FAAB & Waiver Wire Report (Week 12)
Jordan Johnson-Imagn Images
In this article, I cover the players using CBS’s and Yahoo’s ADD/DROP rates. Both sites have the option for daily and weekly waiver wire adds. CBS uses a weekly change while Yahoo looks at the last 24 hours. Yahoo is a great snapshot of right now, while CBS ensures hot targets from early in the week aren’t missed. I start players being added at CBS who started the week on less than 40% of rosters.
The players are ordered for redraft leagues by my rest-of-season preference, grouped by hitters, starters, and relievers.
Batters
Braden Montgomery: Posted a .970 OPS in AAA and now a .913 OPS (.375 BABIP) in the majors. No obvious flaws, add now while you can.
Cole Carrigg: In AAA, he was batting .338/.414/.529 with 6 HR and 30 SB. In 16 PA in the majors, he has 2 HR and is making contact (82% Contact%).
Blaze Jordan: Had a .921 OPS with 11 HR in AAA. Started both games in the majors with a 25% K% and 1 HR.
Denzer Guzman: Started four of five games at third base since being promoted. He was batting .336/.403/.571 with 12 HR and 9 SB in AAA. A .167 BABIP has him struggling to be productive in the majors. His Contact% is up 13% points compared to last season.
Jasson Domínguez: Off the IL, and already has a home run on Saturday. While it’s only 32 PA, his Contact% is up from 75% coming into the season to 81% this year. Buy now to see if the 13% K% sticks.
Royce Lewis: Since returning from his AAA demotion, he has a 1.082 OPS and 2 HR in 25 PA. Before going on AAA, his K% was 31%; since returning, it’s 12%. Ranked high on upside.
Jake McCarthy: His value centers around his 11 SB, but he does have 4 HR and a .282 AVG.
Paul Goldschmidt: Continues to start every game while batting .286/.361/.517 with 8 HR. With all the injuries the Yankees have experienced, he should continue to start.
Willi Castro: Ideal bench bat qualified at several positions and provides a little of everything (3 HR, 5 SB, .269).
Chase Meidroth: I wish his steals would head up (15 SB in 2025, 2 SB in 2026). Besides a .282 AVG, he doesn’t provide much category juice (5 HR).
Kody Clemens: The strong-side platoon bat started against two of the last three lefties. Surprisingly, 10 HR in 221 PA.
Colton Cowser: Turned the power on since May 1st (7 HR). The strong-side platoon bat should continue to get playing time with six righty starters on the schedule next week.
Jake Mangum: Starting every game in centerfield for the injured Oneil Cruz. While he doesn’t hit for power (1 HR), he does have 12 SB and a .290 AVG.
Nick Gonzales: Continues to be a source of batting average (.301 AVG) and nothing more (2 HR, 3 SB).
Troy Johnston: Another batting average only guy (.311 AVG, 2 HR, 4 SB).
Jared Young: Been solid in 79 PA with 4 HR and a .271 AVG. Sat against a lefty on Saturday and only faces four righties next week. I’d make sure to have a full-time sub for him.
Wade Meckler: Productive as a strong-side platoon bat (2 HR, 2 SB, .316 AVG). The Angels only face four righties next week, so not worth adding.
Dominic Canzone: Strong side platoon bat who faced six righties this week but only three next week. Drop.
Lars Nootbaar: Strong side platoon bat with 2 HR in 31 PA. Facing five righties next week.
Tyler Callihan: On the strong-side platoon of a third base platoon with a 1.350 OPS (2 HR) in 26 PA.
David Hamilton: Strong-side platoon bat who steals bases (14 SB) and not much else. Just four righties on the schedule next week, making him a tough roster.
Blake Dunn: While batting a respectable .282/.333/.398, he has sat in two of the last three games. Monitor his playing time since he needs to be playing to be fantasy-relevant.
Ryan Ward: Strong-side platoon bat with 3 HR in 35 PA so far. While a bit older (28) than most prospects, a couple of his projection comps would be Carlos Cortes/Kody Clemens. The team only faces four righties next week.
Jordan Lawlar: I’m not a Lawlar believer. He’s not been good in the majors (.572 OPS) and was struggling with a 68% Contact% and 30% K% in AAA.
Spencer Jones: A .429 BABIP vs a 41% K%. I suspect the strikeout will dominate with Jones remaining fantasy-irrelevant.
Andrew Vaughn: Just six starts in the last 10 games. A .395 BABIP has him batting .366/.433/.548 on the season.
Blaze Alexander: Only five starts in the last 10 games. Not worth rostering.
Catchers
Francisco Alvarez: Since coming off the IL, he’s been struggling to make contact with a 43% K%.
Brandon Valenzuela: While he has hit (.252/.333/.457, 7 HR), his playing time may take a hit with Alejandro Kirk coming off the IL.
Kyle Higashioka: Everyday catcher in Texas but barely hitting (.666 OPS, 4 HR).
