Published: August 17, 2026 | ⏱️ 5 min read | 8 sources | 92% confidence

Zack Gelof Among Top Fantasy Baseball Waiver Wire Targets For Week 22

As the fantasy baseball regular season enters its final sprint, managers are working frantically to fine-tune their rosters ahead of playoff matchups and rotisserie pushes. Heading into Week 22, acquiring reliable talent with high-upside potential is more critical than ever. Leading the charge among recommended priority additions is Oakland Athletics second baseman Zack Gelof, who has surfaced as one of the premier targets on the waiver wire alongside versatile prospect Cole Carrigg. For fantasy managers seeking immediate offensive momentum, identifying these late-season breakout candidates can make the difference between a championship run and a premature exit.

Quick Facts

• Zack Gelof and Cole Carrigg stand out as top priority targets on the fantasy baseball waiver wire for Week 22.
• Gelof offers high-upside production in core fantasy categories, combining power, speed, and everyday playing time.
• Week 22 represents a crucial juncture in fantasy leagues as trade deadlines pass and playoff seedings are finalized.
• Roster flexibility and multi-category contributions remain paramount for managers building competitive rosters late in the season.
• Aggressive FAAB bidding and waiver claim prioritization are recommended to secure high-impact middle-infield depth.

What Happened

With Week 22 of the Major League Baseball season underway, fantasy analysts and league managers are prioritizing immediate roster upgrades to maximize late-season output. Oakland second baseman Zack Gelof has re-emerged as a heavily targeted player across standard and deep formats alike. Gelof’s strong recent play, featured prominently in expert waiver evaluations, showcases an enticing combination of home run power and base-stealing capability that makes him a standout pickup.

Alongside Gelof, Colorado Rockies organization player Cole Carrigg has also gained significant attention on fantasy waiver wires. Fantasy managers searching for spark plugs to bolster their offensive categories are targeting these dynamic options as key priorities ahead of upcoming weekly lineup locks.

Key Details

Zack Gelof’s fantasy profile presents a rare blend of category coverage available this late in the fantasy campaign. Possessing legitimate 20-20 potential over a full season, Gelof provides a continuous stream of run-scoring, home runs, and stolen bases from the middle infield—a position that often suffers from late-season attrition. His secure position in Oakland’s daily lineup ensures consistent plate appearances, giving him a higher floor than standard streaming options.

Meanwhile, Cole Carrigg offers additional intrigue on the waiver wire, providing managers in deeper and keeper formats with a multi-faceted athlete capable of driving offensive categories. For fantasy managers balancing injuries or inconsistent play from early-round draft picks, securing players like Gelof and Carrigg offers both short-term relief and high-ceiling output across head-to-head and rotisserie setups.

Background

The final weeks of August present unique challenges for fantasy baseball managers. Middle-infield options frequently dry up as MLB teams evaluate younger talent, manage veteran workloads, or rotate players in non-competitive games. Consequently, finding standard-league contributors who play every day and produce meaningful statistics across multiple categories becomes increasingly difficult.

Additionally, late August is a time when many casual fantasy players shift their focus toward NFL preseason developments and upcoming fantasy football drafts. Proactive fantasy baseball managers who remain active on the waiver wire during Week 22 can capitalize on this distraction, scooping up high-value targets like Gelof without facing as much FAAB competition as they might have earlier in the summer.

Why It Matters

In head-to-head formats, Week 22 often represents either the final week of the fantasy regular season or the opening round of league playoffs. Every single category—from stolen bases to runs scored—can dictate whether a manager advances. A player like Gelof, who can single-handedly win the stolen base or power categories over a seven-day slate, carries immense value.

In rotisserie leagues, the clock is ticking to climb standing rotisserie categories. Adding an everyday second baseman with elite speed and solid power capacity provides a targeted boost without sacrificing daily volume, allowing managers to maximize every remaining plate appearance before the regular season concludes.

What Happens Next

Fantasy managers should expect high claim activity around Gelof and Carrigg as weekly waiver periods process. Those with available FAAB budget or top waiver priority should consider making aggressive bids, particularly if they are lacking upper-tier production at second base or middle infield.

Looking ahead into Week 22 and beyond, managers should carefully monitor team schedules, probable starting pitching matchups, and ball-park factors for Oakland and Colorado to optimize when to plug these waiver targets directly into active lineups.

As the fantasy baseball season reaches its climax, remaining proactive on the waiver wire remains the single most effective strategy for securing a league title. Prioritizing explosive, dual-threat talent like Zack Gelof in Week 22 provides the exact punch fantasy rosters need to finish the season on top.