Deep League Fantasy Baseball Waiver Wire Targets for Week 18

It’s often said that a fantasy manager “can never have enough pitching” on their roster. This is especially true in recent years with the increasing rate of pitching injuries taking place. Though, another position that requires continuous attention for added depth is outfield. Not only is the outfield a reliable source of power and speed contributors, but many leagues have five spots to fill on a starting roster. That’s why this week’s deep league waiver wire targets article zooms in the outfield position with several viable pickups to consider for your team.

Deep League Waiver Wire Targets for Week 18

15-Team Mixed League Targets

1. Jacob Young, OF, Nationals (26% rostered)

One of the challenges in chasing steals is that it usually comes at the cost of batting average. Though, every now and then, a unicorn player emerges that can provide positive contributions in both categories. Over the last few years Jacob Young has provided that valuable combination in spurts throughout each season. As a result, he quickly gains momentum as a priority add in most league formats. As he’s heating up at the plate, batting .348 over his last seven games, the steals will surely follow. Act quickly to grab him in your league while roster rates are low.

In the past 37 games, Jacob Young is batting .291 with GG defense, and 5-for-6 in stolen bases. Nobody has raised their stock as much as Young over that span. He now ranks 3rd on the #Nats in position player WAR. Once again, it proves that power isn't everything. 🔥 pic.twitter.com/dlKZduuoI8

— Nats.Talk (@TalkNats) July 23, 2025

2. Jake Fraley, OF, Reds (18% rostered)

Despite being relegated to a platoon role, Jake Fraley has proved to be one of the more productive hitters for the Reds over the last few seasons. His ability to contribute in all categories, including on base percentage, makes him an appealing option to roster. In fact, he’s at it again with a .318 batting average and .400 OBP over his last 30 games. The reason his roster rate is low enough still for deep league consideration is due to playing time limitations in weekly leagues. Yet, a case could be made that three or four high quality appearances a week are better than six or seven average ones. Take a flyer on Fraley as a way to maintain key ratios and capture counting stats.

Jake Fraley's 3-hit afternoon leads the @Reds to another win in New York. pic.twitter.com/BJYgyMYo9q

— MLB (@MLB) July 19, 2025

AL-Only League Waiver Wire Target

John Rave, OF, Royals (5% rostered)

So much of playing the waiver wire involves knowing when to rely on season-long player performance data and when to omit it entirely. This is definitely the case with recently debuted prospects, who generally will struggle in their first 50 at bats. So it goes with John Rave, who was barely holding his own after debuting in May was batting a dismal .176 before the All-Star break. However, he’s turned it on as of late with a .294 batting average since the break and three home runs in the last seven games. If his major league production can continue to mirror his minor league norms, Rave could be a diamond in the rough for AL-only managers.

He's all the rave!

John Rave's second blast of the night ties the game in the 9th 😮 pic.twitter.com/tvEI2CmUlJ

— MLB (@MLB) July 19, 2025

NL-Only League Waiver Wire Target

Tommy Pham, OF, Pirates (14%)

Recently we featured Pirate icon Andrew McCutchen as a viable deep league waiver wire target at the ripe age of 38 this season. Now, it seems the Pirates have another timeless wonder making strides in their outfield with 37-year old Tommy Pham. While the last few years haven’t been easy on him, he’s fully healthy now and showing signs of his former All-Star level talent. Over the last 30 games he’s batting a prolific .330 with a .390 batting average. He’s added four home runs and 19 RBI in that time span as well. As long as Pham can stay healthy, which is always uncertain, he should provide significant value for NL-only fantasy teams.

Tommy Pham ranges into the gap to make a dazzling play! pic.twitter.com/K6nTLRC2EH

— MLB (@MLB) July 22, 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.