The fantasy baseball community is buzzing as the trade deadline approaches, and several players who have been flying under the radar are now emerging as prime waiver‑wire targets. From a rookie outfielder making his mark in New York to a young pitcher dominating the mound, the latest statistical surges are hard to ignore.
AJ Ewing's Breakout
AJ Ewing, a 23‑year‑old outfielder for the New York Mets, is batting .278 with seven home runs and nine stolen bases this season. His average has climbed from .238 in May to .308 in July, underscoring a rapid adjustment to the major‑league pace. Manager Carlos Mendoza has praised Ewing’s plate discipline, noting that the rookie’s on‑base percentage has risen in tandem with his speed on the bases.
Andre Pallante's Pitching Precision
Right‑hander Andre Pallante has emerged as a reliable starter for the Mets, posting a low ERA that ranks among the league’s best for rookie pitchers. In June he logged a 3.16 ERA over 31.1 innings, and his most recent outing in July stretched five and two‑thirds innings with zero earned runs, highlighting his ability to shut down opposing offenses deep into games.
Tyler Tolbert's Dual‑Position Threat
Utility player Tyler Tolbert, who spent part of 2025 with the Kansas City Royals, has become a stolen‑base machine and a contact hitter. In 2025 he posted a .280 average across 50 at‑bats while stealing 21 bases, and this year he is batting .365 with a .904 OPS in 52 at‑bats, adding ten more steals. His versatility at second base and the outfield makes him a valuable asset for any fantasy roster seeking speed and flexibility.
Kody Clemens' Power Surge
First baseman Kody Clemens of the Minnesota Twins has been on a tear, batting .400 during July while launching 16 home runs. His .823 OPS reflects a combination of contact and power that has made him one of the most feared hitters in the Twins’ lineup. Coaches attribute his surge to a refined swing path and an increased launch angle that has turned routine at‑bats into extra‑base hits.
Cole Carrigg's Switch‑Hit Promise
Prospect Cole Carrigg, a 24‑year‑old switch‑hitting infielder for the Colorado Rockies, is batting .307 with four home runs and has climbed to the fifth spot in the Rockies’ batting order. His ability to handle both left‑ and right‑handed pitchers adds a strategic edge, and scouts view him as a potential catalyst for the Rockies’ offense as the season progresses.
With the season entering its critical stretch, these five players could reshape roster decisions across leagues, offering a blend of speed, power, and pitching reliability that fantasy managers can ill afford to ignore.