X
Lost password?

Don't have an account?
Gain Access Now

X

Receive free daily analysis

NFL
NBA
NHL
NASCAR
CFB
MLB
MMA
PGA
ESPORTS
BETTING

Already have an account? Log In

X

Forgot Password


POPULAR FANTASY TOOLS

Expert Advice
Articles & Tools
Import Your Leagues
Daily Stats & Leaders
All Pitcher Matchups
Compare Any Players
Compare Any Players
Rookies & Call-Ups
24x7 News and Alerts

FAAB Waiver Wire Bidding - Fantasy Baseball Pickups to Target for Week 18 (July 22- July 28)

Andy's fantasy baseball waiver wire FAAB bidding guide for Week 18 (2024) -- how many FAAB dollars (free agent acquisition budget) to spend on waivers.

Baseball season is officially in full swing. If you have an interest or a need in tweaking with your team, then you have come to the right place. This FAAB fantasy baseball waiver wire pickups series will be looking at Week 18-- July 22 through July 28 -- and will point out free agents to target and how much FAAB you should allocate for them.

We are officially in the stretch run of the fantasy season. For the next seven weeks, we must place bids and target players who will fill the remaining holes in our team. Pay close attention to this in category leagues and spend big on a player if you need a specific category filled urgently as you are running out of time. Do not be afraid to spend big on a player to boost a category that you are falling behind.

Below are a few players with ownership percentages under 50% in Yahoo! leagues that could benefit your roster and provide you with an added boost in several categories. This week we have a few prospects that have burst onto the scene and could become must-adds by next week. I will also include what percentage of your FAAB budget you should look to spend on each player. Let’s get started!

Be sure to check all of our fantasy baseball lineup tools and resources:

 

Alex Vesia, RP, Los Angeles Dodgers

15% rostered
FAAB Bid: <7% if needing saves, <2% for others

Since June 22, the southpaw has posted a stellar 1.04 ERA and 1.04 WHIP. More importantly, he has earned two saves. Primary Dodger closer Evan Phillips has held a poor 5.00 ERA and 1.22 WHIP since June 24 with two blown saves.

While the Dodger bullpen has other strong ninth-inning options like Blake Treinen and Daniel Hudson, Vesia has primarily been deployed in the eighth inning, which could suggest he might get the bulk of save opportunities if Phillips continues to struggle and is eventually moved into a lower-leverage role.

This is a situation to monitor closely going forward.  If you are desperate for saves in a deeper league, Vesia may be your best option. However, knowing how the Dodgers operate, I would not be shocked if they made a trade for a player like Tanner Scott from Miami next week to solve this issue.

 

River Ryan, SP, Los Angeles Dodgers

5% rostered
FAAB Bid: <5%

A top prospect in the Dodger system is set to join the rotation after the All-Star break and could remain in the big leagues for the foreseeable future. After logging two short stints in the Rookie League and Single-A during his rehab stint as he recovered from a shoulder injury, where the right-hander did not allow a run with a 1:8 BB:K ratio, he moved up to Triple-A.

Then, in 16 innings at Oklahoma City, Ryan posted a 2.76 ERA, 1.16 WHIP, and a 6:19 BB:K ratio.

With other starters like Yoshinobu Yamamoto (shoulder) on the 60-day injured list and Tyler Glasnow (back) and Walker Buehler (hip) both on the 15-day IL, Ryan could carve out a permanent role going forward.

 

Robbie Ray, SP, San Francisco Giants

35% rostered
FAAB Bid: <11%

Remember when Ray won the Cy Young? I know the southpaw has been a fantasy disappointment since his supposed “breakout” season, but he is nearing a return to the major leagues and is worth a look in all formats.

He looked dominant in his ninth rehab stint on July 14 as he struck out nine in five shutout innings at Single-A.

This may have been the final step in his long recovery from Tommy John surgery, which he underwent in 2023. The 32-year-old could return to San Francisco any day now and produce upside strikeout numbers if he can rekindle his former 2021 self.

 

Coby Mayo, 3B, Baltimore Orioles

15% rostered
FAAB Bid: <10%

Mayo has been a recurring member of this column. Every week that passes, his FAAB price continues to rise, and once he is promoted, it will skyrocket. However, Baltimore's GM recently made a statement regarding their budding superstar, stating that “he’s very close, and he will help us this year.” 

Over his past 11 games, the third baseman has held a .286/.388/.500 line with two home runs, eight RBI, and a 7:11 BB:K ratio with an incredible .302/.381/.606 slash line and 19 home runs across the entire summer at Triple-A.

