Travis Bazzana, 2B, CLE (CBS: 66% rostered)
The young Aussie got the call last week, and while he won’t give you a ton of either power or speed, he’ll offer a nice balance of both with the potential for a solid BA/OBP. That .422 OBP at Triple-A this year tells you everything you need to know about the hit tool.

Jake Bennett, SP, BOS (CBS: 9% rostered)
Bennett made his debut this week and earned the win, tossing five solid innings against the Astros. Garrett Crochet and Sonny Gray are both hurting and on the IL, and Brayan Bello is pitching like he wants a vacation in Worcester. Any success from the 25-year-old southpaw could turn this into a lengthy stay in Boston. Worth a small bid to find out.

Elmer Rodriguez, SP, NYY (CBS: 26% rostered)
Elmer Rodriguez (without the “C”), the No. 2 Yankees prospect, got the call this week, replacing the struggling Luis Gil. Let’s turn to Rich Wilson for his thoughts:
“Fantasy managers should treat ERC as a high-upside arm with starter traits and bullpen fallback. If the command holds and the splitter emerges, he could pitch near the top of a rotation. If not, the sinker–curve combo gives him a path to late-inning impact. Either way, it’s a great arm to track in dynasty formats.”
Even in a crowded workplace, the Yankees will make room for ER (still without the “C”) if he proves capable of living up to even a fraction of that sky‑high potential.

Jasson Dominguez, OF, NYY (CBS: 48% rostered)
Giancarlo Stanton found his way to the IL with a strained calf. Who could’ve possibly predicted this? The Yankees called up Jasson Dominguez, and with his power/speed blend — plus Stanton’s ongoing health adventures — he deserves both short‑ and long‑term attention.

Nolan Gorman, 2B/3B, STL (CBS: 20% rostered)
If you’re looking for MI or CI help, give Nolan Gorman a look. The batting average will always be a bit of an adventure, but the 21 RBI (tied for 27th overall) could come in handy.

Logan Henderson, SP, MIL (CBS: 32% rostered)
Brandon Woodruff hit the IL after an alarming velocity dip in his last outing, giving Logan Henderson yet another opportunity as he takes the hill today against the Nationals. Maybe — just maybe — he’ll finally carve out a permanent role in the Brewers’ rotation.

Griffin Jax, RP, TBR (CBS: 23% rostered)
Jax was the early favourite for saves in Tampa Bay, but that didn’t go according to plan. The Rays are now stretching him out in multi‑inning stints, hoping to strike gold as a starter. In 20‑team and AL‑only formats, toss in a buck and see where this experiment goes.

Ha‑Seong Kim, SS, ATL (CBS: 9% rostered)
Kim is still likely a couple of weeks away from returning to the Braves lineup, but now’s the time to sneak in a small bid. Fifteen to twenty steals over the rest of the season is well within reach.

Nate Lowe, 1B, CIN (CBS: 16% rostered)
Playing time could get tight once Eugenio Suárez returns from the IL, but as a short‑term play, Lowe is scorching — five homers in the past two weeks. Bid small and enjoy the heater.

Austin Martin, OF, MIN (CBS: 6% rostered)
If you’re one of the many dealing with outfield injuries, give Austin Martin a look. Over the past three weeks he’s gone 14‑for‑39 with a homer and two steals. The counting stats won’t wow you, but he won’t hurt you in BA or OBP.

Davis Martin, SP, CWS (CBS: 57% rostered)
Martin is keeping the walks down, the ball in the yard, and has four wins with a 1.95 ERA. Is it sustainable? Probably not — the 4.55 xERA says a correction is coming — but ride the hot streak while it lasts.

Gabriel Moreno, C, ARZ (CBS: 39% rostered)
Tired of Bo Naylor and Logan O’Hoppe dragging down your batting average? Give Gabriel Moreno a look. Fresh off the IL, he brings a career .280 BA and low double‑digit pop.

Michael McGreevy, SP, STL (CBS: 35% rostered)
McGreevy has four quality starts in his first seven outings and a shiny 2.52 ERA with a 0.92 WHIP. The 5.80 xERA screams regression, but until that day arrives, a small bid lets you enjoy the ride.

Andrew Vaughn, 1B, MIL (CBS: 34% rostered)
Vaughn appears on track to return Monday from the left‑hand fracture that’s kept him out since late March. Don’t forget how strong he looked in the second half after the trade from the White Sox.

Closer Report

The closer carousel is spinning like a top. We’ve now made 13 bullpen recommendations in the past two weeks — plus another five today. There are only 30 teams in MLB… right?

Sam Bachman, LAA (CBS: 2% rostered)
The Jordan Romano experiment has officially ended with his release. The Halos are thin in the bullpen, and Bachman — with that 98 mph heater — looks like the favourite for ninth‑inning work. If he stumbles, Chase Silseth is Plan B.

Andrew Kittredge, BAL (CBS: 5% rostered)
Kittredge just returned from the IL and immediately finds himself in the saves mix with Ryan Helsley sidelined by elbow inflammation. Next‑in‑line could be Anthony Nunez (CBS: 6% rostered), who’s riding a ridiculous 52.8% whiff rate on his sweeper.

