Fantasy Baseball Streaming Pitchers: Waiver Wire Targets (Week 16)

The All-Star break is over, and the "dog days" of the baseball season are in full swing. For fantasy baseball managers, this means it's time to dig deep into the waiver wire for streaming pitching options to bolster rosters. Despite the usual late-season scarcity, several intriguing options are available for Week 16. Source

We'll go through the top recommendations for each day of the coming week, keeping in mind that pitching schedules can shift due to various factors like injuries or weather.

Week 16 Top Streaming Pitchers

Tuesday, July 21: Zach Thornton (SP - CHC) @ MIL

Zach Thornton, a 24-year-old rookie lefty, has impressed in his three MLB starts this season, allowing just five runs across 17.1 innings while striking out 15. Although advanced metrics don't fully support his 2.60 ERA over this small sample, his minor league track record suggests potential. He's rostered in only 8% of leagues, making him a speculative add Source.

• Why He Matters: Thornton presents a high-upside speculative add. If you're hesitant, consider waiting to see his performance against the Brewers before committing. An alternative for Tuesday is Walbert Urena (SP - LAA) vs. STL, rostered in 14% of leagues.

Wednesday, July 22: Christian Scott (SP - NYM) @ MIL

Christian Scott is highlighted as a compelling option, coming off his best start of the season (five scoreless innings with seven strikeouts against the Phillies). Despite not going deep into games (never over 5.2 innings), his 10.9 K/9 ratio and 2.87 ERA are very attractive. He has 72 strikeouts in 59.2 innings.

• Why He Matters: Scott's ability to generate strikeouts makes him valuable despite his shorter outings. Facing the Brewers is challenging, but his recent form suggests he can provide solid innings and K numbers. Bailey Ober (SP - MIN) @ CLE (18% rostered) is an alternative.

Thursday, July 23: Brandon Pfaadt (SP - ARI) @ STL

Brandon Pfaadt appears to be turning his 2026 season around. His ERA has dropped from 5.92 to 4.58 since mid-June, with his xERA now at 4.22. He's allowed only four runs across 21 innings against strong lineups like the Giants, Padres, Dodgers, and Cardinals.

• Why He Matters: Pfaadt's improved control and high groundball rate make him a good streaming option, especially against a Cardinals team with the eighth-worst OPS (.705) in baseball. Ian Seymour (SP - TBR) @ TOR (23% rostered) is another option.

Friday, July 24: Spencer Arrighetti (SP - HOU) @ CWS

Spencer Arrighetti started hot with a 1.34 ERA on June 1st but then saw it rise to 4.34. However, he's showing signs of settling down, holding the Orioles to one run over five innings in his last start. His main issue is walks, but the White Sox have a slightly below-average walk rate.

• Why He Matters: Friday's pitching options are limited, making Arrighetti a brave-hearted choice. If he can limit walks, his potential against the White Sox is significant. Grant Holmes (SP - ATL) @ BAL (16% rostered) is an alternative.

Saturday, July 25: Kyle Leahy (SP - STL) vs. CIN

Kyle Leahy continues to defy expected stats, sporting a 3.59 ERA against an xERA of 5.38. He's currently on a hot streak, allowing just two runs over his last 25.1 innings, with deceptively effective pitches.

• Why He Matters: Leahy's sustained overperformance and current hot streak make him an attractive streaming option against the Reds, who rank 10th-worst in baseball with a .709 team OPS. JP Sears (SP - ATH) @ MIA (1% rostered) is an alternative with very low ownership.

Sunday, July 26: Ronel Blanco (SP - HOU) @ CWS

Ronel Blanco, who threw a no-hitter in 2024, is back after a UCL tear in 2025. In his first 2026 start against the Marlins, he gave up four runs in 4.2 innings but impressively struck out eight. He threw 86 strikes, indicating his pitch count won't be a major issue.

• Why He Matters: Blanco is rusty but exhibits strong strikeout potential. Facing the White Sox, who have the seventh-most strikeouts in the league (891), positions him for a bounce-back performance. Janson Junk (SP - MIA) vs. SDP (2% rostered) is an alternative.