Waiver Wire & FAAB Report (Week 19)
Sam Navarro-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.
Note: All our fantasy impact analysis from all the trades is available in this one article.
Batters
Max Clark: The top-ranked prospect is a must-add to see how he’ll perform. I wrote the following on his promotion.
The two Brewers, Cooper Pratt and Luis Lara, stick out as great upside comps. Both showed great plate discipline and speed before getting promoted, but lack the difference-making power. Since the pair became regulars over the last two weeks, Lara ranks as the 99th-best hitter on our Player Rater and Pratt as 21st. All three give me some Nico Hoerner vibes: Speed and Average with non-zero Power.
And the downside is always heading back to Triple-A to work on something(s).
If the 21-year-old secures full-time at-bats, he is a must-add for any team needing Steals and Batting Average. If a team needs power, focus resources elsewhere.
Heriberto Hernández: He has 16 HR in 287 PA. I’m shocked he’s only 34% rostered (less than Chase Meidroth), and I’ll have to write him up again next week.
Cooper Pratt: He found a groove after the All-Star Game with a .959 OPS, 4 SB, and 2 HR. He’s seeing more playing time with nine starts in the last 10 games.
Ty France: Continues to be a solid source of batting average (.287 AVG) and power (16 HR).
Spencer Jones: His 39% K% (61% Contact%) is limiting his upside. Since being promoted this time, he has four starts (15 PA) in six games. He’s showing some improvement, with a 71% Contact%, 27% K%, and 2 HR. While he has flashed contact rates that high before, his strikeout rate does appear to be dropping.
We’ll see if he can keep this up.
Javier Báez: I’m intrigued with Baez since he came off the IL. Not because of the 1.214 OPS, but more that he’s started all three games, including one against a righty. Might be a solid add if playing all the time.
Luis Rengifo: In 50 PA with the Padres, he is batting .381/.469/.571 with 2 HR and 2 SB and could be outfield-qualified (5 games).
Vaughn Grissom: Starting and qualified at three positions (1B, 2B, 3B) with some power (7 HR in 265 PA) and batting average (.264 AVG).
Andruw Monasterio: Started nine straight games at shortstop for the Red Sox. In 213 PA, he has a .258 AVG with 6 HR and 2 SB.
Victor Mesa Jr.: Strong-side platoon bat who has 8 HR and 4 SB in just 137 PA. He only faces righties next week.
Chase Meidroth: A high-contact hitter who stopped stealing bases (14 SB to 2 SB) with some power (9 HR). Someone to settle on after missing the top targets.
Jake Cronenworth: Started in 10 of the last 11 games. Since coming off the IL, he’s batting .275/.347/.374 with 2 HR and 4 SB in 103 PA.
Tim Tawa: Starting (nine starts in the last 10 games) but limited production with a .642 OPS (IMUA!), 4 HR, and 2 SB in 149 PA.
Willi Castro: I would look to move on from Castro. I suspect the Rockies will trade him. I know his new home park will be a downgrade and his playing time will drop.
Jacob Young: Young is a solid power/speed threat with 9 HR and 13 SB in 327 PA (.684 OPS), but he’s starting against all lefties and about half the lefties (seven starts in the last 10 games.
Griffin Conine: Continues to be a strong-side bat with 9 HR and a .269 AVG in 135 PA. Right now, he’s scheduled to face only four righties next week.
Pedro Ramírez: In 104 PA, Ramírez has been great with an .826 OPS, 1 HR, and 4 SB. The lack of home runs (49% GB%) is his only hindrance in the talent department. What is really holding him back is a lack of playing time; six starts in the last 10 games.
Hao-Yu Lee: I’m worried Lee’s playing time will take a hit with Baez rejoining the team. Lee has been fine with 6 HR and a .269 AVG in 198 PA.
Christian Encarnacion-Strand: After starting six games in a row, he’s started in one of the last four games. He’s shown decent power (3 HR, .647 SLG in 37 PA) but the lack of at-bats is frustrating.
Jim Jarvis: He sort of starts (eight of 10 games) and hits for an empty .740 OPS (1 HR, 0 SB). Meh.
