Analysis

Fantasy Baseball Waiver Wire: Week of August 24

Here are five players fantasy managers should consider picking up off the waiver wire as we enter the final week of August.

By Clay Snowden | August 24, 2026 | | 0

PHOENIX, ARIZONA - AUGUST 12: Zac Veen #13 of the Colorado Rockies celebrates after hitting a two run home run during the fourth inning against the Arizona Diamondbacks at Chase Field on August 12, 2026 in Phoenix, Arizona. (Photo by Chris Coduto/Getty Images)

Well, we’ve made it to the last week of the fantasy calendar. One final push to either secure your playoff spot or enter the losers’ bracket. How you approach this final regular-season matchup will largely depend on whether you need to go all out and be overly aggressive in chasing a playoff spot or if you can afford to coast through the last week.

I’m sure you’ll be making daily transactions, trying to pick up middle relievers to fill roster spots between streamers and hunting for home runs. Today’s list of suggested pickups leans heavily toward hitters, with only one pitcher, but he’s an arm that could pay off in a big way.

Ownership percentages via ESPN. All stats as of games on August 23rd.

Samuel Basallo – C/DH – Baltimore Orioles (25.5%)

2026 Stats: .239/.303/.451, 17 HR, 109 wRC+

Basallo is obviously the catcher of the future in Baltimore. What he showed before his injury was impressive for any young player, but especially for a 21-year-old. Yes, he’s going to strike out. Yes, he’s going to hit plenty of home runs. Catcher is a thin position this time of year, and someone with this type of power potential is an add for me.

The risk of adding Basallo comes with the unknown of how he will look post-injury. We’ve seen some players take time before getting right, which might not be something you can afford to wait on. But if you’re confident in the bat, I say pick him up and see what happens.

Griffin Conine – OF – Miami Marlins (7.4%)

2026 Stats: .263/.359/.531, 14 HR, 143 wRC+

There aren’t many hitters hotter in the second half than Conine. Across 115 plate appearances, he’s slashed .260/.357/.550 with nine home runs, good for a .907 OPS. You might notice a theme in the first few suggestions on this list — power with swing-and-miss — and Conine fits that prototype.

I’m less worried about the swing-and-miss than usual, as many of you are looking for someone to boost your lineup for one week in order to push for the playoffs. Because of that, power becomes more important, and Conine has shown the ability to leave the yard multiple times in a week, which makes him the ideal pickup.

Zac Veen – OF – Colorado Rockies (5.8%)

2026 Stats: (9 G) .227/.261/.545, 2 HR, 102 wRC+

Veen was recently recalled after slashing .327/.402/.635 with 24 home runs across 100 games in Triple-A, albeit in the PCL. The tiny sample from last season, combined with the even smaller sample from this year, is hardly enough to pull from, but we do know Veen is going to strike out… a lot.

The question is, how many home runs will he hit? The power in the minor leagues has been legit, but playing in a hitter-friendly environment comes into play. Luckily, Coors Field is also hitter-friendly. The Rockies play a ton of home games down the stretch, which could help Veen tap into enough power to bring value to your team.

Pedro Ramirez – 3B/2B – Chicago Cubs (1.1%)

2026 Stats: .276/.338/.400, 2 HR, 7 SB

After three straight power picks, I figured I would add a different flavor. Ramirez has been more of a utility piece for Chicago but is now starting due to the Dansby Swanson injury, which has given him more value. A speedy switch-hitter who thrives on contact and found early success in his rookie year is the type of high-floor player that you might need.

The versatility piece can also help now and throughout the playoffs. Swanson is going to miss a few weeks, which will allow Ramirez the most continuous playing time he has seen in his young career. Time to shine.

Walbert Urena – SP – Los Angeles Angels (20.2%)

2026 Stats: 112.2 IP, 2.80 ERA, 3.74 FIP, 8.71 K/9, 4.71 BB/9

What a breakout it has been for Urena. The rookie has been an answer to the Angels’ rotation questions, even if they are still looking for more answers. What I like about Urena is the swing-and-miss ability, although it does come with some command issues.

His next start will be Tuesday against the Guardians, a matchup that is not as easy as some others. But Urena is coming off back-to-back starts against Milwaukee and Houston, where he allowed a total of one run and struck out 12 combined. We are crossing our fingers and hoping for seven or more strikeouts.