Gus Varland, WAS (CBS: 15% rostered)
If he pitches half as well as his younger brother Louie, he’ll lock down the job and keep it. Worth a small bid to see how the story unfolds.

Jack Perkins, ATH (CBS: 27% rostered)
Joel Kuhnel rattled off three saves in four outings, had one rough appearance, and suddenly Jack Perkins has three saves in his past four. It’s a true committee in Sacramento, so ride the hot hand and hope for the best.

Tyler Phillips, MIA (CBS: 7% rostered)
We mentioned Phillips in the April 19 WW article, and he deserves another nod with Pete Fairbanks on the IL due to nerve irritation in his right hand. Phillips has a 1.47 ERA, a strikeout per inning, and just shut down the Dodgers for his second save of 2026. That’s enough to earn a solid chunk of my FAAB tonight.

An update has been made to our Closer Report.  It can be found here.

Tyler Black, 1B, MIL (CBS: 2% rostered)

The injury‑wracked Brewers offense is pulling out all the stops and has once again turned to Tyler Black in hopes of finding some respite. With Andrew Vaughn, Jackson Chourio, and Christian Yelich all sidelined, the opportunity is there, but Black has to step up and get the job done — something he has struggled to do in the past.

Carlos Cortes, OF, ATH (CBS: 12% rostered)

Over the past seven days, Carlos Cortes has been on fire, going 11‑for‑22 with three homers and five RBI. He’s working his way into a steady diet of everyday at‑bats, as he should. In only 267 at‑bats last year at Las Vegas, he slugged 17 homers with 77 RBI and a strong .414 OBP. Yes, it was Las Vegas, but there’s still potential for the 28‑year‑old to provide a spark — or at least serve as a temporary injury fill‑in for one of those five outfield slots.

Josh Jung, 3B, TEX (CBS: 57% rostered)

After a couple of seasons in which Josh Jung really struggled, it’s nice to see a strong start to the ’26 campaign. In 87 at‑bats, he has four homers, 16 RBI, and a .299 batting average. If you’re looking for a replacement for the injured Eugenio Suárez, he could be just what the doctor ordered.

Nick Martinez, SP/RP, TBR (CBS: 46% rostered)

Nick Martinez is off to a very good start. In five outings, he has allowed only seven earned runs, and in his last start he shut down the high‑flying Reds offense, giving up just one earned run over eight innings. As we head into May, it’s time to ride the hot hand.

Ronny Mauricio, 3B, NYM (CBS: 8% rostered)

Mauricio was off to a strong start at Triple‑A Syracuse with six homers, five stolen bases, and a stellar .987 OPS. Let’s hope he brings that momentum with him to the Mets, as Francisco Lindor will be shut down for at least three weeks with a left calf strain.

Alejandro Osuna, OF, TEX (CBS: 1% rostered)

Just when Wyatt Langford looked like he was turning the corner, a flexor strain sidelined him indefinitely. The Rangers are turning to Alejandro Osuna in the interim. For those playing AL‑only or 20‑team formats, Osuna should provide (hopefully) short‑term relief.

Yohendrick Pinango, OF, TOR (CBS: 1% rostered)

The injuries continue to mount in “Hogtown” as Nathan Lukes hits the IL with a left hamstring strain. The Jays have turned to one of their top prospects, Yohendrick Pinango. He was off to a solid start at Triple‑A Buffalo, slugging three homers with 13 RBI and a pair of steals.
Let’s hand this one off to Rich Wilson for his thoughts:

“Fantasy managers should treat Pinango as a watchlist riser with deep‑league appeal. He’s shown flashes before, but this time the gains feel more sustainable. If the power holds and the OBP stays north of .350, he could carve out a role as a speed‑and‑contact contributor with sneaky value in five‑outfielder formats.”

Connor Prielipp, SP, MIN (CBS: 13% rostered)

The Twins’ pitching woes continue — Mick Abel, not — so they turned to 25‑year‑old Connor Prielipp. He went four innings in his debut, allowing two runs while striking out six. In deeper formats, a small bid will give you access to that strikeout potential.

JR Ritchie, SP, ATL (CBS: 33% rostered)

Who doesn’t like or need a good No. 3/4 starter? The Braves certainly do, especially when they get called up and shove for seven strong innings in their MLB debut. Ritchie allowed two earned runs (both solo shots) and struck out seven. Back on April 12, we suggested that an early buy‑in could yield solid returns, and that day — and many more — appear to be upon us.

TJ Rumfield, 1B, COL (CBS: 35% rostered)

While we count the minutes waiting for the arrival of young slugger Charlie Condon, TJ Rumfield has quietly been getting the job done. Over the past seven days, he’s gone 7‑for‑22 with a homer and seven RBI. In deeper formats where you’re struggling to fill a CI slot, he’s worthy of a small investment.

Robby Snelling, SP, MIA (CBS: 37% rostered)

Come on, Marlins, get with the program. You have a young phenom at Triple‑A who has posted a 2.25 ERA, 1.04 WHIP, and 35 strikeouts in 24 innings. There are only so many bullets in that gun, and it seems a shame to waste them on the farm. Let’s hope the Marlins agree and put the phone on speed dial.

