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Andy's FAAB fantasy baseball waiver wire pickups and bidding guide for Week 18 (July 28 - August 3). His recommended FAAB dollars to spend on waiver wire adds.
Happy Saturday, RotoBallers! This week will spotlight many post-hype prospects that were likely dropped in your league due to their rough start. However, they have begun to turn the corner and are emerging as potential league-winners.
Our series about FAAB fantasy baseball waiver wire pickups continues as we head into Week 18 of the 2025 MLB season -- July 28 through August 3. This waiver wire article will recommend free agents to target and how much FAAB you should allocate for them.
Each week, I will break down at least one player from each position with ownership percentages under 40 percent in Yahoo! leagues who could improve your roster and provide you with an added boost in several categories. Let's get to it!
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Fantasy Baseball Waiver Wire Hitters to Target
Drake Baldwin, C, Atlanta Braves
15% rostered
FAAB Bid: <15% if needing a catcher, <5% for others
With Marcell Ozuna reverting to a bench role, rookie backstop Drake Baldwin has seen early every day at-bats over the past two weeks and has not disappointed. Over his last 11 games, Baldwin has held a .325/.357/.500 line with four doubles and a home run.
Even when he was splitting time with Sean Murphy, Baldwin provided a high-end No. 2 catcher. Now, with every day at-bats, managers in all leagues should be picking up the former top prospect. He has top-10 upside at the position going forward.
Drake Baldwin is REAL TALENT 😮💨#BravesCountry pic.twitter.com/7FqHC0WXFT
— Eric Yu (@Eric35_Yu) July 23, 2025
Francisco Alvarez, C, New York Mets
10% rostered
FAAB Bid: <10% if needing a No. 2 catcher, <2% for others
The 23-year-old made his MLB debut when he was considered the top prospect in the game. He immediately flashed solid upside, hitting 25 home runs during the 2023 season. However, in 2024, he took a significant step back and saw those struggles continue in 2025, which resulted in his demotion to Triple-A.
However, since returning to Queens on July 21, the backstop appears to be turning the corner. Through three games, he has tallied four hits, with a double and two long balls. While his 26.7% K rate is tough to swallow in point leagues, he possesses decent power upside that is worth rostering in two-catcher leagues.
Other C to consider: Kyle Teel CWS, Sean Murphy ATL, Victor Caratini HOU
Spencer Horwitz, 1B, Pittsburgh Pirates
5% rostered
FAAB Bid: <6%
Since returning from a long absence at the start of the season due to a wrist injury, Spencer Horwitz has settled in quite nicely in Pittsburgh. He has typically been deployed as the leadoff man against right-handed pitching, which has made him a viable target for counting stats.
In the last nine games, he has crossed home plate six times while holding a strong .303 AVG. During this stretch, he has tallied eight RBI and hit one home run. The 27-year-old is a viable CI in deeper formats going forward.
Jac Caglianone, 1B, Kansas City Royals
25% rostered
FAAB Bid: <30%
This is your last chance for Jac Caglianone. After being added in all leagues following his promotion, many impatient managers cut ties with the budding superstar after a slow start. However, top prospects take time (just look at Nick Kurtz) and typically do not carry their Triple-A success directly into the majors.
Over his last 10 games, Caglianone has begun to see his power break through, as he has hit three home runs. Under the hood, he boasts a .465 xSLG with a 771 mph bat speed. Do not let his .488 OPS fool you; he is a budding superstar who could be a league-winner in the second half.
Update - Caglianone has been placed on the 10-day IL. He is a solid stash option, but do not spend over 10% of your FAAB budget.
Other 1B to consider: Josh Bell WSH, Luke Keaschall MIN
Luke Keaschall, 1B/2B/OF, Minnesota Twins
15% rostered
FAAB Bid: <11%
Luke Keaschall raised his eyes during his brief MLB debut when he stole five bases across a seven-game stint. However, he would then suffer a forearm fracture, which has kept him on the 60-day IL since April. He recently began his rehab assignment with Triple-A, which suggests he could return as early as this week.
During the 2024 season in the minor leagues, Keaschall flashed high-five category potential, posting a .303 AVG with 15 home runs and 23 stolen bases.
Other 2Bs to consider: Brett Baty NYM, Brice Matthews HOU, Tyler Freeman COL, Angel Martinez CLE
Matt Shaw, 3B, Chicago Cubs
15% rostered
FAAB Bid: <15%
Notice a recurring theme in this week's piece? Matt Shaw broke camp with the Cubs but was optioned after the first month following his rough start. While he showed some potential when he eventually returned to Chicago, he then hit another slump, which prompted the Cubs to begin to kick the tires on several third basemen who could be available for trade, like Eugenio Suarez, Ke'Bryan Hayes, and Ryan McMahon.
