DETROIT, MICHIGAN – JUNE 25: Troy Melton #52 of the Detroit Tigers delivers a pitch against the Houston Astros at Comerica Park on June 25, 2026 in Detroit, Michigan. (Photo by Nic Antaya/Getty Images)
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Two players poised to return from injury could provide a boost off the waiver wire for fantasy baseball managers. As far as starting pitching options go, there are some names that stand out heading into Week 16. Let’s highlight the best players to consider adding who are still available in the majority of Yahoo leagues.
Fantasy Baseball Waiver Wire Targets For Week 16
Troy Melton, SP, Detroit Tigers (46% rostered)
Melton logged 6 1/3 shutout innings against the Yankees in his last outing, allowing just two hits and one walk to go along with his seven strikeouts. He has made seven starts since being called up from Triple-A, giving up two or fewer runs in six of them. His 2.05 ERA is supported by a 3.05 xERA, and he only has a 0.80 WHIP. In 89 2/3 career innings in the majors, he has a 0.90 WHIP. This might be the last opportunity to add him before he is rostered in more than half of leagues.
Trent Grisham, OF, New York Yankees (44% rostered)
The Yankees have lost seven straight games with the lineup and defense faltering. Injuries have played a factor, but the Yankees are poised to get some help in that department with Grisham set to return Friday from his hamstring injury. He was playing well before suffering his injury, hitting 25-for-69 (.362) with a .429 OBP over his previous 17 games. Helping his cause to provide value is that he should hit in a prominent spot within the Yankees’ lineup since Aaron Judge (ribs) and Giancarlo Stanton (calf) are still out.
Logan Henderson, SP, Milwaukee Brewers (42% rostered)
Henderson has been sidelined since the end of May with a back injury. He was excellent prior to getting hurt, recording a 2.74 ERA and a 1.04 WHIP across five starts. He has already made one rehab outing and is scheduled to start again Friday. That means his return to the majors should be right around the corner. He should be rostered in all 12-team leagues when he is healthy, so this might be the final opportunity to pick him up before he is cleared to return.
Esmerlyn Valdez, 1B/OF, Pittsburgh Pirates (40% rostered)
Valdez is only 22 years old and reached Triple-A for the first time this year. He played well across 56 games at the level, slugging 13 home runs and posting a .914 OPS. That earned him a call up to the majors, where he has continued to produce with six home runs and a 1.112 OPS over 19 games. He generally does a good job of reaching base, posting a wOBA of at least .357 in each of his stops in the minors. Last year, he had a .402 wOBA across 123 minor league games. Spencer Horwitz (hamstring) isn’t expected to return until after the All-Star break, so playing time shouldn’t be difficult for Valdez to come by.
Zebby Matthews, SP, Minnesota Twins (18% rostered)
Matthews has provided the Twins with length, logging at least six innings in eight of his nine starts. A couple of blowups have left him with a mediocre 4.15 ERA, but he has allowed two or fewer runs in six of his outings. Week 16 brings a favorable start for him against the Angels, who have the second-highest strikeout rate in the majors. They are also currently without Mike Trout (hamstring), who has hit 17 home runs over 74 games. For those looking for a starting pitcher to stream, Matthews should be considered.
Takeaway
Melton, Henderson, and Matthews are three starting pitchers to target on the waiver wire heading into Week 16. Grisham’s impending return from injury makes him a bat to consider, in addition to the hot-hitting Valdez. Be sure to check back throughout the season as we provide the top waiver wire options to help you win your fantasy baseball league.