Fantasy Baseball Waiver Wire: Week of July 27
Fantasy baseball playoffs are right around the corner, but there are still impact players available on the waiver wire. Here are five names worth taking a look at.
Well, the trade deadline movement has officially started. Boston and Washington kicked things off with a surprising move that sent Connelly Early to Washington in exchange for Curtis Mead. A deal that no one saw coming, but one that offers upside for both sides. You can read more about the trickle-down effect, how different players might fit in, and the fantasy impact here.
But you aren’t here to discuss a trade. You’re here to see which players are still available on the waiver wire, although the options are getting thin, to round out your roster ahead of a playoff push. Keep in mind, as trades happen over the next week or so, think quickly about which players will fill holes or see reduced roles due to player movement. New value will suddenly emerge, so you have to act fast.
Stats as of first pitch July 27th. Ownership percentages via ESPN.
Ty France – 1B – San Diego Padres (12%)
2026 Stats: .283/.336/.549, 16 HR, 142 wRC+
Remember the days when Ty France had extra eligibility at second and third base when he first broke out in Seattle? He was a bit of a fantasy cheat code. Well, over the past few years, he’s had little fantasy value, and suddenly, here he is, posting a .266 ISO and hitting the cover off the ball in San Diego.
This level of power is far beyond anything we’ve seen from him at any point in his career, but the sample size is large enough to buy in. I’ve always thought France was a good hitter, and it looks like he’s revived his career now that he’s back on the West Coast.
Ben Joyce – RP – Los Angeles Angels (1.1%)
2026 Stats: N/a, injured
The Angels have been a mess, and I doubt too many people outside of their fanbase are following their bullpen. A few of their arms, including Kirby Yates, should be on the move in the next week, opening the door for an already unsteady closer situation to become even less clear.
Enter Ben Joyce, who has been out with an injury since the beginning of the 2025 season. He’s currently on a rehab assignment and should rejoin the Angels within the next week or so. Don’t forget, this is the same pitcher who posted a 2.08 ERA and 3.20 FIP in 2024 with a live fastball and improving command. Don’t sleep on Joyce.
Hao-Yu Lee – 2B/3B – Detroit Tigers (0.9%)
2026 Stats: .273/.304/.438, 6 HR, 105 wRC+
A deep-league pickup who is starting to become a sneaky good option in shallower leagues as well. Lee’s overall numbers are fine, but he has really turned it on since June 1, slashing .337/.363/.551 with a 155 wRC+. He’s not going to draw many walks, but he’s starting to make better contact and use all fields, playing himself into a bigger role in Detroit.
We could be looking at a hot streak here, and if that’s the case, keep an eye out. Javy Báez is returning, but center field could be his home. Colt Keith isn’t exactly demanding at-bats the way Lee is, so you could get in early on Lee before he really establishes his role.
Brandon Pfaadt – SP – Arizona Diamondbacks (5.8%)
2026 Stats: 65 IP, 4.43 ERA, 4.43 FIP, 6.23 K/9, 2.77 BB/9
Pfaadt struggled earlier in the season, which pushed him to the bullpen and Triple-A, taking him off most fantasy radars. While I’m not too high on his stuff, and I’ll admit this isn’t a pickup I’m all that confident in at this point of the year, finding starters can be difficult.
Since returning to the rotation, Pfaadt has made five starts, all allowing two or fewer runs. The strikeout numbers aren’t there, but it’s hard to ignore the success. I gained some confidence when he faced the Cardinals twice in a week and still had back-to-back outings allowing two runs. If you need starting depth, Pfaadt could be an answer.
Tyler Stephenson – C – Cincinnati Reds (2.5%)
2026 Stats: .245/.321/.394, 8 HR, 94 wRC+
The Reds catcher is on an expiring deal, which makes him a likely trade candidate in the next week. Moving from the Reds to a contender could help his value with added run production. Great American Ball Park isn’t boosting his value either — .526 home OPS versus an .872 road OPS.
Since June 1, Stephenson has slashed .306/.353/.481 with a 125 wRC+. Although he’s not much of a power hitter, he has started to pull the ball more during that span, which has helped him collect a few home runs. A solid hitter who has the ability to be a valuable add down the stretch at a position that is not the deepest in fantasy.
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