RADIO
Kirby Yates Emerging as Priority Closer to Roster in Angels Bullpen?
Los Angeles Angels veteran closer Kirby Yates is starting to look like a sneaky waiver wire priority for managers chasing saves. The 39-year-old has a track record of closing (98 career saves entering 2026) and has already picked up his 99th save in limited action this season. With Robert Stephenson and Ben Joyce dealing with injuries early on, Yates has a clear path to high-leverage work and save chances under manager Kurt Suzuki, who has been vocal about his trust in the veteran. The right-hander opened the season on the shelf with a knee injury, which allowed Ryan Zeferjahn and Jordan Romano (who was designated for assignment in late April) to operate as the primary ninth-inning options. With limited competition in this current bullpen, Yates has a clear path to quickly claim this role. During the 2024 season, Yates showed promise in the closer role for the Rangers, tallying 33 saves with a 1.17 ERA. Even though he has endured some growing pains since returning from injury (4.32 ERA over 8 1/3 frames), his high-leverage experience gives him the edge to emerge as the ninth-inning option in this bullpen.
Source: RotoBaller
Source: RotoBaller
Walker Jenkins Nearing Rehab Assignment, Worth Stashing Ahead of Return?
Minnesota Twins outfield prospect Walker Jenkins (shoulder) is making progress in his return from a Grade 2 AC joint sprain in his left shoulder as he's reportedly begun to take swings off a hitting machine and could be ready to start a rehab assignment next week, according to Twins general manager Jeremy Zoll. The Twins' top-ranked prospect hasn't played in a game since May 3, but had begun to hit his stride at the plate at Triple-A St. Paul, going 9-for-21 (.429) with four doubles, a home run, a 6:4 BB:K, and two steals during a six-game hit streak before hitting the injured list. For the season, the former fifth-overall draft pick is slashing .256/.396/.389 with two home runs, five steals, and more walks (19) than strikeouts (18). If the 21-year-old can get back on track once he returns to the St. Paul lineup, a major league debut could happen by August, so the 6-foot-3 slugger could become a top hitter to stash in the weeks ahead.
Source: Dan Hayes - The Athletic
Source: Dan Hayes - The Athletic
Spencer Horwitz Swinging a Hot Bat, Entering Must-Add Territory?
Pittsburgh Pirates first baseman Spencer Horwitz is putting together a productive season and remains a strong waiver wire target for managers needing corner infield help. The 28-year-old is hitting .289 with a .389 OBP and .858 OPS in 173 at-bats, showing excellent plate discipline with a low strikeout rate and strong walk rate. He's been especially hot in May, hitting safely in 17 of his last 21 games at one point, and has already chipped in seven home runs on the season. Horwitz has earned an everyday role in the Pittsburgh lineup, playing first base and typically batting leadoff against right-handed pitching. He's still available in a large percentage of leagues and offers a nice blend of average, on-base skills, and emerging power. If you're looking for a steady, high-floor option at corner infield, Horwitz is worth picking up.
Source: RotoBaller
Source: RotoBaller
Charlie Condon Riding 12-Game Hitting Streak, MLB Debut Imminent?
Colorado Rockies corner infield/outfield prospect Charlie Condon's 31-game homerless stretch feels like a distant memory after the week and a half that he's had for Triple-A Albuquerque, blasting four home runs in his last seven games, including a walk-off winner in his latest contest. The power surge is part of a longer 12-game hit streak during which time the Rockies' second-ranked prospect has gone 16-for-45 (.356), which includes not only those four home runs, but also seven doubles, boosting his season-long slugging percentage to .471 with eight total home runs and a .262 batting average. A strong 15.1 percent walk rate has also buoyed a robust .391 on-base percentage. A high strikeout rate may limit the 23-year-old's batting average whenever he gets to the majors, but the power should play well at Coors Field, and a debut there could happen in the coming weeks. The 6-foot-5 power hitter is still a solid stash option in deeper leagues, especially for managers in search of home runs.
Source: MiLB.com
Source: MiLB.com
Gavin Sheets Worth an Add for Power Upside
San Diego Padres first baseman/outfielder Gavin Sheets is putting together a very productive season and could be a worthwhile waiver wire pickup for managers needing corner infield or outfield help. In just 163 at-bats, the lefty has already hit nine home runs with 23 RBI and is posting a strong .807 OPS. He's been very effective against right-handed pitching, posting a .879 OPS with an elite .529 SLG. While his playing time can be inconsistent as a platoon bat, when he's in the lineup, he's been producing at a high level. Under the hood, Sheets is impacting the ball quite hard, as evidenced by his 71st percentile 45.5% hard-hit rate and 82nd percentile 74.8 mph average bat speed. Sheets is still widely available in most leagues, sitting at just 23% rostered on Yahoo, and offers a nice combination of power and on-base skills. If you're looking for a depth outfielder or corner infielder with above-average power, he's worth a look.
