Updated Waiver Wire Rankings for Fantasy Baseball (2026)

March 29, 2026

Updated fantasy baseball waiver wire rankings for the 2026 MLB season. These are free agent options to add off waivers, and our rankings will help you prioritize.

Opening Day is officially in the books, and the first few days of the MLB season have been action packed. Don’t panic if your team underperformed the first week; there is still plenty of baseball to be played. There were some key injuries that popped up, such as Jackson Chourio landing on the injured list with a hand fracture. At RotoBaller HQ, we are back with more waiver wire advice to help with injury replacements with our fantasy baseball waiver wire rankings (March 30 – April 5) of the 2026 MLB season. 

It is essential to stay on top of the player news as we guide you through the injuries, prospect call-ups, and closer role changes. For those searching for injury replacements or whose teams need a boost, we have you covered with our latest fantasy baseball waiver wire rankings. We’ve been working hard to put together a list of 100 players to consider for various league sizes to help you prioritize your waiver wire decisions.   

As always, we are here to help you prioritize which player to add using our waiver wire rankings article. This edition features players such as Chase DeLauter, Sal Stewart, Carson Benge, Jordan Lawlar, Kyle Harrison, Cody Ponce, Jordan Romano, and more, who are listed in our initial waiver wire rankings. Read more to see where these players rank in our waiver wire rankings for the week ahead.

Be sure to check all of our fantasy baseball draft tools and resources:

 

Updated Fantasy Baseball Waiver Wire Rankings

Waiver wire pickup options, including how to prioritize them for your league – depending on the league size:

 

Fantasy Baseball Waiver Wire Outlooks

Some of the top names include Sal Stewart, Jordan Romano, Carson Benge, Jordan Lawlar, Chase DeLauter, and more.  We recap why these players rostered under 70% in Yahoo! leagues should be on your waiver wire radar:

Sal Stewart, Cincinnati Reds

Cincinnati Reds infield prospect Sal Stewart (forearm, wrist) is in the team’s starting lineup on Saturday against the visiting Boston Red Sox and right-hander Sonny Gray despite dealing with a sore forearm from being hit by a line drive on Opening Day on Thursday, according to Gordon Wittenmyer of The Cincinnati Enquirer. He’s starting at first base and batting in the cleanup spot.

The 22-year-old came out of the gates strong on the plate on Thursday, going 3-for-4 with two doubles in the Opening Day loss to Boston. Between first base and designated hitter, Stewart should be a lineup regular for the Reds in his first full year in the majors in 2026, and he has plenty of slugging upside that will play in all fantasy formats, especially if he continues to hit in the heart of the batting order.

The former first-rounder in 2022 went 14-for-55 (.255) with five home runs, eight RBI, and 11 runs scored in just 18 games last year in his big-league debut. Stewart is a big part of the Reds’ future.

Carson Benge, New York Mets

New York Mets outfield prospect Carson Benge had a major-league debut to remember on Thursday on Opening Day against the visiting Pittsburgh Pirates in an 11-7 victory, going 1-for-3 with a solo home run, two runs scored, two walks, a stolen base, and two strikeouts. Benge’s first big-league home run came off reliever Justin Lawrence in the sixth inning.

The 23-year-old former 19th overall pick in 2024 out of Oklahoma State kept it going after a strong spring training in which he hit .366 (15-for-41) with an .874 OPS, no home runs, five RBI, five runs scored, and a stolen base in 14 Grapefruit League games.

Benge will probably sit frequently against left-handed pitchers in his first full major-league season, which limits his ceiling in redraft fantasy leagues, but there’s no denying his power/speed upside in dynasty/keeper leagues. It’s a promising start for him for managers who were willing to take a chance on him in mixed leagues.

Jordan Romano, Los Angeles Angels

Los Angeles Angels right-handed reliever Jordan Romano is emerging as the team’s primary closer with all of Kirby Yates (knee), Ben Joyce (shoulder), and Robert Stephenson (elbow) on the injured list to begin the 2026 season. Romano picked up his first save of the year in Thursday’s 3-0 Opening Day win over the Houston Astros, and although it wasn’t a save situation, he pitched in the ninth inning for a second straight day in Friday’s 6-2 victory.

He had a clean inning of work to finish off the victory, striking out two batters. Romano had a rough couple of seasons the last few years, but he topped out at 95.7 mph on Friday and is looking more like the version of himself that had 36 saves in back-to-back years with the Toronto Blue Jays in 2022 and 2023.

Veteran left-hander Drew Pomeranz could also see some save chances for the Halos early in the year with the back end of the bullpen banged up, but for now, Romano is the arm to roster for fantasy managers in need of saves.

