5 MLB Fantasy Baseball Pickups for the Week of July 14
SportsGrid Contributor Just Baseball
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SP Ryne Nelson, Arizona Diamondbacks (22.6% Rostered)
2025 Stats: 78.1 IP, 3.68 ERA, 3.83 FIP, 7.47 K/9
After a rocky start to the season in the bullpen, Ryne Nelson has locked into the Arizona Diamondbacks’ rotation. Even though his latest outing was shaky, he allowed two earned runs or fewer in each of his five prior starts, including two with seven strikeouts. With the potential departures of Zac Gallen and Merrill Kelly at the deadline, Nelson could be leaned on heavily during the playoff push. Quietly steady, he's an arm to stash now for the second half.
*Ownership Percentages via ESPN
For all your MLB deep dives, check out our friends at Just Baseball.
SP Brandon Walter, Houston Astros (11.9% Rostered)
2025 Stats: 40.2 IP, 3.98 ERA, 4.05 FIP, 8.85 K/9, 0.44 BB/9
Brandon Walter isn’t a household name—yet—but the 28-year-old rookie is showcasing elite control and a filthy sweeper that moves like a Frisbee. The Houston Astros are consistently letting him go six innings, and he’s delivering with six strikeouts and virtually no walks per start. Aside from one dud in Coors Field, he’s been steady and valuable. Consider him a sneaky stream option with long-term appeal.
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SS Ha-Seong Kim, Tampa Bay Rays (3.1% Rostered)
2025 Stats: .263/.263/.474, 1 HR, 101 wRC+
While not a flashy pickup, Ha-Seong Kim is the definition of roster stability for the Tampa Bay Rays. He’ll draw walks, chip in steals, and won’t crater your averages. If you’ve been suffering at shortstop in deeper formats—or even 12-teamers with injury holes—Kim can bring equilibrium to your roster. He’s the type of under-the-radar addition that quietly pads your floor and keeps you competitive.
Thanks to Just Baseball for the stats, analysis, and insights for this slideshow article.
1B Michael Busch, Chicago Cubs (51.4% Rostered)
2025 Stats: .292/.378/.546, 18 HR, 160 wRC+
Michael Busch is straddling the 50% ownership threshold, but he’s too hot to ignore. The former top prospect is slashing his strikeout rate while increasing his ISO to .254, a sign of real development. Over the last 30 days, his 205 wRC+ leads all MLB hitters, and he ranks 3rd in wRC+ against right-handed pitching at 177. With elite barrel rates (15.5%) and newfound opposite-field power, Busch is a breakout star—add him everywhere.
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SP Trevor Rogers, Baltimore Orioles (30.7% Rostered)
2025 Stats: 35.1 IP, 1.53 ERA, 2.58 FIP, 8.15 K/9
Trevor Rogers may finally be tapping back into his 2021 potential. Injuries have derailed him in the past, but he’s now stringing together strong starts with improved control and a 47.3% groundball rate that’s keeping hitters in check. The Baltimore Orioles might still be sellers, but Rogers looks locked into the rotation, and his ratios offer legitimate upside. The window to grab him could be closing quickly.
SP Ryne Nelson, Arizona Diamondbacks (22.6% Rostered)
2025 Stats: 78.1 IP, 3.68 ERA, 3.83 FIP, 7.47 K/9
After a rocky start to the season in the bullpen, Ryne Nelson has locked into the Arizona Diamondbacks’ rotation. Even though his latest outing was shaky, he allowed two earned runs or fewer in each of his five prior starts, including two with seven strikeouts. With the potential departures of Zac Gallen and Merrill Kelly at the deadline, Nelson could be leaned on heavily during the playoff push. Quietly steady, he's an arm to stash now for the second half.
*Ownership Percentages via ESPN
For all your MLB deep dives, check out our friends at Just Baseball.
SP Brandon Walter, Houston Astros (11.9% Rostered)
2025 Stats: 40.2 IP, 3.98 ERA, 4.05 FIP, 8.85 K/9, 0.44 BB/9
Brandon Walter isn’t a household name—yet—but the 28-year-old rookie is showcasing elite control and a filthy sweeper that moves like a Frisbee. The Houston Astros are consistently letting him go six innings, and he’s delivering with six strikeouts and virtually no walks per start. Aside from one dud in Coors Field, he’s been steady and valuable. Consider him a sneaky stream option with long-term appeal.
Swing for the Fences with SportsGrid’s free daily MLB Game Picks and MLB Prop Picks.
