Fantasy Baseball Waiver Wire: July 1, 2026
The waiver wire is a treasure trove for fantasy baseball managers, offering a chance to bolster your roster with hidden gems. Today, we delve into the latest waiver wire picks, focusing on players who are likely to be available in most leagues and some deep-league options. We'll also explore the most added players across major sites and provide insights on which players to add and which to leave on the wire.
Top Priority Players to Add
Lars Nootbaar (STL) - OF (Yahoo! - 6%)
Nootbaar is a fascinating case. Despite never having a strong prospect pedigree, he broke into the majors in 2021 and has been a steady contributor. His plate discipline is excellent, and his exit velocity and barrel rates have been good-to-great. However, he's never managed an .800+ OPS season, with his launch angle being the sticking point. This season, he's finding the sweet spot 38.5% of the time, well above the MLB average. With his current hot streak, Nootbaar is a must-add in 10-team leagues, though you can play it safer in smaller leagues.
Henry Bolte (ATH) - OF (Yahoo! - 14%)
Bolte has been a revelation for the A's, working his way into the leadoff spot. His .287 average, 2 HR, and 11 SB are impressive, especially considering he's one of the fastest players in the league. While he hasn't replicated his Triple-A success, his advanced stats suggest he's just a step or two away from another level. With 43 games played, he's flirting with 10-team relevance and is a lock in deeper leagues.
Yahoo! and ESPN Most Added Players
Yahoo!
- Esmerlyn Valdez: A young slugger with a .914 OPS and 13 HR in Triple-A, Valdez is a legitimate power hitter. While he's not a sure thing, his profile is worth chasing.
- Brandon Sproat: Sproat's ERA sits at 5.28, and the upside-to-risk ratio isn't ideal. Proceed with caution.
- Griffin Jax: Jax continues to pitch well and is approaching the longevity of a regular starter. He's a solid add in all leagues.
- Connelly Early: Early's elbow discomfort is a concern. If it's nothing, he's been excellent, but elbows rarely turn out to be nothing.
- Martín Pérez: Pérez is a streamer pitching beyond his true level. The 3.27 ERA is impressive, but the Cards got to him in this one with 4 ER in 5 IP.
ESPN
- Esmerlyn Valdez (same as Yahoo!)
- Tatsuya Imai: Imai is all about chasing strikeouts, but the risk level is too high for a wholehearted recommendation.
- Payton Tolle: Tolle is up to 23rd on the Top 100 Starting Pitchers list, so get him while you can.
- Joey Cantillo: Cantillo is on the rise, but his low-90s heater is a concern.
- Luis García Jr.: García Jr. had a scorching June with a 1.128 OPS and 11 HR. Even if it's just a hot streak, he's too good to ignore.
Streaming Pitchers
- Shane Drohan (MIN) - 14% on Yahoo!: Drohan has put up two solid starts in a row. The Reds have struck out more than almost anyone, so more strikeouts would be beneficial.
- Walbert Ureña (LAA) - 34% on Yahoo!: Ureña has a 3.17 ERA, but his recent disaster start against the A's is a concern. Seattle's ballpark will be in his favor.
In conclusion, the waiver wire is a goldmine for fantasy baseball managers, offering opportunities to find hidden gems and bolster your roster. Stay tuned for more waiver wire picks and insights as the season progresses.