Shaw must have heard these rumors, as he is currently on a six-game hitting streak with three home runs. His .251 xBA is much higher than the .221 BA he currently holds. Expect his underperforming metrics to continue to climb as he begins to find his footing. At Triple-A, the former first-round pick flashed immense upside, posting a .969 OPS.
Looks like Matt Shaw heard those trade rumors 👀
Last 4 G: 6-for-11, 2 HR, 4 RBI, 1.636 OPSFormer top prospect, give him time to develop! pic.twitter.com/vh3JjJxrqN
— Andy Smith (@A_Smith_FS) July 22, 2025
Brady House, 3B, Washington Nationals
5% rostered
FAAB Bid: <8%
My other third baseman is also settling in to his first taste of MLB action. After posting a modest .215/.46/.262 line through his first 16 games in D.C., the former top-100 prospect has been able to right the ship. Over his last 12 games, House has posted a remarkable .370/.375/.565 slash line with three doubles, two home runs, nine runs, and six RBIs.
Under the hood, he carries an elite .310 xBA with a40.2% LA Sweet-Spot rate. Buy with confidence.
Other 3B to consider: Brett Baty NYM, Noelvi Marte CIN, Brice Matthews HOU
Brice Matthews, 2B/3B/SS, Houston Astros
10% rostered
FAAB Bid: <7%
Another top prospect that took time to adjust but appears to be rounding into form is Brice Matthews of the Houston Astros. The top-ranked prospect in the Space City went 0-for-7 over his first two MLB games with five strikeouts. However, over his last five, he has launched three long balls, tallied eight RBI, and scored four runs.
Earlier this season at Triple-A, Matthews held a .283/.400/.476 line with 10 home runs and 25 stolen bases. With Isaac Paredes (hamstring) hitting the IL, Matthews should not be in any danger of losing playing time, especially if he continues to hit for power.
Other SS to consider: Joey Ortiz MIL, Tyler Freeman COL
Ramon Laureano, OF, Baltimore Orioles
10% rostered
FAAB Bid: <15%
After discussing some emerging stars, let's take a look at a more proven major league bat. Laureano made my column last week, and he has continued to shine in Baltimore. Over his last nine games, Laureano has hit two doubles, three home runs, and added nine RBI with three runs.
He holds an above-average .358 xwOBA, with a .510 xSLG, which suggests his power production should remain stable in the second half.
Ramón Laureano is the most slept on bat available during this deadline
249 PA
.283/.345/.516
8% BB | 26% K
12 HR | 40 RBIDemolishing RHP while being solid vs lefties as well (93 wRC+). Been consistently hitting all season.
— Kick Dirt Baseball (@KickDirtBB) July 21, 2025
Tyler Freeman, 2B/SS/OF, Colorado Rockies
20% rostered
FAAB Bid: <12% if needing batting average and runs, <8% for others
Another repeating name for loyal readers is Tyler Freeman. The secret is starting to get out as his roster rate is approaching the 25% mark. The 26-year-old has posted an impressive .313 AVG since July 1. During these 15 games, Freeman has scored six runs, hit seven doubles, and swiped three bags.
While he is a non-factor in terms of power and RBI (serving as the leadoff man), he is a prime target to boost your batting average, speed, and run totals.
Angel Martinez, 2B/OF, Cleveland Guardians
20% rostered
FAAB Bid: <5%
My final hitter to target is Angel Martinez of the Guardians. Martinez has quietly been one of the most productive hitters over the past two weeks and has yet to slow down. Over his last 16 games, the 23-year-old has posted an elite .323/.348/.646 line with nine doubles, four home runs, 12 runs, 12 RBI, and a stolen base.
While the counting stats should remain stable batting behind Steven Kwan and in front of Jose Ramirez, the rest of his profile could decline. Under the hood, he carries a low .267 xwOBA, which suggests he may have been a bit lucky in July. While he is an attractive target to ride the hot hand, especially in deeper leagues, do not blow your FAAB budget on this potential bust.
Other OFs to consider: Victor Scott II STL, Evan Carter TEX, Mike Tauchman CWS, Giancarlo Stanton NYY, Mickey Moniak COL
Fantasy Baseball Waiver Wire Pitchers to Target
Cade Horton, SP, Chicago Cubs
20% rostered
FAAB Bid: <7%
After allowing four runs to the Minnesota Twins, Cade Horton returned to form in a big way, tossing 5 1/3 shutout innings against the Boston Red Sox on July 20. Since the start of July, the rookie has held a 2.08 ERA with a strong 1.15 WHIP.
While his strikeout totals are not too attractive, he is generating a high number of groundballs (74th percentile in groundball rate) and has an above-average walk rate.
