Waiver Wire & FAAB Report (Week 20)
Scott Marshall-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
Heriberto Hernández: I don’t get why his roster rate remains under 40%. I guess that fantasy managers don’t need players who hit for power and steal bases.
Kaelen Culpepper: EMAW! Culpepper is finally healthy after dominating AAA (.271/.367/.478, 14 HR, 17 SB). I suspect he’ll be the starting shortstop for the Twins for years to come.
George Lombard Jr.: In 12 PA in the majors, he has held his own (70% Contact, 25% K%).
Osleivis Basabe: The 25-year-old started seven straight games at second base for the Giants while batting .333/.346/.750 with 3 HR.
Angel Genao: Starting at third base with José Ramírez banged up. My only worry is how much he’ll play once Ramírez is healthy. He has been solid in 13 PA with a 91% Contact% (8% K%) and has hit a ball 109 mph.
Jake Mangum: Mangum’s been great (.295 AVG, 20 SB), but Oneil Cruz is about to return from the IL. It’ll be interesting to see how the outfield playing time shakes out between Mangum, Cruz, Bryan Reynolds, and Esmerlyn Valdez.
Andruw Monasterio: Starting and productive (.272 AVG, 6 HR, 3 SB in 239 PA).
Lawrence Butler: Started in 10 of the last 10 games with batting .250/.324/.450 since the All-Star break.
Joc Pederson: A couple of recent starts at 1B might have him qualified there in some leagues (6 G). A solid righty smasher with four righties on the schedule next week.
Spencer Jones: The 37% K% will limit his upside (.205 AVG) and possibly time in the majors (.663 OPS). He’s been even worse in his second promotion (.617 OPS).
Héctor Rodríguez: Since being promoted, the top prospect started in just three of five games. He hasn’t gotten going yet with a .495 OPS. Ranked high based on prospect pedigree.
Vaughn Grissom: Average in power and batting average while qualified at three positions (1B, 2B, 3B).
Luis Rengifo: Started 13 straight games while batting .324/.418/.441 (2 HR, 3 SB, 80 PA) since joining the Padres.
Griffin Conine: Strong-side platoon bat (.841 OPS, 10 HR) with five righties on the schedule next week.
Justin Crawford: Strong-side platoon bat with some speed (16 HR) and batting average (.265 AVG).
Taylor Trammell: Starting but with league average numbers (.232/.320/.400, 6 HR, 3 SB).
Esteury Ruiz: The 27 SB is helpful, but he has only started in five of the last 10 games.
Victor Mesa Jr.: Solid strong-side platoon bat (.739 OPS, 8 HR, 5 SB) who only faces four righties next week.
Abimelec Ortiz: Strong-side platoon bat for the Nationals with a .717 OPS in 16 PA.
Nathaniel Lowe: Strong-side platoon bat (.269 OPS, 13 HR) with five righties on the schedule next week.
Pedro Ramírez: Continues to hit (.801 OPS, 2 HR, 5 SB) but has only started in six of the last 10 games.
Javier Báez: Started in eight of 10 games since coming off the IL with a .688 OPS.
Colt Keith: Strong-side platoon bat and is only scheduled to face three righties next week. Drop.
Tyler Tolbert: Only five starts in the last 10 games. Drop.
Catchers
Endy Rodríguez: Someone every league could use a catcher with 7 HR, 6 SB, and a .267 AVG in 159 PA. He is dealing with an injury.
Yainer Diaz: Since coming off the IL, Diaz is batting .271/.301/.458 with 6 HR.
Luis Campusano: He’s been productive this year, batting .306/.408/.495 with 4 HR in 130 PA.
Moisés Ballesteros: One game off being catcher-qualified (9 G) in all formats. Since joining the Angels, he started every game.
Tyler Stephenson: Hits like a catcher, some power (10 HR) with no steals and a low batting average (.248 AVG).
Joe Mack: Hits like a catcher, some power (11 HR) with no steals and a low batting average (.235 AVG).
Jonah Heim: Hits like a catcher, some power (11 HR) with no steals and a low batting average (.226 AVG).
Daniel Susac: Balanced but disappointing production (.250 AVG, 2 HR, 2 SB in 157 PA).
Eduardo Valencia: Just two starts in the last seven games. When a bat has 1.211 OPS with 4 HR in 37 PA, why play him?