Jordan Lawlar, Arizona Diamondbacks

Arizona Diamondbacks infield/outfield prospect Jordan Lawlar is officially an Opening Day starter in 2026, batting ninth and playing left field for his team’s first game of the season against the Los Angeles Dodgers.

Lawlar has long been considered one of the Diamondbacks’ top prospects, but he’s struggled with injuries and hit just .182/.257/.288 with a 35.8% strikeout rate across 74 plate appearances after making his MLB debut in 2025. Lawlar also had some defensive issues while spending time at every infield position other than first base, leading the Diamondbacks to shift him to the outfield this spring.

Still, Lawlar will not turn 24 years old until July and posted a .967 OPS across 300 Triple-A plate appearances in 2025. With Diamondbacks outfielder Lourdes Gurriel Jr. (knee) currently working his way back from a torn ACL, Lawlar could have an extended run of everyday playing time to open 2026.

Chase DeLauter, Cleveland Guardians

Cleveland Guardians outfield prospect Chase DeLauter is now up to three home runs on the year after just the first two games of the season, after he homered again in the team’s 5-1 loss to the Seattle Mariners on Friday night. DeLauter, batting in the two-hole for Cleveland, went 1-for-4 on the night with a solo home run and a strikeout.

In his first two games of the 2026 season, the 24-year-old left-handed slugger has gone 4-for-9 with three home runs (all solo jobs). It’s been nice to see the former 16th overall pick in 2022 out of James Madison University in his first taste of major-league pitching. He also looked good at the plate this spring, batting .459/.535/.838 with a 1.373 OPS, three homers, five doubles, 10 RBI, 10 runs scored, six walks, and four strikeouts in 14 Cactus League games.

Durability has been an issue for DeLauter in the minors, but for now, fantasy managers need to swoop him up where he’s available, as he’s looking like a potential early favorite for American League Rookie of the Year if he can stay on the field for Cleveland.

 

First Base Waiver Wire Rankings

Pickups are in priority order:

Player Name
Position
% Ros.
Baller Move

Sal Stewart
1B
67
Add in All Leagues

Ernie Clement
1B/2B/3B/SS
64
Add in 12+ Team Leagues

Jake Burger
1B
19
Add in 12+ Team Leagues

T.J. Rumfield
1B
2
Add in 15+ Team Leagues

Deyvison De Los Santos
1B
0
Add in 15+ Team Leagues

Josh Smith
1B/3B/SS/OF
18
Add in 15+ Team Leagues

Jake Bauers
1B/OF
6
Add in 15+ Team Leagues

Rhys Hoskins
1B
3
Add in 15+ Team Leagues

Coby Mayo
1B
7
Add in 15+ Team Leagues

 

Second Base Waiver Wire Rankings

Pickups are in priority order:

Player Name
Position
% Ros.
Baller Move

Bryson Stott
2B/SS
55
Add in 12+ Team Leagues

Ernie Clement
1B/2B/3B/SS
64
Add in 12+ Team Leagues

Otto Lopez
2B/SS
66
Add in 12+ Team Leagues

Jackson Holliday
2B/SS
58
Add in 12+ Team Leagues

Caleb Durbin
2B/3B
36
Add in 12+ Team Leagues

Cole Young
2B
9
Add in 12+ Team Leagues

Willi Castro
2B/3B/OF
24
Add in 12+ Team Leagues

Brett Baty
2B/3B
12
Add in 15+ Team Leagues

Luisangel Acuna
2B
3
Add in 15+ Team Leagues

Chase Meidroth
2B/3B/SS
11
Add in 15+ Team Leagues

Nasim Nunez
2B/SS
2
Add in 15+ Team Leagues

David Hamilton
2B/SS
2
Add in 15+ Team Leagues

 

Third Base Waiver Wire Rankings

Pickups are in priority order:

Player Name
Position
% Ros.
Baller Move

Royce Lewis
3B
42
Add in 12+ Team Leagues

Addison Barger
3B/OF
58
Add in 12+ Team Leagues

Max Muncy
3B
42
Add in 12+ Team Leagues

Ernie Clement
1B/2B/3B/SS
64
Add in 12+ Team Leagues

Jordan Lawlar
3B
13
Add in 12+ Team Leagues

Caleb Durbin
2B/3B
36
Add in 12+ Team Leagues

Willi Castro
2B/3B/OF
24
Add in 12+ Team Leagues

Brett Baty
2B/3B
12
Add in 15+ Team Leagues

Chase Meidroth
2B/3B/SS
11
Add in 15+ Team Leagues

Josh Smith
1B/3B/SS/OF
18
Add in 15+ Team Leagues

 

