FAAB & Waiver Wire Report (Week 23)
Eric Canha-Imagn Images
In the article, I cover the players using CBS’s (about 40% or less initial roster rate) and Yahoo’s ADD/DROP rates. Both hosting 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. The players are ordered for redraft leagues by my rest-of-season preference, grouped by starters, relievers, and hitters.
Batters
Matt Wallner: He has 20 HR (17 vs RHP) in 326 PA. An available source of home runs, but only plays every four out of five games.
Luis Matos: Promoted and has started eight straight games. Over this stretch, he has 3 HR, 2 SB, and a .433 AVG.
Wenceel Pérez: He has started 12 times in the last 13 games—fairly balanced production (11 HR and 7 SB in 277 PA). His biggest gains this year are in power (88.4 mph to 90.4 mph).
Brooks Lee: Starting and now batting between the second and sixth spot. He’s in a hot stretch with his ISO, K%, and BB% all at career bests.
I wonder if he can maintain it.
Jeremiah Jackson: Nine straight starts while batting second. Balanced approach in the minors (15 HR, 11 SB, .313 AVG), but it’s only batting average in the majors (1 HR, 0 SB, .325 AVG).
Dylan Beavers: He has 12 starts in the last 13 games while batting .306/.432/.500 (.435 BABIP).
Harrison Bader: Eight starts in the last 10 games while being productive at the plate (14 HR, 10 SB, .269 AVG).
Carson Williams: The strikeouts are back (38% K%), but he has started six straight games at shortstop. He’s tough to believe in with such horrible plate skills.
Nolan Gorman: He has 15 straight starts with a 118 wRC+ in the second half. He’s showing some power with 13 HR in 320 PA.
Jared Triolo: Starting, qualified at four positions, and stealing a few bases (9 SB in 259 PA).
Jake Mangum: Now on the strong side of an outfield platoon. A decent source of batting average (.284 AVG) and steals (20 SB).
Jeff McNeil: Seven starts in the last 10 games. He’s not doing much this year that’s relevant in roto leagues. He’s an accumulator in points leagues.
Brett Baty: Starts about 80% of the time and on a second-half hot streak (.685 OPS to .879 OPS) driven by a BABIP jump (.266 BABIP to .351 BABIP). He’s in the best 40-game sample of his career (134 wRC+).
Gavin Sheets: With Jackson Merrill still on the IL, Sheets continues to rack up starts.
Caleb Durbin: Getting most of the third base starts while being the most average (i.e. boring) bat possible (9 HR, 11 SB, .259 AVG).
Casey Schmitt: He’s struggling in the second half (.225/.279/.400) but has started in 11 straight games.
Mike Yastrzemski: Strong-side platoon bat with 15 HR and 6 SB this year.
Starling Marte: Seven starts in the last 10 games, six as the DH. Decent (8 HR, 7 SB, .282 AVG) when playing (270 PA).
Nathaniel Lowe: A strong-side platoon bat who the Nats cut. He has hit 17 HR this season.
Andruw Monasterio: Displaying some power (4 HR in 102 PA, .221 ISO) while starting every game at shortstop since Joey Ortiz went on the IL.
Spencer Horwitz: Fantasy irrelevant bat on the strong side of a first base platoon.
Nacho Alvarez Jr.: Starting third baseman for the Braves with few hitting skills.
Zack Gelof: In 42 PA, he has 21 K.
Catchers
Kyle Teel: Started in 11 of 13 games (2 as DH) while batting .329/.393/.447 in August.
Gabriel Moreno: Off the IL and started in six of the first eight games since returning. During the stretch, he has a 31% K%, but he’s had several similar strikeout-filled stretches, including two this year.
Dillon Dingler: Fine. He has 12 HR and a .272 AVG.