Hitting Prospects
Zyhir Hope: In AA this year, the 21-year-old outfielder hit .284/.363/.518 with 24 HR and 18 SB in 444 PA.
Franklin Arias: Across AA and AAA, the 20-year-old shortstop hit .318/.404/.585 with 22 HR and 5 SB in 386 PA.
Roch Cholowsky: The 21-year-old shortstop was just drafted and has 16 PA in A-ball.
| Name | Previous Roster% | Current Roster% | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Lawrence Butler | 39% | 42% | 3% |
| Yainer Diaz | 38% | 42% | 4% |
| Justin Crawford | 35% | 36% | 1% |
| Heriberto Hernandez | 34% | 35% | 1% |
| Carson Kelly | 33% | 34% | 1% |
| Tyler Stephenson | 31% | 39% | 8% |
| Colt Keith | 30% | 32% | 2% |
| Spencer Jones | 27% | 41% | 14% |
| Joe Mack | 26% | 29% | 3% |
| Jake Mangum | 25% | 29% | 4% |
| George Lombard Jr. | 24% | 57% | 33% |
| Franklin Arias | 21% | 23% | 2% |
| Jonah Heim | 19% | 24% | 5% |
| Joc Pederson | 18% | 25% | 7% |
| Moises Ballesteros | 18% | 20% | 2% |
| Endy Rodriguez | 17% | 25% | 8% |
| Kaelen Culpepper | 16% | 22% | 6% |
| Esteury Ruiz | 16% | 19% | 3% |
| Zyhir Hope | 13% | 15% | 2% |
| Vaughn Grissom | 12% | 18% | 6% |
| Luis Rengifo | 11% | 18% | 7% |
| Victor Mesa Jr. | 11% | 16% | 5% |
| Pedro Ramirez | 11% | 13% | 2% |
| Griffin Conine | 9% | 16% | 7% |
| Luis Campusano | 8% | 10% | 2% |
| Angel Genao | 7% | 26% | 19% |
| Nate Lowe | 7% | 10% | 3% |
| Javier Baez | 7% | 9% | 2% |
| Tyler Tolbert | 7% | 9% | 2% |
| Hector Rodriguez | 5% | 15% | 10% |
| Daniel Susac | 5% | 7% | 2% |
| Eduardo Valencia | 4% | 7% | 3% |
| Andruw Monasterio | 3% | 9% | 6% |
| Roch Cholowsky | 3% | 5% | 2% |
| Abimelec Ortiz | 2% | 6% | 4% |
| Osleivis Basabe | 0% | 3% | 3% |
| Taylor Trammell | 0% | 2% | 2% |
Starting Pitchers
Jackson Jobe: In his 2026 debut, Jobe lasted 5 IP (71 pitches) with 0 ER, 4 K, and 1 BB. He threw five different pitches between 10% and 41%.
Grayson Rodriguez: Over Rodriguez’s last two starts (3.00 ERA, 3.87 xFIP, 2.90 botERA), he’s upped his fastball velocity ~1 mph and halved his walk rate (4.4 BB/9 to 2.3 BB/9). If he’s solid against Miami on Sunday, his cost will increase.
Cristian Javier: In six games, two starts, Javier has been acceptable with a 3.50 ERA (4.35 xFIP, 4.18 botERA), 1.33 WHIP (3.0 B/9), and 9.5 K/9.
Tyler Mahle: In his first start with Atlanta, Mahle cut his cutter (6% SwStr%) usage and leaned into his splitter (16% SwStr%). Since coming off the IL, he has a 3.27 ERA (3.87 xFIP, 4.34 botERA), 1.14 WHIP, and 8.4 K/9.
Andrew Painter: In two starts since being promoted, he has a 2.70 ERA (3.66 xFIP, 4.31 botERA). He’s moved a bit closer to the third base side of the rubber with some new pitch shapes (sweeper and split/change). He’s worth throwing a dart at.
Jacob Lopez: Over his last three starts, he dumped his sinker and leaned into his slider and changeup. He has a 12.3 K/9 and 1.76 ERA (4.10 xFIP) over those games. He’s going to be an add for desperate teams with two home starts against Tampa and Texas.
Hayden Wesneski: In two starts so far, he’s been fine with a 3.86 ERA (4.31 xFIP, 4.08 botERA). While his fastballs haven’t missed many bats, his slider has a 17% SwStr%, and his cutter has a 21% SwStr%.