Shortstop Waiver Wire Rankings

Pickups are in priority order:

Player Name
Position
% Ros.
Baller Move

Bryson Stott
2B/SS
55
Add in 12+ Team Leagues

Ernie Clement
1B/2B/3B/SS
64
Add in 12+ Team Leagues

Otto Lopez
2B/SS
66
Add in 12+ Team Leagues

Jackson Holliday
2B/SS
58
Add in 12+ Team Leagues

Chase Meidroth
2B/3B/SS
11
Add in 15+ Team Leagues

Josh Smith
1B/3B/SS/OF
18
Add in 15+ Team Leagues

Nasim Nunez
2B/SS
2
Add in 15+ Team Leagues

Carson Williams
SS
4
Add in 15+ Team Leagues

David Hamilton
2B/SS
2
Add in 15+ Team Leagues

Colt Emerson
SS
6
Add in 15+ Team Leagues

Outfield Waiver Wire Rankings

Pickups are in priority order:

Player Name
Position
% Ros.
Baller Move

Chase DeLauter
OF
67
Add in All Leagues

Carson Benge
OF
40
Add in 10+ Team Leagues

Kerry Carpenter
OF
68
Add in 10+ Team Leagues

Daylen Lile
OF
55
Add in 10+ Team Leagues

Addison Barger
3B/OF
58
Add in 12+ Team Leagues

Justin Crawford
OF
24
Add in 12+ Team Leagues

Sal Frelick
OF
27
Add in 12+ Team Leagues

Trent Grisham
OF
60
Add in 12+ Team Leagues

Jordan Beck
OF
17
Add in 12+ Team Leagues

Cam Smith
OF
6
Add in 12+ Team Leagues

TJ Friedl
OF
26
Add in 12+ Team Leagues

Dominic Canzone
OF
15
Add in 12+ Team Leagues

Willi Castro
2B/3B/OF
24
Add in 12+ Team Leagues

Owen Caissie
OF
6
Add in 15+ Team Leagues

Josh Smith
1B/3B/SS/OF
18
Add in 15+ Team Leagues

Jake Bauers
1B/OF
6
Add in 15+ Team Leagues

Jake McCarthy
OF
2
Add in 15+ Team Leagues

Garrett Mitchell
OF
1
Add in 15+ Team Leagues

Mike Yastrzemski
OF
4
Add in 15+ Team Leagues

Victor Scott II
OF
9
Add in 15+ Team Leagues

Jasson Dominguez
OF
12
Add in 15+ Team Leagues

Catcher Waiver Wire Rankings

Pickups are in priority order:

Player Name
Position
% Ros.
Baller Move

Samuel Basallo
C
41
Add in 12+ Team Leagues

Francisco Alvarez
C
30
Add in 12+ Team Leagues

Carter Jensen
C
23
Add in 12+ Team Leagues

Tyler Stephenson
C
5
Add in 15+ Team Leagues

Moises Ballesteros
C
8
Add in 15+ Team Leagues

 

Starting Pitchers Waiver Wire Rankings

Pickups are in priority order:

Player Name
Position
% Ros.
Baller Move

Connelly Early
SP
62
Add in 10+ Team Leagues

Kodai Senga
SP
57
Add in 12+ Team Leagues

Braxton Ashcraft
SP/RP
48
Add in 12+ Team Leagues

Jose Soriano
SP
52
Add in 12+ Team Leagues

Cody Ponce
SP
41
Add in 12+ Team Leagues

Jack Leiter
SP
41
Add in 12+ Team Leagues

Kyle Harrison
SP/RP
16
Add in 12+ Team Leagues

Ryan Weathers
SP
25
Add in 12+ Team Leagues

Mike Burrows
SP/RP
44
Add in 12+ Team Leagues

Will Warren
SP
57
Add in 12+ Team Leagues

Grant Holmes
SP
20
Add in 12+ Team Leagues

Andrew Painter
SP
30
Add in 12+ Team Leagues

Brady Singer
SP
31
Add in 12+ Team Leagues

Chris Bassitt
SP
31
Add in 12+ Team Leagues

Brandon Sproat
SP
32
Add in 12+ Team Leagues

Shane Smith
SP
26
Add in 12+ Team Leagues

Randy Vasquez
SP
3
Add in 12+ Team Leagues

Matthew Liberatore
SP
26
Add in 12+ Team Leagues

Cade Cavalli
SP
17
Add in 12+ Team Leagues

Drew Pomeranz
SP/RP
5
Add in 12+ Team Leagues

Parker Messick
SP
22
Add in 12+ Team Leagues

Max Meyer
SP
15
Add in 12+ Team Leagues

Mick Abel
SP
26
Add in 12+ Team Leagues

Joey Cantillo
SP/RP
29
Add in 12+ Team Leagues

Cole Sands
SP/RP
6
Add in 15+ Team Leagues

Dustin May
SP
7
Add in 15+ Team Leagues

Joe Boyle
SP/RP
5
Add in 15+ Team Leagues

Reynaldo Lopez
SP
21
Add in 15+ Team Leagues

Didier Fuentes
SP
12
Add in 15+ Team Leagues

Logan Henderson
SP
20
Add in 15+ Team Leagues

 

