The Pirates graduated several high‑end prospects, including Konnor Griffin, yet the system remains strong — anchored by one of the few pitching prospects you can realistically project as a future fantasy ace: Seth Hernandez. Edward Florentino and Murf Gray both delivered excellent 2026 campaigns and look poised to help Pittsburgh in 2028, or 2029 at the latest. The Pirates played it safe at the draft table in July with Derek Curiel, but he should hit and has a chance to produce steady 15‑15 seasons.

The depth doesn’t stop with the top four players. There are plenty of gems throughout the system. In fact, the Pirates boast four Top‑100 prospects and 19 players inside the Top‑500.

Prospect Snapshot

• Top Prospect: Seth Hernandez
• Biggest Mover: Murf Gray
• Biggest Disappointment: Termarr Johnson
• Emerging Prospect: Johan De Los Santos

You can access the entire list here.

It’s difficult to label any minor‑league system as the best in baseball, but when you have the No. 1 prospect in the game, 23 Top‑500 players, and five Top‑100 players, you can make a strong argument that the Brewers now own the top system in the sport.

Jesus Made didn’t deliver the drop‑the‑mic season I hoped for, but he still hit 14 home runs, stole 36 bases, and struck out only 14% of the time as the youngest player in Double‑A. There’s clear superstar potential and why he’s our Top prospect in the game. Luis Peña — his partner‑in‑crime for much of the season — also excelled, though staying on the field proved challenging. His speed and on‑base ability give him legitimate top‑of‑the‑lineup upside.

Plenty of others had standout seasons, including Braylon Payne’s 28‑25 campaign, Blake Burke’s 34‑28 line, and Eric Bitonti’s 25‑24 season. In fact, had Bitonti stolen one more base, the Brewers would have had three of the 11 players who finished 25‑25. And not to bury the lede: Andrew Fischer set the modern record for most home runs in a single minor‑league season with 48.

It was truly a remarkable year across the Brewers’ system.

Prospect Snapshot

• Top Prospect: Jesus Made
• Biggest Mover: Braylon Payne and Blake Burke
• Biggest Disappointment: Jett Williams
• Emerging Prospect: Diego Frontado and Ricki Moneys

You can access the entire list here.

The Reds have long embraced a philosophy of building around athletic players with loud tools but real questions about how much they’ll hit. Elly De La Cruz is the blueprint — an explosive athlete who has hit enough to become a star. Whether Steele Hall, Tyson Lewis, and Justin Lebron can hit enough to follow in his footsteps remains the open question.

That’s not the case with Alfredo Duno, their top prospect. He looks like the real deal and is getting close to helping in Cincinnati. I’d expect him to join the big‑league club at some point in 2027, with a chance to develop into one of the best catchers in the game.

Prospect Snapshot

• Top Prospect: Alfredo Duno
• Biggest Mover: Hector Rodriguez
• Biggest Disappointment: Cam Collier
• Emerging Prospect: Eider Gutiérrez

You can access the entire list here.

Josiah Hartshorn and Owen Ayers were two of the biggest breakout players in the minor leagues in 2026 and now rank as the top two prospects in the Cubs’ system. After that, there are some solid pieces in Jaxon Wiggins and Kane Kepley, but overall the system is thin, lacking both high‑end upside and meaningful depth. Their draft did add some pitching help in Cade Townsend, who has a big arm but real questions about how many strikes he’ll ultimately throw. I’m 50/50 on whether he stays in the rotation.

That said, the Cubs are firmly in their competitive window and already have a strong core at the big‑league level. They’ll likely use their minor‑league talent as complementary pieces or trade assets. With that as the objective, the system should be more than adequate.

Prospect Snapshot

• Top Prospect: Josiah Hartshorn
• Biggest Mover: Owen Ayers
• Biggest Disappointment: Kevin Alcantara
• Emerging Prospect: Johan Geraldo

You can access the entire list here.

Jonah Cox, OF, SFG (CBS: 2% rostered)

Jonah Cox has been running wild, with eight stolen bases in 58 at‑bats, including three last night. He’s also not void of power, hitting two home runs in the past week. If your need is speed, that 98th‑percentile sprint speed should get the job done.

