MLB Waiver Wire Gems: Rising Stars and Key Returns to Watch
Discover the top MLB waiver wire pickups, including rising stars like Agustin Ramirez and the return of Jurickson Profar, to boost your fantasy baseball roster.

The Miami Marlins have been a surprising force in the MLB, boasting a 14-7 record over the past 23 days. This unexpected surge is led by a group of under-the-radar players, most of whom are rostered in less than 20% of ESPN leagues. Among them, catcher Agustin Ramirez stands out as a must-have for fantasy baseball enthusiasts.
Agustin Ramirez: A Reliable Catcher
Since his debut on April 21, Ramirez has become a cornerstone for the Marlins. He ranks as the No. 7 fantasy catcher this season, thanks to his impressive contact metrics and consistent performance. Ramirez's hard-hit rate of 48.6% and barrel rate of 11.9% place him among the top catchers in the league. His strikeout rate of 19.2% mirrors his minor-league performance, showcasing his reliability at the plate.
Chandler Simpson: Speed Demon
Outfielder Chandler Simpson of the Tampa Bay Rays is another player to watch. With a Statcast 90-feet running time of 3.67 seconds, Simpson leads the MLB in speed. He has stolen 40 bases this season and is a valuable asset in rotisserie formats.
Jurickson Profar: A Sneaky Pickup
Jurickson Profar of the Atlanta Braves is set to return from an 80-game suspension. Given the Braves' struggles in left field, Profar is expected to reclaim a regular role. His plate discipline and contact ability make him a sneaky pickup in points leagues.
Two-Start Pitchers to Add
- Chase Burns (Cincinnati Reds): Despite tough matchups, Burns' upside is undeniable.
- Jacob Lopez (Oakland Athletics): Lopez leads in Wins Above Replacement and has a streak of three consecutive quality starts.
Deeper-League Pickups
- Eric Lauer (Toronto Blue Jays): With a 3.76 ERA, Lauer is a solid rotation plug-in.
- Caleb Durbin (Milwaukee Brewers): Durbin's recent performance has solidified his role as the Brewers' everyday third baseman.
- Justin Wrobleski (Los Angeles Dodgers): Wrobleski has been a reliable option for the injury-riddled Dodgers' rotation.
These players offer significant potential to enhance your fantasy baseball roster. Keep an eye on their performances and consider adding them to your lineup for a competitive edge.