In fantasy baseball, the waiver wire refers to a pool of available players who are not currently on any team’s roster in your league. The waiver wire is used to make player additions and replacements throughout the season. When a fantasy team owner wants to acquire a player who is currently on the waiver wire, they can put in a waiver claim or a waiver wire request.

Last week, our top option was Eury Perez of the Miami Marlins. Now, another week has gone by and new names are popping up for the waiver wire. Additionally, more call-ups are happening all around the league. We have seen more injury bugs hit as Dustin May now is looking at a potential lengthy absence. As usual, I’ll cover the top wavier wire hitters, and pitchers, as well as give you two minor league players worth stashing.

Waiver Wire Hitters

Mark Vientos, 3B, New York Mets

The Mets are struggling this year, and they have now called up Mark Vientos. Vientos was hitting over .300 in AAA with 13 home runs and provided a much-needed spark to the Mets offense as he hit a clutch game-tying two-run home run against the Rays. In Mets fashion, however, he was benched the next day. It’s hard to guess the Mets and their rookie playing times, but Vientos has a high ceiling in a good lineup.

 Matt McLain, SS, Cincinnati Reds

Matt McLain got the call earlier this week and it appears he should be up for the foreseeable future. Unfortunately, McLain hasn’t made much of an impact offensively. However, his profile has a high ceiling. He batted .346 in the minors with 12 home runs and 10 stolen bases. The power and speed combo is very valuable and if he is sitting on your waivers, he needs to be added.

Alex Kiriloff, OF, Minnesota Twins

Alex Kirilloff was once a highly touted prospect in the Twin’s farm system. Injuries took place and he lost the hype around him. Now he is up and is off to a hot start. He has played in 11 games this season and has 2 home runs and 3 RBIs. Additionally, he is batting .333. Last weekend against the Cubs, he went 3-3 with two home runs. The upside is there, the biggest issue is going to be whether or not he can stay healthy.

Jake Fraley, OF, Cincinnati Reds

Another Cincinnati Red makes the list. Jake Frayley has been quietly having a solid fantasy baseball season. Personally, I believe he needs to be rostered much more than he already is. (50% on CBS). Fraley is batting .276 with 5 home runs, 29 RBIs, and 5 stolen bases. He has the power steal upside that is valuable to fantasy baseball. Fraley is definitely an add in deeper five outfield formats, but an argument could be made for shallower leagues as well.

Dominic Fletcher, OF, Arizona Diamondbacks

With Alek Thomas being sent down to the minors, it opens up more playing time for Dominic Fletcher. He is batting .375 on 56 plate appearances and has 2 home runs and 13 RBIs. Additionally, his defense will keep him in the lineup every day. This makes him a very sneaky add in deeper formats and five-outfielder leagues.

Waiver Wire Pitchers

Matthew Liberatore, SP, St. Louis Cardinals

If you’ve read my waiver wire options before, you know I have been adding Matthew Liberatore as a stash option almost every week. He finally got his chance this season. He could possibly be only worth a spot start in fantasy leagues, but he looked great when he got the chance.

In his first start, Liberatore threw 5 innings. Additionally, he struck out 6 batters and did not allow a single run. However, he did walk three batters, but overall, his start at Milwaukee was very encouraging.

Michael Wacha, SP, San Diego Padres

Michael Wacha has been improving this season to the point where he brought a no-hitter into the 8th inning against the Royals. Currently, he has a 4.06 ERA, 1.17 WHIP, 41 strikeouts in 44.1 innings, and 4 quality starts. His next two matchups are lined up against the Red Sox and Yankees. However, Wacha has been reliable this season. If your league has wins as a category or point, Wacha has four wins and pitches for a good lineup.

James Paxton, SP, Boston Red Sox

James Paxton is healthy, and if he can stay healthy, he is a must-add off the waiver wire. Paxton had his first start of the season and threw 5 innings, striking out 9 Cardinals batters. Furthermore, he walked just one player while giving up 2 runs. Needless to say, a very promising start for Paxton. Now, he lines up to face the Padres, Angels, and Reds as of now for his next three starts.

Michael Lorenzen, SP, Detroit Tigers

Michael Lorenzen has been pitching very well of late. He has three straight quality starts and has a 3.44 ERA. Additionally, he has a 1.21 WHIP, 26 strikeouts, and 2 wins. For his next two matchups, he lines up against the Royals and White Sox. Overall, he shapes up as a two-start option next week and has excellent matchups. While he is pitching on a roll, he needs to be added off the waiver wire.

Michael King, RP, New York Yankees

Coming into the season, we thought Clay Holmes would be the closer. It started that way, and then he began to struggle. Since his struggles, we have seen numerous names record saves for the Yankees. Holmes, Michael King, Ian Hamilton, Wandy Peralta, and most recently, Ron Marinaccio. It’s a mess for fantasy baseball leagues.

King, however, is probably the best arm of the bunch. He is being worked slowly back in, but he could take over the closing role at some point. Furthermore, he has a 2.28 ERA and 24 strikeouts this season to go with 3 saves. While he may not have a confirmed role, in my opinion, he is the arm to roster in this bullpen.

Minor League Stashes

Gavin Stone, SP, Los Angeles Dodgers

Dustin May is out a month at minimum, and the Dodgers need a replacement. Gavin Stone did not fare well in his major league debut, but manager Dave Roberts said Stone “makes the most sense.” I would expect to see him called up next week which could line him up as a two-start pitcher.

Stone struck out 10 batters in his most recent minor league appearance. Not to mention, he had a dominant 2022 season. While he has started off slow this season in AAA, he has picked it up as of late. In the end, he needs to be stashed if you have an open roster spot.

Christian Encarnacion-Strand, 3B, Cincinnati Reds

CES, or Christian Encarnacion-Stand needs to be called up soon. With Matt McLain getting the call, it shows the Reds are looking for improvements, and Strand should be next. He has double-digit home runs, and batting well over .300 in the minors. When he is called up, he is going to be the top waiver wire option in every single fantasy baseball league.

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