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Waiver Wire Wonders

Prospects Live April 26, 2026

In some leagues, especially those that don’t have a dedicated Injured List available, it’s an accomplishment to even have choices on your bench. Important decisions have to be made, and no one said it would be easy. The problem is that you aren’t the only one. Some weeks will be more difficult than others. That’s also the case because decisions must be made about earlier-season disappointments. Some might be available on the waiver wire, but do you strike?

With the exception of players who are hot, emerging, or both, is the waiver wire option better than what’s currently on your roster? Let’s take a look at some players to consider. Please note that all statistics will enter play on Friday, 4/24.

Waiver Wire Wonders - Prospects LiveProspects LiveRay Kuhn

Hitters – 12 Team Leagues

These players should be available in greater than 50% of most leagues.

Dalton Rushing, C, Los Angeles Dodgers (66% owned in Fantrax Leagues)

Photo Credit: Jayne Kamin-Oncea

Talk about forcing the Dodgers’ hand. Over the past two weeks, that’s exactly what Rushing has done. That, along with the recent struggles of Will Smith, means that we’ll continue to see more and more of Rushing in the lineup. It’s not like Rushing came out of nowhere, as the catcher came up as a top prospect. The biggest issue for Rushing was finding playing time in a crowded Dodgers’ lineup. But based on the way he’s been hitting, there’s no longer any other option. And given how rough the catching position is, that means we have to pounce from a fantasy perspective.

Through 35 plate appearances, Rushing is hitting .419 with seven home runs and 14 RBI. His ISO is staggering .742. Prior to Thursday’s game, Rushing had a 1.207 SLG (.827 xSLG) with a 23.8% barrel rate and 61.9% hard hit rate. We know that continuing this pace isn’t feasible, but that doesn’t mean we should discount his success. Would it be that surprising if Rushing led the National League in home runs at the catcher position?

Ronny Mauricio, SS, New York Mets (23% owned in Fantrax Leagues)

Photo Credit: Yahoo Sports

Things can never be easy for the Mets. Juan Soto returns, and in that very game, Francisco Lindor goes down with a calf injury. Of course, it’s not just your standard calf injury, as Lindor is expected to have an extended absence. The Mets have made their decision to keep Bo Bichette at third base, which means Mauricio will see extended time at shortstop. In the sense that we’re looking for Mauricio to have success, I’m not sure it’s a blank check for playing time. But if Mauricio produces, he should have a regular spot in New York’s lineup.

Mauricio had an RBI in his first, brief stint in the big leagues this season before going 0 for 4 upon his return on Thursday. Prior to 2026, he had limited success at the major league level, but his power and speed were both evident. Strikeouts will always be a concern, but when healthy, Mauricio has had success in the minors. Now that he’s both healthy and has regular playing time, it will be intriguing to see what Mauricio can do in his extended audition. There’s real upside here that’s generally not found on the waiver wire.

Lourdes Gurriel Jr., OF, Arizona Diamondbacks (43% owned in Fantrax Leagues)

Photo Credit: Charles LeClaire

Talk about a quick recovery from ACL surgery. Gurriel wasn’t shy about making a quick return, and he wasn’t kidding. Through four games, the outfielder is hitting just .063, but he does have a track record of being a solid contributor. Gurriel isn’t going to be a league winner, but between injuries and poor performances, I’m not sure there are many fantasy teams that aren’t searching for a fifth outfielder or outfield depth. And that’s where Gurriel has value. Last season, Gurriel hit .248 with 19 home runs and 80 RBI in 129 games. Once he shakes the rust off, there’s no reason why he can’t repeat that performance.

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