Josue De Paula Among Top Fantasy Baseball Waiver Wire Targets For Week 26

Fantasy Baseball Waiver Wire Targets For Week 26

Joshua Baez, OF, St. Louis Cardinals (45% rostered)

As one of the best prospects in baseball, Baez burst onto the scene with three home runs in his debut. However, he then went 3-for-37 (.081) with a 40.5% strikeout rate over his next 11 games. As he continues to adjust to better pitching, he seems to have righted the ship. Across his last 13 games, he is 14-for-43 (.326) with three home runs and five doubles. During that stretch, he lowered his strikeout rate to 28.3%. His six games next week will come against the Giants and Nationals, who both rank inside the bottom-half of baseball in xERA. That leaves him with significant fantasy upside.

Jacob Lopez, SP, Athletics (41% rostered)

Lopez gave up four runs over six innings against the Blue Jays in his last start. That broke his streak of 10 straight outings in which he allowed two or fewer runs. Don’t be overly concerned about his ERA sitting at 4.78. His 3.50 xERA indicates he has been a bit unlucky. Opponents only have a 30.2% hard-hit rate against him. Lopez is set to face the Guardians on the road next week, which is favorable because they have scored the fourth-fewest runs in baseball. Consider Lopez one of the better streaming options for the week.

Thomas Saggese, 2B/3B/SS/OF, St. Louis Cardinals (38% rostered)

Given the favorable schedule awaiting the Cardinals, Baez isn’t the only member of their batting order to consider adding. Saggese has moved into regular playing time because of injuries and responded by hitting 16-for-35 (.457) with three home runs and two stolen bases over his last 10 games. Even when JJ Wetherholt (wrist) returns from injury, Saggese could maintain a regular spot in the lineup at shortstop over Masyn Winn, who is only batting .236 this season and has recently dealt with left thumb soreness.

Henry Bolte, OF, Athletics (31% rostered)

Triple-A was no match for Bolte. Across 37 games at the level this year, he had 12 home runs, 17 stolen bases, and a 1.076 OPS. He has had ups and downs since being called up to the majors, but he is showing why he was so highly thought of during his time in the minors. Over his last 25 games, he has five home runs, five stolen bases, and a .972 OPS. With his .427 OBP during that stretch, he scored 19 runs. His combination of power and speed makes him an appealing fantasy option.

Josue De Paula, OF, Los Angeles Dodgers (13% rostered)

The Dodgers are placing Shohei Ohtani (knee) on the injured list with the hopes that they can get him completely healthy for the playoffs. His absence leaves a huge void in their lineup that no one player can fill. In terms of his playing time, that figures to be mostly filled by De Paula, who was called up from Double-A. The top prospect was dominating the level, posting 27 home runs, 31 steals, and a .948 OPS over 124 games. Like Bolte, a player with that kind of power and speed should be considered an automatic add in all fantasy formats. If he clicks down the stretch, he can swing a league.

Takeaway

Baez, Saggese, Bolte, and De Paula are four exciting young players who can all make a difference in fantasy baseball as we approach the end of the season. For those who need a starting pitcher to stream, Lopez has an appealing matchup to try and exploit. Be sure to check back throughout the season as we provide the top waiver wire options to help you win your fantasy baseball league.