The array of compelling fantasy baseball waiver acquisitions continues to be dominated by pitchers, with multiple starting arms seemingly appearing on the radar each week. Regarding offensive players, an underappreciated power hitter from the Texas team leads the selections.
Pitchers to add
Zebby Matthews, Starting Pitcher, Twins, 38%: Matthews is due to surpass the 50% ownership mark. It’s improbable that another available starter on the waiver wire can rival his 17:2 strikeout-to-walk ratio. Matthews is renowned for accumulating swings-and-misses and exercising control, having completed at least six innings in all three of his starts. With most of the recently exciting waiver wire starting pitchers now widely rostered, Matthews is poised to be the next one to become a regular fixture.
Cade Cavalli, Starting Pitcher, Nationals, 33%: While Cavalli has shown intermittent promise previously, there are compelling reasons to believe his recent run of success could be sustained. The right-handed hurler, who historically struggled with walks, has dramatically improved his command since April 18, achieving an impressive 1.8 walks per nine innings across his last eight starts. This enhanced control hasn’t diminished his ability to induce swings and misses, as he’s maintained an 11.3 K/9 rate during those eight outings. Cavalli has not permitted more than three runs in any of those eight starts, and considering the potent Nationals offense, which ranks first in runs scored, he stands to accumulate numerous victories by remaining consistent.
Jared Jones, Starting Pitcher, Pirates, 46%: Jones is scheduled to make his inaugural start since 2024 when he returns from Tommy John surgery to confront the Twins this Friday. The right-armed thrower, known for his elite velocity, showcased superb swing-and-miss capabilities (9.8 K/9 rate) and respectable control (2.9 BB/9 rate) during his rookie campaign. He rejoins a significantly enhanced Pirates squad, now ranked fifth in offensive production, which provides optimism that Jones could secure his share of wins by repeating his freshman metrics (4.14 ERA, 1.19 WHIP).
Understandably, fantasy managers might initially be hesitant to deploy a player in their starting rotation who is coming back from such a lengthy absence.
Spencer Miles, Starting Pitcher/Relief Pitcher, Blue Jays, 3%: Acquired in the Rule 5 draft last December, Miles has emerged as a crucial solution for the injury-depleted Blue Jays pitching staff. The 25-year-old effectively functions as the team’s third starter while Dylan Cease, Max Scherzer, and Shane Bieber remain on the injured list. In his last four appearances, Miles has achieved a 0.59 ERA, 0.85 WHIP, and a 16:4 strikeout-to-walk ratio. He has yet to surpass 70 pitches in an outing, but with the Blue Jays’ strategy of using an opener before him, Miles can secure a win by throwing four innings.
Hitters to add
Jake Burger, First Baseman, Rangers, 29%: Managers in pursuit of a slugger should place Burger at the top of their consideration list. Among players still unowned in over half of Yahoo leagues, this veteran ranks first in runs batted in (RBI) and second in home runs. With a career batting average of .246, he’s unlikely to be a positive influence on batting average, but he also won’t significantly harm a fantasy team in that specific metric, and his power-hitting abilities are beyond dispute. On a Rangers team seeking impactful offensive contributors, Burger is undoubtedly set to receive substantial playing time.
Spencer Steer, First Baseman/Outfielder, Reds, 43%: Steer appears in this feature for a consecutive week, as he continues to demonstrate notable advancements in his average exit velocity (89.8 mph) and barrel rate (13.6%). His strikeout rate has also shown favorable progression this season, contributing to impressive expected batting average (xBA) of .278 and expected slugging (xSLG) of .511. From 2023 to 2025, Steer was a 20-homer performer despite logging average batted-ball data, which now inspires confidence that he can achieve 25-30 home runs with his improved skill set.
Jacob Young, Outfielder, Nationals, 3%: Although Young has recorded modest statistics (7 home runs, 3 stolen bases, .233 batting average), there are compelling reasons to add him in 12-team leagues featuring five outfield positions. The outfielder has enhanced his quality of contact, achieving personal bests in average exit velocity (89.0 mph) and barrel rate (6.0%). His expected batting average (xBA) is a respectable .269, and despite a low current stolen base total, Young swiped 33 bases just two seasons ago and still possesses 95th percentile sprint speed. An exceptional defensive player, Young has secured regular playing opportunities and could become a five-category contributor.
Hitters with favorable weekend matchups
Jake Bauers, First Baseman/Outfielder, Brewers, 40%: Bauers has generated minimal fantasy buzz despite enjoying a productive season that includes eight home runs, 30 RBIs, 4 stolen bases, and a .287 batting average. In fact, even within a talented Brewers lineup, his .851 OPS ranks second among players who have accumulated at least 55 at-bats. The left-handed slugger is ideally positioned for success this weekend, as he is slated to face three right-handed starters from an Astros staff that ranks 29th in baseball with a 5.12 ERA.
Cedric Mullins, Outfielder, Rays, 5%: Prudent fantasy managers will look past Mullins’ overall .190 average and instead concentrate on the .279 mark he has posted during May. This swift outfielder (10 steals) has reduced his strikeout rate this month, positioning him as a strong candidate to frequently reach base and score runs against an Angels pitching staff that ranks among the bottom 5 in baseball in both ERA (4.74) and WHIP (1.43).
Pitchers to stream this weekend (ranked in order of preference):
-
Zebby Matthews versus Pittsburgh (Sunday, 38%)
-
Ben Brown opposing St. Louis (Saturday, 43%)
-
Jansen Junk taking on New York Mets (Sunday, 7%)
-
Jared Jones against Minnesota (Friday, 46%)
-
Spencer Miles playing Baltimore (Sunday, 3%)