Andrew Benintendi: While a solid source of power, he only starts against righties. Over the next three weeks, he is scheduled to face nine righties in 19 games. Drop.
Joc Pederson: Pederson hits the ball hard when playing. Since he only starts against righties, and is scheduled to only face three of them next week, he’s a drop.
Nick Loftin: In 255 PA, he just has 5 HR and 1 SB with a .251 AVG. Some demand might be from the Royals being in Denver.
Brady House: There was much hype about House’s promotion after the Curtis Mead trade, but House (.689 OPS) has just started in three of six games.
Tyrone Taylor: The right-handed hitter crushes lefties (.900 OPS vs LHP, .646 OPS vs RHP), but is likely getting some at-bats against righties as the team is featuring him for a possible trade.
Joey Ortiz: With David Hamilton off the IL, Ortiz’s (.662 OPS) playing time has tanked with two starts in the last six games.
Esteury Ruiz: He seems to be back to being a short-side platoon bat with just three lefties scheduled over the next two weeks. Useless if not playing.
Catchers
Endy Rodríguez: In 139 PA, he has 5 HR and 5 SB. The only issue is just three starts in six games since coming off the IL.
Jonah Heim: He’s batting in the top of the lineup with 11 HR and .236 AVG in 232 PA.
Joe Mack: Starting most of the time with 10 HR and a .238 AVG in 212 PA.
Eduardo Valencia: It’s tough to argue with 4 HR in 25 PA (17 HR in AAA). With the team seeming to sell, he could start seeing more playing time at catcher and DH.
Keibert Ruiz: Not much of anything with 7 HR, 2 SB, and .263 AVG.
Tyler Stephenson: No changes this season, some power, not a batting average sink … 100% boring.
Nick Fortes: Not much of a contributor right now with four starts in the last 10 games.
Hitting Prospects
George Lombard Jr.: Across three minor league levels, the 23-year-old shortstop is batting .276/.409/.477 with 11 HR and 14 SB in 347 PA.
| Name | Previous Roster% | Current Roster% | Change |
|---|---|---|---|
| Willi Castro | 39% | 41% | 2% |
| Chase Meidroth | 36% | 38% | 2% |
| Keibert Ruiz | 35% | 36% | 1% |
| Cooper Pratt | 33% | 44% | 11% |
| Max Clark | 32% | 52% | 20% |
| Andrew Benintendi | 30% | 32% | 2% |
| Tyler Stephenson | 28% | 31% | 3% |
| Spencer Jones | 25% | 27% | 2% |
| George Lombard | 22% | 24% | 2% |
| Ty France | 21% | 48% | 27% |
| Heriberto Hernandez | 21% | 34% | 13% |
| Joe Mack | 21% | 26% | 5% |
| Endy Rodriguez | 15% | 17% | 2% |
| Joc Pederson | 12% | 18% | 6% |
| Esteury Ruiz | 12% | 16% | 4% |
| Brady House | 11% | 14% | 3% |
| Jonah Heim | 10% | 19% | 9% |
| Joseph Ortiz | 9% | 13% | 4% |
| Jacob Young | 9% | 11% | 2% |
| Victor Mesa Jr. | 8% | 11% | 3% |
| Griffin Conine | 8% | 10% | 2% |
| Jake Cronenworth | 8% | 9% | 1% |
| Christian Encarnacion-Strand | 7% | 27% | 20% |
| Nick Fortes | 7% | 17% | 10% |
| Vaughn Grissom | 6% | 12% | 6% |
| Pedro Ramirez | 6% | 11% | 5% |
| Tim Tawa | 6% | 9% | 3% |
| Javier Baez | 5% | 7% | 2% |
| Jim Jarvis | 4% | 6% | 2% |
| Nick Loftin | 4% | 5% | 1% |
| Luis Rengifo | 3% | 11% | 8% |
| Hao Yu Lee | 2% | 8% | 6% |
| Eduardo Valencia | 1% | 4% | 3% |
| Andruw Monasterio | 1% | 3% | 2% |
| Tyrone Taylor | 0% | 2% | 2% |
Starting Pitchers
Quinn Mathews: In his major league debut, Mathews performed like he always has; he struck out (6) and walked (3) a ton of batters. He showed signs of a lower walk rate before his debut. He’s ranked this high on him getting the walks under control.