Payton Tolle, SP, BOS (CBS: 71% rostered)

After that great debut in which Tolle shut down the vaunted Yankees offense on three hits while allowing only one earned run over six innings, the other 29% of CBS leagues should be rushing out to join the fun. Oh, did I fail to mention the 11 strikeouts.

Ildemaro Vargas, 1B/2B, ARZ (CBS: 37% rostered)

Five home runs, 16 RBI, and a 1.017 OPS would be considered a hot start for anyone — but when you’re talking about a 34‑year‑old veteran with a career .667 OPS, it’s downright amazing. Ride the streak for all it’s worth, keeping in mind the late, great George Harrison’s reminder: “All Things Must Pass.”

Brandon Young, SP, BAL (CBS: 3% rostered)

While everyone is spending big bucks on Payton Tolle and JR Ritchie this weekend, Brandon Young could prove to be a sneaky bargain. He got the call this week — his second of the young season — and tossed 5 2/3 solid innings to earn his second victory. He has been lights‑out on the farm and hasn’t looked out of place in Baltimore. With Dean Kremer sidelined by a quadriceps strain, Young has a great opportunity to prove he belongs every fifth day.

Closer Report

Robert Suarez, ATL (CBS: 76% rostered)

Raisel Iglesias is dealing with right shoulder inflammation, but early indications suggest it could be a short IL stint. In the meantime, the Braves have turned to Robert Suarez — who saved 76 games over the past two seasons with the Padres — to hold down the ninth until Iglesias returns.

Corbin Martin, CHC (CBS: 2% rostered)

Is one‑time D‑Backs prospect Corbin Martin the only arm left in the Cubs bullpen with even 30 seconds of ninth‑inning experience? Well, there’s also sometimes‑swingman‑now‑short‑man Ben Brown (CBS: 18% rostered), but with the top four relievers on the IL, the Cubs’ offense better be firing on all cylinders. Martin got the call from Triple‑A Iowa last week and shut down the Dodgers to earn his first career save on Friday. If you don’t toss the odd dart, you’ll never find your way to a bullseye (or ruin a good sheet of drywall).

Jacob Latz, TEX (CBS: 12% rostered)

The Rangers bullpen remains in flux. Could Jacob prove to be the latz man standing? Don’t mess this one up, AI assistant, or your next assignment will be charting pitches at Coors Field.

An update has been made to our Closer Report.  It can be found here.

Chase Dollander, SP, COL (CBS: 12% rostered)

Yes, it’s a small sample. Yes, he’s a Rockies starter. And yes, I’m still telling you to take a look. Dollander is rearing back and touching 99.1 mph with the four‑seamer and 98.7 with the sinker. He’s carrying a 3.32 ERA with 23 strikeouts in 19 innings. Tread carefully… but do tread.

Jeremiah Jackson, 2B/3B/OF, BAL (CBS: 46% rostered)

Five homers and 17 RBI in 19 games is the good news. The bad news? Seventeen strikeouts and still waiting on walk No. 1. Ride the heater and get him active, but don’t be shocked when that .302 average hits a few potholes.

Carmen Mlodzinski, RP, PIT (CBS: 19% rostered)

A strikeout per inning and keeping the ball in the yard is a fine way to land at a 1.77 ERA. He’s lined up for a two‑start week against Texas and an injury‑thinned Milwaukee squad. Worth a look.

Chad Patrick, SP, MIL (CBS: 47% rostered)

Patrick is rolling with a 0.95 ERA and 1.16 WHIP. The strikeouts are light, but history suggests they’ll rebound. Add in a two‑start week versus the Pirates and Tigers, and he deserves more love than 47%.

Cooper Pratt, SS, MIL (CBS: 9% rostered)

Pratt isn’t hitting yet, but here are five reasons he might get the call soon:

1. David Hamilton: .200
2. Luis Rengifo: .128
3. Joey Ortiz: .208
4. Combined: zero homers, eight RBI
5. The Brewers need a spark with Christian Yelich out until mid‑to‑late May

Call it a hunch, but I’m grabbing a few cheap shares this weekend.

Quinn Priester, SP, MIL (CBS: 36% rostered)

A rehab assignment could begin as early as this week. A small bid now might secure the 3.32 ERA arm we saw in 2025.

Heliot Ramos, OF, SFG (CBS: 48% rostered)

After a slow start, Ramos has gone 9‑for‑30 with two homers and 10 RBI over his past eight games — including homers in back‑to‑back contests. He’s heating up, and we shouldn’t ignore it.

Dalton Rushing, C, LAD (CBS: 25% rostered)

How do you roster a guy with only 21 at‑bats? Easy — when ten of those at‑bats are hits and five are home runs. As a backup catcher, he’s worth a couple bucks to get active.

Gary Sánchez, C/1B, MIL (CBS: 18% rostered)

He cooled slightly this week but still launched his fifth homer and has walked seven times in his past five games, pushing his OBP to .442. In two‑catcher formats, he needs a home.

