6 Fantasy Baseball Waiver Wire Pickups to Add

As fantasy baseball managers head into the weekend looking for an edge, the waiver wire remains one of the best places to find immediate production. This week’s recommendations focus on a mix of under-rostered pitchers with strong underlying metrics and hitters who have quietly put together productive stretches.

Fantasy Baseball Waiver Wire Targets for the Weekend

Whether you’re chasing strikeouts, searching for a streaming starter, or trying to fill an outfield spot, these names stood out based on recent performance and favorable matchups.

Reid Detmers (SP, RP – LAA)

The surface numbers may scare some fantasy managers away, but the underlying data paints a much different picture.

Detmers enters the weekend with an ERA north of 4.50, yet several indicators suggest he’s been significantly better than that. His expected ERA sits at 2.87, while opponents have produced just a .209 expected batting average against him. He has also struck out 75 hitters across 63 innings with a solid 1.14 WHIP.

The discrepancy between the ERA and his supporting metrics suggests bad luck has played a role in the disappointing results. With both his FIP and xFIP sitting well below his ERA, Detmers remains an appealing fantasy option, even in a difficult matchup against Tampa Bay.

For managers looking beyond the box score, this is a pitcher worth trusting.

Zebby Matthews (SP – MIN)

Matthews continues to look like one of the better under-rostered pitching options available in fantasy leagues.

Since returning, he has posted a 2.37 ERA across three starts while recording a WHIP below 1.00. Just as encouraging, he has completed at least six innings in all three outings and has walked only two batters during that span.

His strikeout rate sits at 23%, and the improved command has helped elevate his fantasy profile. While his velocity is slightly down, his slider has been exceptional. The pitch is generating a batting average below .200 and producing more whiffs than it did previously.

Against Pittsburgh, Matthews profiles as one of the stronger streaming options available this weekend.

Tristan Peters (OF – CWS)

Fantasy managers in need of a deep outfield addition should take notice of Peters.

The White Sox outfielder has emerged as the club’s starting center fielder and quietly delivered useful production throughout May. Over 25 games during the month, Peters hit .275 with two home runs, six doubles, 12 runs scored, 10 RBI, and a stolen base.

Just as important, he has maintained a manageable strikeout profile with eight walks against 13 strikeouts.

His recent performance has been even more impressive. Over the past week, Peters has hit .396 while scoring five runs. The power ceiling may be limited, but managers looking for batting average help and steady playing time can find value here.

Carson Benge (OF – NYM)

Benge offers a little bit of everything for fantasy managers searching for offensive upside.

His May production has been particularly encouraging, highlighted by a .300 batting average and continued growth on the basepaths. Through the season, Benge has posted a .247 average with three home runs and nine stolen bases while showing improved patience at the plate.

Another positive development has been his move higher in the batting order, creating additional opportunities to contribute in multiple categories.

The upcoming matchup against Miami makes Benge especially intriguing. With favorable pitching matchups on the schedule, he profiles as a strong weekend streaming option for managers seeking a blend of speed, average, and run production.

Sean Burke (SP, RP – CWS)

Burke has quietly become a viable streaming candidate, especially considering his recent form.

Through nine starts, he owns a 3.90 ERA and a 1.15 WHIP. His last two outings have been even better, producing a 3.00 ERA, a 0.98 WHIP, and 13 strikeouts across 12 innings.

The matchup against Detroit adds another layer of appeal. The Tigers have struggled to score runs throughout May, ranking among the league’s least productive offenses during that stretch.

With the White Sox playing improved baseball and Burke generating solid ratios, he makes sense as a rotation fill-in for fantasy managers needing innings and strikeout upside.

Anthony Kay (SP, RP – CWS)

Managers in deeper formats looking for an overlooked streamer may want to take a chance on Kay.

While he lacks the strikeout upside of some other options, he has been remarkably steady throughout May. Across five starts during the month, Kay worked at least five innings every time and never allowed more than two earned runs in any outing.

His 3.96 ERA reflects that consistency, and the matchup against Detroit offers another opportunity for useful fantasy production.

Kay’s fantasy value comes more from stability than dominance. Managers should view him as a source of innings and ratio support rather than a high-strikeout play. Still, in deeper leagues, those types of pitchers can provide meaningful value when the matchup aligns.

Fantasy Baseball Takeaways

Reid Detmers remains a strong buy-low pitching option thanks to elite underlying metrics that significantly outperform his ERA.
Zebby Matthews has delivered excellent results since returning and offers one of the best streaming profiles available this weekend.
Tristan Peters is a deep-league outfield target riding a productive May and a hot recent stretch.
Carson Benge brings a balanced fantasy skill set with batting average, speed, and favorable weekend matchups.
Sean Burke has quietly improved and draws a struggling Detroit offense, making him a strong streamer.
Anthony Kay lacks elite strikeout upside but has been consistently effective and is a viable deep-league option.
The White Sox provide multiple fantasy streaming opportunities this weekend, with both their hitters and pitchers showing improved form