Points League Hitters: Fantasy Baseball Waiver Wire Pickups for Week 16 (July 14 - July 20)

July 13, 2025

Nicklaus Gaut's H2H points fantasy baseball waiver wire pickups for hitters in Week 16 (2025) - July 14 - July 20. Free-agent hitters to add in points leagues.

Welcome, RotoBallers, to our H2H points fantasy baseball waiver wire pickups for hitters for Week 16 of the 2025 season. These fantasy baseball waiver wire pickups are for the week of July 14 - July 20, looking at players below ~50 percent rostered on ESPN or Yahoo points leagues.

We'll be doing this points league roundup every week here at RotoBaller because we know points players get neglected, and we're here to help. Player values can vary wildly from platform to platform, so we'll highlight where players are the best and worst fits, with waiver-wire targets being evaluated in terms of the different scoring systems on ESPN, Yahoo, CBS, Fantrax, and NFBC.

Position eligibility is taken from Fantrax, and players are grouped by their most valuable fantasy position, using a hierarchy of C > 2B > OF > 3B > 1B > SS. Stats and rankings are calculated using games through Saturday, July 12.

Waiver Wire Caveats and APR Explanation

Roster% Thresholds

We use a combination of roster percentages to assess who is in our target pool, relying primarily on Yahoo and ESPN. For some players, you'll notice a wide discrepancy between the two. This is because ESPN's roster percentage is heavily weighted by points players, with guys who don't do well in their system (often because of an inflated strikeout rate) lagging behind the Yahoo! roster percentage.

For this reason, you'll sometimes see players (especially early) who might make you question my sanity in including them in a waiver-wire article, but don't worry, it's just a necessary glitch for coverage purposes.

APR stands for "Average Platform Rank" and is the average hitter rank between the four major point platforms: ESPN, Yahoo, CBS, and Fantrax. All player data is from FanGraphs and Baseball Savant, with injury information pulled from the Roster Resource section on the former.

Fantasy Baseball First Base Waiver Wire Pickups

Best Choices

Romy Gonzalez, BOS, 1B/2B/SS (Yahoo: 35%, ESPN: 15%) - It looks like the world is waking up to how good Gonzalez can be...At least, when it comes to smashing left-handed pitching. In 76 PA vs LHPs this season, Gonzalez is slashing a ridiculous .412/.461/.750, with a .505 wOBA, 69% Hard Hit%, and a 21.2% Brl%.

Boston has two left-handed starters on their weekend schedule - you know what to do.

"Tremendously locked in." - Romy Gonzalez pic.twitter.com/kevN9YyGZE

— Red Sox (@RedSox) July 11, 2025

Ryan O'Hearn, BAL, 1B/OF (Yahoo: 28%, ESPN: 24%) - Only three games (@TB), but they're all vs RHPs? This is when you stream Ryan O'Hearn.

Sincerely, Science.

Colt Keith, DET, 1B/2B (Yahoo: 29%, ESPN: 11%) - Keith is winding up his best period of the year (#21 APR) and will only face right-handed starters in three games at Texas. For the season, he's slashing .284/369/.482 over 252 PA, with a .368 wOBA (.389 xwOBA) and .851 OPS.

Next Choices

Carlos Santana, 1B, CLE (Yahoo: 9%, ESPN: 10%) - Our Best Choice from last week isn't disappointing with his top-50 APR entering Sunday, as he is a kind and gracious demi-god. With two left-handers on the schedule in three games at home against the A's, our lord Carlos is set up to bless us again.

Michael Toglia, COL, 1B (Yahoo: 18%, ESPN: 3%) - We're recommending Toglia, so it must be a home series (vs MIN). Even better, though, is that they're aren't any left-handed starters on the menu. Toglia still has a 43% K% vs RHP, so watch out if your league punishes strikeouts, but a 14.3% Brl% and 47% HH% can go a long way at Coors Field. Ba-dum, bump.

Lenyn Sosa, 1B/2B/3B, CHW (Yahoo: 3%, ESPN: 2%) - Good point assets on bad teams love getting ignored, and Sosa's Roster% doesn't say anything different. Not that Sosa is great, by any stretch, but he is compiling a lot of PAs (and points) for the pale hose, averaging a 77 APR over the last three weeks. He'll get three games (and all right-handers) in Pittsburgh this weekend.

Desperate Choices

Josh Bell, WSH, 1B (Yahoo: 5%, ESPN: 4%) -Anyone up for a mini-Bell renaissance? Okay, don't get carried away, but Bell has been a top-100 hitter, at least, for the last three weeks, and gets three games (and no left-handers) this weekend (vs SD). Bell is basically Mendoza vs LHPs, but has a .372 xwOBA and 48% HH% vs RHPs.

Ernie Clement, TOR, 1B/2B/3B/SS (Yahoo: 25%, ESPN: 24%) - My guy Ern has had plenty of solid weeks but remains a fairly low-ceiling option unless there are a bunch of left-handers on the schedule. Unfortunately, there is only one LHP in Week 16 (and it's Robbie Ray), so keep your expectations in check.

Spencer Horwitz, PIT, 1B/2B (Yahoo: 1%, ESPN: 7%) - Horwitz is simply horrible against lefties (when he actually plays against them), but the Pirates have none of them on their schedule this weekend at home against the White Sox. He's still nothing spectacular vs RHP (.255/.318/.365) but can compile some points via a low K% and lots of PAs.

On the IL

• Ryan Mountcastle, BAL, 1B (strained hamstring - expected to miss 8-12 weeks)
• Rhys Hoskins, MIL, 1B (sprained thumb - out until mid-August)
• Pavin Smith, ARI, 1B/OF (strained oblique - no timetable)

Fantasy Baseball Second Base Waiver Wire Pickups

Best Choices

Willi Castro, MIN, 2B/3B/SS/OF (Yahoo: 46%, ESPN: 27%) - Castro is only just below our Roster% threshold (and really shouldn't be), so we'll keep things short. He's been a top-50(ish) hitter in five of his last seven periods and gets three games in Colorado. So?...

Romy Gonzalez, BOS, 1B/2B/SS (Yahoo: 35%, ESPN: 15%) - It looks like the world is waking up to how good Gonzalez can be...At least, when it comes to smashing left-handed pitching. In 76 PA vs LHPs this season, Gonzalez is slashing a ridiculous .412/.461/.750, with a .505 wOBA, 69% Hard Hit%, and a 21.2% Brl%.

Angel Martinez, CLE, 2B/OF (Yahoo: 4%, ESPN: 2%) - Martinez has been red-hot (most recently, going deep in three straight games), and it's probably not a coincidence that it's been after Cleveland has faced six left-handed starters in their last 13 games. In 93 PA vs LHPs this season, Martinez is slashing .301/.341/.506, with a .361 wOBA and .847 OPS. In Week 16, Cleveland is scheduled to face two left-handers in a road series against the A's.

Cleveland #Guardians 23yr old (INF/OF) Angel Martinez has now homered in three straight games!

Martinez during his current seven game hitting streak.

8-24 4R 3(2B) 3HR 6RBI 1BB .333 AVG#GuardsBall pic.twitter.com/6FSBXlwiJ7

— Guardians Prospective (@CleGuardPro) July 11, 2025

Colt Keith, DET, 1B/2B (Yahoo: 29%, ESPN: 11%) - Keith is winding up his best period of the year (#21 APR) and will only face right-handed starters in three games at Texas. For the season, he's slashing .284/369/.482 over 252 PA, with a .368 wOBA (.389 xwOBA) and .851 OPS.

Next Choices

Otto Lopez, MIA, 2B/SS (Yahoo: 39%, ESPN: 32%) - To answer your question, "Yes, I will continue putting Lopez in here until his Roster% crosses our threshold". It's another near-top 100 period for Lopez, who is now up to a 98 APR for the season. The Marlins get three games at home against Kansas City, with one left-hander scheduled.

Sidebar: We're about to get another shar-pei puppy (joining Walter Doggington III), and the leaders in the naming clubhouse are currently Otto and Earl. On one hand, I'm obviously a big fan of Otto's. But on the other hand, I'd get to name a dog "The Fourth Earl of Wrinkleton", and that has its appeals. Tough choices.

Brooks Lee, MIN, 2B/3B/SS (Yahoo: 9%, ESPN: 4%) -After a month of solid points action (averaged an 82 APR from Week 10 - 13), Lee has been a disaster in his last two periods (#310, #294). Luckily, three games in Colorado are an easy way to get back in a groove.

Lenyn Sosa, 1B/2B/3B, CHW (Yahoo: 3%, ESPN: 2%) - Good point assets on bad teams love getting ignored, and Sosa's Roster% doesn't say anything different. Not that Sosa is great, by any stretch, but he is compiling a lot of PAs (and points) for the pale hose, averaging a 77 APR over the last three weeks. He'll get three games (and all right-handers) in Pittsburgh this weekend.

Nolan Gorman, STL, 2B/3B (Yahoo: 4%, ESPN: 2%) - Gorman shouldn't be started against left-handers but the Cardinals aren't set to face any of them in a three-game set in Arizona. Just keep in mind that his 30% K%, however, makes him super hard to use if your league has a strikeout penalty.

Desperate Choices

Thairo Estrada, COL, 2B (Yahoo: 6%, ESPN: 2%) - Like many of his teammates, it's hard to recommend Estrada outside of home games. Oh, what's that? Colorado has three games at home this week, and one of the opposing pitchers is Chris Paddack? Thairo, you officially have a chance to pass Eric on my Top-Five Estrada's list.

Ernie Clement, TOR, 1B/2B/3B/SS (Yahoo: 25%, ESPN: 24%) - My guy Ern has had plenty of solid weeks but remains a fairly low-ceiling option unless there are a bunch of left-handers on the schedule. Unfortunately, there is only one LHP in Week 16 (and it's Robbie Ray), so keep your expectations in check.

Nick Gonzales, PIT, 2B (Yahoo: 4%, ESPN: 2%) - My fellow Nick has always had a very pointsy profile for compiling, even if the ceiling remains low. But with dreadful White Sox starters coming into town, maybe he can reach it this week.

Spencer Horwitz, PIT, 1B/2B (Yahoo: 1%, ESPN: 7%) - Horwitz is simply horrible against lefties (when he actually plays against them), but the Pirates have none of them on their schedule this weekend at home against the White Sox. He's still nothing spectacular vs RHP (.255/.318/.365) but can compile some points via a low K% and lots of PAs.

Edmundo Sosa, PHI, 2B/3B/SS (Yahoo: 1%, ESPN: 2%) - Sosa only starts against left-handers, but Philadelphia will face two of them in their three games against the Angels at home. For the year, Sosa is slashing .344/.403/.531 vs LHP, with a .403 wOBA, over 72 PA.

On the IL

• Luke Keaschall, MIN, 2B (fractured forearm - expected rehab in late-July)
• Christian Moore, LAA, 2B (sprained thumb - no timetable)
• Gabriel Arias, CLE, 2B/3B/SS (sprained ankle - no timetable)

Fantasy Baseball Third Base Waiver Wire Pickups

Best Choices

Willi Castro, MIN, 2B/3B/SS/OF (Yahoo: 46%, ESPN: 27%) - Castro is only just below our Roster% threshold (and really shouldn't be), so we'll keep things short. He's been a top-50(ish) hitter in five of his last seven periods and gets three games in Colorado. So?...

Noelvi Marte, CIN, 3B (Yahoo: 24%, ESPN: 14%) - Marte has reannounced himself in a big way after returning from his oblique injury, currently the #30 hitter in Week 15. I know it's only 100 PA, but Marte's line is more than impressive, slashing .293/.340/.565, with a .384 wOBA, and 15% K%. He's also been crushing right-handers, in particular, and isn't scheduled to face any of those pesky lefties in three games this week against the Mets this week.

Noelvi Marte has cranked three homers in his last four games.

Season: 100 PA, .293/.340/.565, 5 2B, 6 HR, 4 SB, 15% K#ATOBTTR pic.twitter.com/XVb4g0VHCn

— Eric Cross (@EricCrossMLB) July 13, 2025

Next Choices

Ryan McMahon, COL, 3B (Yahoo: 25%, ESPN: 4%) - If you're not going to stream McMahon when all of his games are at home and against right-handed pitching, when would you? Facing right-handers at Coors Field this season, McMahon is slashing .235/.373/.451, with a .363 wOBA, .393 xwOBA, and a 14% Brl%.

