Sam Antonacci and Dylan Beavers are the top waiver-wire names this week: Antonacci is poised for a White Sox call-up and brings elite speed and a leadoff profile, Beavers gains playing time in Baltimore and carries 15-15 upside, while veteran Nick Martinez offers steady, pitcher-friendly starts for the Rays. Monitor Noah Schultz’s control issues and consider Gary Sánchez as a short-term catcher replacement.
Waiver-wire priorities: Antonacci, Beavers, Martinez
Sam Antonacci, Dylan Beavers and Nick Martinez form the clear trio MLB fantasy managers should prioritize. Each delivers a different kind of value: Antonacci for stolen bases and roster-runner scoring, Beavers for power-speed upside if given regular at-bats, and Martinez for matchup-stable starts in a home park that suppresses offense.
Sam Antonacci — speed, patience and immediate upside for the White Sox
Sam Antonacci looks like the most urgent add. The White Sox have created a roster opening and a big-league debut appears imminent. He’s been used in the outfield at Triple-A but profiles as a top-of-the-order table-setter.
Why he matters
Antonacci pairs an elite walk rate with outstanding basestealing. His Triple-A line includes a high on-base tendency and a perfect stolen-base conversion early this season, traits that translate directly to fantasy counting categories. His likely role: leadoff versus right-handers and a frequent pinch-running threat.
Limitations and reality check
Don’t overvalue the power projection. Antonacci’s contact profile suggests a batting average closer to the mid-.200s rather than a .280+. He’ll sit against many lefties, capping daily-run-floor value. Still, for teams needing speed or OBP at the top of the order, he’s a high-upside waiver claim.
Dylan Beavers — opportunity in Baltimore could unlock 15/15 upside
Dylan Beavers is worth picking up now that the Orioles’ roster has thinned due to injuries. With Adley Rutschman, Tyler O’Neill and Ryan Mountcastle unavailable, Beavers should see consistent plate appearances, particularly against right-handed pitching.
Skills and projection
Beavers’ Triple-A track record shows a strong walk rate, solid contact when he’s reduced his strikeouts, and a legitimate power-speed mix. If he plays regularly, finishing the season near 15 homers and 15 stolen bases is within reach. For fantasy managers in need of offensive upside, he’s a sensible short-term add.
Things to monitor
Early-season contact issues have depressed his current slash line. The key is consistent playing time; if Baltimore’s injured list clears quickly, Beavers’ fantasy window will narrow. Add for immediate needs and reassess when regulars return.
Nick Martinez — low-profile veteran giving pitching stability for the Rays
Nick Martinez remains an under-the-radar fantasy asset because of the environment he’s in. The Rays’ defensive excellence and Tropicana Field’s pitcher-friendly dimensions amplify the strengths of a soft-contact veteran like Martinez.
Why he’s useful
Martinez isn’t a high-strikeout arm, but he consistently induces weak contact and benefits from defensive support. That combination has produced a tidy ERA early in the season despite middling underlying metrics. He’s a dependable streamer in deeper mixed formats and a solid roster piece in 12-team leagues when matchup-managed.
Limitations
His upside is capped by modest strikeout rates and occasional walk issues. Martinez won’t be a weekly ace, but expect more good starts than bad as long as the Rays’ defense and home park remain in play.
Quick hits: Noah Schultz and Gary Sánchez
Noah Schultz — The Triple-A strikeout numbers were eye-catching, but his walk rate remains a concern. The White Sox will be cautious pushing him deep into starts, so expect frequent short outings and limited win opportunities. He’s a promising prospect but not a must-add for mixed leagues right now.
Gary Sánchez — With regulars sidelined, Sánchez is a viable short-term catcher add. He’s already shown power in a small sample to start the season and provides immediate pop at a thin position, though his playing time will depend on roster moves and matchups.
Actionable strategy
Add Antonacci in formats that reward stolen bases and OBP; he’s a clear priority for teams needing speed or a leadoff option. Pick up Beavers if you need upside in power and steals and can tolerate some platoon exposure.
Use Martinez as a stable starting option in deeper leagues or as a matchup play in shallower formats. Avoid overcommitting to Schultz until his command steadies; stash Sánchez short-term if catcher depth is an issue.
What this means moving forward
Early-season roster churn creates windows for younger players and low-cost veterans. Managers who act quickly on clear opportunity—playing time for Beavers, an imminent Antonacci call-up, and Martinez’s favorable context—stand to gain more than those waiting for larger samples.
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Monitor workload and platoon splits closely; these will determine whether the early returns sustain.
