As the fantasy baseball season hurtles toward its climax, roster spots on the waiver wire are becoming increasingly valuable, especially in leagues where every marginal upgrade can tip the balance.
One name that has been quietly climbing the charts is Brett Baty of the New York Mets. After a slow start to the campaign, the utility player has turned a corner, batting .293 over his last twelve games and already launching two home runs.
Baty’s value is amplified by his eligibility at first base, second base, third base and even outfield, giving managers the flexibility to slot him into virtually any lineup spot.
On the pitching side of the equation, the Oakland Athletics are set to debut rookie right‑hander Gage Jump this week. Jump brings a 4.50 ERA and a strikeout rate that has impressed early observers, delivering a short‑arm fastball that sits in the 94‑98 mph range and a mid‑80s slider that generates swings and misses.
Another reliever making waves is Daniel Lynch IV of the Kansas City Royals. The right‑hander, rostered in only five percent of Yahoo leagues, boasts a 1.59 ERA and a 27‑to‑7 strikeout‑to‑walk ratio, a performance he has bolstered by swapping his four‑seam fastball for a sinker and sharpening his slider.
Late‑Season Pitching Options
Beyond these immediate options, shallow league owners can also consider starters such as Christian Scott, Jack Leiter, Griffin Jax and Troy Melton, each of whom offers a blend of upside and reliability.
Speed on the Basepaths
Finally, for teams seeking a short‑term boost in the stolen‑base department, Jake McCarthy is slated to lead off for the Colorado Rockies, making him a fine add for those chasing speed.