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's article delves into the top players available, focusing on those who are likely to be on the waiver wire in most leagues, as well as some deep league options. We'll also explore the most added players across major fantasy sites, providing insights into which players are worth adding and which can be left on the wire.
Top Priority Players to Add
Lars Nootbaar (STL) - OF
Lars Nootbaar is a player who defies the odds. With a .872 OPS in 85 plate appearances, he's hitting 2 home runs. The 28-year-old outfielder, a former Samurai Japan legend, burst onto the scene in 2021 despite lacking a strong prospect pedigree. His plate discipline has been a cornerstone, and while power hasn't materialized consistently, his exit velocity and barrel rates have been promising. The key to his success this season lies in his launch angle, which has increased to 38.5%, significantly above the MLB average. This surge in power, coupled with his existing skills, makes Nootbaar a player to watch. I recommend adding him in 10-team leagues, but you can play it safer if you prefer.
Henry Bolte (ATH) - OF
Henry Bolte is another rising star. He's claimed the leadoff spot in the A's lineup, and he's making the most of it. With a .287 average, 2 home runs, and 11 stolen bases, Bolte is one of the fastest players in the league. His performance in Sacramento's hitter-friendly park, batting ahead of MVP candidate Nick Kurtz, is impressive. While he hasn't quite replicated his Triple-A success, where he hit 12 home runs and stole 17 bases with a 1.076 OPS, his advanced stats suggest he's close to another level. Bolte's 43 games played so far indicate room for growth, making him a strong contender for 10-team relevance.
Yahoo! and ESPN Most Added Players
Yahoo!
- Esmerlyn Valdez: A young slugger with a .914 OPS and 13 home runs in Triple-A, Valdez is a legitimate power hitter. While he's not a sure thing, his profile is worth chasing.
- Brandon Sproat: Sproat earned his second win in a row, but his ERA of 5.28 raises concerns about the upside-to-risk ratio.
- Griffin Jax: Jax continues to pitch well and is approaching the longevity of a regular starter, making him a valuable addition in all leagues.
- Connelly Early: Early's elbow discomfort is a cause for concern. If it's not a serious issue, he's been excellent, but elbows rarely turn out to be nothing.
- Martín Pérez: Pérez is a streamer with a stellar 3.27 ERA, but the Cards got to him with 4 earned runs in 5 innings.
ESPN
- Esmerlyn Valdez (again): Valdez's performance in Triple-A is impressive, but his Yahoo! counterpart is already a priority pick.
- Tatsuya Imai: Imai's pursuit of strikeouts is commendable, but the risk level is too high for a wholehearted recommendation.
- Payton Tolle: Tolle's rise in rankings makes him a desirable addition.
- Joey Cantillo: Cantillo's recent success is notable, but his low-90s heater raises some concerns.
- Luis García Jr.: García Jr.'s scorching June with a 1.128 OPS and 11 home runs is too good to ignore.
Streaming Pitchers
For a comprehensive breakdown of streaming pitchers, check out Nick Pollack's SP Streamer Ranking. Today's highlights include:
- Shane Drohan (MIN): Drohan has had two solid starts in a row, but more strikeouts are needed. The Reds' high strikeout rate makes this a favorable matchup.
- Walbert Ureña (LAA): Ureña's 3.17 ERA is impressive, and his upcoming start in Seattle's ballpark is advantageous.