Hitting Prospects
Sal Stewart: Across two minor league levels (AA and AAA), the 21-year-old third baseman posted 20 HR, 17 SB, and .308/.384/.526 in 485 PA.
| Name | Previous Roster% | Current Roster% | Change |
|---|---|---|---|
| Nate Lowe 1B BOS | 37% | 41% | 4% |
| Gavin Sheets LF SD | 35% | 40% | 5% |
| Mike Yastrzemski RF KC | 34% | 37% | 3% |
| Dylan Beavers OF BAL | 34% | 37% | 3% |
| Dillon Dingler C DET | 33% | 35% | 2% |
| Brooks Lee SS MIN | 31% | 41% | 10% |
| Caleb Durbin 3B MIL | 31% | 35% | 4% |
| Gabriel Moreno C ARI | 29% | 33% | 4% |
| Carson Williams SS TB | 28% | 36% | 8% |
| Brett Baty 3B NYM | 27% | 40% | 13% |
| Jeff McNeil 2B NYM | 26% | 38% | 12% |
| Kyle Teel C CHW | 26% | 36% | 10% |
| Matt Wallner RF MIN | 24% | 28% | 4% |
| Spencer Horwitz 1B PIT | 19% | 24% | 5% |
| Jake Mangum LF TB | 15% | 17% | 2% |
| Harrison Bader CF PHI | 14% | 16% | 2% |
| Starling Marte DH NYM | 12% | 14% | 2% |
| Nolan Gorman 3B STL | 11% | 13% | 2% |
| Sal Stewart 1B CIN | 11% | 13% | 2% |
| Casey Schmitt 2B SF | 5% | 7% | 2% |
| Luis Matos RF SF | 2% | 8% | 6% |
| Nacho Alvarez Jr. 3B ATL | 2% | 4% | 2% |
| Jared Triolo SS PIT | 1% | 13% | 12% |
| Jeremiah Jackson 2B BAL | 1% | 9% | 8% |
| Andruw Monasterio SS MIL | 0% | 2% | 2% |
| Zack Gelof 2B ATH | 17% | 18% | 1% |
| Wenceel Perez RF DET | 16% | 17% | 1% |
Starting Pitchers
Parker Messick: Two starts, amazing results (0.66 ERA, 2.48 xFIP, 0.88 WHIP, 7.9 K/9). Add while you still can.
Jonah Tong: First off, the 22-year-old righty will remain in the rotation.
Mendoza: Jonah Tong will remain in Mets rotation; will use 6-man rotation.
— Underdog MLB (@UnderdogMLB) August 30, 2025
If he repeats the results from his first start, he’s a must-add, must-start, and must-draft in the top-20 for 2026. The only issue I found was that his changeup only had an 8% SwStr% in this start, but it posted a 23% SwStr% in the minors.
Payton Tolle: Great debut (8 K, 2 ER, and 2 BB in 5 IP) and gets Cleveland this week.
Braxton Ashcraft: If Ashcraft were on a contending team and going deeper into games (72 max pitch count), he’d be the #1 add. Instead, he’s a bit down.
Ian Seymour: His second start of the season will be on Sunday when he faces Washington. So far, the transition has been fine, and it’ll be interesting if he can keep up his relieving results (10.8 K/8, 1.02 WHIP, 3.18 ERA, and 3.24 xFIP).
J.T. Ginn: While at times, he can be home run prone (1.9 HR/9, 4.79 FIP, 4.96 ERA), all of his core abilities are sound (10.2 K/9, 2.9 BB/9, 51% GB%). His one issue is that he struggles against lefties (6.50 FIP vs LHH, 3.42 FIP vs RHH). He’s throwing his changeup (24% SwStr%) more (>15% usage over the last five games).
Ryan Bergert: Continues to throw strikes with the Royals (2.5 BB/9) and is settling in as a streaming talent. Next week, he faces the Angels.
Luis Morales: He’s been lucky so far (92% LOB%, .200 BABIP, 0.4 HR/9) and heading into a two-start week (at STL, at LAA). Even with some regression and his high walk rate (4.0 BB/9), he’s a reasonable streamer assuming he’s a low-4.00 ERA talent.
