The playoffs are likely to begin shortly in most points leagues, and the focus on this article will be on maximizing points for weekly matchups. Before we dive into playoff mode though, we'll spend one more week on helping teams in keeper leagues that are looking toward the 2026 season, looking at potential stashes for next season that may be widely available on the waiver wire. Knowing the settings of each league is very important in this context, because waivers may not be available for non-playoff teams and keeper rules will generally vary.
Even in non-keeper leagues, this list aims to be an introduction to names to keep an eye on ahead of next spring's drafts.
See where future major-league baseball stars slot into RotoWire's MLB Top Prospects & Rankings for 2025!
Hitters
Lawlar is perhaps the most obvious name on this list, as he'd likely already be with Arizona had he not suffered a hamstring injury in late June that held him out until mid-August. He has a clear runway to the third base job in 2026, and the Arizona infield could be in additional flux with rumors swirling of Ketel Marte's potential availability this winter.
Wetherholt is perhaps the top priority on this list. He's risen rapidly through the Cardinals farm system and has handled every step very well. In particular, he blends a high contact rate, walk rate, power and speed to be essentially a perfect points league prospect. He's also
The playoffs are likely to begin shortly in most points leagues, and the focus on this article will be on maximizing points for weekly matchups. Before we dive into playoff mode though, we'll spend one more week on helping teams in keeper leagues that are looking toward the 2026 season, looking at potential stashes for next season that may be widely available on the waiver wire. Knowing the settings of each league is very important in this context, because waivers may not be available for non-playoff teams and keeper rules will generally vary.
Even in non-keeper leagues, this list aims to be an introduction to names to keep an eye on ahead of next spring's drafts.
See where future major-league baseball stars slot into RotoWire's MLB Top Prospects & Rankings for 2025!
Hitters
Lawlar is perhaps the most obvious name on this list, as he'd likely already be with Arizona had he not suffered a hamstring injury in late June that held him out until mid-August. He has a clear runway to the third base job in 2026, and the Arizona infield could be in additional flux with rumors swirling of Ketel Marte's potential availability this winter.
Wetherholt is perhaps the top priority on this list. He's risen rapidly through the Cardinals farm system and has handled every step very well. In particular, he blends a high contact rate, walk rate, power and speed to be essentially a perfect points league prospect. He's also started playing third base at Triple-A Memphis, which could lead to a promotion in September or starting the 2026 season on the big-league roster following what looks to be an inevitable divorce between Nolan Arenado and the team.
Crawford doesn't fit the typical profile of a top-end points league contributor. He's had a 60 percent groundball rate at all of his stops in the minors, and scouting reports suggest he'll additionally struggle to access his power due to his lack of pulled flyballs.
That's not a particularly inspiring start to the case for Crawford, but his 11.8 percent walk rate paired with an 18.6 percent strikeout rate at Triple-A Lehigh Valley this season should get your attention. The Phillies need to reimagine at least one spot in the outfield this offseason, and Crawford is a potential fit. Chances are he's more of an impact player in roto/category leagues, but he should at least be considered in points leagues.
Jones offers nearly the exact opposite profile of Crawford. He packs significant power into his profile and also has stolen base upside. The question is whether he'll make enough contact, as he's graded out with a well below-average hit tool on most scouting reports. That's been backed up by a ballooning K% as he's progressed to the upper minors.
Oneil Cruz jumps to mind as a comp, down to the fact that they have a very similar frame.
Cut out the speed production and the case for Eldridge is nearly identical to that of Jones. The primary thing holding up Eldridge could be his defense, as one of he and Rafael Devers would need to play first base. Devers is starting roughly every other game at the position as the season winds down, so perhaps Eldridge enters the league primarily as a DH.
Jenkins has had injury issues to begin his pro career, but his results when on the field have been strong. He may not have the same timeline to the majors as the rest of this list as a result, but he should have a chance to reach Triple-A for the final month of the current season.
Stewart has maintained a 149 wRC+ across three levels of the minors in 2025 and has handled a versatile defensive role. He's spent the last two months at Triple-A, so he could be an option for the Opening Day roster in 2026.
Kevin McGonigle is the more renowned prospect for Detroit, but Anderson could beat him to the majors. He's racked up 41 plate appearances with Triple-A Toledo and would need to be pushed relatively aggressively to begin 2026 in the majors, but the Tigers could have him at second base depending on the future of Gleyber Torres.
DeLauter simply needs to stay healthy, which is something he hasn't been able to do. The Guardians need help in the outfield, and he should be an option to begin 2026.
Bazzana is a solid prospect for points leagues. He has a high walk rate and profiles to hit near the top of the Guardians' order, which should help his counting stats and balance out a lack of power.
Also Consider:
Sebastian Walcott 
Konnor Griffin
Kevin McGonigle 
Pitchers
We'll keep this brief because he's likely rostered everywhere, but it's worth checking.
We saw Nolan McLean make his big-league debut last week, and Tong likely won't be far behind him. Tong had a 14.3 K/9 with Double-A Binghamton and struck out nine in his Triple-A debut. He should be competing for a rotation spot in spring training.
Snelling has had a strong season overall, but he is currently lights out in Triple-A. Across his last five starts, he has a 0.88 ERA, 0.78 WHIP and a 46:6 K:BB in 30.2 innings. Snelling could make his big-league debut this season, but a rotation spot to begin 2026 appears to be extremely realistic.
Yesavage has had a meteoric rise in 2025, as he's reached Triple-A Buffalo after beginning the year in High-A. He's hit a brief speed bump in Buffalo, but he's only pitched 6.1 innings at the level. The Blue Jays are clearly willing to push him aggressively, putting him on the stash radar.
Tolle has had a rise similar to that of Yesavage and is getting buzz as a potential promotion in 2025 to help Boston out of the bullpen. He will almost certainly remain a starter in the long term and could be with the Red Sox early in 2026.
Also Consider:
