Waiver Wire Watch: Key Additions Shaping the Playoff Push
With the fantasy baseball season entering its critical juncture, savvy managers are turning to the waiver wire for the next breakout contributor who can tip the scales in a tight playoff race.
Ty France, the San Diego Padres infielder, has emerged as one of the most compelling options after posting the highest OPS of his career at .878 and launching five homers since the All‑Star break, a surge that has already reshaped his roster outlook.
Another name generating buzz is Milwaukee Brewers slugger Joey Ortiz, who is batting .412 with a .941 slugging percentage and an OPS north of 1.465, a combination that has turned heads across the league.
Speedster Chandler Simpson of the Tampa Bay Rays is hitting .381 this July and is on pace to eclipse 50 stolen bases for the season, making him a prime candidate for teams needing a spark on the bases.
Houston Astros utility man Isaac Paredes has added power to his profile, delivering eight of his fourteen career homers since June 1 while maintaining a .300 average and a .900 OPS.
On the mound, Cincinnati Reds right‑hander Brady Singer has posted an ERA under three since June 1 and a 0.92 WHIP in July, signaling a potential turnaround for a pitcher who was once considered a peripheral arm.
Streaming options also abound; Ian Seymour’s devastating changeup has yielded a .132 BAA and could evolve into a 3.00‑ERA pitcher if his home‑run‑to‑fly‑ball rate normalizes, while Shane Bieber’s recent stretch of one run allowed over two starts and a 1.20 WHIP underscores his renewed effectiveness.
Meanwhile, Michael McGreevy’s 3.00 ERA is tempered by a 4.82 xERA and 4.14 FIP, suggesting a degree of luck, and Brandon Pfaadt’s modest win‑loss record masks underlying regression trends. Victor Mesa Jr., despite a .224 average and a 31% on‑base rate, remains a high‑upside add for those willing to gamble on upside.
Finally, the matchups for Andre Pallante, who boasts a 98th‑percentile ground‑ball rate, and Shane Drohan, who is striking out a batter per inning against a favorable Rockies lineup, provide additional streaming fodder for managers looking to maximize weekly point totals.