The Chicago Cubs are one of the teams the New York Mets have talked to about acquiring right-hander Freddy Peralta, industry sources told Bruce Levine of the Marquee Sports Network. June 1 is a target date for the Mets to either get back into the race or move the soon-to-be veteran free agent. Peralta and Cubs manager Craig Counsell share a mutual bond from their time together with the Milwaukee Brewers, and the decimated Cubs' pitching staff could use a boost to their starting rotation for the rest of the season. The Mets are currently 14-23 and in last place in the National League East division, so they could be sellers at this year's trade deadline. The Cubs, meanwhile, despite their injury woes at pitcher, sit in first place in the NL Central right now with a record of 26-12. The Mets sent pitcher Brandon Sproat and infielder Jett Williams to the Brewers for Peralta over the winter, but he could be heading back to the NL Central this year. The two-time All-Star has pitched well with a 3.12 ERA, 1.20 WHIP, and 43:18 K:BB in 43 1/3 innings over his eight starts with the Mets to begin the 2026 season. His fantasy value wouldn't change all that much if he's moved back to the NL Central.

The Cincinnati Reds officially announced on Friday that they reinstated left-hander Nick Lodolo (finger) from the 15-day injured list and optioned right-hander Jose Franco to Triple-A Louisville in a corresponding move. Lodolo will make his season debut at home on Friday against the visiting Houston Astros at Great American Ballpark. While the 28-year-old southpaw makes for more of a risky fantasy option on Friday in his season debut, the former first-rounder out of TCU should be rostered in most leagues for his high-strikeout upside. Injuries, most recently blister issues on his left index finger, have kept Lodolo from reaching his true potential. In 76 big -league outings (75 starts) since making his MLB debut with the Reds in 2022, Lodolo has a 24-22 record, 4.06 ERA (4.04 FIP), 1.21 WHIP, 26.2% strikeout rate, and a 6.7% walk rate over 409 2/3 innings pitched. He's currently rostered in 89% of Yahoo leagues.

Pittsburgh Pirates relief pitcher Gregory Soto is off to a terrific start on the mound this season, and he's getting onto the fantasy radar as he starts to rack up save opportunities. Soto has earned a save on back-to-back days, and each of his last three outings has either been a save or a win. Across 19 appearances (19.0 innings) this year, he owns a 1.42 ERA with 11.84 K/9, 3.32 BB/9, and 0.47 HR/9. The 31-year-old lefty also has three saves this season, tying his highest single-season mark since 2022, when he recorded 30. It seems like Soto is firmly established in the closer's role for now, so as long as the Pirates keep their winning percentage above .500, he'll have the potential to rack up saves in fantasy baseball. Rostered in just 28% of leagues, Soto represents an intriguing target for managers seeking a leverage bullpen arm on the waiver wire. He currently ranks #26 among relievers in RotoBaller's latest fantasy baseball rankings.

San Francisco Giants infielder Casey Schmitt is off to an impressive start to the season at the plate, and his defensive versatility makes him a particularly appealing waiver wire option in fantasy baseball. After posting a mere .706 OPS last year, he's slashing .296/.344/.539 with six homers and 146 wRC+ in 2026. There are still some holes in his game, such as his 4.0% walk rate and 20.8% strikeout rate. He's also not very fast, swiping just two bags. Still, his potential to launch home runs (and deliver extra-base hits in general) bodes well for his fantasy outlook. He's also getting into the lineup on an everyday basis because of how well he's hitting. The 27-year-old is finally living up to his second-round draft capital, and it comes at a perfect time for fantasy managers looking for reinforcements in their lineup. In RotoBaller's latest fantasy baseball rankings for 2026, Schmitt is the #21 first baseman, #11 second baseman, and #16 third baseman. There's a good chance he's available for you on the waiver wire, because he's rostered in just 30% of leagues right now.