It can get trickier to identify the best waiver wire picks when we get this far into the season. After all, plenty of prospects have already been snapped up, and it takes a lot for a breakout performer to stand out sufficiently to have fantasy value.
Still, winning on the margins is imperative for fantasy baseball managers.
Here are some potential options:
Zebby Matthews
Recalled last week, Zebby Matthews held the Mariners to seven scoreless innings. Matthews has been an intriguing fantasy option for a while, despite not having any standout elite pitches.
What he does have is variety. He throws five pitches and usually demonstrates sharp command with a decent enough strikeout rate. You should take a long look at Matthews in all formats.
Colt Emerson
Seattle has finally called up its top prospect in Colt Emerson. Wrist soreness can be partly blamed for Emerson’s underwhelming Triple-A numbers this year. He’s made good swing decisions, though, and has consistently shown he is a great hitter.
The power might not be quite there just yet as Emerson doesn’t turn 21 until July, but he can still produce sufficiently and be a valuable fantasy asset.
Sam Antonacci
Rostered in under 12% of leagues per Fantasy Pros, Sam Antonacci has eligibility at second, third, and left. He’s 15th in the majors in xwOBA, putting him ahead of Kyle Schwarber and Shohei Ohtani.
Antonacci isn’t going to provide a massive amount of power. He does have nice speed, with three stolen bases already, and has squared the ball up regularly.
Curtis Mead
Walking frequently, avoiding strikeouts, and sitting tied for 40th in xwOBA, Curtis Mead is worth a flyer if you need help at first base or a utility spot. A former top-20 Baseball Prospectus prospect, Mead has produced against both lefties and righties while posting an .878 OPS over the last 28 days.
The biggest change lately has been his approach at the plate. He’s showing more patience, chasing less often, and consistently putting better swings on hittable pitches. That improved selectivity has helped the right-handed bat produce harder and more reliable contact.
Mead is rostered in only 1% of leagues, making him widely available.
Jeffrey Springs
Jeffrey Springs is a viable streaming option thanks to his solid underlying numbers and strong road production. He owns a 3.06 ERA away from home, and his 101 Pitching+ is his best mark since 2023.
Springs leans heavily on a nasty changeup that gives him at least one legitimate put-away pitch. The strikeout numbers are not overwhelming, but the foundation of a useful fantasy starter is clearly there. Just be selective about the matchups you target.
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