Cade Cavalli and Jared Jones lead Week 18 fantasy waiver rush

Cade Cavalli’s roller-coaster season has reached another buy point for fantasy managers, according to CBS Sports analyst Chris Towers, who placed the Nationals right-hander near the top of his Week 18 waiver targets after a nine-strikeout start against the Athletics in Sacramento.

Towers noted that Cavalli’s case is messy, which is exactly why he is still available in some formats. Cavalli had back-to-back double-digit strikeout starts in late April, then followed with a 10-start run that included a 4.10 ERA and 51 strikeouts over 52.2 innings. He later delivered a 13-strikeout outing before lasting only 2.1 innings in his next start.

The full line still has appeal. Towers cited Cavalli’s 3.78 ERA, 26% strikeout rate, 3.21 FIP, 4.13 xERA and 1.31 WHIP, calling him a useful pitcher with a ceiling worth chasing even if the volatility stays part of the package.

Pirates starter Jared Jones also earned a strong push from Towers after striking out nine in his first start after the break. Over his past three outings, Jones has 23 strikeouts and three walks in 15 innings. Towers wrote that Jones has lifted his strikeout rate from 26.2% as a rookie to 29.4% while keeping his walk rate in check, despite returning from significant elbow surgery.

The catch is workload. Jones threw 74 pitches Friday, his third straight start below 80 pitches. Towers said that limit lowers his odds of wins and quality starts, though the strikeout upside still makes him a pitcher who should be rostered in fantasy leagues.

Position players getting the waiver nod

At catcher, Towers highlighted Twins backstop Ryan Jeffers, who doubled in each of his first two games back from a hand injury and homered in his third. CBS Sports listed him at a 73% roster rate and described the underlying data as supportive of a top-12 catcher profile if he stays healthy.

Giants first baseman Bryce Eldridge was another priority name. Towers cited a .288/.381/.489 slash line since June 1 with a 28-homer pace, though he noted the runs and RBI have lagged.

For middle infield help, Towers pointed to Mariners second baseman Cole Young and Brewers shortstop Cooper Pratt. Young, rostered in 43% of leagues, has a .333 expected wOBA that Towers said would rank sixth among second basemen. Pratt has a 12.4% walk rate and six steals in 26 games, with a .291 expected batting average sitting well above his .244 actual mark.

Rockies third baseman Kyle Karros drew attention after moving closer to a .300 average since the start of June and hitting four of his nine homers in July.

Outfield and bullpen names to watch

In the outfield, Towers recommended Luis Robert, who is expected to return from a back injury Monday, while noting the Mets have playing-time questions with Juan Soto, Carson Benge, A.J. Ewing and Jorge Polanco also in the mix. Heriberto Hernandez, Steven Kwan, Ryan Waldschmidt and Jake Mangum also made the list.

On the pitching side, Towers cited Astros starter Peter Lambert, Dodgers starter Roki Sasaki, Brewers starter Shane Drohan and Tigers prospect Jackson Jobe as adds or stashes. Lambert’s harder sweeper has produced a 45% whiff rate in three July starts, according to Towers, while Drohan has 24 strikeouts in 24 innings this month.

For saves hunters, Towers named White Sox reliever Grant Taylor and Mets reliever Luke Weaver. Taylor has two of Chicago’s past three saves, while Weaver owns a 2.03 ERA and could draw trade interest before the deadline, according to the CBS Sports analysis.

This story draws on original reporting from CBS Sports.