Mayo is a high-impact bat that can win you your league. Get him before he blows your remaining budget.

 

Junior Caminero, 3B, Tampa Bay Rays

25% rostered
FAAB Bid: <6%

Another popular stash candidate of mine is currently in the midst of his rehab assignment after being sidelined for over a month with a quadricep strain.  In 34 games at Triple-A this summer, Caminero has held a .261/.333/.478 line with eight home runs, 24 RBI, and a 14:35 BB:K ratio. 

If the Rays continue to fall out of the Wild Card picture, they may opt to sell at the deadline, making it even easier for their top prospect to reach the majors. 

 

Lawrence Butler, OF, Oakland Athletics

2% rostered
FAAB Bid: <15% if needing an outfielder, <10% for others

Butler has been one of, if not the hottest hitters in baseball and has entered must-roster territory for now.

Since June 30, the 24-year-old has held a .326/.356/.837 slash line with seven home runs, 17 RBI, and three stolen bases.

In addition, he was moved up to the leadoff spot in the final two games before the break. Going forward, Butler is a high-upside bat and could be a five-category contributor in the second half.

 

Michael Toglia, 1B/OF, Colorado Rockies

15% rostered
FAAB Bid: <8%

Toglia made headlines when he went deep three times on July 14 to close out the first half of the season. However, throughout all of July, the 25-year-old has been very productive, especially in the power department. Since July 2, Togila has posted a .244/.311/.756 line with seven home runs and nine RBI. 

In addition, more than half of these games were played on the road, which shows that he is not just receiving the benefit of playing in Coors Field. Toglia is the everyday first baseman in Colorado and is a must-add if you are looking for some power.

 

Jose Iglesias, 2B/SS/3B, New York Mets

2% rostered
FAAB Bid: <3% if needing a middle infielder, <1% for others

Iglesias has had fantasy managers saying ‘OMG’ all month.

The 34-year-old has had a career revival in Queens. He has established himself as the primary second base option over Jeff McNeil and has held a stellar .372/.400/.698 line with three home runs since June 29. 

His excellent on-base percentage gives him more value in points league, but if you need a middle infield to stabilize your batting average, ride the hot hand.

 

Eugenio Suarez, 3B, Arizona Diamondbacks

30% rostered
FAAB Bid: <12%

The veteran third baseman was a popular late-round target when needing a power and RBI boost, and he was shaping up to be a key contributor in the middle of a strong Arizona lineup. However, much has gone wrong in the desert this season, and Suarez’s poor.216 AVG has not been helpful.

Since June 28, the slugger has been heating up with a .333/.438/.630 line, four home runs, and 16 RBI. The 32-year-old’s big power seasons are well past him, but if he can get it together in the second half and build on his strong July, he could be a valuable asset in all standard leagues down the stretch.

 

Tyler Stephenson, C, Cincinnati Reds

25% rostered
FAAB Bid: <20% if needing a catcher, <10% for others

After a rough June in which the backstop sported a .221/.303/.353 line, he began to look like himself once again in July.

Since July 3, the 27-year-old has held a .286/.318/.667 line with four home runs and 10 RBI. During this stint, he has logged three multi-hit games with a total of eight extra-base hits.

If you are looking for a backstop with an upside for power, add Stephenson this weekend, as he may not be available much longer. 



Download Our Free News & Alerts Mobile App

Like what you see? Download our updated fantasy baseball app for iPhone and Android with 24x7 player news, injury alerts, sleepers, prospects & more. All free!



More Fantasy Baseball Waiver Wire Advice




POPULAR FANTASY TOOLS

Expert Advice
Articles & Tools
Import Your Leagues
Daily Stats & Leaders
All Pitcher Matchups
Compare Any Players
Compare Any Players
Rookies & Call-Ups
24x7 News and Alerts

REAL-TIME FANTASY NEWS

Joe Mixon

Lack of Joe Mixon Injury Updates Sparking Concern for Managers?
Jayden Reed

Fractures Collarbone, Headed for Injured Reserve
Austin Ekeler

Commanders Fear Austin Ekeler Tore his Achilles
Jesús Luzardo

Jesus Luzardo Strikes Out 10 in Win
Aaron Judge

Matches Yankees Legend with Two-Homer Game
Austin Ekeler

Injured, Carried Off Field with Non-Contact Injury
Jayden Reed

Ruled Out with Shoulder Injury
Quinshon Judkins

Browns Insider Expects NFL to "Come Down Heavy" on a Quinshon Judkins Suspension
Jayden Reed

