Week 3 Fantasy Baseball Waiver Wire Pickups - RotoBaller Staff Roundtable

April 12, 2026

RotoBaller staff's fantasy baseball Week 3 waiver wire pickups for 2026. Expert advice for waiver wire hitter, pitcher, and closer targets from Eric, Andy, Joey, Frank, Mike, and Dan.

With another week of MLB action in the books, it's time to turn our attention to the waiver wire. In this piece, we will spotlight some of our staff's top waiver wire recommendations ahead of Week 3 of the fantasy baseball season.

In this week's edition, we have a budding catcher who is entering must-start territory, while several left-handed starting pitchers turned in dominant outings this week.

Who should we look to pick up this week? Let's dive in!

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Hitter Fantasy Baseball Waiver Wire Pickups

Max Muncy, 2B/3B/SS, Athletics

Athletics infielder Max Muncy has absolutely been lacing the ball this season. He is hitting .314 with two home runs, five RBI, and one stolen base in his first 52 plate appearances, and there has been no stopping the young hitter. With a baseball savant page that is bright red, Muncy is a top waiver wire target in all leagues this week.

Like Keith, the 23-year-old is showing massive signs of a breakout season in 2026. Both his average exit velocity (95.5 mph) and hard-hit rate (67.7%) rank in the 98th percentile, and his expected slugging (.515), barrel rate (16.1%), and launch angle sweet-spot rate (48.4%) all rank in the top 12% of the league. So, be ready to spend around 7-10% of your remaining FAAB to get Muncy on waivers.

- Joey Pollizee

Carter Jensen, C, Kansas City Royals

Carter Jensen was a popular late-round No. 2 catcher for those in two-catcher leagues, but is quickly making a strong case to enter starting consideration in standard one-catcher leagues. After being held out of the lineup for one game due to oversleeping earlier in April, Jensen has completely flipped the script in his first full MLB campaign.

Since April 4 (four games), Jensen has launched two home runs with one double and a 3:2 K:BB. Over his first five games of the campaign, the young backstop went 2-for-16 with only one extra-base hit.

Jensen earned the call to the majors late last season and immediately flashed high upside. Over his first 20 games in the big leagues, Jensen held a .300/.391/.550 line with a .941 OPS, six doubles, and three home runs. During this short stint, Jensen generated an elite .336 xBA, .633 xSLG, and a .447 xwOBA, which suggests his high-end production could be sustainable over a full season, which made him a top late-round breakout candidate in draft season.

While it took him a week and a soft benching to find his footing, he appears to be on the path to a breakout season. The 22-year-old has the power upside to warrant a pick up in all formats ahead of Week 3 and could eventually emerge as a legit top-10 option at the position. Given that he continues to see an everyday role in the offense (both at catcher and DH), Jensen has the skill set to hit over 20 HRs while holding a solid batting average.

Even if you have a stable No. 1 catcher, Jensen could emerge as a weekly "utility" option.

Hot start! 😏 pic.twitter.com/xkjo1WmddQ

— Kansas City Royals (@Royals) April 7, 2026

- Andy Smith

Josh Bell, 1B, Minnesota Twins

It feels like I include Josh Bell in a waiver wire article every season. This isn't a guy you get excited about drafting, but he always has stretches that push him onto fantasy teams at various points throughout the season. I'd be willing to bet that at least 75% of you reading this have picked up Bell at least once over the last few seasons, maybe even more than once.

Bell has smacked three home runs in his first 51 plate appearances to go along with 11 runs scored, 10 RBI, eight walks, and a .317/.431/.634 slash line. He's one of just four players to have at least three home runs, eight walks, 10 RBI, and 10 runs so far, joining Ben Rice, Yordan Alvarez, and James Wood.

Under the hood, Bell has a career-best 53.6% hard-hit rate and 15.7% walk rate in the early going, but what really stands out is his eye-popping 78.6% air rate, 53.6% pull rate, and 39.3% Pull AIR%. These will likely stabilize as the season progresses, but if Bell continues hitting the ball in the air and to his pull side more consistently than he has in previous seasons, it's possible that we see a bit of a late-career mini-breakout from the 11-year veteran.

- Eric Cross

Brady House, 3B, Washington Nationals

The Washington Nationals are in the midst of a rebuild, so it makes sense for them to give all their younger players plenty of run this season. One of those names who is playing regularly and off to a solid start is third baseman Brady House. In his first 48 plate appearances this season, House is slashing .295/.354/.500 with two home runs, five RBI, and seven runs scored.

House is barrelling up pitches at a much higher rate this season (12.9%), and his 89.8 mph AVG EV mirrors his mark from last season. But what has me encouraged right now is the walk rate rising from 2.9% to 8.3%, along with minor improvements to his zone contact rate, chase rate, and overall contact rate. House has been more patient this season, looking for pitches he can do damage on, and the early results have been promising.

