Whether your fantasy baseball team needs hitting, starting pitching, or saves, we have you covered heading into Week 9. Let’s dig into the waiver wire options and highlight five players to consider adding who are still available in the majority of Yahoo leagues.
Fantasy Baseball Waiver Wire Targets For Week 9
Gregory Soto, RP, Pittsburgh Pirates (42% rostered)
The Pirates have used both Soto and Dennis Santana in save situations this season. Soto has four saves, while Santana has two of them. However, Santana has not earned a save since April 15th. Since then, Soto has locked down three saves. Soto also has better overall numbers, recording a 1.69 ERA, 0.70 WHIP, and 32.9% strikeout rate. Of the two, he’s the one you want to roster in fantasy.
A.J. Ewing, OF, New York Mets (37% rostered)
The Mets have been searching for help for their lineup, which has the worst OPS in baseball. It’s not helping that Francisco Lindor (calf), Jorge Polanco (Achilles/wrist), Luis Robert (back), and Francisco Alvarez (knee) are all on the IL. One of the replacements that they have called up is Ewing, who had a .390 wOBA and 70 stolen bases across three levels in the minors last year. Before he was called up this year, he had a .432 wOBA and 17 steals. With his speed and ability to get on base, he could be a very valuable fantasy option.
Carlos Cortes, OF, Athletics (18% rostered)
Cortes doesn’t play much against left-handed pitchers, which does limit his fantasy upside to a degree. However, it’s hard to ignore someone who is batting .343 with a .417 wOBA over 110 plate appearances. In addition to his .212 ISO, he only has a 9.1% strikeout rate. He also exhibited a good eye at the plate in the minors, posting a 14.6% strikeout rate and a 13.1% walk rate at Triple-A last year. There’s no reason to believe that he won’t continue to be in the lineup whenever the Athletics face a right-handed pitcher.
Grayson Rodriguez, SP, Los Angeles Angels (16% rostered)
After sitting out the entire 2025 season because of injury, Rodriguez was dealt from the Orioles to the Angels. He hasn’t taken the mound in the majors for his new team yet, but his return appears to be right around the corner. His next start could even be in the majors, according to manager Kurt Suzuki. A once top prospect in Baltimore’s farm system, Rodriguez is worth a speculative pickup for those who need a starting pitcher.
Graham Ashcraft, RP, Cincinnati Reds (15% rostered)
When Emilio Pagan (hamstring) landed on the IL, Ashcraft and Tony Santillan were the top options for saves. Santillan appears to be fumbling away his opportunity, allowing nine runs (eight earned) over his last five appearances. Ashcraft hasn’t allowed a run in 13 of his last 14 appearances, leaving him with a 1.66 ERA for the season. Pierce Johnson could also be in the mix for saves, but with how well Ashcraft has performed, he’s worth taking a chance on in 12-team and deeper leagues.
Takeaway
Ewing and Cortes have the potential to help fantasy managers who need a boost to their lineup. Soto and Ashcraft could provide saves, while Rodriguez’s impending return from injury also makes him a viable waiver wire target. Be sure to check back throughout the season as we provide the top waiver wire options to help you win your fantasy baseball league.