Andrew Vaughn, 1B, MIL (CBS: 36% rostered)

Still about two weeks away, but the recovery from hamate surgery is trending well. Don’t forget that .826 OPS second half in 2025. The Brewers certainly haven’t.

Ryan Ward, OF, LAD (CBS: 1% rostered)

After slugging 69 homers, 223 RBI, and 27 steals over two seasons at Triple‑A Oklahoma City, the 28‑year‑old finally gets the call. Freddie Freeman heads to the paternity list to make room. Worth a look in NL‑only formats.

Closer Report

Bryan Baker, TBR (CBS: 42% rostered)

Four saves in his last six outings while Griffin Jax stumbles out of the gate. He did blow one last night, but the leash should be long enough for another chance.

Enyel De Los Santos, HOU (CBS: 10% rostered)

Josh Hader is out until late May, leaving Houston in patch‑and‑pray mode. De Los Santos has back‑to‑back saves and is the current favorite, with Bryan King lurking.

Rico Garcia, BAL (CBS: 12% rostered)

No, Ryan Helsley isn’t losing his job. But Garcia hasn’t allowed a hit in ten appearances, has a save, and five holds. He’s now the setup man. In holds leagues, he should be rostered.

Brad Keller, PHI (CBS: 14% rostered)

The optimist says Jhoan Duran returns at the end of April. The pessimist adds a couple weeks. Either way, Keller has the ninth for now and should have a decent leash.

Joel Kuhnel, OAK (CBS: 19% rostered)

Three saves in six appearances puts Kuhnel in the driver’s seat… sort of. In true A’s fashion, Hogan Harris, Justin Sterner, and Scott Barlow are all still hanging around. Proceed with committee‑level expectations.

Erik Miller, SFG (CBS: 2% rostered)

Ryan Walker hasn’t recorded a save since March 30 and has struggled lately. The Giants appear headed toward a committee. Miller gets the slight edge, but Caleb Kilian or Keaton Winn could also sneak in.

Tyler Phillips, MIA (CBS: 1% rostered)

Four saves last year, a 2.78 ERA, and now a sub‑1 ERA with better than a strikeout per inning. With Bender, Faucher, and Fairbanks struggling, Phillips is positioned for a bigger role.

Caleb Thielbar, CHC (CBS: 8% rostered)

Daniel Palencia hits the IL with an oblique strain, joining Hunter Brown and Phil Maton. Thielbar converted his first save Saturday and should get the next chance. If he falters, Ben Brown could enter the mix.

Louie Varland, TOR (CBS: 16% rostered)

Jeff Hoffman gave up a grand slam Saturday and continues to wobble. John Schneider gave him the vote of confidence, but the winds are shifting. Varland could be closing sooner than later.

Victor Vodnik, COL (CBS: 15% rostered)

Vodnik currently holds the Rockies’ closer job with three saves and a 2.00 ERA. Will it last? Probably not. But desperate times call for desperate measures, and we’re officially in that zone.

Sam Antonacci, 2B, CWS (CBS: 11% rostered)

The hit tool is excellent and the speed is very real, but the power potential remains limited at best. Antonacci has shifted from the middle infield to the outfield, and with Austin Hays sidelined 2–4 weeks due to a hamstring injury, we’re getting an early look at a youngster who stole 48 bases and posted a .400+ OBP over 416 at‑bats in 2025.

Spencer Arrighetti, SP, HOU (CBS: 24% rostered)

Houston’s rotation is a mess. Hunter Brown and Cristian Javier are on the IL. Tatsuya Imai is dealing with arm issues and has been sent back to Houston for further evaluation. Cody Bolton took a comebacker off the back Monday and is day‑to‑day. Lance McCullers was tagged for six earned runs last night, and Mike Burrows has allowed ten earned runs in his first three starts.
At Triple‑A Sugar Land, Arrighetti has posted a 1.26 ERA, 0.77 WHIP, and a 20:6 K:BB in three starts. That strikeout rate is enticing, and unless Houston plans to run with two openers and a prayer, Arrighetti should get the call this week.

Javier Assad, SP, CHC (CBS: 12% rostered)

Assad debuted this week and delivered 5 2/3 innings of one‑hit, shutout ball against the Rays to earn the win. If a mid‑to‑high‑3s ERA with underwhelming strikeout totals appeals to you (and it should), he’s worth a small‑to‑moderate FAAB bid tonight.

Dylan Crews, OF, WAS (CBS: 37% rostered)

The Triple‑A demotion appears to be working. Crews has produced a .273 average, .400 OBP, one homer, and four steals in his first 44 at‑bats for Rochester. The improved on‑base ability is notable. How long until the Nationals call him up? Likely within the next couple of weeks. The trio of Joey Wiemer, Jacob Young, and Daylen Lile can only hold him off for so long.

Foster Griffin, SP, WAS (CBS: 15% rostered)

Of all the arms arriving from Asia this offseason, Griffin ranked lowest for me entering the year—but here we are on April 12, and he’s been the best of the bunch (and it’s not close). He no‑hit the Brewers through five innings in his last outing before Joey Ortiz broke it up in the sixth. He’s throwing everything, including the kitchen sink, and the mix‑and‑match approach with his seven—yes, seven—pitches is keeping hitters off balance.

