and could see more playing time there if the team trades Elias Diaz, making Goodman a viable power option at the poor hitting position.

Joyce's elite velocity could make him the Angels closer of the future. That projection could come soon, as current closer Carlos Estevez is a trade candidate in his walk year. The Angels didn't win enough games to make Joyce an elite option, but any saves down the stretch are meaningful.

Horwitz has already made a difference since being promoted, as an on-base machine hitting near the top of the order. His early play resembles what he did in the minors with high batting average and great plate patience, along with the occasional home run. As the Blue Jays clear out more players at the trade deadline, Horwitz's opportunities could grow.

The Dodgers are slow playing Kershaw as he recovers from shoulder surgery, with the hope that he will help down the stretch and into the playoffs. It's clear the lefty isn't what he was in his prime, yet even a limited Kershaw has been spectacular with a sub-3.00 ERA in each of the last two seasons. He's an extremely formidable stash with potential to contribute over the last two months.

The O's have seemingly promoted Kjerstad for good after he raked at Triple-A. It remains a task finding him at-bats, but Kjerstad has shown his big power since his promotion and could be a huge contributor down the stretch for Baltimore after posting a .998 OPS in the minors.

Lawlar made his MLB debut at age 21 last season, but has played only 11 games in the minors this year due to injuries. Arizona and fantasy managers could still get a boost from the top prospect, show swiped more than 30 bases in each of the last two seasons and also hit 20 home runs in 105 games last year.

Lee has been hyped since the Twins drafted him eighth overall in the 2022 draft. He overcame injury to post a .997 OPS between three minor league levels before the team called him up in July to replace Royce Lewis. Lewis' timetable is unclear, but Lee has a chance to force his way into a regular role in any case with five-category fantasy potential.

The Rangers signed Mahle to a two-year deal coming off Tommy John surgery, figuring he's be of most use in 2025. Still, he's on the cusp of a rehab assignment with the potential to help in the second half this year. Mahle has been an excellent pitcher since 2020 with a 3.90 ERA and 10.2 K/9, and would certainly help fantasy managers upon his return.

It's been a frustrating year for Meyer and his fantasy managers, as the Marlins demoted him to Triple-A after only three starts to limit his workload. Meyer is expected to make it back in the second half, and has plenty of innings left to contribute this season before hitting his cap. After posting a 2.12 ERA in his first three starts, fantasy managers have taken notice.

Ray is an ace when he's right, as he was with Toronto in 2021 when he won the AL Cy Young. Seattle traded Ray to San Francisco in the offseason, and he's expected to return from Tommy John surgery just after the All-Star break. He could be an ace pickup down the stretch.

Ruiz was a one-category monster for fantasy managers last season, swiping 67 bases as Oakland's primary leadoff hitter. He's been a huge bust this season, losing playing time and suffering injuries. It's not too late for Ruiz to salvage his season as he works his way back from injury, if he can convince A's brass that he deserves another shot as a regular. The upside is huge in rotisserie-scoring leagues.

Senga was an All-Star in his rookie season, but has struggled to get over the hump after suffering a shoulder injury in Spring Training. There's light at the end of the tunnel now with Senga on a rehab assignment. He flashes as an ace for the Mets last season, and could be that for fantasy managers over the last two months.

It's been a struggle for Atlanta to fill the backend of their rotation this year, but relief is in sight. Smith-Shawver has a blue chip arm, and is close to returning after suffering an oblique injury in his lone MLB start this year. He showed huge potential last season and could be a great addition if he gets another shot in the rotation.

The Rays got Baz back from arm surgery recently, and Springs is close behind. He blossomed into an ace before hurting his elbow last season, posting a minuscule 2.26 ERA in 151.1 innings since 2022. Tampa Bay and fantasy managers should be excited to have him back in a few weeks.

Betting on rookie hitters hasn't been a profitable strategy this season, but Wilson has a chance to buck the trend. The 2023 first-round pick has shown unbelievable bat-to-ball skills, hitting .459-6-30 with only 13 strikeouts in 40 games between three minor league levels. He could provide a major batting average boost when Oakland promotes him.

Wood was arguably baseball's best-hitting prospect when the Nats promoted him on July 1, after hitting .353-10-37 with 10 steals in 53 games at Triple-A. He was younger than most of the competition at age 21, and has a highly production minor league track record. The second half could see a budding star.