As we cross the midway point of the MLB season, the difference between a championship run and a mid-tier finish often comes down to the activity on the waiver wire. While every manager is chasing the big-name call-ups, the real value lies in identifying the “criminally underrated” assets that the rest of your league is overlooking. If you are looking for fantasy baseball players to add this June, ESPN’s Tristan H. Cockcroft has identified a quartet of players—Dominic Canzone, Kyle Stowers, Kazuma Okamoto, and Landen Roupp—who are providing production far beyond their current roster percentages.
The Power Potential of Dominic Canzone
Seattle Mariners outfielder Dominic Canzone remains one of the most intriguing power options currently sitting on many waiver wires. Despite showing a clear ability to impact the ball with authority, Canzone often flies under the radar due to the Mariners' offensive inconsistencies. However, his underlying metrics suggest a player who should be rostered in all deep leagues and most standard formats.
Canzone’s value stems from his elite hard-hit rate and his ability to punish right-handed pitching. For fantasy managers struggling with home runs or slugging percentage, Canzone offers a reliable left-handed bat that can provide a significant boost without costing a premium in trades. As he continues to see regular playing time, his counting stats are expected to stabilize, making him a priority target among fantasy baseball players to add.
Kyle Stowers: Finding the Right Opportunity
Kyle Stowers has long been a name discussed in prospect circles, but 2026 is proving to be the year where opportunity meets execution. Whether it is a change in scenery or a refined approach at the plate, Stowers is demonstrating that he can be a high-impact fantasy contributor when given consistent plate appearances.
The appeal of Stowers lies in his balanced offensive profile. He isn't just a one-trick pony; he combines respectable plate discipline with the power to clear the fences. In a season where outfield depth has been tested by injuries across the league, Stowers represents a high-floor addition who can slide into a utility spot or a starting OF role and provide immediate dividends in runs batted in (RBI) and total bases.
Kazuma Okamoto: The International X-Factor
One of the most exciting names on this list is Kazuma Okamoto. Transitioning to the Major Leagues often comes with a steep learning curve, but Okamoto’s power has translated effectively, making him one of the most underrated fantasy baseball players to add right now. His ability to anchor the middle of a lineup is something fantasy managers often have to pay a high price for, yet he remains available in a surprising number of leagues.
Okamoto’s swing is built for modern MLB stadiums, and his track record of durability is a massive plus for managers tired of managing a revolving door of injured players. If he is still available in your league, he should be viewed as a potential cornerstone for the second half of the season, particularly for those needing help in the corner infield slots.
Landen Roupp and Pitching Depth
On the mound, Landen Roupp is the name to watch. In a fantasy landscape where reliable starting pitching is at an absolute premium, Roupp has emerged as a high-upside arm with the stuff to miss bats at an elite clip. His curveball has been a revelation, consistently generating swings and misses and helping him navigate through difficult lineups.
While his role may fluctuate between the rotation and high-leverage relief depending on team needs, his strikeout-per-nine (K/9) ratio makes him valuable regardless of how he is utilized. For managers looking to lower their team ERA and WHIP while boosting strikeout totals, Roupp is a savvy addition who likely costs nothing more than a waiver claim.
Why These Moves Matter Now
The “summer doldrums” of the MLB season are when many managers lose focus, providing an opening for savvy players to improve their rosters. Adding players like Canzone, Stowers, Okamoto, and Roupp isn't just about filling a hole for a week; it’s about identifying players whose talent exceeds their current public perception. By acting now, you can secure these assets before their rostership percentages skyrocket following their next big performance.
- Dominic Canzone: Best for power and RHP matchups.
- Kyle Stowers: Best for consistent daily production and RBI.
- Kazuma Okamoto: Best for high-ceiling power in corner infield spots.
- Landen Roupp: Best for strikeout upside and ratio management.
Sources & Original Reporting