Source: RotoBaller
Source: RotoBaller
Jake Burger Emerging as Priority Pickup for Power Upside
Texas Rangers first baseman Jake Burger is starting to look like a legit waiver wire target for managers needing corner infield help. The 30-year-old has already mashed 10 home runs with 37 RBI in just 215 at-bats, and he's shown real signs of a resurgence this year. After a rough April, Burger has been much better in May, with a .284 average, improved plate discipline, and a surging pull rate that has led to more hard contact and higher home run totals. He's been hitting in the middle of a decent Rangers lineup and continues to post elite exit velocities. He's still only rostered in 30% of Yahoo leagues in most formats, which feels way low for a guy with this kind of raw power. If you're thin at 1B or looking for some cheap pop down the stretch, Burger is a strong add right now as he has begun to find his footing.
Source: RotoBaller
Source: RotoBaller
Braden Montgomery Breaks Out of Slump, Remains Firmly on Stash Radar
Chicago White Sox outfield prospect Braden Montgomery broke out of a recent slump with a strong four-game stretch at Triple-A Charlotte that saw him go 8-for-16 (.500) with two doubles, a home run, four RBI, seven runs scored, and a stolen base. Perhaps most impressive of all was that the switch-hitter did not strike out once in those four games, his longest stretch of the season without a strikeout, while also drawing three walks. Chicago's second-ranked prospect is performing admirably since earning a promotion to Triple-A, hitting .281 with seven doubles and three home runs in 23 games for the Knights, getting on base at a .366 clip thanks to a solid 10.9 walk rate, and he's also swiped two bags. At this rate, the former first-rounder looks poised for a midseason call-up to the majors, and with a blend of contact, power, and speed, the 23-year-old makes for a stashworthy fantasy asset in deeper leagues.
Source: MiLB.com
Source: MiLB.com
Josh Hader Set to Return from Injured List on Tuesday
Houston Astros closer Josh Hader (biceps) is being activated off the injured list on Tuesday, manager Joe Espada confirmed. Hader had been sidelined since before Opening Day with left biceps tendinitis (he also dealt with shoulder issues late last season). He's progressed through his rehab without setbacks and is now ready to rejoin the big-league bullpen. While the Astros are expected to be cautious with his workload in the early going, Hader should quickly settle back into his role as the primary closer. For fantasy managers, this is a significant boost in saves leagues, especially if you've been streaming or holding onto a committee. Keep an eye on his first few appearances to see how the Astros deploy him, as they may slightly monitor his usage. With Hader set to return, fantasy managers should expect Bryan King, Enyel De Los Santos, and Bryan Abreu to operate as the primary setup options.
Source: Chandler Rome
Source: Chandler Rome
Francisco Alvarez Starting a Rehab Assignment on Tuesday
The New York Mets plan to have catcher Francisco Alvarez (knee) start a minor-league rehab assignment on Tuesday with Triple-A Syracuse, manager Carlos Mendoza told Andrew Tredinnick of The North Jersey Bergen Record. Alvarez has been making good progress since having surgery to fix the meniscus in his right knee just several weeks ago. Initially, the Mets estimated that he would be out for around eight weeks. They will most likely slow-play Alvarez in the minors, but barring a setback, it looks like he's going to beat his initial timetable by quite a bit. Until he returns, the Mets will continue to roll with veteran Luis Torrens as their primary backstop, with Hayden Senger backing him up. Alvarez was hitting .241/.317/.392 with a .710 OPS, four home runs, 10 RBI, and 12 runs scored in 112 at-bats at the time of his knee injury in mid-May. The oft-injured Venezuelan catcher has provided above-average pop in the past, but his lengthy injury history makes him hard to trust in single-catcher fantasy leagues. Alvarez is currently rostered in only 15% of Yahoo leagues.
Source: The North Jersey Bergen Record - Andrew Tredinnick
Source: The North Jersey Bergen Record - Andrew Tredinnick
Corey Seager Starting Rehab Assignment on Tuesday
Texas Rangers shortstop Corey Seager (back) is starting a minor-league rehab assignment at Double-A Frisco on Tuesday, according to the team. He is scheduled to bat second and play shortstop for the Rough Riders on Tuesday. Seager is one step closer to returning from inflammation in his lower back that has kept him out since May 13. But if he doesn't have a setback with his back this week, he could be reinstated from the 10-day injured list later this week or the weekend. Ezequiel Duran has been filling in nicely at the 6 for the Rangers with Seager sidelined, and he'll go back to more of a super-utility role for the team once Seager is back on the active roster. Seager was hitting a disappointing .179 (28-for-156) to begin the 2026 season before injuring his back, but he also had seven home runs, 20 RBI, 22 runs scored, and a steal. Despite durability concerns in his early-30s, Seager is a must-roster fantasy SS. He's only available in 10% of Yahoo leagues.
