Right-handed reliever Alex Lange is the current closer for the Kansas City Royals, but left-hander Daniel Lynch IV could be worth stashing for fantasy managers in deeper leagues who are speculating on saves in the second half. Lynch, a former first-rounder in 2018 out of the University of Virginia, began his MLB career as a starter before transitioning to a full-time relief role in recent seasons. At the All-Star break, the 29-year-old southpaw sits with a 2-2 record, 2.35 ERA (3.15 FIP), 0.94 WHIP, one save, 33 strikeouts, and only 12 walks in 38 1/3 innings pitched across 39 appearances out of the bullpen. Since taking the loss to the Chicago White Sox on June 27, Lynch has thrown 4 1/3 shutout innings with a walk, three strikeouts, and a hold for the Royals in four games in July. Lynch has 10 saves on the season and could be next in line for saves in KC if Lange struggles. Veteran Carlos Estevez (shoulder) has been on the injured list all year after getting hurt in his first outing of the season, and there's no clear timetable for his return. Lynch is rostered in only 3% of Yahoo leagues.

Athletics rookie infielder Joshua Kuroda-Grauer has looked great early on in his first taste of the major leagues, going 19-for-45 (.422) with five doubles, an RBI, and four runs scored in his first 12 games since being called up from Triple-A Las Vegas. The 23-year-old former third-rounder in 2024 out of Rutgers is considered the club's No. 8 prospect, per MLB Pipeline, and he got the call to the big leagues after slashing .323/.367/.478 with an .845 OPS, seven home runs, 44 RBI, 15 stolen bases, and 76 runs scored in 75 games between Las Vegas and Double-A Midland. Kuroda-Grauer has been a useful infield replacement after injuries struck shortstop Jacob Wilson, third baseman Zack Gelof, and first baseman Nick Kurtz towards the end of the first half of the season. The 5-foot-10, 205-pounder has excellent bat-to-ball skills, helping him hit for high averages, but it remains to be seen if he'll ever be able to develop plus power. Once Gelof can return from the injured list in the second half, Kuroda-Grauer could be headed back to Vegas for more minor-league seasoning.

Miami Marlins catcher Joe Mack hit the break at .245/.308/.419 with seven home runs, 24 runs, and 23 RBI in 155 at-bats. May was a slog, then he found something: a .294 average with five homers in June, followed by two more long balls in 23 July at-bats. Mack is sitting on nearly every Yahoo waiver wire, with a roster rate of just 3%. Mack has kept the primary catching job even with Liam Hicks back, who has mostly worked at first base or designated hitter. The power looks believable enough, backed by an 8.5% barrel rate and .410 expected slugging percentage. There is no speed here, and a 23.3% strikeout rate may keep the average from becoming much of a help. RotoBaller left Mack outside its July 15 top 100 and catcher rankings. Standard one-catcher leagues can wait. In two-catcher formats, though, seven homers and steady playing time make him a useful add.

Athletics relief pitcher Hogan Harris reached the break with six saves, a 3.43 ERA, 1.55 WHIP, and 56 strikeouts in 42 innings. The save total catches the eye. The timing does not. Harris has not converted one since June 12, and 27 walks have made nearly every inning feel heavier than it should. He is rostered in 8% of Yahoo leagues. The Athletics still have not handed the ninth to one reliever. Harris remains part of the late-inning picture with Elvis Alvarado, and the lefty-righty split could keep both involved. Harris at least limits loud contact, allowing an 86.6 mph average exit velocity with a 31.1% hard-hit rate. That helps, but it does not erase the traffic. RotoBaller ranks him 100th in its July 15 waiver update and 36th among closers for Week 16. He is a speculative add in 15-team leagues for managers chasing saves. In shallower formats, the WHIP and uncertain role are enough reason to wait.