A month into the 2026 MLB season, fantasy managers are already feeling the pressure. Injuries and underperformance have thinned out rosters across the board, making early waiver wire decisions more important than ever.
Louis Varland
Varland has taken over as the Blue Jays’ closer, replacing Jeff Hoffman, and the returns so have been strong. Toronto has won its last two series, with Varland picking up three saves during that stretch.
The schedule sets up well, with matchups against a struggling Red Sox lineup followed by the Twins and Rays. If the Blue Jays can build some momentum, Varland could quickly become a valuable fantasy asset. His numbers support it too, posting the highest Stuff+ of his career along with a 40.4% strikeout rate.
Carlos Cortes
Even with Brent Rooker returning from injury, Cortes is still hitting in the middle of the Athletics’ lineup. He’s been extremely productive, posting a 6% strikeout rate and a 1.122 OPS backed by a 99th percentile xwOBA.
It’s worth riding a hot bat like this, but there are reasons to be cautious. Cortes projects as a strong-side platoon option, which limits his value in weekly formats, and his 28th percentile bat speed raises questions about how sustainable the power surge really is.
Casey Schmitt
A game-winning homer on Sunday gave Casey Schmitt his fourth of the season. With eligibility at first, second, and third, he’s quickly become a key piece in a Giants lineup that has struggled to generate consistent offense.
Plate discipline is still a concern. Schmitt’s tendency to chase limits his walk rate and has led to prolonged slumps in the past. Still, this early production is worth buying into. He’s in the 90th percentile in barrel rate and the 79th percentile in xwOBA, supporting the power surge he’s shown so far.
Chase Dollander
Dollander has been one of the more encouraging breakouts, posting a 2.82 xERA with a 30% strikeout rate and a 107 Pitching+. It’s rare for a Rockies pitcher to become an every-start option in fantasy, but Dollander is trending in that direction.
The sophomore right-hander has the arsenal to support it, featuring two quality breaking balls to pair with a high-velocity fastball and a reliable changeup. With what he’s shown so far, taking a chance on Dollander could pay off in most formats.
Paxton Schultz
With Clayton Beeter on the injured list, the Nationals suddenly have a vacancy at closer. If Sunday is any indication, Schultz could be in line for at least some ninth-inning work after picking up the save.
Cionel Pérez, who handled the ninth on Saturday, and Gus Varland are also in the mix. Washington has indicated this will be a committee, but those situations rarely hold if one arm separates himself. Schultz could be that guy, making him an intriguing speculative add.
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