The fantasy baseball waiver wire is buzzing with talent, particularly among pitchers, as emerging starters capture the attention of managers week after week. This time, a standout hurler from the Minnesota Twins is poised to elevate his roster percentage significantly.
Zebby Matthews, a 39% rostered starting pitcher, has been making waves with an impressive 17:2 strikeout-to-walk ratio. His ability to generate strikeouts while minimizing walks sets him apart, and he has consistently delivered by pitching at least six innings in each of his three starts. With many of the recent breakout pitchers now claimed, it’s clear that Matthews is ready to join their ranks.
Another name to consider is Cade Cavalli of the Washington Nationals, currently rostered in 33% of leagues. Although his past performances have raised some skepticism, Cavalli’s recent form indicates potential for sustainability. Since April 18, he has drastically improved his control, showcasing a remarkable 1.8 BB/9 rate over his last eight starts, while maintaining an impressive 11.3 K/9 rate. Notably, he has not allowed more than three runs in any of those outings, making him an attractive option as he benefits from a Nationals lineup that leads the league in runs scored.
Meanwhile, Jared Jones is set to make his highly anticipated return from Tommy John surgery, with his first start scheduled against the Twins. The Pirates right-hander, who dazzled with a 9.8 K/9 rate during his rookie season, is coming back to a Pirates team that has made strides offensively, ranking fifth in runs scored. While some fantasy managers may hesitate to start someone returning from injury, Jones’ previous performance suggests he could quickly regain form.
Spencer Miles, a Rule 5 draft pick, is also making waves in the Blue Jays’ rotation, currently rostered in just 3% of leagues. With injuries impacting the team’s pitching staff, Miles has stepped up as a reliable option, posting a remarkable 0.59 ERA and a 0.85 WHIP over his last four appearances. His ability to throw a limited number of pitches effectively positions him to earn wins, especially with the Blue Jays opting for an opener in front of him.
For those in search of power, Jake Burger of the Texas Rangers is a prime candidate. With 29% ownership, Burger leads available players in RBIs and ranks second in home runs. Although his batting average hovers around .246, his power potential is undeniable, making him a valuable asset to any fantasy roster as the Rangers look to enhance their offensive firepower.
Spencer Steer, rostered in 43% of leagues, continues to elevate his game, showcasing improvements in both average exit velocity and barrel rate. His strikeout rate has also improved, contributing to promising xBA and xSLG metrics. With a history of hitting 20 home runs from 2023-25, Steer’s enhanced skills could see him reach new heights this season.
Jacob Young, an outfielder for the Nationals, is another name worth considering. Though his current stats may seem modest, his improved quality of contact and impressive sprint speed suggest he could be a valuable contributor in deeper leagues. With regular playing time, Young could become a multi-category asset.
Jake Bauers of the Brewers, currently rostered at 40%, has flown under the radar despite a solid season, featuring eight home runs, 30 RBIs, and a .287 batting average. Positioned to face three right-handed pitchers from the Astros, Bauers could capitalize on favorable matchups to further boost his numbers.
Lastly, Cedric Mullins of the Rays, with only 5% ownership, has shown signs of life recently despite a low overall average. His improved performance in May, coupled with his speed on the bases, makes him a player to watch as he faces a less-than-stellar Angels pitching staff.
Note: This recap is an independently written summary based on publicly available reporting.
