Fantasy baseball is a thrilling pursuit, and the waiver wire is where the real magic happens. As the season heats up, it's time to dive into the depths of the waiver wire and uncover some hidden gems. In this article, I'll be sharing my top targets and stashes for the second half of the season, with a focus on players who can make a real impact on your roster. From power-hitting catchers to versatile infielders and explosive outfielders, there's something for every fantasy manager looking to make a move. So, let's get started and explore some of the most exciting players available on the waiver wire.
Top Waiver-Wire Hitters
Jonah Heim, ATH
As a fantasy manager, I'm always on the lookout for players in optimal hitting environments. And when it comes to catchers, Jonah Heim is a name that stands out. With a .291 BA, 10 R, 17 RBI, 6 HR, and 0 SB over the past 30 days, Heim is a top-5 fantasy backstop who is still available in more than 90% of leagues. The reason for his availability is simple: the Athletics' top half of the order has been dealing with injuries, and Heim has stepped up to fill the void. His extra boost in volume gives him a weekly leg-up in the projections, and his decent hitting ability in an optimal environment makes him a must-add for any fantasy manager.
Curtis Mead, WAS
Filling in first base on the fly this season has been a struggle for many fantasy managers, but Curtis Mead is a player who can provide a lasting answer. Since usurping Brady House for the starting 3B role on June 20, Mead has produced with the stick (.244BA/ 22 R/ 26 RBI/ 11 HR/ 2 SB). Despite his impressive performance, nearly 80% of leagues haven't batted an eye. Mead's double-digit barrel rate in the top-third of the league's most prolific run-scoring offense makes him a player worth adding, especially in deeper leagues.
A.J. Ewing, NYM
A.J. Ewing's early career path is all too familiar to many fantasy managers. After a dismal 20-game debut, Ewing slipped down the Mets' order into the 8-hole. However, he posted three base knocks the very next day, and the rest, as they say, was history. Ewing has sliced his strikeout rate by a third in the five weeks since, posting a solid top-25 OF ranking in that same timeframe (.312 BA/ 16 R/ 18 RBI/ 6 HR/ 5 SB). Leading off in front of on-base machine Juan Soto is never a bad thing for counting stats, making Ewing a player worth adding for any fantasy manager.
Blaze Alexander, BAL
Twice bitten, once shy. That's how I feel about targeting the Orioles' third base situation all season with little to show for it. However, Alexander is a player who could be a game-changer. I'm not too convinced that his level of production will stick given the inflated .399 BABIP and 12.7% swinging-strike rate. However, with the shortstop cupboard stripped bare for weeks, Alexander has started 19 of the O's past 21 games, contributing a homer with a pair of steals in what's at least an above-average Baltimore lineup. Could be worse, right?
Kyle Karros, COL
When it comes to adding Colorado Rockies, I'm always on the lookout for players who can provide a boost to my roster. Kyle Karros is a player who fits the bill. With a .342 BA, 20 R, 13 RBI, 4 HR, and 1 SB over the past 30 days, Karros has stormed from fantasy obscurity all the way up to the game's No. 4 3B. His success versus southpaws earned him a bump up into the No. 2 spot in the order each of the Rockies' past three games against LHP, and every PA adds value. Adding Karros to your roster could be a game-changer.
Lane Thomas, KC
When injuries derail otherwise exciting fantasy seasons, using a 600-plate appearance pace sample can help smooth out those box scores. Lane Thomas is a player who fits the bill. With a .243 BA, 75 R, 71 RBI, 20 HR, and 23 SB in 600 PA, Thomas would easily rank as a top-80 hitter. With Kansas City desperate for a spark, Thomas should get every opportunity to close out 2026 with a bang. All aboard the Lane Train! Choo choo!
Hitter Stash Candidates
Lane Thomas, KC (Already discussed)
Top Waiver-Wire Pitcher Options
Spencer Miles, TOR
As a fantasy manager, I'm always on the lookout for players who can provide a boost to my roster. Spencer Miles is a player who fits the bill. Miles has only had one start, but he got through 4 IP effectively and efficiently on the road in San Francisco. With a 2.95 ERA, 1.09 WHIP, 16.6% K-BB, 27.5% CSW, 55.0% GB, 34.6% Hard Hit, and 0.62 HR/9, Miles is a player worth adding aggressively. One more solid start of +5 IP with elite command/control will automatically set off alarms for a soaring price on next week's mainstream waiver articles.
Relievers
Mining the perfect fantasy closer comes down to finding the ideal combination of skills and role. Given the incredible number of league types out there, our best course is to keep a running list of relievers; grab the best available. With MLB's save environment as chaotic as ever, there are plenty of opportunities to find a closer who can provide a boost to your roster.
Graduating Class
The following players are now on many fantasy rosters, but those in 10-team leagues should look to them first before adding other, lesser-rostered players.
