The fantasy baseball landscape is shifting quickly as the All‑Star break gives way to the second half of the season. With Thursday night baseball back on the schedule, managers are scouring the waiver wire for the next wave of impact players who can tilt the balance in their leagues.
Top Arms to Target
Christian Scott continues to impress with a 3.17 ERA and a 1.29 WHIP across 12 starts for the New York Mets, striking out 65 batters while walking just 26. His recent stretch has turned him into a reliable back‑end starter, and his availability makes him a prime add for any roster needing innings depth.
Kade Anderson, a minor‑league standout, boasts a 1.36 ERA, a 0.69 WHIP and an elite 37.5 percent strikeout‑to‑walk ratio over 72 2/3 innings. Though still on the fringe of the big‑league rotation, his recent call‑ups have shown he can miss bats at a high rate, making him a sleeper for saves or holds in deeper formats.
Garrett Mitchell is heating up, batting .383 in July with two homers, six doubles, a triple, six RBI and eight runs scored in just 13 games. His blend of speed and power could provide a late‑season surge, especially in categories like stolen bases and extra‑base hits.
Lane Thomas offers a strong 12.4 percent walk rate and a .254 average with six homers in 144 plate appearances since June. His patient approach at the plate makes him an attractive option for managers seeking on‑base stability.
Injury Updates and Roster Moves
Junio Caminero, the Tampa Bay Rays’ third‑base prospect, was pulled from the MLB All‑Star Game after a pitch from Cardinals right‑hander Riley O'Brien clipped his hand. Fortunately, X‑rays revealed no fracture, and he is listed as day‑to‑day, leaving his fantasy outlook intact but warranting a brief monitoring period.
On the relief front, Dodgers prospect Edwin Diaz has shown promise in the Arizona Complex League, tossing a clean inning and hinting at a possible return to the major‑league bullpen. His recent workload could translate into more save opportunities as the season progresses.
The broader waiver wire picture also includes a handful of position players who could fill gaps at first, second or third base depending on league size. Managers should prioritize players with recent hot streaks, high walk rates and the ability to contribute across multiple categories, ensuring flexibility as the trade deadline approaches.