As the fantasy baseball season moves deeper into the summer, finding impact hitters on the waiver wire becomes increasingly difficult. That’s why getting ahead of promotions, injuries, and playing-time changes can be the difference between winning and losing your league. Here are five hitters worth targeting right now before their value climbs even higher.
MORE: 4 Fantasy Baseball pitchers you should add right now
Josh Baez Could Be One Promotion Away From A Breakout
The Cardinals may not be able to keep Josh Baez in the minors much longer. St. Louis is firmly in the playoff race, and Baez has done everything possible to earn a shot in the big leagues. The powerful outfielder has already launched 24 home runs while driving in 61 runs this season, establishing himself as one of the most productive power bats in the Cardinals organization.
The biggest appeal for fantasy managers is timing. If Baez receives a call-up in the coming weeks, his FAAB price will skyrocket overnight. Adding him now is a classic stash-and-wait move that could pay off in a big way.
Samad Taylor Can Change A Category By Himself
Batting average may not be the reason to add Samad Taylor, but stolen bases certainly are. Taylor has stolen at least 43 bases in each of the past three minor league seasons and has consistently shown the ability to get on base. As long as he continues receiving regular playing time, he’ll have opportunities to impact fantasy lineups immediately.
Speed remains one of the hardest categories to find on the waiver wire, making Taylor an appealing target for managers looking to gain ground in stolen bases.
Lars Nootbaar Is Surprisingly Available
One of the more surprising waiver-wire names is Lars Nootbaar. Despite being back in action for a couple of weeks, he remains available in roughly half of Fantrax leagues. That’s difficult to understand given his track record as a productive major league hitter.
Nootbaar has never quite delivered the breakout season many fantasy managers have anticipated, but he’s consistently been a useful contributor when healthy. The Cardinals offense has exceeded expectations this season, and there’s reason to believe Nootbaar can benefit from that environment as he gets more at-bats under his belt. If he’s available in your league, he’s worth a look.
Cooper Pratt Has A Path To Everyday Playing Time
Opportunity is everything in fantasy baseball, and Cooper Pratt appears to have one. The Brewers’ shortstop situation has been underwhelming, and Pratt has a legitimate chance to seize the starting role. While his minor league numbers don’t jump off the page, scouts have long been intrigued by his combination of power and athleticism.
He’s already stolen two bases in his first four games, and with both David Hamilton and Joey Ortiz struggling offensively, Milwaukee doesn’t need Pratt to be a superstar to keep him in the lineup. The bar has been set very low, which is great news for fantasy managers.
Tommy Edman Is Back
For NFBC managers especially, Tommy Edman could be sitting on the waiver wire. Without injured list spots, holding injured players for extended periods can be difficult, which may have led some fantasy managers to move on from him during his absence.
Now healthy again, Edman returns to one of the best lineups in baseball with the Dodgers. His versatility ensures regular playing time, whether that’s at second base or in the outfield. While he went hitless in his first game back, he quickly reminded fantasy managers of his upside by going 3-for-5 with a double on Friday night.
In a lineup as potent as Los Angeles’, Edman has the potential to contribute across multiple categories for the remainder of the season.
Final Thoughts
The best fantasy additions are often made before the rest of your league catches on. Baez offers significant upside if a promotion is coming, Taylor can provide a major boost in stolen bases, Pratt could lock down an everyday role, Nootbaar remains surprisingly overlooked, and Edman is healthy and back in one of baseball’s premier offenses. If any of these hitters are available, now is the time to act before their value rises.
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