Identifying the right targets on the fantasy baseball waiver wire requires a balance of patience and aggressive opportunism. Whereas established stars provide a floor, the real gains in standard and mixed leagues often approach from spotting a shift in a player’s approach or a sudden change in a team’s organizational depth before the rest of the league catches on.
Currently, three names—Caleb Durbin, Garrett Mitchell, and Caleb Kilian—present distinct opportunities for managers looking to inject life into their rosters. Each player carries a different risk profile, ranging from a high-strikeout power threat to a velocity-surging relief arm, but all three are currently under-rostered relative to their immediate upside.
The strategy for these pickups varies by league format. In standard leagues, Durbin and Mitchell offer immediate positional utility, while Kilian represents a high-ceiling speculative add in deeper formats. As teams navigate early-season injuries and lineup adjustments, these players are positioned to capitalize on the vacancies left by veterans or struggling incumbents.
Caleb Durbin: Finding a Home at Fenway
The Boston Red Sox’s acquisition of Caleb Durbin was a move born of necessity and missed opportunities. After the team failed to reach an agreement to re-sign Alex Bregman and missed out on acquiring Isaac Paredes from the Houston Astros, Durbin became a surprising target. His transition to Boston follows a rookie campaign in Milwaukee that suggested he was a long-term piece for the Brewers, making his availability a point of curiosity for league observers.
Early returns for Boston have been mixed. Durbin has struggled with a high volume of ground balls, a departure from his previous hitting profile. Though, the geography of Fenway Park offers a unique advantage. While Durbin is unlikely to launch 400-foot home runs, his ability to hit 340-to-360 foot shots to left field makes him a natural fit for the Green Monster. Last season, he ranked in the 68th percentile in pulled fly ball rate, a metric that, combined with his low strikeout rate, suggests a high probability of doubles once he corrects his launch angle.
His role in the lineup remains fluid. Although he was moved from sixth to seventh in the order on Monday, the Red Sox’s need for a reliable right-handed hitter suggests he could eventually slide into the second spot in the lineup. Compared to Trevor Story, Durbin offers a more intriguing blend of contact and speed, with a projected output of 15 to 20 stolen bases.
Garrett Mitchell: High-Risk, High-Reward Power
Garrett Mitchell is the definition of a “flawed” prospect whose ceiling is too high to ignore. Despite reports that manager Pat Murphy might have preferred to send him down during spring training, Mitchell has carved out a significant role in Milwaukee, partially aided by an injury to Jackson Chourio.
The numbers from his first nine games are striking: a .333 batting average, one home run, and three stolen bases. More impressively, Mitchell is currently tied for the major league lead with 13 RBI. While his 41 percent strikeout rate is alarming and likely will prevent him from maintaining a high batting average over a full season, his hard-hit metrics are elite. Eight of his 15 balls in play have been classified as hard-hit, with six of those exceeding 106 mph off the bat.
Mitchell’s history is marred by health struggles since joining the Brewers in 2022, but his efficiency when on the field is evident in his career 116 OPS+. His baserunning is equally potent, having successfully stolen 26 of 32 attempts across 150 games. Given that he remains unrostered in 85 percent of Yahoo leagues, he is a primary target for managers who can stomach the strikeouts in exchange for raw power, and speed.
Caleb Kilian: The Velocity Spike in San Francisco
The return of Caleb Kilian to the San Francisco Giants organization in December was a quiet affair, occurring four and a half years after he was traded to the Cubs in the deal that brought Kris Bryant to San Francisco. After struggling to master Triple-A and battling injuries, Kilian has re-emerged with a transformed profile as a reliever.
The most critical development is his velocity. After averaging 96 mph in Iowa and showing flashes with the Cubs in 2024, Kilian hit 97.5 mph during spring training—a mark he has maintained through 4 2/3 scoreless innings to start the season. This increase in heat has shifted his pitch mix; while the cutter was previously his primary weapon, he has leaned into his curveball as his secondary offering.
You’ll see inherent risks to this profile. The sudden velocity spike, coupled with a history of shoulder issues, makes Kilian a potential injury risk. He has yet to pitch in a high-leverage lead situation, though he performed well during a critical sequence in Monday’s loss. Despite this, he possesses the most potent “stuff” in a Giants bullpen that has struggled for consistency. With manager Tony Vitello showing a willingness to move away from Ryan Walker in the closer role—especially as Walker’s velocity has dipped—Kilian is a prime candidate to ascend the depth chart.
Waiver Wire Depth Chart: Quick Hits
Beyond the primary targets, a few other prospects are worth monitoring as they navigate the path to the majors.
| Player | Team | Key Metric | Fantasy Outlook |
|---|---|---|---|
| Sam Antonacci | White Sox | 4-for-4 SB (current) | High speed/low power utility |
| Juan Brito | Guardians | .314 AVG (Triple-A) | Contact-oriented, low power |
| Travis Bazzana | Guardians | .212 AVG (Triple-A) | Long-term value, currently cold |
Sam Antonacci remains a compelling addition for those needing stolen bases. While he is still transitioning to left field after a career in the infield, his Triple-A performance in Charlotte (9-for-26 with two homers) and his 48-for-58 stealing record last year make him a viable option if the White Sox call him up to replace the injured Austin Hays.
In Cleveland, Juan Brito has seen more immediate opportunity than Travis Bazzana, getting the nod as Gabriel Arias’ replacement. A switch-hitter with a disciplined approach, Brito lacks significant power potential but provides a steady floor. He is less of a fantasy priority than the aforementioned trio but remains a name to track for those in extremely deep leagues.
The next critical checkpoint for these players will be the upcoming series of lineup rotations and bullpen assignments as teams enter the next phase of the season. Specifically, keep an eye on the San Francisco Giants’ bullpen usage to see if Kilian is trusted with high-leverage innings, and the Boston Red Sox’s batting order for Durbin’s potential ascent to the top of the lineup.
Do you have a different seize on these waiver targets? Share your thoughts in the comments or let us know who you’re targeting in your league.
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