In many ways, deep league fantasy baseball managers should approach the season like a long-distance runner does for a race. Most important is having the awareness that a marathon can’t be sprinted. Instead, it’s a paced progression with well-timed adjustments of their effort level as the terrain dictates. This approach should apply to how a fantasy manager approaches the waiver wire on a weekly basis with their FAAB bids. There are times when the conditions are just right to make an unplanned push, perhaps when a top prospect emerges. However, it’s equally important to recognize when it doesn’t make sense to be aggressive, like when there just aren’t many compelling options on the waiver wire. This week’s batch of deep league waiver wire targets likely calls for less intensity as no spectacular players with low roster rates have emerged recently. Yet, for those looking to make up ground in the standings, there’s still viable options to target.
Deep League Waiver Wire Targets for Week 12
15-Team Mixed League Targets
1. Enrique Hernandez, 1B/2B/3B/SS/OF, Dodgers (21% rostered)
Over the last decade there are few players that have been streakier than Enrique (Kike) Hernandez. To his credit, his long tenure as a utility player has required him to focus more on his defensive abilities than on hitting. So far this season we’re seeing the same trend play out as his dismal batting average in April of .192 has been completely reversed in May, where he batted .300. As a near regular player in the potent Dodgers lineup, the hot hitting Hernandez can bring a boost to teams needing a lineup replacement at every position except catcher.
DODGERS SCORE!
Enrique Hernández singles on a ground ball to center fielder Tyrone Taylor. Andy Pages scores. Tommy Edman to 3rd.Dodgers: 1
Mets: 0Top of the 2nd | 1 out#LADvsNYM pic.twitter.com/ZAo9jzxASa
— Dodgers Nation (@DodgersNation) May 24, 2025
2. Jonatan Clase, OF, Blue Jays (18% rostered)
There’s a saying that a prospect will never be more valuable than right before they are called up to the major leagues. This often rings true as the leap from AAA to the majors. Given how challenging that step is, few top prospects successfully navigate right away. This is the case with Jonatan Clase, who went from a near-untouchable prospect for the Mariners in 2023 to a mere bargaining chip for a rental reliever in late 2024. His major league debut with the Mariners was less than encouraging as he couldn’t display his 80-grade speed due to an inability to get on base. Though, in the last few weeks he’s found regular playing time with the Blue Jays and is flourishing. His .321 on-base percentage has allowed him to capitalize on steal opportunities with three stolen bases already.
Jonatan Clase lead the Jays in SB in May! pic.twitter.com/nakc27T3Bm
— Jonatan Clase Connoisseur (@V2Clase) June 1, 2025
AL-Only League Waiver Wire Target
Nathan Lukes, OF, Blue Jays (10% rostered)
Another Blue Jays outfielder that is drawing attention as of late is Nathan Lukes. While not a top prospect, like Jonatan Clase, he has found his way into playing time in the major leagues due to his on-base skills. In his debut last season, he hit .303 with a .371 on-base percentage. This mirrors his minor league rate of .352. So far this season, he’s managed a .360 OBP with home runs and 20 RBIs. Though, he’s red hot over the last couple of weeks with a .289 batting average and .372 OBP.
Nathan Lukes has a .945 OPS over his last 20 games! #WALKOFF pic.twitter.com/9fwxTHjPLx
— Toronto Blue Jays (@BlueJays) May 23, 2025
NL-Only League Waiver Wire Target
Tyler Freeman, SS/OF, Rockies (9%)
The Colorado Rockies have gained a reputation for making poor roster decisions over the last decade. The ongoing struggles of their last major free agent acquisition, Kris Bryant, still cast a shadow over the franchise. So, it’s no surprise that when they traded their recent All-Star Nolan Jones for journeyman Tyler Freeman, there was much cynicism. However, it’s starting to seem as if this is one move the Rockies got right. While Freeman doesn’t have All-Star potential, he’s proven himself as a high-floor contributor over the years. Now with the Rockies, Freeman is getting a boost from the elevation as he’s hitting .283 with a .333 OBP. Over the last week, Freeman has been red hot with a .409 batting average and decent counting stats to go along.
Tyler Freeman ties the game with a two-run homer! pic.twitter.com/aCWtcf9seC
— Talkin' Baseball (@TalkinBaseball_) June 1, 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.
