New faces are in new places, as the 2025 trade deadline has officially passed. It means opportunity for some, while others have found themselves in more advantageous situations. Our Week 18 fantasy hitters waiver wire list includes one recently-traded player, as well as a couple of interesting young bats.

Best Week 18 hitters to target

• 1B/3B Warming Bernabel (Rockies)
• 1B/2B/3B/SS Ernie Clement (Blue Jays)
• SS Carlos Correa (Astros)
• 1B Kyle Manzardo (Guardians)
• 3B/SS Colson Montgomery (White Sox)

In what’s been an incredible last few weeks for Athletics rookie Nick Kurtz, another rookie hit more home runs than him over the last two weeks. That rookie would be Colson Montgomery.

Montgomery, who was called up last month, cracked an MLB-high six home runs between July 20 and August 2, and he added a seventh on the 3rd against the Angels.

The 23-year-old shortstop has been the beneficiary of poor pitching, as four of his seven home runs came off pitches right over the middle of the plate. But with elite bat speed (77 MPH) and his ability to drive pitches with authority, Montgomery is turning into a very intriguing bat.

Speaking of hot rookies, how about Warming Bernabel?

A 23-year-old infielder, Bernabel hit three home runs and eight extra-base hits over his first eight games as a Major Leaguer. Two of those home runs were off breaking balls that he got out in front of.

Bernabel, signed for $900,000 back in 2018, picked up a lot of hits early on in his pro career but struggled in Double-A Hartford. He did better in Triple-A, as he slashed .301/.356/.450 (.806) with the Isotopes and doesn’t strike out a lot with his quick hands.

Next up is Ernie Clement, a name who could help out those who need a utilityman. Clement is an unsung hero of the 2025 Blue Jays and makes enough contact for those in need of help off the bench. I note him for the simple reason utilitymen like Willi Castro (trade to Cubs) & Tommy Edman (injury) have seen their value drop this past week.

Kyle Manzardo has been on a heater since the break. Manzardo slashed .341/.412/.591 (1.003 OPS) since the break, although just five of his 15 extra-base hits in that span were extra-base hits.

Lastly, Carlos Correa is back as an Astro. He’ll gain third base eligibility within the next few days, as he’s moved to the hot corner with Jeremy Pena at short. Correa did very well in Houston, and now back in those confines, it’s hard not to be interested.

Overview of Week 17

Orioles outfielders Colton Cowser & Tyler O’Neill were both on our Week 17 list.

Cowser notched two hits on August 3 as he tries to get his 2025 campaign back on track. The sophomore outfielder had two multi-hit games last week. O’Neill, meanwhile, only hit .167 over the last week but did belt a home run and drive in four.

Ryan McMahon, meanwhile, only hit .231 (6-26) but did come up with clutch hits over his first week as a Yankee. He should be held on for those who’ve picked him up.

Angel Martinez (1-15) had a week to forget.

Check out more of our fantasy coverage, including our best Week 18 pitching targets.