Robert Gasser: Since coming off the IL, he has a 4.41 ERA (3.87 xFIP, 3.75 botERA). Home runs (1.8 HR/9, 4.53 FIP) over that time frame were the only thing holding him back.
Sean Manaea: He’s been fine since joining the rotation with a 3.88 ERA (4.29 xFIP), 1.25 WHIP, and 8.0 K/9.
Patrick Sandoval: A .375 BABIP pushes his WHIP up to 1.58, but otherwise he’s been solid with a 3.32 ERA (3.95 xFIP) and 9.5 K/9. He’s taken a step forward with a career-high 94+ mph fastball and career-low 2.8 BB/9.
Connor Prielipp: A 4.00 ERA talent (projections, STUPH, ERA estimators) with a 4.73 ERA.
Hayden Wesneski: While he got BABIP’ed (.389) a little in his debut, he got the Win going 5.2 IP (79 pitches) with 4 K and 2 BB.
Kumar Rocker: Rocker is showing some improvement compared to 2025, but everything, including his recent production, points to a low-4.00 ERA talent. A good-enough talent to roll out during his current two-start week (vs SEA, at HOU) and with a start lined up with Baltimore next week.
Tyler Mahle: In six games since returning from the IL, he has a streamable 3.06 ERA (4.30 xFIP), 1.18 WHIP, and 6.4 K/9.
Martín Pérez: Pérez is in the middle of a two-start week. In the first start against the Mets, he lasted 5 IP with 4 K, 1 BB, and 3 ER. He faces the league’s number-one offense in Washington on Sunday. His run of facing the league’s weakest opponents is coming to an end. His start got moved up, and he shoved (0 ER, 6 K, and 2 BB in 7 IP).
Colin Rea: In a two-start week (vs STL, vs NYY) with an acceptable first start (2 K, 2 BB, 1 ER, 6 IP). All indicators and results point to a 4.50 ERA talent, so these two-start weeks against weak opponents are the only acceptable times to start him.
Eric Lauer: Lauer got back to his magical ways with the Dodgers by shutting out the Mariners. While he has a 2.96 ERA, his STUPH models, ERA estimators, and projections all point to a 5.00 ERA. Plus with the Tarik Skubal trade, his rotation spot is less safe than ever.
David Peterson: Earlier this week, I wrote the following on Peterson:
Another example of managers adding the shiniest turd out of the lot. Peterson struggled with the Mets with a 6.09 ERA, but there was a sign of hope with a 4.08 xFIP. The Cubs must have seen the potential, traded for him, and ruined him.
Since joining the Cubs, Peterson has a 5.06 ERA (5.07 xFIP), 4.7 K/9, 3.4 BB/9, and his groundball rate is down from 51% to 38%. He’s changed his pitch mix a bit, but hasn’t added or dropped a pitch. Overall, he’s throwing his fastballs a combined 10% points more.
Jack Perkins: There was a stretch when Perkins seemed to get his walks under control with a 3.9 BB/9 in his first five starts in the rotation. In the last four starts, his walk rate is up to 5.2 BB/9. And with it has come a 7.79 ERA and a 1.44 WHIP. All that said, if he does find some control, his stock could take off with his 10.5 K/9.
Randy Dobnak: I’m not sure how long the .238 BABIP, let alone the 99% LOB%, will continue, but when a pitcher has an ERA lower than their WHIP (1.04 vs 1.19) expect some changes. Besides the ERA, all signs (projections, ERA estimators, STUPH models) point to a 5.00 ERA talent.
Jacob Lopez: Since being promoted this time, he has a 3.26 ERA (4.48 xFIP), 1.24 WHIP (4.2 BB/9), and 10.7 K/9. The only change he’s seen since being called up is a drop in his walk rate from 5.9 BB/9 to 4.2 BB/9. The walk rate is better but not great. I’m not rostering a starter with that high of a walk rate.