Johan Oviedo: Mixed start off the IL with 10 IP in three starts (12.6 K/9, 4.5 BB/9). Worth adding for the upside, but I’m not confident starting him just yet.
Michael McGreevy: The low-4.00 ERA talent lined up for a cupcake schedule over the past few weeks, which continues next week against the Giants.
Shane Smith: In a two-start week with the first one going great (0 ER in 7 IP). A .256 BABIP is keeping his 1.23 WHIP and 3.87 ERA in check. If he survives the Yankees start, he faces the Twins next week.
Taijuan Walker: Next week looks to be a two-start week (at MIL, at MIA) for the subpar talent. At least Walker has a solid team built around him to possibly get a couple of Wins.
Javier Assad: He has the Nats on next week’s schedule. While he’s not striking anyone out (5.8 K/9), he’s barely walking anyone and keeps the ball on the ground (1.9 BB/9, 54% GB%).
Michael Lorenzen: Two great matchups next week (vs LAA, vs MIN) for a well below-average starter. He showed decent skills (3.37 xFIP, 4.73 ERA) in three August starts against weak offenses (CWS x 2, TEX).
Jason Alexander: For me, Costanza was worth streaming against the Rockies, but will head to the wire since he faces the Yankees next week.
Davis Martin: He’s coming into a two-start week (at MIN, at DET) as a mid-4.50 ERA talent. Only a desperate fantasy team will take the chance.
Martín Pérez: Perez and his 89-mph fastball are back for his 37th season with two starts next week against the Twins and Tigers.
Yoendrys Gómez: The walks (5.3 BB/9 with the White Sox) keep him unrosterable.
Carson Whisenhunt: On a two-start week (at COL, at STL) would get this scrub on the added list. My thoughts on him …
Rehabbing Starters
Tylor Megill: He’s supposed to join the Mets’ rotation next week. We’ll see if that happens with Jonah Tong and Nolan McLean pitching well.
Tyler Wells: Joining Baltimore’s rotation next week.
John Means: Made three rehab starts with the last one lasting 3 IP. His 90.5 mph average fastball velocity is similar to previous seasons.
Pitching Prospect
Robby Snelling: Across two minor league levels (AA and AAA), the 21-year-old lefty posted a 2.75 ERA (2.91 xFIP), 10.6 K/9, and 1.14 WHIP in 118 IP.
| Name | Previous Roster% | Current Roster% | Change |
|---|---|---|---|
| Tylor Megill SP NYM | 38% | 39% | 1% |
| Michael McGreevy SP STL | 26% | 33% | 7% |
| Taijuan Walker SP PHI | 23% | 25% | 2% |
| Jonah Tong SP NYM | 20% | 56% | 36% |
| Michael Lorenzen SP KC | 20% | 22% | 2% |
| Ryan Bergert SP KC | 18% | 22% | 4% |
| Robby Snelling SP MIA | 17% | 20% | 3% |
| Jason Alexander SP HOU | 16% | 20% | 4% |
| Parker Messick SP CLE | 15% | 47% | 32% |
| Garrett Whitlock RP BOS | 14% | 16% | 2% |
| Carson Whisenhunt SP SF | 12% | 15% | 3% |
