Last Updated on July 21, 2026 3:54 pm by Paul Williamson | Published: July 21, 2026

As we head into the second half of 2026, fantasy managers need to keep their ears to the ground and find this year’s major second half breakouts.

Last year we saw dudes like Daylen Lile, Quinn Priester and Cam Schlittler come seemingly out of nowhere and help fantasy managers down the stretch last year

Let me give you some names of dudes that are widely available in fantasy leagues and I think can have a real impact down the stretch.

OF Heriberto Hernandez – Miami Marlins

He has been stuck in a bit of a crowded outfield in Miami but with Owen Caissie spending time on the IL, Hernandez should get some serious run.

On the year, he has done everything asked of him but said crowded outfield really cut into his playing time, especially after a cold start to the year sent him back to the minors.

But since getting called back early in May, he has hit 13 homers in 167 plate appearances as he continued  to keep the K’s under control and he hit a solid .270.

That has been backed up with a 15.6% barrel rate and 55.0% hard-hit rate.

He is no stranger to great statcast data as his high strikeouts and sub par hit tool have been his problem.

The big difference is he has risen his in-zone contact over eight percent from last year’s MLB mark as it is now up to 80.1%. As long as he continues to make enough contact, in the zone particularly, he should continue to produce.

OF Cam Smith – Houston Astros

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Paul Williamson

I grew up in Crosby, TX, just about 30 minutes east of Houston, TX. Yes, I am a major Houston Astros fan, and love my Texans and Rockets.

I graduated Crosby High School in 2006 (Go Coogs!) and attended San Jacinto College (Go Gators!) before attending and graduating from Texas Tech in 2012 (Go Tech!). I got my degree in journalism.

Throughout my academic life I was on some form of debate team, and it was the greatest experience of my academic career.

Now I couldn’t be more happier. Sports Ethos is allowing to me to live a life long dream: to be a sports writer.

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