Significant news emerged Thursday evening revealing that Aaron Judge is suffering from a rib stress fracture. Considered perhaps the most valuable asset in fantasy baseball, Judge’s condition will be re-evaluated in four to six weeks. The most optimistic outlook for the powerful hitter projects his return around the All-Star break, though there’s a strong possibility he might be sidelined until August. While fantasy managers who own Judge are undoubtedly keenly monitoring the waiver wire today, their urgency is likely unmatched.
Fortunately, the current selection of available offensive players is the strongest we’ve seen in recent weeks. Additionally, five out of the six hitters featured in today’s analysis qualify for outfield positions. Given that home run production is a cornerstone of Judge’s fantasy value, many managers in category leagues will probably opt for the premier slugger accessible via waivers as his replacement. Others might conclude they have ample power and instead utilize his absence to acquire a speed-focused player. In certain situations, managers will transfer Judge to the injured list, activate a player from their bench, and then use the newly open roster spot for a pitcher.
Regardless of the approach, this situation presents a chance to make the best of a difficult circumstance. Here are some potential additions:
Offensive Players to Target
Luke Raley, 1B/OF, Mariners, 30%: For fantasy managers seeking a power hitter to fill Judge’s void, Raley is a prime candidate, boasting the highest home run count (13) among players widely available in Yahoo leagues. The 31-year-old’s appeal is further enhanced by his recent surge in 2026 production, highlighted by a .328 batting average with eight homers and 18 RBIs in May. Raley’s offensive output predominantly occurs against right-handed pitchers, simplifying the process of optimizing daily lineups in leagues that allow such transactions.
Carson Benge, OF, Mets, 33%: One might wonder what fantasy managers are still waiting for with Benge. This rookie possesses immense potential, which explains the Mets’ bold decision to include him on their Opening Day roster. Following an initial slow start, he posted a .306 batting average with 19 runs and 15 RBIs throughout May. Benge is currently serving as the Mets’ leadoff hitter and has begun June with an impressive performance (1.058 OPS) while batting ahead of Bo Bichette and Juan Soto. He should be a fixture on rosters in 12-team leagues featuring three outfielders, as well as any five-outfielder formats.
Carlos Cortes, OF, Athletics, 11%: While not known for his defensive prowess, Cortes has demonstrated exceptional hitting ability across 91 career games. The 28-year-old has maintained a career .894 OPS, including a notable .322/.406/.503 slash line this season. This left-handed batter leads off for the Athletics against right-handed pitching but typically sits against lefties, making his playing time predictable for daily transaction leagues. Similar to many of his teammates, Cortes could benefit from the offensive-friendly environment of Sutter Health Park as temperatures rise.
Sam Antonacci, 2B/3B/OF, White Sox, 25%: Antonacci has rapidly developed into the player anticipated since his debut on April 15. The 23-year-old understands his strengths, keeping batted balls low and leveraging his speed to rack up hits and stolen bases. The White Sox deploy this left-handed hitter in the leadoff spot against righties, and unlike Cortes, Antonacci remains in the lineup against southpaws. With a .291 average, 27 runs, and eight steals in 151 at-bats, he’s expected to continue being a dependable contributor across three categories, easily fitting into lineups due to his multi-position eligibility.
Jake McCarthy, OF, Rockies, 18%: This outcome was rather foreseeable. A swift player who consistently hits ground balls and makes frequent contact, McCarthy appeared to be an ideal fit for Coors Field immediately after the Rockies acquired him in January. His performance thus far has been outstanding, with McCarthy hitting .284 and recording 10 steals, largely fueled by his exceptional play at home (.952 OPS). The 29-year-old has performed adequately on the road to warrant inclusion in fantasy lineups in five-outfielder leagues, and he serves as a streaming option during home stands in shallower formats.
Curtis Mead, 1B/3B, Nationals, 29%: The Washington Nationals, with their top-heavy but potent lineup, may have discovered their third baseman and number three hitter in Mead. Once a highly regarded prospect with the Rays, the 25-year-old has posted an .823 OPS, placing him third among Nationals players with at least 75 plate appearances. Batting between James Wood and CJ Abrams should translate into ample counting statistics, especially if Mead can sustain his 13.1% walk rate and 10.5% barrel rate.
Pitchers to Target
Dustin May, SP, Cardinals, 25%: I admit to frequently using selected data points to bolster an argument. For May, the case is straightforward. Excluding the right-hander’s initial two starts of the season and observing his performance over precisely two months since April 5, one discovers a waiver wire gem with a 3.19 ERA, 1.11 WHIP, and a 53:16 strikeout-to-walk ratio. Beyond his ability to prevent runs, May has developed a knack for generating swings and misses, evidenced by his 28 strikeouts across his last four outings.
Gage Jump, SP, Athletics, 13%: After experiencing some unfortunate batting average on balls in play luck in his debut, Jump allowed just four baserunners and one run over seven innings in his subsequent start. The left-hander has been effectively pitching to contact in the major leagues, which is positive news for a prospect who occasionally struggled with control in the minors. While a challenging home ballpark and a subpar Athletics bullpen temper Jump’s ultimate ceiling, he remains a noteworthy prospect who has started strong. This is sufficient justification for him to be rostered in 12-team leagues.
Jacob Latz, SP/RP, Rangers, 38%: Thanks to enhanced swing-and-miss capabilities (26.5% strikeout rate), Latz has emerged as the closer for the Rangers. The left-handed pitcher has secured eight of the team’s last nine saves and has compiled excellent ratios this season, including a 2.00 ERA, 0.59 WHIP, and a 26:5 strikeout-to-walk count. Although not necessarily World Series contenders, Texas is roughly a .500 team, which should provide Latz with numerous save opportunities this summer.
Offensive Players with Advantageous Weekend Matchups
Jake Bauers, 1B/OF, Brewers, 48%: Bauers has attracted minimal fantasy attention despite enjoying a solid season, featuring 10 home runs, 36 RBIs, four stolen bases, and a .269 batting average. In fact, even within a talented Brewers lineup, his .839 OPS ranks second among players with at least 75 plate appearances. The left-handed slugger is perfectly positioned for success this weekend, as he will be playing at Coors Field against a Rockies pitching staff that holds the lowest ranking in baseball with a 5.46 ERA.
Brooks Lee, 2B/3B/SS, Twins, 38%: Lee has been consistent and productive this season, contributing eight home runs, 35 RBIs, and 26 runs scored. He could continue to accumulate counting stats this weekend when he faces middling Royals starting pitchers in two of three games and a Kansas City bullpen that ranks 28th in baseball with a 5.01 ERA. Furthermore, with eligibility across three positions, Lee is easily incorporated into lineups.
Weekend Pitching Streamers (in order of recommendation)
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Gage Jump @ HOU (Sunday, 13%)
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Randy Vásquez vs. NYM (Sunday, 43%)
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Spencer Miles vs. BAL (Saturday, 5%)
