A slate of smart waiver-wire adds could reshape fantasy rosters as the pennant chase heats up, led by a major mini-breakout candidate in the Orioles system and a couple of pitching prospects climbing back into relevance.
Dylan Beavers (OF, Orioles): Low rostered but very interesting play
Beavers appears positioned for a late-season call-up as Baltimore navigates the roster and keeps him rookie-eligible in 2026. The Orioles have shifted among outfield options recently, and Beavers has dominated Triple-A Norfolk this year, slashing .305/.420/.518 with 18 homers and 23 steals in 413 plate appearances. Drafted 33rd overall in 2022, he has trimmed his strikeouts from 23.5% in 2024 to 17.9% this year, with more walks (67) than punchouts (74). His power is still a question, and his raw exit velocity and pull rate are average, but Camden Yards could suit his left-handed power profile.
Fantasy takeaway: Beavers could provide a blend of power and speed if he earns a look and sticks in the majors, with the potential to contribute across categories even if a quick rookie adjustment is required. His current minor-league track record shows patience and plate discipline, which could translate into a smoother transition than some peers.
Landen Roupp (SP, Giants): Back from the injured-list and pitching well
Roupp’s path to a regular rotation spot has included a rocky start to 2024, a midseason bullpen stint, and a limited workload this year. He’s returned strong, posting a 2.05 ERA over 12 starts since his return, with a 53/28 K/BB in 61 1/3 innings. He relies on a grounder-heavy sinker and can mix in a curve and change to two-strike hitters, though the strikeout rate isn’t elite. His post-break workload and performance suggest he’s a viable back-end starter option in mixed leagues.
Fantasy takeaway: Roupp could be a solid streamer in favorable matchups, especially when the Giants roll through softer opponents later in the schedule. Monitor his pitch counts and use him selectively, but there’s upside in a pitcher who has shown the ability to miss bats and keep the ball on the ground.
Nolan McLean (SP, Mets): MLB debut on the horizon
McLean is getting a big league opportunity after a strong minor-league season. He’s 24 years old and will debut after going 8-5 with a 2.45 ERA and a 127/50 K/BB across Double- and Triple-A in 2024, with a noticeable spin on his mid-90s fastball and a promising curveball. His workload could be a limiting factor, but the Mets have a solid bullpen behind him, increasing the chance he can work through five innings and pick up wins if he’s stretched out.
Fantasy takeaway: McLean is a speculative add with upside in deeper leagues or leagues that reward wins and quality starts. Expect some early adjustment pains, but the toolkit shows potential for deeper value if he earns and maintains a rotation role.
Waiver Wire Quick Hits
– Kyle Harrison: Has posted two straight scoreless outings totaling 10 innings at Triple-A Worcester and sports a 1.59 ERA over his last six starts. If the Red Sox decide to trust him, he could emerge as a real factor down the stretch. Expect some growing pains, but the strikeouts and upside are enticing.
– Owen Caissie: Promoted to the majors for the first time due to Miguel Amaya’s ankle injury, Caissie was already hitting well in Triple-A (.289/.389/.586) with 22 homers. He’s not an everyday player right away, but he’s ready to contribute against right-handed pitching if given regular at-bats.
Additional notes and guidance
– Rosters are thin in many leagues, so these adds could provide immediate help or deeper upside depending on how teams deploy them. Beavers’ imminent arrival could shift the Orioles’ outfield mix and open up more opportunities for speed and power plays in mixed formats.
– For pitchers like Roupp and McLean, consider matchups and park factors. Roupp’s ground-ball tendencies profile well in pitcher-friendly environments, while McLean’s debut comes with some risk due to innings considerations.
– Always weigh the potential impact against opportunity and playing time. Cheerful optimism about a prospect is warranted when there’s clear track record and a path to daily at-bats or innings, but insert players cautiously into lineups where risk is balanced by upside.
Overall outlook
This set of pickups centers on upside with relatively low risk in the short term. Beavers represents a potentially high-reward upgrade in outfield, while Roupp and McLean offer back-end or speculative rotations options that could pay off as the slate narrows. Harrison’s progress in the minors and Caissie’s major-league introduction add depth to the waiver wire picture, giving fantasy managers several paths to improve rosters as the postseason approaches.
Summary
Smart, measured adds across outfield and pitching roles could convert late-season opportunities into meaningful fantasy returns, especially for Beavers if he earns a major-league look, and for young pitchers who translate minor-league success to the big leagues in September and beyond.
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