- Eric Cross

Garrett Mitchell, OF, Milwaukee Brewers

Another post-hype breakout to monitor is Garrett Mitchell of the Brewers. Mitchell is a former first-round pick but has endured an extensive list of injuries, which has stalled any breakout in the major leagues. Entering the 2026 season, Mitchell played in just 141 games (across four seasons), but was effective, holding a .254/.333/.433 line with 13 home runs and 23 stolen bases.

He has opened the 2026 season as Milwaukee's primary center fielder and has lived up to the job. Through 10 games, Mitchell has posted a .310/.429/.517 line with one home run and three stolen bases. Mitchell has batted in the heart of the lineup (sometimes cleanup), which has allowed him to tally 13 RBI and score four runs.

While his sample size in the majors is not overly lengthy, his current underlying marks are quite impressive. Mitchell sits in the 93rd percentile in xwOBA and holds a stellar .544 xSLG, 56.3% hard-hit rate, and a 76.0 mph average bat speed. Additionally, his speed should remain steady as he currently sits in the 85th percentile in sprint speed.

Mitchell has 20/20 upside. Don't let him sit on your waiver wire, as he could emerge as a weekly option in standard rotisserie leagues. Those in points leagues should monitor his strikeout rate as his hefty 38.9% K% lowers his ceiling in those scoring formats.

We have been waiting on the Garrett Mitchell breakout and a full healthy season from the Brewers OF could be getting going

His 2nd double in as many games give the Brewers Crew an early 2-0 lead in KC pic.twitter.com/cXQNP8hM8c

— Baseball Unstitched (@BaseUnstitched) April 4, 2026

- Andy Smith

Owen Caissie, OF, Miami Marlins

After being drafted by the Padres back in 2020, traded to the Cubs shortly thereafter, and then traded again to the Marlins this past offseason, Owen Caissie is finally getting his shot in the major leagues. It's been a solid first dozen games for the Canadian outfielder, too, slashing .324/.385/.618 with two home runs, one steal, and 12 RBI. In fact, Caissie is tied for sixth in the National League in RBI, only three behind Drake Baldwin.

Owen Caissie continues to rake 😤

The @Marlins' No. 3 prospect (MLB No. 39) is 3-for-4 today with 2 doubles and 3 RBIs.

He now has 12 RBIs this season and is batting .324 with a 1.003 OPS. pic.twitter.com/M7LB5o8oxI

— MLB Pipeline (@MLBPipeline) April 9, 2026

When rostering Caissie, it's important to know and understand the pros and cons. He's a talented player with plenty of power upside, but he's also been incredibly streaky throughout his half-decade in professional baseball. We're seeing those pros and cons so far this season with a 27.3% barrel rate, 91.3 mph AVG EV, 33.3% strikeout rate, 33.8% whiff rate, and a 75.5% zone contact rate.

Caissie could easily hit 25 home runs and push double-digit steals this season, but I'd bank on the batting average being more in the .240-.250 range.

- Eric Cross

Pitcher Fantasy Baseball Waiver Wire Pickups

Joey Cantillo, SP, Cleveland Guardians

Cleveland Guardians pitcher Joey Cantillo was impressive in his most recent start against the Kansas City Royals on Wednesday. He tossed 5 2/3 innings of one-run ball with two walks and nine strikeouts, marking his second straight outing of completing at least five innings and allowing one run or fewer. That firmly puts Cantillo as an add in 12-plus team leagues.

Cleveland Guardians' starting pitcher Joey Cantillo had the changeup working against the Royals, leading to a 38.9% swinging-strike rate. He continues to throw a harder changeup (+1.6 mph), losing 3 inches of downward movement. That’s similar to Cantillo’s changeup velocity and… pic.twitter.com/MaK4wCzXE6

— Corbin (@corbin_young21) April 9, 2026

There were question marks about whether the southpaw would make the Guardians' Opening Day roster. He is now throwing the ball well, and his stuff has played well in the early going. Cantillo has a 33.3% strikeout rate, a 27.3% hard-hit rate, and opposing hitters have an expected .175 ERA against him across his three starts this year. So, look to pick him up ahead of Week 3.

- Joey Pollizzee

Ryan Weathers, SP, New York Yankees

Ryan Weathers was a popular late-round flier in drafts this spring, but a poor showing in spring training let out a ton of helium from Weathers' hype balloon. However, Weathers is starting to gain that momentum back with two good starts in his first three outings of the 2026 regular season. His best outing came on Thursday, when he went eight innings, allowing seven hits, one earned run, and zero walks while striking out seven.

Ryan Weathers, 2Ks in the 4th. pic.twitter.com/yW5KEf9BnD

— Rob Friedman (@PitchingNinja) April 9, 2026

For the season, Weathers now has a 2.81 ERA, 1.38 WHIP, 7.4% walk rate, and a 26.5% strikeout rate through his first 16 innings. He's been going to his 4-seamer and changeup less often in favor of more sinkers, and Weathers' sweeper has yet to allow a hit while recording a 44.4% whiff rate.

