Midseason Waiver Wire Watch
The All-Star break provides a natural checkpoint for fantasy managers to review roster construction and identify areas that need reinforcement before the stretch run.
In points formats, the emphasis often shifts to short‑term contributors who can rack up stats over the next few weeks, whereas in roto leagues the focus is on trading surplus assets for missing categories.
The article zeroes in on players who are rostered in at least 25% of CBS leagues and who have the potential to make a noticeable impact over the next two and a half months.
At catcher, Ryan Jeffers of the Minnesota Twins has just cleared the injured list and is slated to benefit from a more favorable lineup spot as the trade deadline approaches.
Francisco Alvarez of the New York Mets continues to post manageable strikeout rates while delivering hard‑hit balls, giving him top‑12 upside at his position.
Yainer Diaz of the Houston Astros has been on a July surge, already matching three home runs, and remains a physically mature hitter with high ceiling.
Endy Rodriguez of the Pittsburgh Pirates showed strong contact metrics and disciplined plate appearances before his recent stint on the injured list.
Owen Ayers of the Chicago Cubs has been excelling at Double‑A and could become a trade chip as the Cubs explore upgrades to their starting rotation.
Bryce Eldridge of the San Francisco Giants is generating hard contact and striking out at acceptable levels, hinting at breakout potential.
Curtis Mead of the Washington Nationals is delivering solid across‑the‑board numbers and enjoys triple‑position eligibility, increasing his weekly lineup appeal.
Charlie Condon of the Colorado Rockies posted strong Triple‑A numbers and may earn a call‑up that could inject fresh bat speed into the Rockies’ lineup.
Abimelic Ortiz, acquired in the Mackenzie Gore trade, has displayed plus raw power and refined contact skills at Triple‑A, making him a sleeper for a mid‑season promotion.
Ralphy Velazquez of the Cleveland Guardians is hitting well at age 21 and could provide a timely punch in a lineup that needs depth.
Brendan Donovan of the Seattle Mariners is being considered for a super‑utility role that would keep him in the everyday lineup despite roster fluctuations.
Cole Young of the Mariners has been solid thus far and still possesses growth room, especially in stolen‑base categories.
Matt Shaw of the Cubs offers flexible positioning and a steady contribution when healthy, making him a reliable bench piece.
Pedro Ramirez of the Nationals could emerge as a five‑category contributor if he secures a regular starting role elsewhere.
Royce Lewis of the Minnesota Twins is on a 162‑game pace that projects to .270 batting, 37 homers, 99 runs, 84 RBI and 16 stolen bases since his return from Triple‑A.
Caleb Durbin of the Boston Red Sox has been hitting well since June 1 and is currently on a hot streak that could sustain his production.
Joshua Kuroda‑Grauer of the Oakland Athletics has forced his way into a larger role, showcasing speed and contact skills that could translate into more playing time.
Andrew Fischer of the Milwaukee Brewers may receive a call‑up if the club needs reinforcement at third base, given his recent performance trends.
Jacob Wilson of the Athletics remains a dependable starter whose stretches of production are consistently useful for fantasy lineups.
Kaelen Culpepper of the Twins carries 20‑20 upside and could be summoned if he stays healthy through the remainder of the season.
George Lombard of the New York Yankees might seize the starting shortstop job if given the opportunity to play regularly.
Franklin Arias of the Red Sox has been hitting well at Double‑A and could outperform the team’s current middle‑infield options.
Seaver King of the Washington Nationals is thriving at Triple‑A and has demonstrated 30‑steal upside in previous seasons.
Cole Carrigg of the Rockies has been hitting effectively and could increase his stolen‑base totals in the second half.
Dominic Canzone of the Seattle Mariners projects as a potential 25‑plus home run contributor with everyday at‑bats.
A.J. Ewing of the Mets has been delivering solid contact and showing disciplined plate appearances that could translate into more runs.
Luis Robert of the Mets possesses rare power and speed, but lingering questions about playing time could limit his fantasy impact.
Joshua Baez of the St. Louis Cardinals has logged 28 homers and 14 steals at Triple‑A, though swing‑and‑miss remains a concern.
Luis Lara of the Brewers has been hitting well at Triple‑A and could take off if his playing time stabilizes.
Mike Sirota of the Los Angeles Dodgers has posted strong walk rates across Double‑A and Triple‑A, indicating a high on‑base profile.
Walker Jenkins of the Minnesota Twins has remained healthy and added a few ticks to his average exit velocity, boosting his breakout prospects.
Jared Jones of the Pirates delivered a six‑inning perfect game before the trade deadline, underscoring his pitching upside.
Gage Jump of the Athletics is a top‑100 prospect with a 3.51 ERA and 3.30 FIP in his first nine MLB starts, suggesting a promising rotation spot.
Nick Pivetta of the San Diego Padres is working his way back from a flexor tendon strain and could be activated in August.
Kade Anderson of the Mariners has emerged as the most dominant pitcher in professional baseball this season at Double‑A, posting impressive strikeout numbers.