Source: Texas Rangers PR
Source: Texas Rangers PR
Gleyber Torres Returning From Injured List on Tuesday
Detroit Tigers second baseman Gleyber Torres (oblique) will be activated from the 10-day injured list on Tuesday and return to the starting lineup for the contest against the Tampa Bay Rays and left-hander Steven Matz, manager A.J. Hinch told MLB Network Radio. The Tigers are ready to bring Torres back after he played in just two minor-league rehab games. The 29-year-old has been out since early May due to a strained left oblique, but now that he's back, he'll return to starting duties at the keystone in Motown, pushing Hao-Yu Lee and Zach McKinstry to utility roles. Lee could end up being sent to Triple-A Toledo. Torres was hitting .259/.389/.328 with a .716 OPS, only two home runs, 11 RBI, and 18 runs scored in 116 at-bats this year at the time of his oblique injury. He offers very modest power and speed as middle-infield depth in deep-mixed fantasy leagues. Torres is mostly valuable for his plate discipline, contact-oriented approach, and on-base skills.
Source: MLB.com - Jason Beck
Source: MLB.com - Jason Beck
Alec Bohm Re-Emerging as a Quality Waiver-Wire Target After Strong May
Philadelphia Phillies third baseman Alec Bohm is off to a rough start to the 2026 season, hitting .210/.271/.335 with six home runs, 24 RBI, and 17 runs scored across 221 plate appearances. However, the 29-year-old's overall line is dragged down by a brutal showing in March and April, when he hit .151 with a .426 OPS across 119 plate appearances. Bohm's production bounced back to his established norms in May, as he slashed .277/.333/.439 with five home runs, 11 RBI, and 11 runs scored across 102 plate appearances last month. With a 6.4% career barrel rate and 18 stolen bases across 774 career MLB games, Bohm offers limited power and speed upside for fantasy managers. Still, Bohm remains a fixture in the Phillies' everyday lineup, and he's hit no lower than fifth in the batting order since May 13. As long as his early-season struggles are behind him, Bohm should provide batting average and quality counting stats for fantasy managers the rest of the way in 2026. In deeper leagues, Bohm's May bounce-back makes him a worthy waiver wire target despite his ugly overall slash line.
Source: RotoBaller
Source: RotoBaller
Is Foster Griffin Still Worth Targeting on the Waiver Wire Amidst Recent Struggles?
Across 67 innings (12 starts) so far in 2026, Washington Nationals starting pitcher Foster Griffin has recorded a 6-2 record with a 3.76 ERA, 1.15 WHIP, and 65 strikeouts. The 30-year-old has cooled off a bit in recent weeks after a red-hot start to the season, allowing 17 earned runs over his last 20 1/3 innings (four starts). The long ball has been an issue for Griffin, as he currently owns a 1.75 HR/9. Still, Griffin has limited opponents to a 37.8% hard-hit rate and owns a quality 15.7% K-BB rate. There's also reason to think he's been a bit unlucky to give up homers as often as he has, as his 18.1% home run to fly ball rate is well above league average. Griffin may not offer crazy upside, but he remains a solid starting pitcher streamer for fantasy managers to target on the waiver wire.
Source: RotoBaller
Source: RotoBaller
Caleb Kilian Remains a Strong Source of Saves in Standard Leagues
San Francisco Giants reliever Caleb Kilian had a rough outing on Friday in Colorado against the Rockies, allowing two homers and five earned runs across two-thirds of an inning. However, even with the recent blow-up, Kilian's overall numbers for the season are strong. Across 26 innings (24 games), the 29-year-old has pitched to a 3.86 ERA and 1.15 WHIP with 29 strikeouts and three saves. Kilian's average fastball velocity currently sits at 96.9 miles per hour, and he's struck out 26.9% of the batters he's faced. The Giants have utilized multiple relievers in the ninth inning this season, so fantasy managers should not expect Kilian to see every San Francisco save opportunity. Still, the hard-throwing right-hander has emerged as a quality source of both saves and strikeouts for deep-league fantasy managers to target on the waiver wire.
Source: RotoBaller
Source: RotoBaller
Gage Jump Remains a Worthy Waiver-Wire Target Due to Strikeout Upside
Athletics pitching prospect Gage Jump made his MLB debut last Tuesday against the Seattle Mariners, allowing nine hits and four earned runs while striking out five across five innings of work. While the 23-year-old's first start in the majors was a bit of a struggle, he remains a potentially intriguing starting pitching option for fantasy managers. Across 38 innings (nine starts) with Triple-A Las Vegas before his promotion, Jump pitched to a 4.50 ERA and 1.47 WHIP with 56 strikeouts. Particularly given that he will be making his home starts in the hitter-friendly Sutter Health Park, Jump may not provide much value in the ERA and WHIP categories for fantasy managers. However, the young lefty carries significant strikeout upside after posting strikeout rates of 33.1% and 28.4% in the minors in 2026 and 2025, respectively. Fantasy managers in need of whiffs may want to consider targeting Jump on the waiver wire ahead of a potential breakout.
Source: RotoBaller
Source: RotoBaller