Ryan Jeffers, C, MIN (CBS: 42% rostered)

If you’re looking for an Adley Rutschman/Alejandro Kirk replacement, Jeffers is off to a strong start with one homer, seven RBI, seven runs, and a .270 average. Those early numbers make him a solid, reasonably priced option.

Eloy Jimenez, DH, TOR (CBS: 1% rostered)

With George Springer expected to miss 2–6 weeks with a broken toe, the Jays are turning to offseason signing Eloy Jimenez. Is there anything left in the 29‑year‑old’s tank? In AL‑only formats, he’s worth a speculative bid.

Edouard Julien, 1B/2B, COL (CBS: 3% rostered)

I had high hopes for Julien when he debuted with the Twins, and while it didn’t work out there, all may not be lost. After struggling for at‑bats early, he has gone 10‑for‑24 with a homer, five RBI, and two steals over his past six games. He’s also moved into the leadoff spot. A small bid will determine whether it’s real or “Memorex.”

Anthony Kay, SP, CWS (CBS: 9% rostered)

We first mentioned Kay in Week One, when he was rostered in 9% of CBS leagues—and he’s still at 9% today. Since then, he’s earned his first win since 2021 and kept the hits under control, though the walk rate remains high. With AL pitching options thinning quickly, a small bid is justified to see if he can sustain the early success.

Angel Martinez, 2B/OF, CLE (CBS: 9% rostered)

Martinez opened the season 3‑for‑21 over his first seven games and rode the bench on day eight. Since that breather, he has gone 10‑for‑17 with a homer, six RBI, and three steals in three straight games. He’s been on fire, and while everyone is chasing Sam Antonacci, Martinez may be the better bargain.

Colin Rea, SP, CHC (CBS: 6% rostered)

Rea has recorded 23 wins over the past two seasons while pitching to a 4.00 ERA. He’s a No. 5 starter who keeps you competitive, and right now many of us should be thrilled to get that level of production from anyone.

JR Ritchie, SP, ATL (CBS: 16% rostered)

Ritchie’s last outing was a gem: one hit, one walk, one run, and seven strikeouts over seven innings. Through three starts he owns a 1.72 ERA with a strikeout per inning. With the pool of viable Minor League stashes shrinking, grabbing him now ensures access to No. 3‑starter upside without the premium cost.

Landen Roupp, SP, SFG (CBS: 26% rostered)

The 27‑year‑old righty has three starts under his belt, two of them quality starts, and has posted two wins, a 3.24 ERA, and better than a strikeout per inning. He hasn’t allowed a homer yet, and that 3,087 rpm curveball spin rate is clearly playing a role in his early success.

Jesus Sanchez, OF, TOR (CBS: 20% rostered)

Sanchez is off to a strong start and brings something Toronto desperately needs: health. He’ll swing through plenty of pitches, but when he connects, it’s a beautiful thing.

Noah Schultz, SP, CWS (CBS: 22% rostered)

Grant Taylor can only serve as an opener for so long (today marks his fourth outing), and Opening Day starter Shane Smith still isn’t ready to return. As discussed on Friday’s podcast, a Noah Schultz sighting was imminent—and now it’s official. He’ll start Tuesday against the Rays and again Sunday in Oakland. That’s a favorable setup. You’ll need to spend real FAAB to land him, but given the early‑season pitching injuries and lack of depth, it’s an opportunity you can’t ignore.

Jorge Soler, OF, LAA (CBS: 22% rostered)

He’s about to serve a timeout for his disagreement with Reynaldo López, but don’t let that scare you off. Four homers and 15 RBI to open the season is plenty stash‑worthy while he serves his suspension.

Miguel Ullola, SP, HOU (CBS: 2% rostered)

As noted in the Arrighetti section, Houston is running out of starting pitching. In AL‑only formats, Ullola deserves a watch. The walks are concerning, but the Astros will eventually turn to his high‑strikeout/high‑walk profile at some point in 2026.

Closer Report

Jakob Junis, TEX (CBS: 21% rostered)

Remember when Robert Garcia and Chris Martin were battling for the ninth in Texas? That was last week. This week, Junis has recorded saves on back‑to‑back days and owns a 0.00 ERA through six appearances. Cole Winn (CBS: 7%) saved the next opportunity and also sports a 0.00 ERA. It still looks like a committee, but Junis currently holds a slight edge.

Clayton Beeter, RP, WAS (CBS: 37% rostered)

We mentioned Beeter last week, and he somehow dropped 2% in roster rate. That doesn’t add up, especially after he secured a second save this week—shaky or not. A save is a save, and if you’re struggling early in the category, a small bid could help stabilize things.

Early-season Waiver Wire bidding is in full swing. One practice worth adopting is to scour the Wire after it runs to see who was dropped. When everyone is chasing the next big thing, players who get cut can quietly become the perfect fit for a specific roster need. One person’s discard is often another person’s gold. With that in mind, let’s take a look at this week’s options.

