Week 18 Fantasy Baseball Waiver Wire Targets

With the All‑Star break in the rearview, fantasy owners are heading into the stretch run and looking for fresh legs on the waiver wire. A few under‑the‑radar names are poised to make an impact before the season closes. Below are five players who remain available in most Yahoo leagues and who could help push a championship contender over the top.

Trent Grisham – Yankees OF

Grisham has returned from the injured list and flashed power in his last ten games, slamming two home runs and collecting three doubles. He’s also shown solid plate discipline with a 13.5% walk rate offset by a 16.8% strikeout rate. His hard‑hit rate sits at 47.4%, a career‑best pace that suggests a resurgence in batted‑ball quality. While his home‑run totals are down from last year, the combination of walks and hard hits makes him a dependable add for the second half.

Sam Antonacci – White Sox Utility (2B/3B/OF)

Annachi burst onto the majors after a solid season in the minors, hitting .287 with a .381 on‑base percentage. He adds speed to the lineup, boasting 13 stolen bases, and he has also contributed six home runs for a player not known for power. His ability to play three positions on Yahoo makes him a versatile option for managers who need depth at multiple spots. With a high walk rate and modest strikeout figure, he offers a balanced offensive profile for the final weeks.

Curtis Mead – Nationals Infield (1B/2B/3B)

At 25, Mead has turned his rookie season into a breakout year, posting a .255 ISO and a .365 wOBA—far above his career marks of .143 ISO and .310 wOBA. His walk rate has improved to 11.1% while his strikeout rate dropped to 18.6% from the previous year’s 23.9%. Barrel rate also jumped from 4.5% to 11.8%, indicating a better quality of contact. In deeper leagues, his age and rising stats make him a worthwhile roster target.

Kyle Karros – Rockies Third Base

Karros struggled after moving to Denver, compiling a .268 wOBA in 43 games versus the .397 wOBA he posted in the minors. He has trimmed his strikeout rate from 26.3% to 21.1% this season and now carries a .349 wOBA overall. At hitter‑friendly Coors Field his numbers rise to a .377 wOBA, and the Rockies have three home games next week that could amplify his value. For managers seeking a third‑base boost in a pitcher‑heavy format, Karros presents a compelling gamble.

Yoendrys Gomez – Twins Relief Pitcher

Gomez has emerged as Minnesota’s ninth‑inning anchor, earning four saves in his last seven outings and tallying 11 saves on the season. His 1.26 WHIP marks a solid improvement from the 1.39 WHIP he posted a year ago. The primary drawback remains a modest 20.2% strikeout rate, which could limit his long‑term fantasy appeal. Still, for deep‑league owners desperate for save currency, Gomez offers a low‑risk chance at late‑innings production.

Key Takeaway for Week 18

Grisham and Antonacci remain top‑tier adds for most formats, while Mead and Karros can fill specific lineup holes in deeper or 12‑team leagues. Those chasing saves should consider Gomez, especially in formats where his ratio matters less than his clip. Keep an eye on lineup bulletins as teams finalize their rosters, because these waiver gems can disappear quickly once the hunt intensifies.