Nolan Gorman, 2B/3B, STL (CBS: 4% rostered)

Recalled this week, Gorman simply is who he is. He’ll hit it out of the park and struggle to produce anything resembling a decent batting average. The one given is that he’ll have plenty of short‑term opportunities with JJ Wetherholt, Masyn Winn, and Blaze Jordan all hitting the IL this past week.

Walker Jenkins, OF, MIN (CBS: 56% rostered)

What would a late‑season Waiver Wire article be without a top‑tier prospect? Jenkins is this week’s choice, and his 1.420 OPS over the last three weeks at Triple‑A left him with very little left to prove down on the farm.

Sean Murphy, C, ATL (CBS: 3% rostered)

It’s time for a blast from the past, and Sean Murphy certainly qualifies. Over the past week, he’s gone 6‑for‑14 with a homer and three RBI, giving managers a chance to upgrade that second catcher spot in two‑catcher formats.

Tristan Peters, OF, CWS (CBS: 45% rostered)

It seems that every time Munetaka Murakami suffers a power outage, someone else in the White Sox lineup goes on a tear. This time, Tristan Peters is that guy, homering in five consecutive games beginning August 22. Let’s hope he left some of that power in the tank for this coming week.

Pedro Ramirez, 2B/3B, CHC (CBS: 27% rostered)

The injury to Dansby Swanson opened the door for steady playing time, and Pedro Ramirez has seized it — going 9‑for‑23 with two homers and nine RBI over the past week. A relatively small bid could yield very solid returns.

Hector Rodriguez, OF, CIN (CBS: 13% rostered)

After a slow start, Hector Rodriguez is showing signs of life with three homers in his past six games. The Reds aren’t going anywhere fast this year. Let the kids play!

Two‑Start Pitchers

Eric Lauer, LAD (CBS: 27% rostered)

McGreevy and TBA in Washington look like a perfectly fine pair of matchups for Lauer this week. Hopefully the Dodgers offense shows up in support of his cause.

Randy Dobnak, KCR (CBS: 18% rostered)

Since moving into the Royals rotation at the beginning of July, Dobnak has allowed two or fewer earned runs in eight of his ten starts. Look for him to build on those numbers this week as he faces the Marlins’ Tyler Phillips and the Jays’ Spencer Arrighetti at home.

Closer Report

Elvis Alvarado, ATH (CBS: 9% rostered)

Hogan Harris looked to be in the driver’s seat in the ninth for Sacramento, but Elvis Alvarado’s three saves in his past four outings raise questions about Harris’s current role. The hot hand is definitely Alvarado, and he’s likely looking at more than his fair share of saves moving forward.

Calvin Faucher, MIA (CBS: 5% rostered)

Nerve irritation in his right hand has sent incumbent Pete Fairbanks to the IL. Calvin Faucher should be the favorite for saves in his absence, given his history of ninth‑inning work (15 saves in 2025). If he struggles, Michael Petersen could work his way into the mix.

Bryan Hudson, SP/RP, CWS (CBS: 3% rostered)

Bryan Hudson has three saves and a win in his past six appearances, including back‑to‑back saves in his last two. He’s up to seven saves on the year. Grant Taylor has two saves in his past six appearances, three wins, and eight saves overall. It looks like we have a committee on the South Side.

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

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

Deyvison De Los Santos, 1B, MIA (CBS: 3% rostered)

De Los Santos has popped 19 homers, swiped 18 bases, and has a .843 OPS in 361 Triple‑A at‑bats. Let’s hope for a better showing than his early‑season call‑up or, at the very least, enough at‑bats to get a better idea as to his readiness. With Kyle Stowers on the sidelines dealing with a wonky hammy, the Marlins could use every opportunity to boost those rather anemic power numbers.

George Klassen, SP, LAA (CBS: 20% rostered)

The big question is whether Klassen will remain in the rotation with the Halos activating Yusei Kikuchi off the IL today. Based on Klassen’s last two outings against Texas and Houston — in which he recorded back‑to‑back wins and shut out the Astros on one hit over seven innings — a six‑man rotation should be the plan.

