At this point in the season, there aren’t many high-potential players available on fantasy free agent lists. Apart from a few top prospects who may get called up later this week for last-minute opportunities—more on them shortly—it’s crucial for fantasy managers to grab any player who has even a slight chance of excelling in the upcoming vital weeks.
Speaking of prospects, notable candidates for promotions include Sam Basallo, Bubba Chandler, Andrew Painter, and J.J. Wetherholt. Mark your calendars for Aug. 15, a significant date in baseball, as it indicates there will be 45 days left in the regular season. This is crucial for rookie eligibility, as players must maintain fewer than 130 at-bats and 50 innings pitched to qualify. This timing led to the promotion of players like Dylan Crews and Jace Jung last year, and similar promotions are likely for Basallo and others like Dylan Beavers and Painter in the coming days.
Aside from potential call-ups, here are four high-upside players currently available in the majors that you should consider adding:
Luke Keaschall, 2B, Minnesota Twins (available in 83.7% of leagues): The Twins’ recent roster moves have opened doors for minor league players, with Keaschall emerging as a key addition with consistent daily at-bats. After a short initial stint in April cut short by a broken arm, he has impressed since returning, showcasing elite plate discipline and above-average speed, making him valuable in both standard and rotisserie leagues.
Edward Cabrera, SP, Miami Marlins (available in 55.6%): Cabrera should not be overlooked in any fantasy league, especially given his stellar performance this season. Since July, he has amassed 124 fantasy points in just seven starts, benefiting from improved control and pitch diversity, including a strong curveball and slider, which contribute to his strikeout potential.
Gavin Williams, SP, Cleveland Guardians (available in 61.6%): Having started the season slowly, Williams has turned his performance around since June, ranking high among pitchers in fantasy points over that period. Although he needs to refine his control, his pitching speed and solid strikeout ability make him a reliable addition to your roster.
Zebby Matthews, SP, Minnesota Twins (available in 95.3%): Matthews is currently solidified in the rotation and, despite a less-than-ideal ERA, his underlying metrics indicate better performance. Over his last few weeks, he has shown strong potential as a strikeout pitcher, making him a sleeper pick worth considering.
Two-Start Pitcher to Add
Will Warren, SP, New York Yankees (available in 80.0%): Set to face off against the Twins on Monday, Warren has a favorable matchup followed by another strong opportunity at St. Louis. Despite the Yankees’ struggles, his past performances have been effective, making him a valuable addition for the upcoming week.
Additional Picks for Deeper Leagues
Cade Cavalli, SP, Washington Nationals (available in 95.4%): With Michael Soroka traded, Cavalli is making a comeback after Tommy John surgery. He showed promise in his recent start back with the Nationals, highlighting his strong fastball and knuckle curve, making him a candidate for deeper leagues.
Hurston Waldrep, SP, Atlanta Braves (available in 93.6%): Waldrep recently excelled in a couple of starts and has since secured a spot in the Braves’ rotation. His impressive splitter contributed to his strikeouts, marking him as a pickup worthy of consideration.
