Week 21 waiver-wire push lands five bargain-hunters who can buoy fantasy rosters down the stretch: Daulton Varsho, Joey Ortiz, Paul DeJong, Colby Thomas, Brett Baty. Each offers a path to power, run production, or batting-average gains with minimal waiver cost, ideal for FAAB-driven streams or deep-league depth-building.

Varsho returns from shoulder and hamstring issues to post big-season power bursts, owning 13 HR in 38 games and a .364 wOBA, with a hot August showing (14 games, .295, 5 HR, 14 RBI). Milwaukee’s Ortiz has been scorching in August (.367 in 16 games) with solid contact and pace for runs in a productive lineup. DeJong has heated up since July, delivering multi-position flexibility and a string of homers while mixing in at first base.

Thomas brings a rare blend of power and speed for an Athletics outfield spark, riding a hot streak with multi-homer games and a growing upside as his role tightens. Baty has found form in August with power and improved average in a Mets lineup in the wild-card hunt, adding appeal as a short-term infield boost. These options are ideal for managers seeking upside at low cost as the season winds down.

In short, the group represents a mix of proven track records and breakout potential who can help close gaps in your lineup without heavy capital outlay, making them prime targets for Week 21 and beyond.

The Mets face a two week gauntlet to prove they belong in the playoff chase. A rough endgame schedule looms after three road games with Washington, followed by division battles against Atlanta and a home stretch against Philadelphia and Miami. Francisco Lindor was NL Player of the Week, batting .560 with three homers, seven RBI, and a 1.647 OPS over six games, a surge that could spark the lineup. Mark Vientos homered in the Little League Classic and showed meter against Seattle, while Brett Baty supplied bottom of the order punch in a 3-1 win. The offense has begun to wake, averaging about six runs per game across nine, but the rotation still lacks length and the bullpen is taxed. Diaz delivered a six out save, and Ryne Helsley has yet to deliver the expected impact after his deadline move. With a 3rd Wild Card spot five games back of Philadelphia, the upcoming NL East road trip will define whether the Mets can sustain momentum or fade again. The infield rotation at second and third remains unsettled with Mauricio, Baty, and Vientos in focus as run production proves elusive off the bench.

The San Diego Padres are looking to extend their winning streak to four games as they face the New York Mets in the second matchup of a three-game series. The Padres pulled off a close victory last night with a 7-6 scoreline, sending rookie Ryan Bergert to the mound, who boasts an impressive 2.84 ERA. The Mets will counter with veteran Sean Manaea, who holds a strong 2.19 ERA.

Despite Manaea's strong start to the season, the Padres' offense shows a .316 batting average against him in 120 at-bats, which suggests a potential letdown for the lefty in his third start. The recommended bets lean towards the Padres covering the +1.5 run line while also recommending Xander Bogaerts and Brett Baty to record over 0.5 hits. Bogaerts, hitting .317 in his last nine games, has seven hits in 15 at-bats against Manaea, making him a key player to watch in this matchup.

The New York Mets are currently just half a game away from first place in their division, despite significant challenges at the third base position throughout the season. Mark Vientos, Brett Baty, and Ronny Mauricio have all contributed at third base, although Vientos has been sidelined since June 2 with a hamstring injury. He has the most at-bats there with 151, followed by Baty with 109 and Mauricio with 39.

Vientos holds a .230/.298/.380 batting line with six home runs and 21 RBIs in 53 games, Baty trails with a .223/.271/.402 line, featuring eight homers and 27 RBIs over 59 games, while Mauricio has a .224/.274/.414 line in 17 games. Manager Carlos Mendoza mentioned the possibility of keeping all three players on the roster, particularly with Vientos returning soon. The team is considering utilizing Vientos at the designated hitter position when Jesse Winker returns from injury.

The New York Mets face a crucial decision regarding their Friday night starting pitcher, as they are opting against using a bullpen game amidst a grueling stretch of 13 consecutive games. Manager Carlos Mendoza emphasized the need for a pitcher who can provide length, particularly following the injury to Tylor Megill, who is now on the 15-day IL due to a right elbow strain, expected to sideline him for over a month. The Mets will evaluate Frankie Montas after his rehab start, pondering whether to reinstate him into the rotation or utilize him in another capacity.

Additionally, Brett Baty's ongoing groin issue keeps him out of the lineup, while Mark Vientos is on a rehab assignment as the Mets navigate their roster challenges. The team's approach to managing pitching depth is vital as they prepare for their series against the Atlanta Braves, where strategic pitching usage could determine their success in this stretch.