Fantasy Baseball: Navigating the Waiver Wire in 2026
Welcome back to another season of fantasy free agency! Even though we’re barely into the 2026 campaign, many teams already face significant roster challenges. If that sounds familiar, you’ve come to the right place. This season, we’re shifting focus from raw data to more in-depth positional analysis, offering deeper lists, stash recommendations, and ranked two-start pitchers.
Catching Potential: Samuel Basallo
Playing time is paramount for catchers, and currently, that’s the only thing holding back Samuel Basallo’s roster rate. Volume concerns kept many off Orioles players during the draft, but Basallo is a different story. At just 21 years old, he forced his way into the Opening Day lineup with a strong spring, benefiting from early injuries to Jackson Holliday and Jordan Westburg. Currently, he’s manning the Orioles’ DH spot when not catching – a crucial factor for fantasy catchers. Basallo’s power is legitimate; now it’s about securing consistent MLB at-bats. Bet on his talent and favorable environment, at least until the regular starters return.
Hot Corner Help: Jake Bauers
The hot corner has become a surprisingly barren landscape, especially after Andrew Vaughn’s latest injury. With a hole in many lineups, including my own, I’m turning to Milwaukee’s Jake Bauers. While we’ve heard similar stories before, Bauers is currently playing every day. He’s posting the best disciplinary metrics of his career and offers a rare combination of power and speed from the corner infield position. Add Jake Bauers to bolster your CI spot; the talent pool drops off significantly after him.
Second Base Sleeper: Cole Young
I’m taking a risk here, but Seattle’s Cole Young wasn’t just my dark horse second base pick this draft season; he arguably was MLB’s best player during spring training. Remarkably, he’s largely ignored in most leagues. Young, a former first-rounder, has secured an everyday role for the Mariners and currently ranks as fantasy baseball’s 13th overall second baseman. With little competition for plate appearances, he has a clear path to five-category stats at a typically challenging position. The buzz will start soon, so get him now.
Diamondbacks’ Rising Star: Jose Fernandez
I’m often hesitant to jump on the latest shiny toy, but this time I’m making an exception. The fantasy ecosystem barely noticed the Diamondbacks’ Jose Fernandez, with less than 12% rostered despite hitting two massive home runs before waivers even cleared. While it’s unwise to overreact to one game, the market’s lack of enthusiasm is striking. He represents the highest-upside positional play available on the wire. Grab him now and cut him later if it doesn’t pan out.
Dodgers’ Power Potential: Max Muncy
Adding the Dodgers’ Max Muncy is one of the most straightforward moves in fantasy baseball. He bats in the middle of the league’s best offense and possesses massive power potential at a position lacking depth. His repaired astigmatism could lead to a strong start – Muncy boasts a .421 expected batting average and the lowest chase rate of his career. Finding another 30+ home run bat on the wire will be difficult.
Rookie Patience: Carson Benge
What were you expecting from a 23-year-old rookie with fewer than 600 professional plate appearances? That’s the question for anyone who dropped Mets rookie Carson Benge. He hasn’t been terrible, logging a home run and a steal as a top-100 fantasy hitter. While early aggression has led to strikeouts, that wasn’t part of his profile. Exercise patience; the Mets are talented, and the season is long.
Pirates’ Promotion: Konnor Griffin
Pirates fans, rejoice! Konnor Griffin was promoted to the big club on April 2nd.
Pitching Gem: Parker Messick
Despite being one of the most added pitchers this season, Parker Messick’s sub-30% roster rate is criminal. If he’s still available, add him immediately. Cleveland has a reputation for developing young arms, and Messick appears to be their latest success story. He posted a brilliant rookie campaign with a 2.72 ERA and 19.4% K-BB, then followed it up with six scoreless innings against a tough lineup. His fastball isn’t overpowering, but it complements a devastating changeup and curveball. Add, trade, or do whatever it takes to get Parker Messick on your team.
Closer Chaos: Jordan Romano
Finding the perfect fantasy closer is about finding the right combination of skills and opportunity. Focus on the opportunity. The save environment is chaotic, with 33 different pitchers recording a save as of early April. One potential emerging closer is the Los Angeles Angels’ Jordan Romano. He recorded 72 saves in a two-year span from 2022-2023. Injuries to Stephenson, Joyce, and Yates should create ample save opportunities.
Source: MLB.com