Brooks Lee, MIN, 2B/3B/SS (Yahoo: 9%, ESPN: 4%) -After a month of solid points action (averaged an 82 APR from Week 10 - 13), Lee has been a disaster in his last two periods (#310, #294). Luckily, three games in Colorado are an easy way to get back in a groove.

Lenyn Sosa, 1B/2B/3B, CHW (Yahoo: 3%, ESPN: 2%) - Good point assets on bad teams love getting ignored, and Sosa's Roster% doesn't say anything different. Not that Sosa is great, by any stretch, but he is compiling a lot of PAs (and points) for the pale hose, averaging a 77 APR over the last three weeks. He'll get three games (and all right-handers) in Pittsburgh this weekend.

Desperate Choices

Nolan Gorman, STL, 2B/3B (Yahoo: 4%, ESPN: 2%) - Gorman shouldn't be started against left-handers but the Cardinals aren't set to face any of them in a three-game set in Arizona. Just keep in mind that his 30% K%, however, makes him super hard to use if your league has a strikeout penalty.

Ernie Clement, TOR, 1B/2B/3B/SS (Yahoo: 25%, ESPN: 24%) - My guy Ern has had plenty of solid weeks but remains a fairly low-ceiling option unless there are a bunch of left-handers on the schedule. Unfortunately, there is only one LHP in Week 16 (and it's Robbie Ray), so keep your expectations in check.

Edmundo Sosa, PHI, 2B/3B/SS (Yahoo: 1%, ESPN: 2%) - Sosa only starts against left-handers, but Philadelphia will face two of them in their three games against the Angels at home. For the year, Sosa is slashing .344/.403/.531 vs LHP, with a .403 wOBA, over 72 PA.

On the IL

• Gabriel Arias, CLE, 2B/3B/SS (sprained ankle - no timetable)

Fantasy Baseball Shortstop Waiver Wire Pickups

Best Choices

Willi Castro, MIN, 2B/3B/SS/OF (Yahoo: 46%, ESPN: 27%) - Castro is only just below our Roster% threshold (and really shouldn't be), so we'll keep things short. He's been a top-50(ish) hitter in five of his last seven periods and gets three games in Colorado. So?...

Romy Gonzalez, BOS, 1B/2B/SS (Yahoo: 35%, ESPN: 15%) - It looks like the world is waking up to how good Gonzalez can be...At least, when it comes to smashing left-handed pitching. In 76 PA vs LHPs this season, Gonzalez is slashing a ridiculous .412/.461/.750, with a .505 wOBA, 69% Hard Hit%, and a 21.2% Brl%.

Carlos Correa, MIN, SS (Yahoo: 25%, ESPN: 36%) - Correa has done a whole lot of nothing for a few weeks, but we know the possible elixir waiting in Colorado. Bad pitching + thin air ='s start just about any Twin.

Next Choices

Otto Lopez, MIA, 2B/SS (Yahoo: 39%, ESPN: 32%) - To answer your question, "Yes, I will continue putting Lopez in here until his Roster% crosses our threshold". It's another near-top 100 period for Lopez, who is now up to a 98 APR for the season. The Marlins get three games at home against Kansas City, with one left-hander scheduled.

Sidebar: We're about to get another shar-pei puppy (joining Walter Doggington III), and the leaders in the naming clubhouse are currently Otto and Earl. On one hand, I'm obviously a big fan of Otto's. But on the other hand, I'd get to name a dog "The Fourth Earl of Wrinkleton", and that has its appeals. Tough choices.

Brooks Lee, MIN, 2B/3B/SS (Yahoo: 9%, ESPN: 4%) -After a month of solid points action (averaged an 82 APR from Week 10 - 13), Lee has been a disaster in his last two periods (#310, #294). Luckily, three games in Colorado are an easy way to get back in a groove.

Desperate Choices

Ernie Clement, TOR, 1B/2B/3B/SS (Yahoo: 25%, ESPN: 24%) - My guy Ern has had plenty of solid weeks but remains a fairly low-ceiling option unless there are a bunch of left-handers on the schedule. Unfortunately, there is only one LHP in Week 16 (and it's Robbie Ray), so keep your expectations in check.

Josh Smith, TEX, 1B/3B/SS (Yahoo: 39%, ESPN: 21%) - The #70 hitter entering Sunday, Smith has three top-80 weeks in the last five periods, but has a really tough slate of pitching (in theory) for the short week, set to face Tarik Skubal, Casey Mize, and Jack Flaherty.