Jake Bauers, 1B/OF, MIL (CBS: 21% rostered)

I could give you 24 reasons to roster Jake Bauers, but I’ll settle for two. First, the two home runs and two stolen bases to open the season. Second, Andrew Vaughn will miss the next 6–8 weeks recovering from hamate surgery, creating plenty of short‑term playing time.

Josh Bell, 1B, MIN (CBS: 14% rostered)

There will be ups and downs with Josh Bell, but by season’s end, you can usually bank 20–25 homers. Two are already in the books—18–23 to go.

Ben Brown, SP/RP, CHC (CBS: 7% rostered)

One of Colin Rea, Javier Assad, or Ben Brown is likely to fill in for Cade Horton, who’s sidelined with forearm issues. All three are short‑term options while the Cubs wait for top prospect Jaxon Wiggins (CBS: 11% rostered) to prove he’s ready. When in doubt, chase the strikeouts—Ben Brown is that guy.

Jose Fernandez, SS, ARZ (CBS: 18% rostered)

Hitting two home runs in your MLB debut is a great way to get noticed. With both Pavin Smith and Jordan Lawlar on the IL, Fernandez should see meaningful short‑term playing time. A small bid can provide multi‑position relief.

Andrés Giménez, 2B/SS, TOR (CBS: 46% rostered)

Known more for his glove than his bat, Giménez is off to a strong start—two homers, two steals, seven RBI, and a .300 average. He’s one of the few Jays exceeding expectations early. A return to his 2022–23 form shouldn’t be dismissed.

Kyle Isbel, OF, KCR (CBS: 10% rostered)

I’ve been a long‑time, often‑disappointed Kyle Isbel fan. The opportunities for full‑time at‑bats are there again, and with a two‑homer, three‑steal start plus an 11‑for‑23 line, maybe 2026 is finally the breakout we’ve been waiting for.

Colt Keith, 2B/3B, DET (CBS: 48% rostered)

Keith is off to a 10‑for‑24 start. The counting stats haven’t popped yet, but the bat‑to‑ball skills are real—and they will show up. The Tigers like him at the top of the order, and your fantasy squad should too.

Eric Lauer, SP/RP, TOR (CBS: 37% rostered)

There were questions this spring about where Lauer’s 3.11 ERA and 1.11 WHIP would fit into the Jays’ plans. Injuries to José Berríos, Trey Yesavage, Cody Ponce, and Shane Bieber have answered that—he’s in the rotation. He opened with nine strikeouts and two earned runs over six innings against Oakland. You can never have enough pitching, and Toronto badly needs a repeat of his strong 2025.

Joey Loperfido, OF, HOU (CBS: 4% rostered)

Zach Cole, the preseason favorite for left field, was sent to the Minors, giving Loperfido another shot. He’s 8‑for‑22 with three RBI, four runs, and a steal. Maybe the second time around is the charm.

Rhett Lowder, SP, CIN (CBS: 35% rostered)

Two starts in—against Boston and Texas—Lowder owns a win and a 1.64 ERA. Injuries ruined his 2025, limiting him to just 9 1/3 innings, but he’s making up for lost time. Next up: Max Meyer and the Marlins on the road.

Lance McCullers Jr., SP, HOU (CBS: 43% rostered)

McCullers opened his season with a gem: four hits, one walk, one earned run, and nine strikeouts over seven innings. The skills have never been in doubt. If health finally cooperates, he’ll be a major asset.

Eduardo Rodriguez, SP, ARZ (CBS: 25% rostered)

Rodriguez entered 2026 with plenty of question marks, including a brutal early schedule (Braves, Dodgers, Mets). He’s already navigated two of the three without allowing an earned run. The Mets are next. Enjoy the production while it’s flowing.

Max Scherzer, SP, TOR (CBS: 45% rostered)

Scherzer opened by holding Colorado to one earned run over six innings. With Toronto’s rotation decimated by injuries, the Jays are hoping for 150 innings from the 41‑year‑old “Mad Max.” Don’t be surprised if he delivers.

Cam Smith, OF, HOU (CBS: 44% rostered)

Smith is 7‑for‑28 with two homers, two steals, and hits in five straight games. So far, so very good.

Jordan Walker, OF, STL (CBS: 35% rostered)

Walker struggled in Spring Training (16 strikeouts in 44 at‑bats), leaving his role uncertain. But an 8‑for‑27 start with two homers, eight RBI, and a steal has quieted those concerns.

Austin Wells, C, NYY (CBS: 43% rostered)

Wells is off to a slow start, but his 21 homers and 71 RBI from 2025 shouldn’t be forgotten—especially if you’re replacing Alejandro Kirk, who’s on the IL with a fractured thumb.

Ryan Weiss, SP/RP, HOU (CBS: 2% rostered)

As the long man on a strong offensive team, Weiss offers ERA stability, strikeout upside, and “next‑man‑up” potential for the rotation. His transition from the KBO has been smooth so far.

Ryan Waldschmidt, OF, ARI (CBS: 21% rostered)

Jordan Lawlar’s fractured wrist will sideline him for a couple of months. For now, the Arizona outfield is Corbin Carroll, Alek Thomas, and a Tim Tawa/Jorge Barrosa mix. It’s only a matter of time before Waldschmidt—off to a strong start at Triple‑A Reno—gets the call. A penny now or many pennies later.