Carson Whisenhunt: The last time the 25-year-old was productive was in 2023 in AA. He continues to walk too many batters (4.6 BB/9) and allow too many home runs (1.7 HR/9). I’m surprised he only has a 4.60 ERA and 1.40 WHIP.
Jake Irvin: Irvin started one game since coming off the IL, and nothing seems to have changed (e.g., velocity, pitch mix, STUPH models). In 545 IP over his career, he has a 5.00 ERA. I think that’s who he is.
Tomoyuki Sugano: There is no reason to roster a starting pitcher in Colorado, none.
Max Scherzer: In 24 IP, he’s been worthless with a 9.49 ERA (6.19 xFIP), 1.82 WHIP (5.1 BB/9), and 6.6 K/9.
Injured Starters
Jordan Montgomery: He will have another rehab start on Saturday. I was a little surprised he didn’t start last week.
Cody Bradford: Threw 4 IP in his fifth rehab start with an overall line of 2.25 ERA (3.07 xFIP), 1.08 WHIP, and 12.0 K/9.
Jackson Jobe: Threw 4 IP in his last rehab start for a total of 11 IP with 9.5 K/9 and 1.6 BB/9.
| Name | Previous Roster% | Current Roster% | Change |
|---|---|---|---|
| Martin Perez | 30% | 32% | 2% |
| Sean Manaea | 26% | 27% | 1% |
| Jackson Jobe | 23% | 24% | 1% |
| Colin Rea | 22% | 24% | 2% |
| Eric Lauer | 21% | 27% | 6% |
| Kumar Rocker | 19% | 26% | 7% |
| Tyler Mahle | 19% | 20% | 1% |
| Connor Prielipp | 18% | 22% | 4% |
| Robert Gasser | 16% | 19% | 3% |
| Quinn Mathews | 15% | 32% | 17% |
| David Peterson | 15% | 21% | 6% |
| Max Scherzer | 8% | 10% | 2% |
| Tomoyuki Sugano | 8% | 10% | 2% |
| Jack Perkins | 8% | 9% | 1% |
| Mason Montgomery | 7% | 12% | 5% |
| Patrick Sandoval | 6% | 8% | 2% |
| Jacob Lopez | 6% | 8% | 2% |
| Carson Whisenhunt | 5% | 8% | 3% |
| Jordan Montgomery | 5% | 7% | 2% |
| Jake Irvin | 3% | 4% | 1% |
| Cody Bradford | 2% | 3% | 1% |
| Hayden Wesneski | 1% | 7% | 6% |
| Randy Dobnak | 1% | 4% | 3% |
Relievers: Saves-based ranks
Erik Miller: Good reliever who is the closer.
Brandyn Garcia: Average reliever who is the closer.
Clayton Beeter: Average reliever who is the closer.
Hogan Harris: Average reliever who is the closer.
Jordan Romano: Poor reliever who is the closer.
Mason Montgomery: Good reliever who might be sharing the closer duties.
Garrett Whitlock: Great reliever who is the backup closer.
Adrian Morejon: Great reliever who is the backup closer.
Luke Weaver: Good reliever who is the backup closer.
Steven Okert: Good reliever who might be the backup closer.
Brent Headrick: Good reliever who is a step or two away from closing.
Steven Cruz: Below-average reliever who is a step or two away from closing.
Ben Joyce: Good reliever who is still on the IL.
| Name | Previous Roster% | Current Roster% | Change |
|---|---|---|---|
| Clayton Beeter | 28% | 32% | 4% |
| Luke Weaver | 28% | 29% | 1% |
| Garrett Whitlock | 27% | 29% | 2% |
| Adrian Morejon | 21% | 23% | 2% |
| Hogan Harris | 16% | 21% | 5% |
| Brent Headrick | 10% | 15% | 5% |
| Ben Joyce | 10% | 11% | 1% |
| Jordan Romano | 9% | 12% | 3% |
| Mason Montgomery | 7% | 12% | 5% |
| Steven Okert | 6% | 8% | 2% |
| Erik Miller | 3% | 7% | 4% |
| Brandyn Garcia | 2% | 9% | 7% |
| Steven Cruz | 0% | 2% | 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.