Edmundo Sosa, PHI, 2B/3B/SS (Yahoo: 1%, ESPN: 2%) - Sosa only starts against left-handers, but Philadelphia will face two of them in their three games against the Angels at home. For the year, Sosa is slashing .344/.403/.531 vs LHP, with a .403 wOBA, over 72 PA.

On the IL

• Gabriel Arias, CLE, 2B/3B/SS (sprained ankle - no timetable)

Fantasy Baseball Outfielder Waiver Wire Pickups

Best Choices

Willi Castro, MIN, 2B/3B/SS/OF (Yahoo: 46%, ESPN: 27%) - Castro is only just below our Roster% threshold (and really shouldn't be), so we'll keep things short. He's been a top-50(ish) hitter in five of his last seven periods and gets three games in Colorado. So?...

Angel Martinez, CLE, 2B/OF (Yahoo: 4%, ESPN: 2%) - Martinez has been red-hot (most recently, going deep in three straight games). In 93 PA vs LHPs this season, Martinez is slashing .301/.341/.506, with a .361 wOBA and .847 OPS. In Week 16, Cleveland is scheduled to face two left-handers in a road series against the A's.

Tyler Freeman, COL, OF (Yahoo: 18%, ESPN: 5%) - If I'm willing (kind of) to stream Freeman on the road, you better believe I'm all in for a Coors Field weekend against the Twins. At home this season, Freeman is slashing .349/.404/.482, with a .383 wOBA and .886 OPS.

Ryan O'Hearn, BAL, 1B/OF (Yahoo: 28%, ESPN: 24%) - Only three games (@TB), but they're all vs RHPs? This is when you stream Ryan O'Hearn.

Sincerely, Science.

Trevor Larnach, MIN, OF (Yahoo: 9%, ESPN: 6%) - Larnach has had back-to-back duds (#241, #177) after finishing near the top-50 in three of the previous five periods, but like many others before him in today's piece, gets the Coors Field bump. There is one left-hander on the schedule, against whom Larnach rarely starts (and is mostly useless when he does), but, to be fair, it's Austin Gomber. And facing right-handers this season, Larnach has a .346 wOBA (.348 xwOBA), with a .460 SLG and 45% HH%.

Lars Nootbaar, STL, OF (Yahoo: 31%, ESPN: 37%) - Nootbaar has a top-100 APR for the season (#97) but hasn't had a real impact week since finishing #17 in Week 4, averaging a 160 APR in the 11 periods since. This is a good week to stream for success, though, with Nootbaar not scheduled to face any left-handed starters in a three-game series at Arizona. Facing RHPs this season, Nootbaar is running an impressive 55% HH% over 249 PA, with 19% K%, 13% BB%, with a .363 xwOBA.

Sal Frelick, MIL, OF (Yahoo: 41%, ESPN: 30%) - Is Frelick really still hanging around here? The #50 hitter in Week 15, entering Sunday, Frelick has been a star for the last eight periods, averaging a 75 APR, with five finishes in the top-55, with a 147 APR representing the low point. Soon to cross our Roster% threshold, Frelick has to face tough Dodger pitching on the road, but at least, none of them are left-handed.

Next Choices

Jordan Beck, COL, OF (Yahoo: 15%, ESPN: 6%) - We're (obviously) entering the broken record zone, but one cannot simply ignore a series at Colorado in a short post-ASB weekend. Unfortunately, there is only one left-handed starter on the schedule against the Twins, as Beck is far superior against them, but again...It's Coors, people.

Ramon Laureano, BAL, OF (Yahoo: 11%, ESPN: 3%) - Eeek! Zombie! Laureano has averaged a 103 APR over his last six periods, piling up PAs by starting every game but two since coming back from the IL on June 6. I bet this line will surprise you:

234 PA: 10 HR - 34 R - 34 RBI - 4 SB - .279/.343/.495, .361 wOBA, .455 wOBAcon

I mean, that's pretty good, right? Laureano should get three more starts this weekend against Tampa Bay, with nary a left-handed starter to be seen. Facing RHPs this season, Laureano is slashing .299/.362/.560 over 149 PA, with a .394 wOBA and .922 OPS.