Closer Report

Clayton Beeter, WAS (CBS: 39% rostered)

Beeter hasn’t fully locked down the job, but he earned and converted the first save. He’s the favorite over Cole Henry for ninth‑inning work. A small bid makes sense.

Paul Sewald, ARZ (CBS: 57% rostered)

Check to see if he’s available in shallow leagues. Do I feel confident he holds the job all year with a 91‑mph heater? No. But he has the role right now and has been lights‑out. Take the production while it’s there.

Welcome back to another year of the Waiver Wire. It’s early in the season, offering the chance to fill gaps in your draft and recover from the early injuries that have disrupted that “perfect” January roster. Don’t play the nickel-and-dime game. A penny saved isn’t anything earned come September. It’s a long year, and a full year’s worth of stats are ahead of you.

Luisangel Acuna, 2B, CWS (CBS: 18% rostered)

Last year, Luisangel Acuna swiped 16 bases in just 175 at-bats with the Metropolitans. This year, he’s taking on a full-time role in center field for the White Sox. Should we set the over/under at 35 stolen bases for 2026?

Moises Ballesteros, U, CHC (CBS: 46% rostered)

Don’t let the 1-for-6 start be a concern. This kid can and will hit for solid numbers in 2026. Buying in early will help alleviate a serious case of buyer’s remorse when he proves the aforementioned point.

Brett Baty, 2B/3B, NYM (CBS: 42% rostered)

Bret Baty is emerging from a solid rookie season, having hit 18 homers and stolen eight bases in 393 at-bats. He’s started this year strong with 3 RBIs and a stolen base early in the week. With his dual eligibility, a small bid makes sense in deeper leagues.

Joe Boyle, SP, TBR (CBS: 11% rostered)

Ryan Pepiot’s hip injury forced the Rays to rely on Joe Boyle on short notice, and he delivered six solid innings of three-hit, no-walk ball, allowing only two earned runs. He had his fastball working, reaching up to 98.5 mph. A small bid in 15-team Mixed Leagues offers a chance to see how his stuff performs against a mediocre Twins team in his next outing.

Jake Burger, 1B, TEX (CBS: 33% rostered)

Jake Burger has hit as many as 34 homers in a season. He’s off to a fast start with two already. There’s no doubt about his skills. The key is his ability to stay healthy and on the field.

Victor Caratini, C, MIN (CBS: 4% rostered)

For those who prioritized Catchers late this Spring, give Victor Caratini a look. He’s a typical Waiver Wire addition as an injury replacement in two-catcher leagues, but since he will see extra 1B/DH at-bats against tough lefties, the 12 homers he hit last year could potentially reach the mid-teens.

Willi Castro, 2B/3B/OF, COL (CBS: 28% rostered)

There has been a change at the top in Colorado, and they are aiming to be much more aggressive on the base paths in 2026. That shift in philosophy, combined with Castro’s speed and ability to play multiple positions, makes for an interesting option if your specific need is speed. He managed to steal 33 bases in 2023 as a member of the Twins.

Deyvison De La Santos, 1B, MIA (CBS: 5% rostered)

The Marlins have turned to divisive Minor League slugger Deyvison De La Santos to replace Christopher Morel, who was placed on the IL with a strained oblique. He should be on the radar in NL-only formats due to the impressive power potential that saw him hit 40 home runs in the minors in 2024.

Dillon Dingler, C, DET (CBS: 28% rostered)

Dingler’s value was overlooked at the draft table this year because of concerns about the arthroscopic surgery he had in January. He started late but quickly made an impact, already hitting a homer and driving in four RBIs in his first two games. It seems the concerns have eased as he works to build on a strong 13 homer/57 RBI season in 2025.

Zach Eflin, SP, TEX (CBS: 26% rostered)

After posting strong numbers in both 2023 (3.50 ERA) and 2024 (3.59 ERA), Zach Eflin faced a tough 2025. He spent three stints on the IL before ending his year in late July. In two Spring Training starts, he pitched a total of 7 1/3 scoreless innings, allowing only two hits and a walk while striking out ten batters. A healthy Zach Eflin is a solid #4 starter with #3 upside and should be considered a must-add this week in all formats.

TJ Friedl, OF, CIN (CBS: 39% rostered)

A leadoff batter on a roster that features Matt McLain, Elly De La Cruz, and the young but highly talented Sal Stewart hitting behind him should attract more interest. With double-digit power and speed potential, along with the added bonus of 80+ runs scored, he has been overlooked in 61% of the leagues playing at CBS.

Lucas Giolito, SP, FA (CBS: 8% rostered)

Lucas Giolito is still seeking a team. If you have space, add him to your reserve roster, and as pitching injuries surface, his potential to deliver a mid-to-high three ERA season should attract interest from MLB teams.

Rhys Hoskins, 1B, CLE (CBS: 9% rostered)

The Guardians need more than just Jose Ramirez, Kyle Manzardo, and rookie Chase DeLauter providing power in their everyday lineup. A small bid, and you’ll find out if Rhys Hoskins is the answer.

