
Five Undervalued Fantasy Baseball Hitters to Target on the Waiver Wire for Week 17
A deep dive into the statistical surges of five overlooked hitters who are poised to deliver high upside in the final stretch of the 2026 fantasy season.
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A deep dive into the statistical surges of five overlooked hitters who are poised to deliver high upside in the final stretch of the 2026 fantasy season.

As the season enters its final stretch, clubs are carefully calibrating the usage of their top arms, mindful of fatigue, injury histories and the thin margin between contention and elimination.

Top prospects delivered standout performances at the 2026 Futures Game in Philadelphia, offering scouts a glimpse of the next generation of baseball stars.

The 2026 MLB Draft brought five Cavaliers selections, including a top‑ten pick, while four draft‑eligible seniors will return for another season and eight transfer portal additions join the program.

A deep dive into the latest relief pitcher performances, highlighting breakout arms, struggling closers, and strategic moves that will shape fantasy baseball decisions.

Two Michigan State alumni, pitcher Nolan Higgins and outfielder Nick Williams, were selected in the 2026 MLB Draft, continuing a streak of Spartans drafted in each of the past four years.

Junior right‑hander Sam George was selected by the Milwaukee Brewers in the 19th round of the 2026 MLB Draft, capping a three‑year collegiate career that includes a 7‑3 record, 3.53 ERA and 63 strikeouts.

Alex Philpott, a right‑handed pitcher committed to Florida State University, was selected by the Tampa Bay Rays in the 2026 MLB Draft. His collegiate background, recent statistics, and the Seminoles' strategic roster moves illustrate a pivotal transition.

Anthony Treto’s selection in the 13th round of the 2026 MLB Draft marks the tenth draft pick in Tarleton State baseball history and the first Texan chosen since 2023.

Right‑handed pitcher Amp Phillips was selected by the Tampa Bay Rays in the 15th round of the 2026 MLB Draft after a season that included 71 strikeouts, a 4.39 ERA and multiple SEC accolades.

The 2026 Home Run Derby will be staged at Citizens Bank Park, streamed exclusively on Netflix, and feature an innovative outs‑based format with eight power hitters, including Bryce Harper, Kyle Schwarber, and rising international talents.

As the 2026 MLB Draft approaches, Texas Longhorns weigh professional contracts against college eligibility, with high‑round bonuses shaping decisions and the coaching staff plotting a return to contention.

Arizona right‑hander Owen Kramkowski was chosen in the fifth round of the 2026 MLB Draft, capping a collegiate career that included two straight seasons as a strikeout leader and a College World Series run.

Nolan Higgins, a standout pitcher from Wixom, Michigan, was chosen by the Toronto Blue Jays after a collegiate career that included key performances in the Big Ten Tournament and multiple academic honors.

A look at the most impactful players available on the waiver wire, from power‑hitting breakouts to pitchers whose recent stats suggest a strong upside for fantasy managers.

Detroit Tigers right‑hander Tarik Skubal has been vocal about the spark that teammate Dillon Dingler brings to the clubhouse, especially during spring training sessions where Dingler’s pitch‑calling creativity stands out. Dingler, a catcher with a keen eye for hitters’ tendencies, explains that his game‑calling philosophy hinges on adaptability — tailoring each sequence to exploit a batter’s strengths while keeping the opposition guessing. In his latest outing against the Oakland Athletics, Skubal showcased a razor‑sharp changeup that not only baffled hitters but also underscored his command of secondary pitches, a factor that has become a cornerstone of his recent success. The performance coincided with a strong start from rookie infielder Joshua Kuroda‑Grauer, who has quickly earned a reputation for simplicity and relentless work ethic in the Athletics’ farm system. The piece also revisits a lesser‑known statistic: only three pitchers in baseball history have started five All‑Star games — Lefty Gomez, Don Drysdale, and Robin Roberts — highlighting a lineage of excellence that modern players continue to chase. On the international stage, the KBO’s Samsung Lions secured the services of veteran left‑hander Chris Paddack for the remainder of the season, a move that could reshape the league’s competitive balance. Baseball history will also be front and center at the upcoming SABR convention, where Bob Kendrick, president of the Negro Leagues Baseball Museum, is slated to deliver a keynote address celebrating the sport’s diverse heritage. The recent passing of former Minnesota Twins star Darrell Jackson, left‑hander Al Holland, and right‑hander Phil Regan serves as a reminder of the game’s evolving narrative and the indelible marks left by its pioneers. Japanese phenoms Yoshinobu Yamamoto and Masataka Yoshida continue to dominate discussions, with Yamamoto praised for his consistency and athleticism, while Yoshida’s clutch hitting and solid bat‑to‑ball skills have made him a reliable presence in high‑pressure moments. Comparisons abound for players like Kensuke Kondoh, whose power swing mirrors Yoshida’s, and Haruto Takahashi, whose NPB performances for the Hanshin Tigers have drawn attention from scouts worldwide. Across the Pacific, Forrest Whitley’s strikeout prowess for the Tokyo Yomiuri Giants, Carson McCusker’s contributions to the Tohoku Rakuten Golden Eagles, and Riley Thompson’s KBO leading strikeout rate illustrate the depth of talent emerging from foreign leagues. Domestic prospects such as Seth Beer in the Mexican League, Curtis Mead’s potential highlighted by Blake Butera, and Alex Binelas’s steady output for the Reading Fightin Phils further enrich the talent pipeline. Minor league leaders like Manuel Pena, who tops home‑run charts, and Connor Oliver’s consistent performances for the Pittsburgh Pirates’ affiliates underscore the depth of development programs that feed the major leagues.

Three Texas players — Cooper Webb, Trey Rangel and Phinn Beaird — removed their names from the draft after being selected on the first day, while top recruit Grady Emerson fell to the Tampa Bay Rays, illustrating the growing tension between signing bonuses and collegiate commitments.
The ABS challenge system has added drama and strategic depth to baseball, prompting teams to adjust their approaches and sparking mixed reactions among players and managers.

Two West Virginia University pitchers, Dawson Montesa and Maxx Yehl, were among the first 100 picks in the 2026 MLB Draft, highlighting the program's rising influence.

The opening round of the 2026 MLB Draft delivered surprise moves, injury‑related drops and a handful of Texas‑bound prospects who could reshape the next wave of talent.
Memphis native Collin Bland, a top raw‑power prospect, was selected by the Tampa Bay Rays in the fourth round of the 2026 MLB Draft, choosing professional baseball over a Vanderbilt scholarship.

The opening rounds of the MLB Draft spotlight Grady Emerson’s rise, praised by the Tampa Bay Rays and scouts alike.
The St. Louis Cardinals selected high school shortstop Rocco Maniscalco with the 50th overall pick in the 2026 MLB Draft, assigning him a slot value of $1.98 million. The decision pits family legacy, a viral defensive showcase and a promising but unfinished hitting tool against a committed college scholarship at Mississippi State.

The 2026 MLB Draft opened Saturday with the Chicago White Sox holding the first pick, while Texas A&M infielder Chris Hacopian and Texas commit Grady Emerson were among the top selections, highlighting the Lone Star State's strong pipeline of talent.