Hitting Prospects
Kaelen Culpepper: In AAA, the 23-year-old shortstop is batting .269/.374/.487 with 14 HR and 14 SB in 281 PA.
James Tibbs III: In AAA, the 23-year-old first baseman is batting .310/.420/.612 with 18 HR and 3 SB in 293 PA.
Yohandy Morales: In AAA, the 24-year-old third baseman is batting .339/.415/.596 with 15 HR and 3 SB in 248 PA.
Luis Lara: In AAA, the 21-year-old outfielder is batting .332/.448/.486 with 7 HR and 20 SB in 262 PA.
| Name | Previous Roster% | Current Roster% | Change |
|---|---|---|---|
| Nick Gonzales | 39% | 46% | 7% |
| Jasson Dominguez | 39% | 41% | 2% |
| Chase Meidroth | 38% | 40% | 2% |
| Jordan Lawlar | 36% | 39% | 3% |
| Francisco Alvarez | 35% | 41% | 6% |
| Spencer Jones | 34% | 40% | 6% |
| Jake McCarthy | 34% | 37% | 3% |
| Andrew Vaughn | 34% | 36% | 2% |
| Royce Lewis | 33% | 42% | 9% |
| Kody Clemens | 28% | 39% | 11% |
| Troy Johnston | 27% | 29% | 2% |
| Dominic Canzone | 26% | 50% | 24% |
| Colton Cowser | 20% | 33% | 13% |
| James Tibbs | 20% | 22% | 2% |
| Braden Montgomery | 19% | 60% | 41% |
| Willi Castro | 18% | 20% | 2% |
| Paul Goldschmidt | 17% | 26% | 9% |
| Cole Carrigg | 16% | 33% | 17% |
| Kaelen Culpepper | 16% | 19% | 3% |
| Brandon Valenzuela | 12% | 20% | 8% |
| Lars Nootbaar | 11% | 19% | 8% |
| David Hamilton | 11% | 18% | 7% |
| Luis Lara | 9% | 17% | 8% |
| Blaze Alexander | 8% | 12% | 4% |
| Wade Meckler | 6% | 12% | 6% |
| Yohandy Morales | 6% | 8% | 2% |
| Jake Mangum | 5% | 9% | 4% |
| Blaze Jordan | 5% | 9% | 4% |
| Blake Dunn | 5% | 7% | 2% |
| Kyle Higashioka | 4% | 8% | 4% |
| Ryan Ward | 2% | 4% | 2% |
| Jared Young | 1% | 4% | 3% |
| Denzer Guzman | 1% | 3% | 2% |
| Tyler Callihan | 0% | 2% | 2% |
Starting Pitchers
Christian Scott: Strikeout rate is down to 7.8 K/9 in June, but that’s his only issue over the last two months.
Brandon Young: In the four games since Young leaned into his new splitter, he has a 1.69 ERA (3.76 xFIP), 0.98 WHIP, and 6.8 K/9.
Slade Cecconi: By month, his xFIP has dropped from 4.82 to 3.91 to 2.99. About mid-May, he dumped his slider and added a changeup to take a step forward. Also, he started throwing more strikes.
Sean Manaea: Added a cutter over his last three starts, with his xFIP dropping from 4.43 to 3.29.
Walker Buehler: His velocity has slowly trended up (image) with his monthly xFIP going from 4.04 to 3.89 to 3.32. Faces Texas next week. I’m more interested than I should be.
Andre Pallante: A low 4.00’s ERA talent who is lined up to face the Padres and then a two-step against the Diamondbacks and Marlins.
Martín Pérez: Wednesday’s rainout pushed him back off the world’s greatest schedule. Instead of facing the Giants next week, he gets the Brewers.
Javier Assad: In the rotation with Matthew Boyd on the IL. In his last two games (both vs SFG), he had a combined 0.00 ERA, 0.49 WHIP, and 7.3 K/9.
Andrew Alvarez: Even though he’s been allowed to throw 90 pitches, he hasn’t gotten an out in the fifth inning yet. While his 9.6 K/9 and 3.70 ERA (3.17 xFIP) will play, his 1.44 WHIP (4.1 K/9) won’t. His WHIP is doing as much ratio damage as a 5.16 ERA. Don’t start until the walks come down.
Walbert Ureña: The 2.44 ERA is supported by a 9.0 K/9 and 50% GB%. It is not supported by 5.4 BB/9 (6.6 BB/9 in June). A 4.42 xFIP and 4.36 botERA point to his true talent.
Jake Bennett: An uninspiring three-game (15 IP) debut with a 5.28 ERA (4.47 xFIP), 1.50 WHIP, and 4.7 K/9. While the results disappoint, our STUPH models love him (3.99 botERA, 110 Pitching+).
