External Publication

Waiver Wire Wonders

Prospects Live May 24, 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 are entering play on Friday, 5/22.

Waiver Wire Wonders - Prospects LiveProspects LiveRay Kuhn

Hitters – 12 Team Leagues

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

Colt Emerson, SS, Seattle Mariners (79% owned in Fantrax leagues)

Photo Credit: mlb.com

Depending on your league, it’s possible Emerson has been tucked away on someone’s bench since Opening Day. Once Emerson signed his big contract extension, it was inevitable that he’d be making his major league debut this season. In 14 plate appearances to this point, Emerson has only one career hit, but it was a big, three-run homer. That shouldn’t dissuade you from targeting the shortstop as he’s clearly talented enough to warrant a roster spot across all leagues. Prior to his promotion, Emerson was hitting .255 in 38 games at Triple-A with the dual power/speed threat of seven home runs and 10 stolen bases, along with 26 RBI and 26 runs scored. For the most part, Emerson had a double-digit walk rate throughout his career, along with a modest strikeout rate, so that should help with his progression.

Dylan Crews, OF, Washington Nationals (76% owned in Fantrax leagues)

Photo Credit: mlb.com

Crews was drafted in a lot of fantasy leagues despite a rough 2025 with the Nationals. It was for good reason, given the outfielders’ pedigree and upside. Instead, though, he became a tough drop or bench stash. At some point, though, the Nationals needed to get one of their top prospects back to the big leagues. After Crews hit .258 with five home runs, seven stolen bases, and 20 RBI to begin the season in Triple-A, that took place this week. In three games since his promotion, Crews has just one hit, but we shouldn’t be making decisions based on that. If everything goes right for Crews, he should be a 15/25 player with a solid batting average. He’s never going to be a top-tier outfielder, but the speed element alone should put him on everyone’s radar.

Jake Bauers, 1B/OF, Milwaukee Brewers (78% owned in Fantrax leagues)

Photo Credit: Benny Sieu

Underestimate Bauers at your own risk. He’s getting regular playing time with the Brewers to begin the season, and through 41 games, Bauers is certainly taking advantage of the situation. He’s hitting .291 with seven home runs, 29 RBI, and four stolen bases. Bauers’ 9.8% walk rate also makes things attractive from an OBP perspective. With a .209 ISO, this is some of the best power output we’ve seen from Bauers throughout his career. That’s coming with a career-high 93 mph average exit velocity along with a 54% hard hit rate. Compared to a career .376 SLG, Bauers is clearly outpacing that with a .500 SLG (.498 xSLG).

Sign up for Prospects Live

Your one stop shop for Dynasty Fantasy Baseball, MLB Draft, Baseball Card & MiLB Baseball content. Blending Data & Scouting into our Player Evaluation