Christian Moore, 2B/OF, LAA (CBS: 7% rostered)

Let’s hope that the second verse is a far improved version of the first, and with 11 homers and 14 stolen bases to go along with a .943 OPS in 334 at‑bats at Triple‑A Salt Lake, it’s worthy of a small bid tonight to discover the answer.

Cal Quantrill, SP/RP, TEX (CBS: 22% rostered)

Cal Quantrill has been on a roll lately, allowing only three earned runs in his past four starts, with two of those starts being of the quality variety. He’s facing a tough matchup this week against Logan Henderson and the Brewers, but when you’re hot, you’re hot — and Quantrill is all of that.

Grayson Rodriguez, SP, LAA (CBS: 26% rostered)

Rodriguez is coming off a great seven‑inning outing against the Astros, holding them to two unearned runs and chipping in six strikeouts. In his past five outings (27 IP), he has struck out 31 batters while allowing ten earned runs. It’s not quite vintage Rodriguez, but it’s definitely a step in the right direction.

Elmer Rodriguez, SP, NYY (CBS: 10% rostered)

Ryan Weathers has found his way to the IL with a left flexor strain, as Elmer Rodriguez patiently waits for his phone to ring — and that could occur any day now. In his last five starts (27 IP), he has allowed a total of four earned runs while striking out 29 batters, resulting in a pair of victories. It’s time for a second kick at the can for the 23‑year‑old righty.

Javier Sanoja, 2B/SS/3B/OF, MIA (CBS: 26% rostered)

If one is looking for an injury‑replacement type, give Javier Sanoja a look. He qualifies everywhere except first base and catcher, and over the past week has slugged two homers, driven in eight runs, and posted a 1.162 OPS. A small bid is in order.

Recommended Two‑Start Pitchers

Andrew Alvarez, SP/RP, WAS (CBS: 16% rostered)

Alvarez has been pitching well; it’s just unfortunate the offense is providing him with very little support. In his last four starts, he has gone at least five innings in each outing, allowed a total of six earned runs, and has two losses to show for his efforts. He is facing off against Kyle Freeland and Tyler Phillips at home this week. Does it get any better than a two‑start week against the Rockies and Marlins?

Max Scherzer, SP, TOR (CBS: 14% rostered)

The Jays are in the hunt for a wildcard berth, and neither the Royal nor Mariner offenses are instilling fear in the heart of the opposition. I’m betting on “Mad” Max reaching deep and providing solid outings for the Jays faithful.

Matt Wilkinson, SP, SFG (CBS: 6% rostered)

Matt “Tugboat” Wilkinson got the call and will toss that deception at Chase Burns and Merrill Kelly at home this week. The big question could prove to be whether he’ll be allowed to go deep enough into either game to qualify for the W.

Closer Report

Ben Joyce, LAA (CBS: 36% rostered)

I bet on Samy Natera to stay healthy over oft‑injured Ben Joyce, and I lost that bet. Natera has found his way to the IL with a back injury, and Joyce has now amassed three saves in his past four outings. It’s his job to lose.

Franklin Arias, SS, BOS (CBS: 26% rostered) As good as the past six weeks have been for Boston, adding a boost from Franklin Arias for the stretch run wouldn’t hurt their chances. Arias has gone 21‑for‑70 with four homers, 17 RBI, and a .904 OPS since his promotion to Triple‑A. Is Fenway his next stop in 2026.

Josh Baez, OF, STL (CBS: 70% rostered) If, by chance, you’re playing in a league where Josh Baez is still sitting in the FA pool, consider yourself fortunate. If you don’t have much FAAB remaining, change that prognosis to unfortunate. The biggest bank will win this race, and as we saw with his historic debut, it’s one heckuva prize.

Josue Briceno, C, DET (CBS: 9% rostered) Injuries have cost Josue Briceno a good chunk of the 2026 season, but when he returned at the end of June he went on a tear at Double‑A Erie, smashing eight homers in only 64 at‑bats. That earned him a promotion to Triple‑A — the final step before the Tigers come calling. Detroit is in a tight battle for both the division title and a wildcard berth. Here’s hoping Briceno is in Detroit contributing.