Carmen Mlodzinski: I thought Mlodzinski had a chance to be a solid addition to the rotation, but in his first game back, he allowed 5 ER in 3.0 IP. He did add a cutter (8% SwStr%) in late June. I have him ranked high based on the unknown
Kumar Rocker: Steady low-4.00’s ERA talent.
David Peterson: In his last five starts with the Cubs, he has a 1.57 ERA (4.07 xFIP) with a 6.3 K/9 and 53% GB%.
Cade Povich: In his first start since being called up, Povich dominated the Angels (6 IP, 7 K, 1 BB, 0 ER) while leaning into his changeup (21% usage, 11% SwStr%).
Connor Prielipp: It’s been an up-and-down season for Prielipp. While he has a 4.75 ERA, his ERA estimators, projections, and our STUPH models value him as a low-4.00 ERA pitcher.
Sean Manaea: He seemed to be breaking out with a new cutter, but he’s gone and dumped the cutter. He continues to regress to a low-4.00 ERA talent.
Cody Bradford: Somehow Bradford got five strikeouts on just three swinging strikes in his debut (4% SwStr% on the game). I’m guessing hitters were in shock from his 89-mph fastball. He walked two batters for a 1.62 WHIP.
Hunter Dobbins: Since being promoted, Dobbins has a 3.06 ERA (4.37 xFIP, 4.20 botERA), 1.19 WHIP, 50% GB%, and 6.6 K/9.
Martín Pérez: The magician has not allowed a run in three of his last four games. He could keep it going with a matchup against the Mets next week.
Patrick Sandoval: Like many of the pitchers examined, he falls into the low-4.00 ERA talent range. I don’t see any upside as long as he has a 1.67 WHIP (3.8 BB/9).
Daniel Lynch IV: Lynch’s return to the rotation lasted 1.2 IP with 4 ER, 2 K, and 2 BB. I’m interested, but will need to see him have a few long, successful starts.
Blade Tidwell: Tidwell joins the Giants rotation as a fastball-slider guy. While those pitches have solid results, he has no way to get lefties out. On the season, he has a 25% K-BB% against righties and a 3% K-BB% against lefties.
Randy Dobnak: The 97% LOB% continues leading to a 1.16 ERA (4.71 xFIP, 5.01 botERA). Hell, his 1.19 WHIP is higher than his ERA.
Mitch Bratt: A .233 BABIP is keeping him from being completely unrosterable. A 6.8 K/9 can be tolerable but not when it’s paired with a 5.9 BB/9. I’ll ignore the 3.90 ERA and value him off his 5.89 xFIP and 5.15 botERA.
George Klassen: Promoted to the majors and continues to struggle. He has three major league starts this season with more walks than strikeouts in each one (14 BB vs 9 K on the season). He has a 7.27 ERA, and it’s verified by a 7.44 xFIP.
Pitching Prospects
Jackson Flora: Flora was just drafted and has not thrown in the minors.
Injury Pitcher
River Ryan: The expectation is that Ryan will join the Tigers rotation once healthy (hamstring).
| Name | Previous Roster% | Current Roster% | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Martin Perez | 31% | 35% | 4% |
| Sean Manaea | 27% | 37% | 10% |
| Kumar Rocker | 25% | 27% | 2% |
| Grayson Rodriguez | 25% | 26% | 1% |
| Jackson Jobe | 24% | 37% | 13% |
| Andrew Painter | 23% | 30% | 7% |
| David Peterson | 21% | 32% | 11% |
| Connor Prielipp | 21% | 22% | 1% |
| Tyler Mahle | 20% | 22% | 2% |
| River Ryan | 19% | 21% | 2% |
| Carmen Mlodzinski | 10% | 11% | 1% |
| Cristian Javier | 9% | 16% | 7% |
| Jacob Lopez | 8% | 19% | 11% |
| Patrick Sandoval | 8% | 14% | 6% |
| Hayden Wesneski | 7% | 26% | 19% |
| Daniel Lynch IV | 4% | 5% | 1% |
| Randy Dobnak | 4% | 14% | 10% |
| Cody Bradford | 3% | 14% | 11% |
| Mitch Bratt | 3% | 6% | 3% |
| Hunter Dobbins | 3% | 5% | 2% |
| George Klassen | 3% | 5% | 2% |
| Cade Povich | 2% | 4% | 2% |
| Blade Tidwell | 2% | 3% | 1% |
| Jackson Flora | 1% | 3% | 2% |
Relievers: Saves-based ranks
Clayton Beeter: Average reliever who is the closer.