| Davis Martin SP CHW | 9% | 11% | 2% |
| Payton Tolle SP BOS | 8% | 35% | 27% |
| Luis Morales SP ATH | 8% | 29% | 21% |
| Braxton Ashcraft RP PIT | 8% | 21% | 13% |
| J.T. Ginn SP ATH | 6% | 7% | 1% |
| Javier Assad SP CHC | 5% | 7% | 2% |
| Ian Seymour RP TB | 4% | 26% | 22% |
| Johan Oviedo SP PIT | 4% | 9% | 5% |
| Martin Perez SP CHW | 4% | 8% | 4% |
| John Means SP CLE | 2% | 4% | 2% |
| Name | IP | BotERA | Pitching+ERA | SwStr% ERA | FBv ERA | SIERA | xFIP | AVG |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Parker Messick | 13.2 | 2.76 | 2.88 | 3.46 | 4.17 | 3.10 | 2.48 | 3.14 |
| Payton Tolle | 5.1 | 4.50 | 3.12 | 2.70 | 2.40 | 3.18 | ||
| Luis Morales | 18.0 | 2.69 | 2.72 | 4.64 | 3.55 | 3.44 | 3.32 | 3.39 |
| Jonah Tong | 5.0 | 3.83 | 4.77 | 2.82 | 2.25 | 3.42 | ||
| Braxton Ashcraft | 10.2 | 4.91 | 4.33 | 2.53 | 3.67 | 2.62 | 2.48 | 3.42 |
| J.T. Ginn | 10.0 | 4.19 | 3.15 | 3.83 | 4.07 | 3.06 | 2.34 | 3.44 |
| Ian Seymour | 8.0 | 4.41 | 4.39 | 3.66 | 4.36 | 2.64 | 2.40 | 3.64 |
| Michael McGreevy | 12.0 | 3.71 | 3.88 | 4.46 | 4.21 | 3.20 | 3.28 | 3.79 |
| Jason Alexander | 17.0 | 4.50 | 4.24 | 4.18 | 4.44 | 3.40 | 3.45 | 4.03 |
| Martín Pérez | 12.1 | 4.49 | 3.72 | 4.59 | 4.59 | 3.26 | 3.61 | 4.04 |
| Ryan Bergert | 17.0 | 3.38 | 3.69 | 4.21 | 4.18 | 4.40 | 4.40 | 4.04 |
| Johan Oviedo | 9.0 | 5.32 | 4.43 | 3.53 | 3.86 | 3.42 | 4.06 | 4.10 |
| Hogan Harris | 3.1 | 2.99 | 3.53 | 4.58 | 3.86 | 5.22 | 4.48 | 4.11 |
| Javier Assad | 10.0 | 4.17 | 4.00 | 5.04 | 4.28 | 3.60 | 3.84 | 4.15 |
| Davis Martin | 14.2 | 4.31 | 4.39 | 4.41 | 4.02 | 4.37 | 4.70 | 4.37 |
| Shane Smith | 13.0 | 4.08 | 4.71 | 4.21 | 3.76 | 4.89 | 4.62 | 4.38 |
| Michael Lorenzen | 13.1 | 5.26 | 5.17 | 4.92 | 4.24 | 3.61 | 3.37 | 4.43 |
| Shawn Armstrong | 5.1 | 4.37 | 5.00 | 3.88 | 4.07 | 4.53 | 5.04 | 4.48 |
| Yoendrys Gómez | 13.2 | 4.58 | 4.32 | 4.51 | 4.01 | 5.05 | 5.02 | 4.58 |
| Taijuan Walker | 16.2 | 5.30 | 4.25 | 4.96 | 4.35 | 4.68 | 4.17 | 4.62 |
| Carson Whisenhunt | 9.0 | 4.40 | 4.79 | 4.77 | 4.20 | 6.05 | 5.76 | 4.99 |
Relievers: Save-based ranks
Abner Uribe: Great reliever who is the closer
Shawn Armstrong: Good reliever who is the closer.
Ryan Walker: Average reliever who is the closer.
Victor Vodnik: Average reliever who is the closer.
Justin Topa: Average reliever who is the closer.
Andrew Saalfrank: Below-average reliever who is the closer.
Jose Ferrer: Below-average reliever who is the closer.
Keegan Akin: Average reliever who still might be the closer.
Garrett Whitlock: Good reliever who is the backup closer.
Brad Keller: Above-average reliever who is the backup closer.
Hogan Harris: Good reliever who is a step or two from closing.
Adrian Morejon: Good reliever who is a few steps away from closing.