#Marlins 0 @ #Orioles 4 [B3–1o]:

Ramón Laureano doubles: line drive to CF
Hit: 81.9mph, 288ft, 27°, .107xBA

Pitch: 85.7mph Curveball (RHP E.Cabrera)#MarlinsBeisbol #Birdland #MLB pic.twitter.com/QGjvjvJOKN

— MLB Run Videos (@MLBRBIs) July 11, 2025

Desperate Choices

Mickey Moniak, COL, OF (Yahoo: 11%, ESPN: 3%) - Moniak has seen a surge in playing time (against righties, that is), starting seven of Colorado's last eight games, mostly in the top-third of the lineup. We already know Colorado gets three games at home, and no lefties on the schedule might make for a lot of PAs for Mickey to be so fine.

Matt Wallner, MIN, OF (Yahoo: 7%, ESPN: 1%) - Wallner never starts vs LHPs (nor should he), but he'll still probably get two starts in Colorado, and that upside might be enough if you're desperate in the outfield. Just keep in mind that even vs RHPs, Wallner still has a 31% K% to go with his 49% HH% and 14.1% Brl%.

On the IL

• Lane Thomas, CLE, OF (plantar fascitis - no timetable)
• Jake Meyers, HOU, OF (strained calf - no timetable)
• Victor Robles, SEA, OF (shoulder dislocation - expected to miss ~three months)
• Daulton Varsho, TOR, OF (strained hamstring - rehab assignment)
• Pavin Smith, ARI, 1B/OF (strained oblique - no timetable)
• Jordan Walker, STL, OF (appendicitis - rehab assignment)
• Jesse Winker, NYM, OF (back inflammation - no timetable)
• Starling Marte, NYM, OF (knee contusion - no timetable)
• Jonny DeLuca, TB, OF (sprained shoulder - rehab assignment)
• Chas McCormick, HOU, OF (strained oblique - rehab assignment)

Fantasy Baseball Catcher Waiver Wire Pickups

Best Choices

Ryan Jeffers, MIN, C (Yahoo: 18%, ESPN: 19%) - Hmm...A catcher under 20% rostered who is coming off a near-top 50 week and gets three games in Colorado against terrible starters? Yes, please.

There is always a chance that baseball will do baseball things, but these are the best circumstances you'll likely find on your catching wire.

Next Choices

Victor Caratini, HOU, C (Yahoo: 9%, ESPN: 2%) -Caratini has been one of our recommendations for a few weeks, as Houston continues to find a way to get him near full-time plate appearances -- he's now started six games in a row and nine of the last 10. He's averaged a 42 APR over the last two periods, but isn't scheduled to see any of the left-handers he likes to feast on in a three-game set in Seattle.

Sean Murphy, ATL, C (Yahoo: 20%, ESPN: 11%) - Murphy didn't disappoint as one of recommendations last week, currently sitting as the #29 hitter headed into Sunday. What we said then still applies now -- if you're going to stream Murphy, do it when there are lefties afoot. The good news is that Atlanta is set to face two LHPs in their three games at home against the Yankees. The bad news is that they are Carlos Rodon and Max Fried.

SEAN MURPHY. CLUTCH. 🤯
3-run go-ahead blast in the 8th…

372-foot wall-scraper to put the Braves back on top!

Didn’t need to be pretty. Just needed to leave.
Murph came through.

🪓6 |🃏5pic.twitter.com/EHbzUdK1M8

— SleeperBraves (@SleeperBraves) July 12, 2025

Desperate Choices

Carson Kelly, CHC, C (Yahoo: 28%, ESPN: 49%) - It's hard to trust a man with two first names, but Kelly has been far better the last few weeks, likely due in no small part to the Cubs seeing more left-handed starters recently. There is only one LHP scheduled in three games at home against Boston, but catching beggars can't be choosers in a short ASB week.

On the IL

• Gabriel Moreno, ARI, C (fractured finger - no timetable)
• Keibert Ruiz, WSH, C (concussion - no timetable)
• Gary Sanchez, BAL, C (knee - no timetable)
• Miguel Amaya, CHC, C (strained oblique - expected to miss 4-6 weeks)

More Fantasy Baseball Waiver Wire Advice

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