Kumar Rocker, SP, Texas Rangers
15% rostered
FAAB Bid: <3%
While Brandon Walter was initially expected to be on this list, he was placed on the 15-day IL on Friday evening, which will open a spot for a former top draft pick. The former top prospect Kumar Rocker has been tough to trust this season, but he is coming off his best outing of his young career. On July 19, Rocker shut down the high-flying Tigers, tossing 6 1/3 innings of one-hit ball with no runs, three walks, and five punchouts.
However, prior to this, he held a modest 5.14 ERA through 21 innings. Let your league mates overspend on Rocker, as he holds an uninspiring 5.58 xERA with a .286 xBA. While he will eventually develop into a strong pitcher, this season, he will likely continue to face some growing pains. He should only be deployed in favorable settings.
Dean Kremer, SP, Baltimore Orioles
20% rostered
FAAB Bid: <6%
After allowing five runs on July 5, Dean Kremer has found his footing, logging 14 innings to the tune of a 0.64 ERA and a 0.71 WHIP. Is this recent dominant stretch legit?
In July, Kremer leaned even more on his fastball (29.6% usage), which has benefited him greatly. This pitch carries a .244 xwOBA this month with a 20.0% whiff rate, both of which are the highest marks in a single month. His split-finger has remained his top strikeout pitch, posting a 46.2% whiff rate.
While he may be inconsistent at times, he appears to be making the necessary adjustments to find success. He is a viable bench stash to deploy in favorable matchups.
Zebby Matthews, SP, Minnesota Twins
20% rostered
FAAB Bid: <10%
After struggling in his first start since returning from injury last week in Coors Field, the right-hander bounced back in a big way on Friday evening. Facing the Nationals, Matthews tossed six shutout frames with two hits and no walks. He struck out seven.
While his production in the majors has been inconsistent throughout his young career, he has flashed immense upside at Triple-A. He should have a clear path to remain in the Minnesota rotation throughout the entire second half.
Other SPs to consider: Charlie Morton BAL, Sade Cecconi CLE
Griffin Jax, RP, Minnesota Twins
15% rostered
FAAB Bid: <3%
With Jhoan Duran's name circulating in trade discussions, it may be wise to stash Griffin Jax where you can. While Jax may also be moved at the deadline, given Duran's experience as a closer, competing teams will likely prefer him over the setup man.
Jax's 4.09 ERA is not too impressive, but he has gotten quite unlucky this season. Under the hood, he carries a 3.01 xERA and strikes out hitters at a remarkable 36.4% rate. If he were to slide into the ninth in Minnesota, he would provide solid value, given his strikeout potential alone.
Matt Strahm, RP, Philadelphia Phillies
10% rostered
FAAB Bid: <10% if needing saves
The Phillies could be the team to acquire Duran, but for now, their "closer" appears to be Matt Strahm. I am using air quotes, as the Phillies have yet to have a relief pitcher reach the double-digit save mark, despite being one of the top teams in the sport. Through the first half, they have given Jordan Romano, Orion Kerkering, and Jose Alvarado ample opportunities, but none have claimed the job.
Alvarado seemed to be in the driver's seat but was hit with a PED suspension. Over his last 12 innings, Strahm has been quite reliable, holding a 1.50 ERA and going 3-for-3 on opportunities. If the Phillies do not acquire a reliever at the deadline, expect the left-hander to hold the role going forward.
Seranthony Dominguez, RP, Baltimore Orioles
10% rostered
FAAB Bid: <15% if needing saves
My final relief pitcher to target is Seranthony Dominguez. With Felix Bautista (shoulder) hitting the 15-day IL and Gregory Soto being shipped to Queens, Dominguez has a clear path to seeing every ninth-inning opportunity going forward.
Since the start of June (19 1/3 IP), the right-hander has posted a stellar 1.40 ERA with a 1.29 WHIP. During this stretch, he has struck out an impressive 27 hitters. If you need saves, don't be afraid to spend big.
Other RP to consider for saves: Bryan Abreu HOU
Fantasy Baseball Prospects to Monitor
Andrew Painter, SP, Philadelphia Phillies
15% rostered
FAAB Bid: <5%
With Chase DeLauter suffering another injury, this time a hamate fracture, my must-stash prospect is Andrew Painter. Painter was expected to make his MLB debut in July, according to his manager earlier in the season. However, his promotion has yet to occur, and his performance at Triple-A could be the reason.
While he has performed well at times, his lack of command has limited his upside. However, in his most recent outing, Painter tossed six innings of two-run ball with just one hit allowed. He should be viewed as a must-stash in all formats as his debut could come as early as next week.
Andrew Painter may be on his way 👀 https://t.co/Mzv13i6ClX
— Andy Smith (@A_Smith_FS) July 25, 2025
Other prospects to monitor: Bubba Chandler PIT
More Fantasy Baseball Waiver Wire Advice
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