I'm sure we'll see some peaks and valleys from Weathers throughout the season, as he's never been a consistent pitcher. But if he can stay healthy and get up around 150 innings, the upside is a top-50 starter for fantasy purposes.

- Eric Cross

Payton Tolle, SP, Boston Red Sox

We have a new No. 1. After moving up our stash list last week, Boston's Payton Tolle has claimed the No. 1 spot, as he not only possesses the most upside but also has a path to majors that is becoming quite clear. Following the move to Johan Oviedo (Elbow) to the 15-day IL, Boston now has an immediate opening in the rotation.

While rookie Connelly Early has slid in as the No. 5 option, Boston began the campaign carrying six starting pitchers and could very well add another in the near future, especially if they need further depth. Currently, their No. 4 option, Brayan Bello, has stumbled through the early going, allowing eight runs over his first eight innings of work.

While his spot in the rotation is not in imminent danger, Tolle is making a strong case at Triple-A to push the team's hand.

After a modest season debut with Worcester, where he struck out six over four innings of four-run ball, the hard-throwing southpaw looked like his 2025 self on April 5. Facing Saint Paul, Tolle was sharp, striking out seven batters over four innings while allowing two runs (one earned) with just four hits and one walk.

Payton Tolle looked good today in Triple-A.

6 IP, 4 H, ER, BB, 7 K

Pitch Breakdown...
Cutter: 20
Sinker: 17
4-Seam: 16
Curveball: 11
Changeup: 10#DirtyWaterpic.twitter.com/eBZ0FsMQYo

— Eric Cross (@EricCrossMLB) April 5, 2026

The 23-year-old made his MLB debut last summer but was not overly impressive, holding a 6.06 ERA and a 1.59 WHIP. However, Tolle made his professional debut at the start of the 2025 campaign and progressed through the year at an incredible rate. He opened the season at High-A but was able to earn the call to the majors after making just nine total appearances across Double-A and Triple-A.

Over these 42 innings (in the upper minors), Tolle struck out 54 hitters while carrying a 2.36 ERA and a 0.79 WHIP. His strikeout upside is truly elite, and managers looking for a difference maker should stash Tolle this weekend.

- Andy Smith

Jeffrey Springs, SP, Athletics

Athletics starting pitcher Jeffrey Springs has pitched lights out in his two most recent outings. He tossed six strong innings of one-run ball with seven strikeouts against the Astros last Friday and then threw seven shutout innings with six strikeouts against the Yankees on Thursday. Those two performances put Springs on the waiver wire list in 12-team leagues.

There isn't a noticeable difference in Springs' pitch mix this season compared to last season. But he continues to allow soft contact, and his changeup has been a game-changer for him so far. Given how he has looked on the mound in his last two starts, the southpaw is worth a look in some leagues. Just be wary of starting him at home, as he had a 4.81 ERA at Sutter Health Park in 2025 compared to a 3.45 ERA on the road.

- Joey Pollizee

Riley O'Brien, RP, St. Louis Cardinals

St. Louis Cardinals pitcher Riley O'Brien is the best reliever to target in all fantasy leagues heading into Week 3. Not only has O'Brien allowed no runs across 8 1/3 innings to begin the year, but the right-hander has emerged as the Cardinals' closer. He has pitched the ninth inning in each of his last six appearances out of the bullpen.

That's enough reason to bid big on O'Brien in all fantasy formats. He has converted all four of his save opportunities so far and appears to be St. Louis' go-to closer for the foreseeable future. The 31-year-old ranks in the 95th percentile or better in expected ERA (1.55), average exit velocity (79 mph), walk rate (0%), and hard-hit rate (16.7%). He projects well for the rest of the season.

- Joey Pollizze

Jakob Junis, RP, Texas Rangers

The final player we will spotlight this week is our closer to target, Jakob Junis. The Rangers bullpen has been operating in a committee for the early part of the season, but Junis is beginning to emerge to the top. After registering a hold in each of his first two appearances, he has earned two saves in back-to-back games (on April 6 and April 7).

In these two outings, Junis allowed just two hits with no runs. Overall, Junis has logged seven shutout innings with four punchouts and a 0.43 WHIP. While the 33-year-old's strikeout upside is not high compared to most closers in the sport, he possesses elite command (0.0% BB% in 2026, 4.9% average BB% in 2024 and 2025), which should keep his WHIP low.

While Robert Garcia and Cole Winn figure to steal save opportunities during the season, if Junis continues his scoreless streak, it will be hard for the Rangers to turn away from him. For those who are falling behind in saves and need a short-term solution, Junis is a solid addition as he should provide high-end ratios even if that save totals remain inconsistent.

Jakob Junis is with @LauraStickells after opening the season 2-for-2 in save situations: pic.twitter.com/NTEt7buomH

— Rangers Sports Network (@RangersSNtv) April 8, 2026

- Andy Smith

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