Deep League Fantasy Baseball Waiver Wire Targets for Week 20

One of the major challenges of playing in a deep league is having a star player get moved into a far less valuable role at the trade deadline. Even worse is losing a player entirely if traded to the opposite league of a mono-league. This occurred with several notable players, especially closers, last week and creates a new sense of urgency to find viable replacements on the waiver wire. The good news is that there are some potential gems out there for deep league managers to scoop up this week.

Deep League Waiver Wire Targets for Week 20

15-Team Mixed League Targets

1. Jakob Marsee, OF, Marlins (29% rostered)

For a while, it seemed that every top prospect who came up would immediately dominate, such as Ronald Acuna Jr., Juan Soto, and others around that period. In recent years, the trend has reversed, with most top prospects struggling in their first year or two. That’s why the hot start from Marlins top prospect, Jakob Marsee, has drawn so much attention over the last week as he’s hitting .500 out of the gate. However, Marsee’s hit tool wasn’t his greatest strength in the minors, as he was only batting .246 this season. Rather, his on-base skills and speed are his dominant tools, as he held a .379 OBP with 47 steals in just 98 games in the minors. If he can carry those skills over and maintain a decent batting average, he could have league-winning potential rest of the season.

Jakob Marsee’s insane start to his career continues with his first career homer!

He’s 6-12 with 4 walks and 5 XBH in his first 5 games 😳 pic.twitter.com/noVk8eWoXI

— Just Baseball (@JustBB_Media) August 6, 2025

2. Cole Sands, SP/ RP, Twins (25% rostered)

Some players can spend years being blocked from a prominent role, and then all of a sudden, the path is cleared. That was definitely the case for Cole Sands, who is now the favorite in the Twins bullpen to earn save chances. Sands really made a name for himself las season where he held a 1.00 WHIP across 71.1 innings. His numbers aren’t as great this year, but the competition is now minimal. While it’s not certain he will become the everyday closer, he should see his fair share of chances.

Closer Adds (Fantrax under 50%)

I think this group sees 70%+ of the chances
Dennis Santana: 48% #LetsGoBucs
Calvin Faucher: 25% #MarlinsBeisbol
Cole Sands: 21% #MNTwins
Keegan Akin: 12% (SP) #Birdland
Victor Vodnik: 7% #Rockies

BAD TEAM
Jose Ferrer: 18% #Natitude

— The Closer MRD (@GettheSave9th) August 4, 2025

AL-Only League Waiver Wire Target

Curtis Mead, 1B/2B/3B, White Sox (18% rostered)

One of the top sleeper picks entering this season was Curtis Mead of the Rays. His .524 batting average in spring training created a surge of excitement for a long-anticipated breakout. Though those stats didn’t carry into the regular season, as he floundered with a .226 average before being sent down to the minors. Having been dealt to the lowly White Sox at the deadline, it seems he’ll get another chance to right his season. Sometimes it just takes a change of scenery and steady playing time to unlock a player’s full potential. This was the case with Miguel Vargas already this season on the White Sox, so perhaps Mead can realize the same outcome.

Curtis Mead, acquired at the deadline from Tampa in the Adrian Houser deal, has been called up from AAA due to Miguel Vargas being placed on the IL.

He went 4/7 with 2 RBIs in his 2 games with Charlotte.

Let's see what he can do!#WhiteSoxpic.twitter.com/sMBtgHk3qi

— SleeperWhiteSox (@SleeperWhiteSox) August 3, 2025

NL-Only League Waiver Wire Target

Liover Peguero, SS, Pirates (12%)

Another player who fell into an unexpected playing time boost is Liover Peguero of the Pirates. So far, he’s been making the most of the opportunity with four home runs in the first seven games. Interestingly, three of those home runs came in just one game, where he single-handedly dominated the Rockies. Peguero may not be on your roster at the end of the season, but he could provide a nice boost over the next couple of weeks while getting regular at-bats.

After the Pirates sold some pieces at the deadline, Liover Peguero is getting a fair shot.

In 13 games this season: .250 BA, 4 HR, 7 RBI, SB, .919 OPS. Small sample, but 24 years old.

Keep an eye on him… pic.twitter.com/Np8wZRVepp

— Sam Fosberg (@discussbaseball) August 5, 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.