Deep League Fantasy Baseball Waiver Wire Targets for Week 17

The All-Star break gives a chance for player to rest and relax in preparation for the second half of the season. Yet, for deep league fantasy baseball players, there’s no benefit in taking a break from working the waiver wire. In fact, several new players emerged last week that have gone unclaimed, as many fantasy managers opted to wait until action resumed. This creates a good opportunity to find new value on the waiver wire that can help round out a roster for the final stretch of the season.

Deep League Waiver Wire Targets for Week 17

15-Team Mixed League Targets

1. Anthony Bender, RP, Marlins (28% rostered)

Usually, closers on non-contending teams have low appeal, given the lower frequency of save chances. Relievers that are part of a closer committee on losing teams have far less value. So, one would think that Anthony Bender offers little value for competing fantasy teams. Though the Marlins have been one of, if not the hottest team in the league over the last month, that’s also led to an abundance of save chances. Bender isn’t first in line for save chances today, but he has been in the mix as of late. Most importantly, his elite ratios provide a boost to pitching categories as he allowed no earned runs so far in July and has a 2.15 ERA over his last 30 days.

Anthony Bender's devasting sweeper has allowed just a .073 opponent BA this season 🔒

The @Marlins reliever talks about the effective pitch and what's been the key to a career year. #MLBTonight pic.twitter.com/nKYKSXoov8

— MLB Network (@MLBNetwork) June 27, 2025

2. Harrison Bader, OF, Twins (28% rostered)

For the last decade, we’ve seen numerous players find a home with the Minnesota Twins after years of bouncing around the league. This is seemingly taking place again with Harrison Bader, who is quickly becoming a fan favorite with his late-game heroics this season. Now on his fifth team after breaking out with the Cardinals initially, Bader has settled into his defensive specialist role with semi-regular plate appearances. Though he’s found his stroke as of late with a .333 batting average and .391 OBP over his last seven games. Also, Bader provides a sneaky source of steals, so the increased on-base percentage brings increased opportunities in that category. We’ve seen Bader thrive at the plate for extended periods in the past, and now that he’s settled into the lineup for the Twins, look for a potential second-half breakout.

OH MY. For the second consecutive game @edouardjulien7 goes deep. This one was WAAAAY gone. 428 feet away. He came in 32 for last 106 (.302) over his last 30 games. Lead 2-0. pic.twitter.com/OFBnluAig0

— St. Paul Saints (@StPaulSaints) July 12, 2025

AL-Only League Waiver Wire Target

Edouard Julien, 2B, Twins (2% rostered)

Another player in the Twins’ organization who could make an impact in the second half is Edouard Julien. This may seem odd as he’s not even currently on the big league roster and, in his appearances earlier this year, he batted a dismal .198. He seems to have regained his form in AAA where he’s batting over .300 in his last 30 games. Always known for his strong on-base skills, Julien could still very much live up to his potential as an everyday contributor in the steady Twins lineup. With his call to majors seemingly imminent, now is the time to stash Julien for little cost.

OH MY. For the second consecutive game @edouardjulien7 goes deep. This one was WAAAAY gone. 428 feet away. He came in 32 for last 106 (.302) over his last 30 games. Lead 2-0. pic.twitter.com/OFBnluAig0

— St. Paul Saints (@StPaulSaints) July 12, 2025

NL-Only League Waiver Wire Target

JoJo Romero, RP, Cardinals (16%)

Contrary to Anthony Bender’s situation as part of a closer committee, JoJo Romero is firmly placed in a setup reliever role behind Ryan Helsley on the Cardinals. While Helsley has been one of the better closers in baseball the last few seasons, he’s not proven as durable as other elite closers with stints on the IL. Should Helsley miss any time in the future, Romero could quickly become a dominant source of saves. He is a reliable source of holds, with 14 already this season. And, like Bender, he can boost key pitching ratios even if not currently providing saves. The risk is low, and the upside is massive with adding Romero from the waiver wire.

While steady in relief, JoJo Romero says body is 'best I've felt' since 2021: Cardinals Extra https://t.co/vf91RkTayQ

— STL Pinch Hits (@STLPinchHits) July 10, 2025

Got a few deep league waiver wire targets of your own? Tell me who is standing out to you by sharing in the comments below.