There will be plenty of opportunity to set up for success after the 2026 Trade Deadline. But before then, start to plan for Week 18. Here are five pitchers to consider adding as Week 18 of the 2026 fantasy baseball season kicks off on August 3.
Best Week 18 pitchers to target
- SP Joey Cantillo (Guardians)
- SP Jared Jones (Pirates)
- SP Ian Seymour (Rays)
- SP Ryan Weathers (Yankees)
- SP Hayden Wesneski (Astros)
This is a tough week, given that the 2026 MLB Trade Deadline could shake up so much, both among closers (and saves) plus starting pitchers who may be with different clubs after the 3rd of August. But of the five listed above, all of them should remain with their respective clubs.
Ian Seymour will get a tough task of pitching in Colorado on August 3. But with 11 strikeouts over his last two outings, plus a 1.69 ERA, he’s earned a look this week.
Joey Cantillo struck out 12 batters over his last two starts (7.2 IP). But the problem has been getting through five innings. Even though his line looked fine against the Reds last week, Cantillo only went four innings in his most recent start. He’ll get the Mets on August 4.
Also scheduled to go on the 4th are Jared Jones and Ryan Weathers. Jones will get the Brewers on the road, a very difficult matchup. However, he’s pitched well of late & earned a look. Plus, he’s someone to potentially hold on for the rest of the year.
Ryan Weathers danced around some walks over his last three starts. But in that span, he struck out 16 over 17 innings, posted a 3.12 ERA, and picked up a win. He’ll get the Cardinals at home.
Lastly, Hayden Wesneski will face the Blue Jays on August 4. Who knows what the Blue Jays or Astros will look like after the deadline. But Wesneski pitched fine for the most part in his first outing this season, as he went 5.2 IP and picked up a win on July 29 against the Los Angeles Angels.
Overview of Week 17
Keider Montero had a mixed Week 17. Montero tossed six scoreless innings to help beat the Athletics in Sacramento on August 2. That made up for a tough one against the Orioles earlier in the week.
Like Montero, Zac Thornton was able to grab one win last week, which came during the first start against the Braves.
Brandon Young struck out five over 5.2 IP but had trouble against a good Phillies team.
Check out more of our fantasy baseball coverage, including our Week 18 hitters to target.