Welcome to the Waiver Wire Picks, our daily fantasy baseball article that looks at the best players in baseball that you should be adding to your rosters. We’ll look at the players that are likely to be available in most leagues, as well as some deep league waiver wire options, and we’ll also look at the most added players in fantasy baseball across the major sites, and let you know which players to add, and which players you can leave on the wire.
Top Priority Players to Add
Emmet Sheehan (LAD) – SP (Yahoo! – 7%)
I’m shocked Sheehan is still this widely available. It’s rare for any Dodger to last this long on the wire. Granted, his ERA during his rehab assignment sits at 3.97 across 11.1 innings, but he’s notched 21 strikeouts in that span. That puts his K/9 at a staggering 16.68. It’s an extremely limited sample, but this is what you want to see out of a rehab assignment. His 0.79 BB/9 is equally ridiculous and encouraging. With how tough Triple-A is on pitchers at the moment, I’m more than happy to overlook his ERA.
Sheehan had mixed success in his 2023 debut. His 4.92 ERA over 61.1 innings obscures how good he looked (at times). Now, two years later, we’ll have to wait and see who he is. Sheehan and Bryan Woo are both 25 years old and debuted in 2023. They had very similar results:
Woo has thrown 200 more major-league innings than Sheehan at this point, but Sheehan appears to have progressed as well. If he can limit the walks, he has a clear path to success. The Dodgers’ rotation is stretched thin, and any success from Sheehan would be enough to secure him a spot. The strikeouts and wins should be plentiful, even if it takes him some time to shake off the rust.
I think there’s another level for Sheehan. The stuff has always been there for him, and even though he hasn’t stood on the mound since 2023, he’s had a year to learn and train. He’s a no-brainer IL stash, and you’ll need to pay the Dodger tax if he performs in his debut. He will likely need some time to stretch out before he’s a player for 10-team leagues, but he could quickly become relevant in anything deeper. I’m keeping him on the IL for this first start against the Padres.
Ryan McMahon (COL) – 3B (Yahoo! – 32%)
99th percentile average exit velocity. Fifth percentile K%. When McMahon hits, he hits. He’s hitting right now with three home runs in the past week. I wouldn’t hold on too tightly when (not if) he comes crashing back to earth, but he could win you a week if you get the timing just right. He’s better in points leagues with his abysmal team context, and his elite 14% walk rate helps make up for the strikeouts.
Yahoo! and ESPN Most Added Players
Yahoo!
Jake Irvin matched up against the Rockies yesterday, and he delivered exactly a quality start. He’s coming off a string of poor outings and gets the Dodgers next time around.
Giancarlo Stanton returned from the IL yesterday and went 2-for-4 in his 2025 debut. Every ball he hit left the bat at over 100 mph — the San Fernando Valley legend is so back.
Mick Abel mowed down the Marlins, earning the second win of his career. His ERA sits at 2.21, and I like his chances against the Mets next week.
Clarke Schmidt handled the Angels, going 7.2 innings with three strikeouts. He’s having a great year, and he should cruise against the Orioles later this week.
Lucas Giolito crushed the Mariners, with 10 strikeouts in six scoreless frames. I’m not sure if the juice is worth the squeeze with how many >10.00 ERA games he’s had this year, but the Giants at Oracle later this week is an excellent matchup.
ESPN
Jacob Misiorowski delivered a gem of a debut and is cleared to make his second start later this week. He’s a top prospect, and he’s living up to the hype. He’s worth an add in all leagues.
Clarke Schmidt is proving himself to be a rock-solid middle-of-the-rotation arm.
David Peterson threw a complete-game shutout against the Nationals last week to highlight his excellent season. Very similar to Schmidt: a solid arm having a good season.
Quinn Priester is putting up good numbers, but I’m having a hard time buying it. Send him out there if you want, but don’t expect it to last forever.
Josh Smith is taking a step forward this year, and it’s translating into the start of a 20/20 season with a .280+ average.
Streaming Pitchers
Check out Nick Pollack’s SP Streamer Rankings for breakdowns and recommendations for every start.
Eduardo Rodriguez (ARI) – SP (Yahoo! – 8%)
Rodriguez is my streaming pick for his matchup with the Jays tomorrow. He’s coming off a string of strong starts, and he’s doing everything pretty well right now. Toronto is a solid matchup for him, and I like him better than the other options.
Deep League Players to Watch
Check out Ben Rosener’s Deep League Waiver Wire column every Thursday and Saturday for more Deep League picks.
Christian Moore (LAA) – 2B (Yahoo! – 7%)
Moore’s struggling in the majors right now, but his .999 OPS and 146 wRC+ at Triple-A this season are reason enough to be patient. He’s got the power and speed to cover up his ugly K%, but he’ll need to get it from 42.9% back to the 27.3% he held across the minors.