John Schreiber: Average reliever who is a few steps away from closing.
| Name | Previous Roster% | Current Roster% | Change |
|---|---|---|---|
| Shane Smith SP CHW | 30% | 34% | 4% |
| Abner Uribe RP MIL | 29% | 47% | 18% |
| Adrian Morejon RP SD | 27% | 29% | 2% |
| Ryan Walker RP SF | 25% | 47% | 22% |
| Jose Ferrer RP WAS | 23% | 33% | 10% |
| Taijuan Walker SP PHI | 23% | 25% | 2% |
| Edwin Uceta RP TB | 23% | 24% | 1% |
| Victor Vodnik RP COL | 16% | 20% | 4% |
| Garrett Whitlock RP BOS | 14% | 16% | 2% |
| Justin Topa RP MIN | 11% | 15% | 4% |
| Braxton Ashcraft RP PIT | 8% | 21% | 13% |
| Shawn Armstrong RP TEX | 8% | 10% | 2% |
| Brad Keller RP CHC | 5% | 8% | 3% |
| Andrew Saalfrank RP ARI | 2% | 6% | 4% |
| John Schreiber RP KC | 1% | 3% | 2% |
| Hogan Harris RP ATH | 0% | 2% | 2% |
| Name | G | SV | HLD | BS | gLI | K/9 | BB/9 | FBv | ERA | xFIP | ERA (Steamer) | K/9 (Steamer) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Abner Uribe | 7 | 1 | 3 | 0 | 1.3 | 9.0 | 2.6 | 99.2 | 0.00 | 2.85 | 1.91 | 11.1 |
| Adrian Morejon | 5 | 1 | 0 | 0 | 1.0 | 12.7 | 1.6 | 98.3 | 0.00 | 1.91 | 2.06 | 9.1 |
| Andrew Saalfrank | 6 | 2 | 0 | 1 | 2.9 | 7.5 | 0.0 | 89.6 | 3.00 | 2.99 | 2.51 | 6.6 |
| Brad Keller | 7 | 1 | 3 | 0 | 1.7 | 13.5 | 3.0 | 96.8 | 0.00 | 2.64 | 2.61 | 8.9 |
| Shawn Armstrong | 4 | 2 | 0 | 0 | 0.7 | 6.8 | 3.4 | 93.7 | 0.00 | 5.04 | 2.76 | 9.6 |
| Garrett Whitlock | 6 | 0 | 5 | 0 | 2.3 | 10.5 | 3.0 | 95.8 | 1.50 | 3.56 | 2.81 | 10.8 |
| Keegan Akin | 5 | 1 | 1 | 1 | 2.7 | 6.1 | 2.5 | 94.5 | 2.45 | 3.62 | 3.22 | 8.8 |
| John Schreiber | 6 | 1 | 2 | 0 | 1.6 | 11.1 | 1.6 | 93.8 | 0.00 | 2.80 | 3.25 | 9.2 |
| Victor Vodnik | 4 | 1 | 0 | 0 | 0.9 | 9.0 | 0.0 | 99.1 | 0.00 | 2.27 | 3.53 | 9.7 |
| Justin Topa | 5 | 2 | 0 | 0 | 1.4 | 6.4 | 6.4 | 94.6 | 4.76 | 6.25 | 3.56 | 7.8 |
| Ryan Walker | 5 | 2 | 1 | 0 | 1.9 | 12.6 | 0.0 | 95.6 | 0.00 | 0.63 | 3.56 | 9.0 |
| Hogan Harris | 4 | 2 | 0 | 0 | 3.0 | 8.1 | 8.1 | 95.2 | 0.00 | 4.48 | 3.74 | 9.3 |
| Jose A. Ferrer | 4 | 3 | 0 | 0 | 1.4 | 10.1 | 0.0 | 98.3 | 0.00 | 0.87 | 4.13 | 7.7 |
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.
I think Megill will be in the bullpen as soon as they decided to call up Tong as the sixth starter Megill was ticketed for the bullpen unless a starter gets hurt.