As fantasy baseball managers scramble to lock in the final stretch of the season, the waiver wire has become a battlefield of opportunity. Week 16, spanning July 13 through July 19, offers a slate of under‑the‑radar players who can shift the balance of power in leagues where every roster spot counts.
Hot Hitters to Watch
A Colorado Rockies outfielder is batting .293 with four home runs and two stolen bases, providing a rare blend of power and speed. In New York, a Mets slugger is on fire, posting a .340/.417/.660 slash line over his last 24 games and already matching his season high with five homers. The Minnesota Twins’ catcher has returned from the injured list, flashing a .295/.408/.541 line that hints at a revived bat. Meanwhile, a Pirates speedster continues to rack up stolen bases, now sitting at 18 for the season, and a Royals prospect is riding a .333 average over his last ten games, showing he can handle major‑league pitching.
Mound Masters
On the pitching side, Atlanta’s Reynaldo Lopez has posted a 2.08 ERA over his last 13 innings, highlighted by a strong start against the Mets. Milwaukee’s Shane Drohan is even more dominant, maintaining a 1.71 ERA across four starts and limiting opponents to just one earned run in his most recent outing. Chicago’s reliever Jacob Webb has collected two saves this month and has not allowed a run in seven straight appearances, while Arizona’s rookie Brandon Pfaadt impressed with five shutout innings after his call‑up, suggesting he could become a reliable back‑end starter.
The common thread among these players is their low rostered percentages, which means they are often available for a modest FAAB bid. Managers who act quickly can secure a competitive edge, especially as the trade deadline approaches and roster spots tighten. Prioritizing a balanced mix of high‑upside hitters and cost‑effective arms will maximize flexibility for the final weeks of the season.