Welcome to the Waiver Wire Picks, our daily fantasy baseball article that reviews the best players to add to your rosters. We’ll look at players who are likely available in most leagues, as well as some deep-league options. We’ll also look at the most-added players in fantasy baseball across the major sites and tell you which players to add and which to leave on the wire.
Top Priority Players to Add
Jackson Holliday (BAL) – 2B, SS (Yahoo – 27%)
Hopefully, Ketel Marte’s situation is resolved in the best way possible, and we see him on the field soon. But as the saying goes, the show must go on. Let’s take a look at some second base options on the wire, starting with Holliday. Yes, a 102 wRC+, six stolen bases, and six home runs aren’t exactly clickbait material this deep into the season. His PLV metrics also indicate that thus far, he has demonstrated somewhat limited over-the-fence power. But I think it is a mistake to close the book on him. At 22, he remains an evolving talent who also dealt with a busted hamate earlier this year, and the Orioles have gradually thrust him into a more prominent role. He led off against the lefty Rodón Tuesday night and did so again last night against the righty Warren. That’s important, to me, at least. He has also increased his walk rate from 8.6% to 13%. Right now, he’s probably a better option in points leagues, considering his muted HR/SB upside. But he has made good swing decisions (112 DV), which could signal louder results ahead.
Angel Genao (CLE) – 2B, 3B, SS (Yahoo – 11%)
It feels like Lombard has received far more buzz off the recent call-ups. But if you ask me, Genao deserves plenty of praise too, having slashed .341/.413/.463 through his first 46 PAs. That seems pretty good. I should also mention that he has struck out just three times and he has a hard-hit rate of 50%. Not bad for a 22-year-old rookie switch-hitter. And he also posted a 133 wRC+ with Triple-A Akron. My gut tells me his roster percentage won’t stay below 20% for long.
Jordan Lawlar (ARI) – 2B, 3B, OF (Yahoo – 7%)
Lawlar has gone 0-for-10 since returning on Monday. However, he still brings plenty of mystery box appeal as a former top prospect we just haven’t seen much of. His 28% strikeout rate is a little higher than you’d like, but if he suddenly clicks, his power and speed will leave you kicking yourself for not adding him sooner. His triple-eligibility is a nice touch, too.
Andrés Giménez (TOR) – 2B, SS (Yahoo – 15%)
I get it. You’re not excited by a guy with a career .690 OPS over nearly 3,000 PAs. Neither am I, but I think he could be sneakily useful down the stretch if he keeps stealing bags. Don’t forget, he’s just two years removed from 30 thefts. I also don’t think it’s a stretch to imagine Giménez sees more run-scoring opportunities after Vlad (hopefully) returns in a few days. And, yes, I’m well aware he’s had a rotten season, but their lineup is far better with him in it. All told, Giménez has a shot at being a discount version of Nico Hoerner.
Mason Montgomery (PIT) – SP, RP (Yahoo – 15%)
Weaver seemed like he would be in the mix for saves when he landed in Pittsburgh at the deadline. But that has not been the case. Montgomery sealed the save Tuesday and earned the win yesterday after the Pirates’ come-from-behind win in the bottom of the ninth. The guy has a 39% K rate! This is not a drill. “He’s been the best reliever in baseball over the past two months and needs to be rostered everywhere,” said Rick Graham in yesterday’s RP Roundup. I concur.
Yahoo and ESPN Most Added Players
Alejandro Kirk started slowly after missing over two months with a fractured thumb. But he has peppered the box score lately, including last night’s dinger against Cy Young candidate Drew Rasmussen. However, his extraordinary ability to put the bat on the ball sets him apart; his .286 batting average would rank second among qualified catchers, and is supported by excellent swing decisions (116 DV) and an 11.7% K rate. While he won’t move the needle in runs or home runs, he could add plenty of value in batting average and RBIs hitting third for the Jays. He’s a smart add, I think, even in shallow leagues.
You might’ve missed it because, you know, the Angels, but Ben Joyce returned about two weeks ago and has lit up the radar gun. He also picked up his third save Tuesday night.
I always think of Josh Bell as the boring CI that no one wants to roster. But here we are, and he’s 15th in baseball with 77 RBI. Not bad. And his PLV metrics are good across the board. This feels like a Vargas Rule situation—plug him in if needed, and drop him whenever someone more exciting pops up.
Max Scherzer had had three consecutive good outings before last night’s blow-up at The Trop. He’s had a great run, but there’s no reason to hang onto him for his next start against the Royals next week. Matthew Liberatore, on the other hand, picked up a QS with nine strikeouts. But a 5.04 ERA and 1.44 WHIP this late into the season is impossible to overlook.
You don’t need me to tell you that Cade Cavalli is the clear must-roster option on ESPN after last night’s gem in Arlington. On the opposite side of the aisle, Dustin May blew his fantasy managers’ ratios back to the Stone Age with a massive dud against the Mariners. Still, I’d want to keep him for his next matchup against the Mets, and he’s also 39th on The List. Clay Holmes took a hard-luck loss yesterday, limiting the White Sox to just one run over five and a third innings. He’s worth rostering in most leagues, especially points formats. Brandon Pfaadt’s run at the Vargas Rule came to an end at Fenway Park. Still, I think he’s worth at least one more spin, which will come against the Cubs next week in Arizona.
Speculative Adds
Joe Musgrove (SD) – SP (Yahoo – 23%)
Musgrove tossed 70 pitches with Triple-A El Paso this Sunday, opening the door for his return later this week. Before undergoing Tommy John surgery in October 2024, he posted a 3.88 ERA, 1.17 WHIP, and a 19% K-BB across 19 starts. That’s worth taking a shot on if you have an empty IL spot, but temper your expectations.
George Klassen (LAA) – SP (Yahoo – 4%)
Klassen, a 24-year-old rookie, delivered a beautiful line in Houston Tuesday night that earned Nick’s lede yesterday. Is he a magic carpet or the latest shag rug? Let’s find out together.
Streaming Pitchers
Be sure to check Nick’s daily SP streamers article.
Today:
Randy Dobnak (KC) – SP (Yahoo – 10%) vs. A’s
Dobnak won’t help your strikeouts, but he has exceeded 90 pitches in each of his last four starts, giving him a real shot at a QS at home against a bad A’s lineup.
Tomorrow:
Hayden Wesneski (HOU) – SP (Yahoo – 13%) vs. A’s
Wesneski’s command was all over the place against the Mariners last Saturday, and it all but ended any dreams of him being someone you want to hang onto in standard leagues. But he can still be a usable streamer against bad offenses like the A’s.
Deep League Players to Watch
Jeff McNeil (A’s) – 1B, 2B, OF (Yahoo – 12%)
Hopefully, you don’t need to do this, but injuries have thrust him near the top of the order, and he could be a decent streaming option next week when the A’s are back in Sacramento. Now, if you’ll excuse me, I’d like to close my eyes and reminisce about the .915 OPS that the flying squirrel posted with the Mets back in 2019. What a time to be alive.
Luis Lara (MIL) – OF (Yahoo – 1%)
Lara, a 21-year-old switch-hitter, demonstrated a penchant for stolen bases in the minors and has started five consecutive games for the Brewers. He also blasted his first home run during Tuesday’s 22-0 blowout.
Mickey Gasper (BOS) – C (Yahoo – 0%)
I’m obliged to report that Gasper the friendly ghost is back in our lives and has gone yard in three consecutive games. Those in 15-team two-catcher leagues might want to take a look.