Relief Pitchers Waiver Wire Rankings

Player Name
Position
% Ros.
Baller Move

Bryan Abreu
RP
68
Add in 10+ Team Leagues

Seranthony Dominguez
RP
52
Add in 10+ Team Leagues

Jordan Romano
RP
32
Add in 10+ Team Leagues

Braxton Ashcraft
SP/RP
48
Add in 12+ Team Leagues

Griffin Jax
RP
65
Add in 12+ Team Leagues

Kyle Harrison
SP/RP
16
Add in 12+ Team Leagues

Paul Sewald
RP
33
Add in 12+ Team Leagues

Robert Suarez
RP
67
Add in 12+ Team Leagues

Mike Burrows
SP/RP
44
Add in 12+ Team Leagues

Robert Garcia
RP
34
Add in 12+ Team Leagues

Lucas Erceg
RP
8
Add in 12+ Team Leagues

Clayton Beeter
RP
10
Add in 12+ Team Leagues

Garrett Cleavinger
RP
20
Add in 12+ Team Leagues

Ryne Stanek
RP
10
Add in 12+ Team Leagues

Drew Pomeranz
SP/RP
5
Add in 12+ Team Leagues

Riley O’Brien
RP
24
Add in 12+ Team Leagues

JoJo Romero
RP
13
Add in 12+ Team Leagues

Joey Cantillo
SP/RP
29
Add in 12+ Team Leagues

Cole Sands
SP/RP
6
Add in 15+ Team Leagues

Chris Martin
RP
6
Add in 15+ Team Leagues

Joe Boyle
SP/RP
5
Add in 15+ Team Leagues

Jeremiah Estrada
RP
22
Add in 15+ Team Leagues

Justin Sterner
RP
4
Add in 15+ Team Leagues

Cionel Perez
RP
0
Add in 15+ Team Leagues

Hogan Harris
RP
2
Add in 15+ Team Leagues

Erik Sabrowski
RP
3
Add in 15+ Team Leagues

Aaron Ashby
RP
2
Add in 15+ Team Leagues

Victor Vodnik
RP
8
Add in 15+ Team Leagues

 

Who Should I Pickup Fantasy Baseball Tool

Trying to decide who to pick up off the waiver wire? Check the Who Should I Pickup tool:

Compare up to four players and we’ll tell you who to pickup…

Choose From The Top Ranked Players

 

2026 Player Decisions. Today’s focus is on specific players like Chase DeLauter, Carson Benge, Jordan Romano, Cody Ponce, Jordan Lawlar, Daylen Lile, Braxton Ashcraft, Jose Soriano, Cody Ponce, Otto Lopez, Jack Leiter, Marcell Ozuna. These are some common searches for 2026 fantasy baseball waiver wire pickups.

Using The Tool. This is a simple tool but very powerful. The first step is to enter the player names that you want to compare. In the first box, search for the first player’s name. In the second box, search for the second player’s name. Compare up to four MLB players at once, and then click the Who To Pickup? button to see who the recommended waiver wire pickups are based on fantasy baseball rankings, projections, and more.

Improvements For Who Should I Pickup? You may have noticed, our Who Should I Pickup? tool has gotten an overhaul. We’ve added lots of great features for you to give you as much information as possible to win on the waiver wire in 2026. You’ll see MLB player tiles with stats, projections, and a slick new interface. We hope you enjoy!

How It Works. Our RotoBaller staff puts together their weekly fantasy baseball waiver wire rankings and projections based on their research, and updates them constantly throughout the week. That information is the core data that is powering the decision-making in this tool. When you search for player names, you will only see those players who are ranked.

 

Popular Player Comparison Searches – Who To Pickup

Below are some popular searches and comparisons from our Who To Pickup tool for 2026 for players like Chase DeLauter, Carson Benge, Jordan Romano, Cody Ponce, Jordan Lawlar, Daylen Lile, Braxton Ashcraft, Jose Soriano, Cody Ponce, Otto Lopez, Jack Leiter, Marcell Ozuna:

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