Ian Seymour: I’m pretty sure Seymour is in Tampa’s rotation, but we’ll see. In his last “start”, he lasted 4 IP (55 pitches). His results so far this season are 4.89 ERA (4.35 xFIP), 1.26 WHIP (4.1 BB/9), and a 9.8 K/9. I’ll need to Seymour before buying in.
Robert Gasser: Unrosterable in four starts with a 6.38 ERA (5.47 xFIP) and 1.58 WHIP (4.4 BB/9) with his fastball down 1 mph. Ignore.
Zack Littell: Why are people adding a 5.50 ERA talent?
Patrick Corbin: Regression came fast in his last two starts (10.13 ERA, 6.74 xFIP, 2.00 WHIP, 4.5 K/9, 6.8 BB/9). Note to self: Never again be sucked into a few seemingly competent games.
Hunter Dobbins: Demoted, ignore.
Pitching Prospects
Karson Milbrandt: Across AA and AAA, the 22-year-old righty has a 1.19 ERA (3.15 xFIP), 0.98 WHIP, and 12.1 K/9 in 53 IP.
Hagen Smith: In AAA, the 22-year-old lefty has a 3.78 ERA (4.15 xFIP), 1.34 WHIP (6.2 BB/9), and 13.6 K/9 in 47 IP.
Hurston Waldrep: Three starts since coming off the IL where he’s struggled with command (5.87 BB/9, 5.87 ERA).
| Name | Previous Roster% | Current Roster% | Change |
|---|---|---|---|
| Christian Scott | 40% | 48% | 8% |
| Walbert Urena | 39% | 56% | 17% |
| Martin Perez | 25% | 29% | 4% |
| Zack Littell | 21% | 27% | 6% |
| Andre Pallante | 21% | 26% | 5% |
| Walker Buehler | 20% | 31% | 11% |
| Slade Cecconi | 19% | 24% | 5% |
| Sean Manaea | 19% | 20% | 1% |
| Shane Drohan | 15% | 22% | 7% |
| Hagen Smith | 15% | 19% | 4% |
| Hurston Waldrep | 15% | 17% | 2% |
| Karson Milbrandt | 13% | 17% | 4% |
| Justin Verlander | 13% | 14% | 1% |
| Ian Seymour | 11% | 13% | 2% |
| Brandon Young | 10% | 33% | 23% |
| Patrick Corbin | 9% | 11% | 2% |
| Robert Gasser | 4% | 6% | 2% |
| Jake Bennett | 4% | 6% | 2% |
| Andrew Alvarez | 3% | 8% | 5% |
| Hunter Dobbins | 2% | 4% | 2% |
| Javier Assad | 1% | 5% | 4% |
Relievers: Saves-based ranks
Yoendrys Gómez: Average reliever who is the team’s closer.
Alex Lange: Below-average reliever who is the closer.
Grant Taylor: Great reliever who could be the closer.
Hogan Harris: Average reliever who is getting most of the team’s Saves.
Elvis Alvarado: Good reliever who shares the closer duties.
Fernando Cruz: Good reliever who is the backup closer.
Dylan Lee: Great reliever who is a step or two away from closing.
Will Vest: Average reliever who is a step or two away from closing.
Brad Lord: Average reliever who is a step or two away from closing.
Colin Holderman: Good reliever who is a few steps away from closing.
Anthony Bender: Good reliever who is the backup closer.
| Name | Previous Roster% | Current Roster% | Change |
|---|---|---|---|
| Grant Taylor | 26% | 39% | 13% |
| Dylan Lee | 19% | 22% | 3% |
| Hogan Harris | 19% | 21% | 2% |
| Yoendrys Gomez | 17% | 25% | 8% |
| Fernando Cruz | 11% | 13% | 2% |
| Will Vest | 9% | 11% | 2% |
| Alex Lange | 5% | 38% | 33% |
| Brad Lord | 5% | 8% | 3% |
| Colin Holderman | 3% | 5% | 2% |
| Elvis Alvarado | 1% | 3% | 2% |
| Anthony Bender | 1% | 3% | 2% |
Jeff, one of the authors of the fantasy baseball guide,The Process, writes for RotoGraphs, The Hardball Times, Rotowire, Baseball America, and BaseballHQ. He has been nominated for two SABR Analytics Research Award for Contemporary Analysis and won it in 2013 in tandem with Bill Petti. He has won four FSWA Awards including on for his Mining the News series. He's won Tout Wars three times, LABR twice, and got his first NFBC Main Event win in 2021. Follow him on Twitter @jeffwzimmerman.
Would you drop Adames to l pick up Castro?
Littell: “Why are people adding a 5.50 ERA talent?”
It’s pretty obvious why if one took the time to look at his previous games before his recent blow up on 6/12. He had pitched five games of 5+ inning ball with 2 or less runs in each with a modest average of 4 Ks each.
If you had written this at the beginning of May I couldn’t blame you as his end of April is a stark reminder of how rough he can be. That’s where most of his 5.50 ERA likely came from, by the way.