Preparing for the Second Half

The All-Star break is a time to catch our breath, but it’s also a crucial moment to assess where our fantasy teams stand. With the trade deadline looming and the regular season nearing its end, it’s essential to make informed decisions about our roster and strategy. In this article, we’ll explore the key players to target on the waiver wire and provide insights into the second half of the season.

In points leagues, the focus shifts from long-term potential to short-term gains. It’s time to evaluate whether our teams have a chance to make the playoffs and, if so, how to strengthen our lineup to secure a spot. This might involve making tough decisions on injury stashes and prioritizing players who can contribute immediately, even if their upside is limited in the long term.

In Roto leagues, the goal is to ensure we’re in a position to win at the end of the season. This might involve trading from positions of strength to address weaknesses on our roster. Take stock of what you need to improve and make those moves in the next week to set your team up for success.

We’ll be focusing on players available in at least 25% of CBS Fantasy leagues who could make an impact over the next two and a half months. Some of these players are stashes with long-term potential, while others are poised to come out of the gate hot in the second half.

Week 17 Waiver Targets

We’ve identified several players who could be valuable additions to your roster. Here are some of the top waiver wire targets for Week 17:

First Base

Bryce Eldridge, Giants (73%): Eldridge is hitting the ball hard, striking out at acceptable rates, and holding his own against lefties. He’s been good so far, but he could still be great.

Curtis Mead, Nationals (64%): Mead is putting up solid metrics across the board, combining above-average pop with strong contact skills. His triple eligibility only helps his case.

Second Base

Brendan Donovan, Mariners (71%): Donovan’s role on the team is uncertain, but he’s a solid all-around contributor with upside and positional flexibility.

Cole Young, Mariners (42%): Young has been solid, but there’s room for growth. He could be a double-digit base stealer if he runs more.

Third Base

Royce Lewis, Twins (56%): Lewis has been on a tear since his return from Triple-A, with a 162-game pace of .270 batting average, 37 homers, 99 runs, 84 RBI, and 16 SB.

Caleb Durbin, Red Sox (60%): Durbin is hitting .294/.351/.555 since June 1, and while his breakout is less impressive than Lewis’, he’s a solid all-around player with multiple eligibility.