Fantasy Baseball Waiver Wire Adds: 5/17
Welcome to the Waiver Wire Picks, our daily fantasy baseball article that takes a deep dive into the best players available on the waiver wire. We'll uncover hidden gems and provide insights into who's worth adding to your roster, focusing on players with high rostership rates and those who have recently surged in production.
Top Priority Players to Add
A.J. Ewing (NYM), 2B/OF
A.J. Ewing is a rising star in the fantasy baseball world. With a sub-1% rostership rate, he's a steal for those who managed to grab him early. Ewing's performance in his first four games is impressive, boasting a .250/.438/.667 slash line, a triple, a homer, and a stolen base. His value is undeniable, offering upgrades in multiple categories, including OBP, SB, and XBH. Ewing's ability to draw walks and limit strikeouts makes him an attractive addition, especially for those seeking a well-rounded player.
Daylen Lile (WSH), OF
Daylen Lile is a 23-year-old phenom who has been on a tear since the start of May. With a .274/.335/.463 slash line and a 123 wRC+, Lile has been a consistent producer. His recent surge in home runs and stolen bases, coupled with a sub-20% strikeout rate, makes him a must-add for any fantasy manager. Lile's 1.051 OPS and 184 wRC+ this month are hard to ignore, solidifying his place in your starting lineup.
Spencer Horwitz (Pirates), 1B
For those seeking a utility player, Spencer Horwitz is an excellent choice. The 28-year-old has been on fire since the start of May, with a .274/.387/.419 slash line and a 131 wRC+. Horwitz's hot streak has seen him tally hits in eight of his last nine games, making him a reliable option for your utility spot.
Yahoo and ESPN Most Added Players
River Ryan (Dodgers)
River Ryan is a pitcher to watch, with a 2.41 FIP and 23% K-BB rate through 11 innings at the Triple-A level. His arsenal, including a four-seamer around 98 mph, has been electric. The Dodgers' implementation of the triangle-FA strategy, where he throws the FF, SI, and FC based on matchups, adds an intriguing layer to his performance. Ryan's potential as a fantasy pitcher is undeniable.
Kyle Leahy (Underrated Arm)
Kyle Leahy is an underrated arm in baseball, and his combination of 7.2 feet of extension and a flat four-seamer, along with a curveball, makes him a fascinating prospect. Leahy's ability to strike out batters and post a sub-1 WHIP over his past two starts is impressive. With time, he could develop into a quality top/mid-rotation starter, making him a valuable addition to your pitching staff.
J.J. Bleday (Reds)
J.J. Bleday is a force to be reckoned with, boasting a .345/.465/.776 slash line and a 233 wRC+ through 17 games. His .470 xwOBA further emphasizes his productivity. Bleday's performance since his season debut has been one of the most impressive in baseball, making him a top waiver wire target.
Eduardo Rodriguez (Holdover)
Eduardo Rodriguez may not have the most impressive stuff, but his 2.25 ERA through 48 innings is impressive. While regression to a low/mid 4 ERA starter is expected, his current performance is a solid holdover option for those in need of a quick fix.
Casey Mize (Dynamic Combo)
Casey Mize's success in 2026 can be attributed to his dynamic combination of secondaries. His splitter and slider have been lights out, leading to improved K% and SwStr%. Mize's 2.90 ERA/2.84 FIP and 19% K-BB rate make him a fantastic pickup, provided he's available in your league.
Streaming Pitchers
For streaming pitcher options, Nick Pollack's list is a go-to resource. One standout player is Ryan Weathers (NYY), a LHP with a 3.00 ERA/3.30 FIP and a 23% K-BB rate. His performance against the Mets, a team struggling offensively, further highlights his value.
Another player to consider is Brayan Bello (BOS), a RHP who has turned things around after the Red Sox implemented an opener strategy. Bello's recent performances have been impressive, with a 1.35 ERA/1.75 FIP, 0.75 WHIP, and 20% K-BB rate. His ability to dominate against the 'A' lineup in Atlanta further showcases his potential.