Questionable to Return on TNF With Shoulder Injury
Anthony Volpe

Playing Through Partially Torn Labrum in his Shoulder
Adam Lowry

Aims for Early-Season Return
Charles Oliveira

Not Eyeing Retirement
Tyreek Hill

Chiefs, Steelers Eyeing a Trade for Tyreek Hill?
CFB

Ryan Williams Expected to Play Against Wisconsin
CFB

Billy Edwards Jr. Unlikely to Play on Saturday
P.J. Washington

Officially Signs Contract Extension
CFB

David Sanders Jr. Questionable to Make Debut Against Georgia
Chris Godwin

to Be Limited in His Return Thursday
Brock Purdy

Out 2-5 Weeks With Turf Toe
Lauri Markkanen

Big at Both Ends as Finland Books Place in EuroBasket Semis
Luka Dončić

Luka Doncic Notches 39 Points in Losing Effort
NBA

Cam Reddish Expected to Move to Europe
NBA

Trey Lyles Joins Real Madrid
Kyle Monangai

to See More Carries Going Forward?
Quinshon Judkins

Plans to Practice Thursday
Charles Bassey

Signs Exhibit 10 Deal With Hawks
Sacramento Kings

Terence Davis Waived by Kings
Will Smith

Scratched With Hand Soreness on Wednesday
Ketel Marte

has Foot Contusion, Expected to Play Friday
Christian McCaffrey

Absent from Wednesday's Practice
Shohei Ohtani

Won't Pitch This Weekend
MacKenzie Gore

to Start on Thursday
Ketel Marte

Exits Early on Wednesday
Matthew Knies

Ready for Bigger Role With Maple Leafs
Jack Eichel

Unbothered by Lack of Extension
Sidney Crosby

Not Thinking About Leaving Pittsburgh
SJ

Michael Misa Signs Entry-Level Contract With Sharks
Rutger McGroarty

Nursing an Injury
Aaron Rodgers

Dealing With Back Tightness
Dallas Goedert

Questionable for Week 2 at Chiefs
Anthony Rizzo

Retires
Cameron Champ

the Ultimate Wild Card at Procore
Cameron Young

Looks to Extend Momentum in Napa
Davis Thompson

Searching for a Spark at Procore
Sahith Theegala

Looking to Reignite Form at Procore
Mackenzie Hughes

Aims for Another Strong Showing at Procore
Luke Clanton

Brings Ball-Striking Upside to Napa
Seamus Power

Looking to Overcome Poor Course History at Procore
Joe Highsmith

Hoping to Find Form in Napa
Jadeveon Clowney

Visiting With the Cowboys on Wednesday
Masyn Winn

Will Require Offseason Knee Surgery
Kristaps Porzingis

Reportedly Still Not Completely Healthy
Kelly Oubre Jr.