Charlie Condon, 1B, COL (CBS: 39% rostered) Charlie Condon has slugged 22 home runs this year in 387 Triple‑A at‑bats. How much seasoning does he need. Come on, Rockies — do the right thing and let him get his feet wet in 2026.

Drew Gilbert, OF, SFG (CBS: 3% rostered) It has been far from a great year for Drew Gilbert, but over the past three weeks we’re seeing signs of life: 6‑for‑17, two homers, seven RBI, and a 1.252 OPS — even showing up in the leadoff spot.

Walker Jenkins, OF, MIN (CBS: 33% rostered) Injuries have limited his 2026 development time, but when you’ve slugged seven homers, stolen 13 bases, and posted an .865 OPS in 232 at‑bats across town, you’d think there has to be room for a player of Jenkins’ skill set to help the Twins in their push for a wildcard berth.

Seaver King, SS, WAS (CBS: 6% rostered) When the Nationals announced that CJ Abrams would be moving to second base, the thought of Nasim Nunez benefiting from that move generated more questions — Nunez has batted .129 with a .225 OBP over the past three weeks. Is he the answer. No. But maybe Seaver King is part of the plan. Call it a hunch, but I’m investing a small sum this week in hopes King gets a phone call in the very near future.

Jordan Lawlar, 3B/OF, ARZ (CBS: 33% rostered) Jordan Lawlar is close to returning from his latest malady, a hamstring strain. He has slugged five homers in his past four games, with an activation date drawing near. In other news, water is wet, the sky is blue, and grass is green.

Jacob Lopez, SP, ATH (CBS: 39% rostered) I know Sutter Health Park is a bandbox and pitchers get lit up like a joint at a Pink Floyd concert, but Jacob Lopez has pitched well over his past five appearances — three of them at home. He has allowed seven earned runs while striking out 32 batters in his last 26⅔ innings. If your wish list includes starting pitching this week, add him.

Charles McAdoo, 1B/3B, TOR (CBS: 1% rostered) Since getting the call on August 9, McAdoo has gone 5‑for‑14 with a home run, and with Vlad Jr. landing on the 7‑day concussion IL, playing time at first base shouldn’t be a problem until Guerrero returns. McAdoo brings solid power potential — just don’t expect much help in batting average. There’s no shortage of miss in his swing‑and‑miss game.

Tyler Mahle, SP, ATL (CBS: 48% rostered) Since moving to the Braves at the deadline, Mahle has struck out 16 batters over 12 innings and allowed just one earned run. He has Zebby Matthews and the Twins, Logan Henderson and the Brewers, and the Rockies at home in his next three starts. “Two out of Three Ain’t Bad.”

Andrew Pinckney, OF, WAS (CBS: not rostered) Lost in the recent player promotions is Andrew Pinckney. Quietly, he slugged 13 homers with 18 steals in 339 at‑bats at Triple‑A Rochester. Since getting the call, he already has a home run and a stolen base. He should see a steady diet of at‑bats until James Wood returns from his oblique injury, after which he likely shifts into a platoon role against southpaws. Give him a look if NL‑only is your game.

Zac Veen, OF, COL (CBS: 34% rostered) In 392 at‑bats — all at Triple‑A Albuquerque — Veen hit 24 homers, stole 19 bases, and posted a 1.037 OPS. Since getting the call mid‑week, he’s gone 2‑for‑9 with two homers. Let’s hope this great start continues for the now‑24‑year‑old and he calls Coors home for the balance of the ’26 campaign.

Closer Report

Kodai Senga, NYM (CBS: 20% rostered) The oft‑injured starter Senga appears to have found his niche replacing the injured Devin Williams in the ninth‑inning role. He’s had two save opportunities and converted both. The “ghost” forkball still works just fine, as that 44.2% whiff rate attests. Hopefully shorter stints keep him on the field.

Justin Martinez, ARZ (CBS: 9% rostered) Brandyn Garcia has done a fine job in the ninth inning for the D‑backs, but Justin Martinez’s return is drawing near. In four rehab outings, Martinez has tossed four innings without allowing a hit while striking out six. It wouldn’t be shocking to see him activated sometime in the next week and assume an immediate role of prominence in the D‑backs bullpen.