Hogan Harris: Average reliever who is the closer
Dylan Smith: Average reliever who is the closer.
Jordan Romano: Poor reliever who is the closer.
Yennier Cano: Good reliever who seems to be sharing the closer’s role.
Brandyn Garcia: Average reliever who might be the closer.
Sammy Natera: Average reliever who appears to be the closer.
Mason Montgomery: Good reliever who might be the closer.
Steven Cruz: Below-average reliever who seems to be sharing the closer’s role.
Luke Weaver: Average reliever who might be the closer.
Ben Joyce: Good reliever who might be the backup closer.
Adrian Morejon: Great reliever who is the backup closer.
Ryan Zeferjahn: Good reliever who is the backup closer.
Jeff Hoffman: Good reliever who is the backup closer.
Bryan Abreu: Good reliever who is a step or two away from closing.
Brent Headrick: Good reliever who is a step or two away from closing.
Erik Miller: Good reliever who is a few steps away from closing.
Camilo Doval: Average reliever who is a step or two away from closing.
| Name | Previous Roster% | Current Roster% | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Jeff Hoffman | 33% | 39% | 6% |
| Clayton Beeter | 32% | 33% | 1% |
| Luke Weaver | 29% | 48% | 19% |
| Adrian Morejon | 23% | 25% | 2% |
| Hogan Harris | 20% | 21% | 1% |
| Bryan Abreu | 14% | 16% | 2% |
| Brent Headrick | 14% | 16% | 2% |
| Jordan Romano | 12% | 15% | 3% |
| Mason Montgomery | 11% | 15% | 4% |
| Ben Joyce | 11% | 13% | 2% |
| Brandyn Garcia | 8% | 39% | 31% |
| Erik Miller | 7% | 10% | 3% |
| Ryan Zeferjahn | 6% | 13% | 7% |
| Camilo Doval | 4% | 6% | 2% |
| Steven Cruz | 2% | 7% | 5% |
| Yennier Cano | 2% | 7% | 5% |
| Sammy Natera | 2% | 4% | 2% |
| Dylan Smith | 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.
For those playing weekly matchups, Jonah Heim has 6 games at home this week where he has an OPS of 0.814 (vs 0.587 on the road).
Why do you think Natera is the closer and Joyce the backup closer when Roster Resource lists Joyce ahead of Natera?
You didn’t ask me, but I’ll chime in. Natera has been effective in the majors this season. Joyce still walks almost anyone he sees at the plate. Joyce’s rehab confirmed that affinity. Joyce also cannot stay healthy.
Also, Joyce enters his first year of arbitration next year. No use in potentially increasing his value in another lost season for the Angels.
It may only be temporary and RR has Natera, Joyce, and Fermin all listed as co-closers, but I’d invest in Natera first.
The issue w Hernandez is he strikes out like he breathes air. 36% k rate since mid July. Absolutely brutal in points leagues. I’d honestly rather have whatever version of Lawrence butler is this week over Heriberto
68% contact rate…pass. Tools mean nothing when you don’t make consistent contact.
He also isn’t known to steal bases if one looks at his minor league track record, so he’s a power guy that doesn’t really run or hit well. Worth a gamble if you need the homers, but it looks like people are skeptical that he’ll stick around.
I think the issue with Heriberto Hernandez is he takes up an extra roster spot.. In other words, he’s fairly useless against righties so he needs to be on the bench 70% of the time. Don’t get me wrong–I’m an owner–platooning him with, say, Bryce Eldridge creates a super player, but it’s a lot to carry for 1-2 starts per week and an occasional fill in.
Thanks Jeff. This article is pure gold every week
“Eduardo Valencia: Just two starts in the last seven games. When a bat has 1.211 OPS with 4 HR in 37 PA, why play him?”
It’s bizarre. I get that he’s Dingler’s back-up, but he was DHing early on and played enough 1B in the minors to spell Torkelson periodically.
His swing is gorgeous. He has a solid history of walking in the minors even though he’s swinging away in the majors, so there’s something here.