Reportedly on the Trade Block
Andre Drummond

Future in Philadelphia in Doubt
Giannis Antetokounmpo

Helps Greece Reach Semis at EuroBasket
Alperen Sengün

Alperen Sengun Posts Historic Triple-Double
Joel Dahmen

Finishes Tied For 15 at Wyndham Championship
Bud Cauley

Finishes Tied for 33rd at BMW Championship
Justin Thomas

Finishes Tied for Seventh at Tour Championship
J.J. Spaun

Finishes Tied for 25th at Tour Championship
Collin Morikawa

Finishes Tied for 19th at Tour Championship
Keith Mitchell

Misses Cut at Wyndham Championship
Ben Griffin

Finishes Tied for 10th at Tour Championship
Patrick Cantlay

Finishes Tied for Second at Tour Championship
Gary Woodland

Could Hang Around at Procore Championship
Ranger Suárez

Ranger Suarez Strikes Out 12, Earns 12th Win on Tuesday
Karl Vilips

Ready for Napa Valley This Weekend
Taylor Montgomery

Heating Up at the Right Time
Jackson Koivun

May Be a Little Rusty at Procore Championship
Doug Ghim

Looking to Rise Up at Napa Valley
Christian Watson

Agrees to One-Year Contract Extension
Josh Giddey

Re-Signs With Bulls for Four Years
Shakir Mukhamadullin

Joins Informal Skate
William Eklund

Skates With Sharks
Owen Power

Back at 100 Percent
Tyler Seguin

Cleared for Action
Mathew Barzal

Good to Go for Season Opener
Will Smith

Returns to Dodgers Lineup on Tuesday
Dustin Wolf

Signs Seven-Year Extension
Kyle Stowers

Dealing With Strained Side
Kyle Tucker

Placed on Injured List With Calf Strain
Jauan Jennings

Considered Day-to-Day, has a Chance to Play in Week 2
Jalen Carter

Receives One-Game Suspension, Will be Eligible for Week 2
Bo Bichette

Goes on Injured List With Knee Sprain
George Kittle

Placed on Injured Reserve
Tyreek Hill

Accused of Domestic Violence
Garrett Crochet

Shuts Out the Athletics
Royce Lewis

Launches Two Homers Monday Night
NBA

Mason Jones Takes His Talents to Australia
NBA

Talen Horton-Tucker Joins Reigning EuroLeague Champions
New York Knicks

Malcolm Brogdon on Knicks' Radar
Andrew Wiggins

Attracting Interest From Lakers
Miami Heat

Heat Interested in Reunion With Precious Achiuwa
Tyler Glasnow

Fans 11 in Seven No-Hit Innings Monday
Slade Cecconi

Takes No-Hitter Into Eighth Inning Monday
Max Muncy

Batting Cleanup in Return to Dodgers
New York Knicks

Ben Simmons Reportedly Declined Knicks' Contract Offer
Chase Burns

to be Activated on Friday
Elias Pettersson

Feeling "Good" Ahead of Season
NHL

Alex Formenton Rejoins Swiss Team
NHL

Grigori Denisenko Heads Back Home
CAR

Kevin Labanc Joins Hurricanes for Tryout
Ross Colton

Healthy for Start of Season
Caio Borralho

Suffers His First UFC Loss
Nassourdine Imavov

Extends Win Streak
Mauricio Ruffy

Gets Submitted
Benoît Saint Denis

Benoit Saint Denis Taps Out Mauricio Ruffy
Paul Craig

Retires After UFC Paris Loss
Denny Hamlin

Earns his First Cup Victory at Gateway
Kyle Larson

Damage Ruins Kyle Larson's Chance At a Top Finish at Gateway
Christopher Bell

Scores his Third Top-10 Finish at Gateway
Joey Logano

Maintains his Perfect Top-Five Streak at Gateway
Ryan Blaney

Struggles and Recovers for a Top-Five Finish at Gateway
Modestas Bukauskas

Scores First-Round Knockout
Bolaji Oki

Suffers Second-Round TKO Loss
Mason Jones

Scores Comeback Win
Rhys McKee

Suffers Third-Round TKO Loss
Axel Sola

Successful In His UFC Debut
Robert Ruchała

Robert Ruchala Unsuccessful In His UFC Debut
William Gomis

Bounces Back In The Win Column
Chase Elliott

Gets Lucky but Still Has Best Run at Gateway
NASCAR

Bubba Wallace Wins Stage 2, but Was Let Down by Strategy
Tyler Reddick

Despite Bad Luck, Tyler Reddick Does What he Needed to Do
Chase Briscoe

Recovers from Incident with Daniel Suarez to Finish Second
William Byron

Late Caution Foils William Byron's Shot at Gateway Victory
Jayson Tatum

"Moving Around Way Better"
Ryan Blaney

Should Contend at Gateway
Denny Hamlin

Fastest in Qualifying, the Favorite to Win at Gateway
Christopher Bell

Looking for Redemption at Gateway
Joey Logano

Has Been Elite at Gateway
Austin Cindric

Should Be On Your Radar at Gateway
AJ Allmendinger

Could Be a Sleeper Again at Gateway
Tyler Reddick

Southern 500 Near-Miss Makes Tyler Reddick a Stronger Option for Gateway
NASCAR

Bubba Wallace a Likely Gateway Contender
Alex Bowman

a Long Shot to Advance in Playoffs
Austin Dillon

Richard Childress Racing Looks Slower at Gateway, Which Will Hurt Austin Dillon
Shane Van Gisbergen

Starts 18th in Gateway Debut
Jeremy Swayman

Ready to Get Back on Track
Connor McDavid

Aiming for More Goals
NJ

Luke Glendening Signs Tryout Deal With Devils
Dylan Harper

Hoping to be Ready for the Opener Versus Dallas
EDM

Derek Ryan Retires From Hockey

RANKINGS

QB
RB
WR
TE
K
DEF
RANKINGS
C
1B
2B
3B
SS
OF
SP
RP