Brady House, 3B, WAS (CBS: 19% rostered)

The last time the Nationals had a 20-home run season from the hot corner was in 2019 when Anthony Rendon hit 34 home runs. Brady House will end that drought in 2026.

Anthony Kay, SP, CWS (CBS: 9% rostered)

Kay is penciled in as the No. 3 starter on the South Side and has brought back a new pitch from Japan—the two-seamer—that helped contribute to a league-best 57.8% ground ball rate. With a four-seamer touching 95 mph, plus a slider, changeup, and sweeper, there’s a lot to potentially like.

Jake McCarthy, OF, COL (CBS: 11% rostered)   

Jake McCarthy produced 23, 26, and 25 stolen bases from 2022 through 2024 on an average of 346 at-bats. Run Rockies, run!

Ryan McMahon, 3B, NYY (CBS: 17% rostered)

Ryan McMahon’s last time falling short of 20 homers was in 2018. His career high is 24 homers in 2019. It’s the perfect environment in New York for the 31-year-old to break his career best.

Garrett Mitchell, OF, MIL (CBS: 10% rostered)

Mitchell has had a great start, going 5-for-9 with three RBI and two stolen bases. He’s also walked three times and struck out just once. Staying healthy has been a challenge for the now 27-year-old, but he’s currently on the field and showing a skill set that’s worth paying attention to, even in small-format leagues.

Nasim Nunez, SS, WAS (CBS: 8% rostered)

Batting second in Washington could be a good spot for the young speedster. He has stolen up to 70 bases across High-A and Double-A. He’s a burner and could be a valuable asset if you want to boost speed stats on your Fantasy team.

Luke Raley, 1B/OF, SEA (CBS: 8% rostered)

His two-run homer Saturday night against the Guardians brought his three-game total to three hits, three homers, and five RBIs. It’s not like we haven’t seen Raley hit for power, as he slugged 22 homers back in 2024. He’s doing his best to push Dominic Canzone into the full-time DH role.

Victor Scott II, OF, STL (CBS: 22% rostered)

If you enjoy the thrill of speed, the two steals in the Cards’ home opener give a good preview of what to expect for the rest of the season. Last year, Scott II stole 34 bases in 398 at-bats. He’ll surpass that number well before September this season.

Jose Soriano, SP, LAA (CBS: 47% rostered)

Soriano (1-0) earned the win Thursday over the Astros, allowing two hits and four walks across six scoreless innings. He struck out seven. The fastball was lively, hitting 97.3 mph, and keeping the ball on the ground 66% of the time is a recipe for great results. 150+ strikeouts from your #5/6 starter gets the job done.

Anthony Volpe, SS, NYY (CBS: 22% rostered)

Will he get Wally Pipped or not? It’s worth a small bid to add him and stash him on your team’s IL to see what happens. Despite last year being disappointing, he still managed to hit 19 home runs and steal 18 bases. Many would envy that level of productivity.

Carson Williams, SS, TBR (CBS: 28% rostered)

Taylor Walls lands on the IL with a right oblique strain, and the Rays are turning to the toolsy Carson Williams in the meantime — or could it be more than that? Back-to-back 20/20 seasons at both Double- and Triple-A highlight his impressive tools. The question that needs answering is whether he’ll hit enough to keep the job. I believe he will.

Masyn Winn, SS, STL (CBS: 28% rostered)

Masyn Winn hit 15 home runs and stole 11 bases, along with scoring 85 runs in an impressive rookie season. His second season was tough because he dealt with a knee injury most of the year. He just turned 24 and has a promising future with the rebuilding Cardinals. Much brighter than the 28% level of recoverability.

Closer Report

Lucas Erceg, KCR (CBS: 23% rostered)

Carlos Estevez did not have a good spring. Last night, during his season debut against the Braves, he was absolutely lit up, allowing six earned runs in just 1/3 inning. Additionally, his fastball velocity has dropped by 4 mph from 2025, raising concerns. Lucas Erceg is the next in line for saves and is coming off a strong 2025 season, finishing with a 2.64 ERA and a couple of saves. He will attract plenty of interest and a significant amount of FAAB this evening.

Chris Martin, TEX (CBS: 9% rostered)

The soon-to-be 40-year-old Martin is sharing a job with Robert Garcia. Opportunities will arise. There will be some leaves, but for just a small fraction of that valuable FAAB, you’ll get the chance to find out.

Jordan Romano, LAA (CBS: 12% rostered, ESPN:

Romano received the call for the ninth and earned the save in the Angels’ opener. He pitched a shutout inning in the second game with a four-run lead. It seems like, at least for now, the Angels have found their closer, with Drew Pomeranz moving into the setup role.

Louie Varland, TOR (CBS: 5% rostered)

Jeff Hoffman allowed a ninth-inning home run to Langeliers in the home opener with a one-run lead. We’ve seen this before, but one has to believe the leash, which was already short, is even shorter after Hoffman’s 2026 debut. Call it a hunch, but do the Jays move Tyler Rogers, who has a long history of success in a setup role, into the ninth or go with the former Twin, Varland? I’m betting on Varland and trying to find lightning in a bottle.

An update has been made to our Closer Report.  It can be found here.