As fantasy baseball heads into the home stretch, having a clear waiver plan or FAAB strategy is crucial. Here are under-the-radar pickups rostered in fewer than 50% of leagues who can help in specific categories — plus context, FAAB guidance, and what to expect down the stretch.
Ezequiel Tovar — Runs
Since his July 18 activation, Tovar is slashing .292/.324/.538 with 12 runs, three homers, nine RBI and a stolen base. He ranked ninth in MLB last season with 75 extra-base hits and carries an elite expected batting average (.305) this year. The Rockies have eight home games over the next two weeks, making Tovar a stronger runs and power play in Coors Field. FAAB suggestion: moderate (10–25%) for teams needing runs and occasional power.
Colson Montgomery — Home Runs & RBI
Montgomery has heated up: .238 with 13 runs, eight homers and 24 RBI in 29 games. All eight homers and 18 of his RBI have come in his last 15 games, and he should continue seeing regular at-bats for the rebuilding White Sox. He’s a useful power pickup in shallow and mixed leagues. FAAB suggestion: moderate-to-high (15–35%) while the hot streak and playing time persist.
Jakob Marsee — Stolen Bases
In just nine MLB games, Marsee has hit .448 with six runs, a homer, six RBI and five steals. It’s a tiny sample, but he’s shown excellent plate discipline so far — walking nearly as often as he’s striking out — and had strong walk rates in the Minors. He’s worth rostering for stolen-base upside, but treat expectations cautiously. FAAB suggestion: low-to-moderate (5–15%) given small sample size.
Chandler Simpson — Batting Average (and Steals)
Simpson’s value isn’t only speed — he’s hitting .288 and rarely strikes out (9.6% K rate). His expected batting average (.294) is in the 94th percentile, and he already has 32 steals in 69 games. He’s a fine addition for managers who need batting average stability and elite base-stealing potential. FAAB suggestion: moderate (10–25%).
Jose Quintana — Wins/Streamer
Quintana has quietly delivered for Milwaukee: 9–4, 3.57 ERA, 1.34 WHIP, 6.3 K/9 and five quality starts. Some underlying metrics suggest he’s benefited from favorable luck, and the Brewers may shuffle him if Jacob Misiorowski returns, but Quintana remains a viable streaming option — his next scheduled matchup is against the Pirates. FAAB suggestion: low-to-moderate (5–15%) for short-term streaming needs.
Will Warren — Strikeouts
Warren has a 4.44 ERA and 1.42 WHIP but boasts a 10.3 K/9 across 115.2 innings and a 26% strikeout rate (76th percentile). He’s limited opponents to three runs in his last 16.2 innings and draws two favorable matchups next week against the Cardinals and Twins — teams that have been below-average vs. right-handed pitching since the trade deadline. FAAB suggestion: low-to-moderate (5–20%) for strikeout and matchup play.
Bryan Abreu — ERA & WHIP (Ratios/Relief)
Abreu has been one of the Astros’ most reliable setup men: 1.72 ERA, 1.05 WHIP, 13.4 K/9 and 24 holds in 52.1 innings. He’s topped 60 innings the past three seasons and posted sub-2.00 ERAs in two of them. While Josh Hader gets the headlines, Abreu is elite for ratios and K/9 in the late innings. FAAB suggestion: moderate (10–25%) if you need relief ratio stabilization and high-leverage innings.
JoJo Romero — Saves
After the Cardinals moved Ryan Helsley and Phil Maton at the deadline, Romero has stepped into the closer role, picking up a win and two saves while striking out three and allowing one run in 4.1 innings. He induces grounders at an elite rate (55.6%, 94th percentile), though his 10% walk rate is a concern. Romero is the best immediate saves option in St. Louis, but usage and team opportunities will dictate long-term value. FAAB suggestion: moderate (15–30%) for those seeking saves.
Additional comments and logic
– Target players who combine opportunity (playing time, role changes) with strong underlying metrics (xBA, K%, walk rates, ground-ball rates). Hot streaks matter, but sustainable traits are what keep value into September.
– Prioritize pickups based on category need: power and RBI for playoff pushes, stolen bases for SB-thin teams, or relievers to stabilize ratios.
– When deciding FAAB, factor roster scarcity and league format: deeper leagues and narrower wire pools justify higher bids.
Quick takeaways
– Prioritize Tovar and Montgomery for runs and power if you need counting stats and regular at-bats.
– Marsee and Simpson are the most promising for steals and batting average upside.
– For pitching, Quintana and Warren are short-term streaming plays; Abreu and Romero can help ratio and save categories respectively.
Hopeful angle
Several of these players combine immediate opportunity with repeatable skills (plate discipline, strikeout ability, elite ground-ball or contact metrics). That mix offers real upside down the stretch — a well-timed waiver claim or modest FAAB investment now could pay dividends across the final weeks of the fantasy season.