Fantasy Baseball Waiver Wire: Jordan Walker, Cam Smith Finally Delivering on Their Promise Jordan Walker and Cam Smith have emerged as unexpected stars in the 2026 fantasy baseball season, with their recent performances signaling a long-awaited breakthrough after years of underwhelming play. Walker, once a top prospect who failed to meet expectations during his early MLB career, has finally started to deliver on his potential. His current season has seen him lead the league in exit velocity with an average of 98.4 mph, a stark contrast to his earlier struggles. The 23-year-old’s improved swing mechanics, which he worked on during spring training, have allowed him to consistently harness his natural power. His strikeout rate has dropped from 32% in 2025 to 23% this year, and his recent grand slam against the Guardians highlights his growing offensive threat. Despite the small sample size, his performance has made him a must-add for fantasy managers in all leagues. Cam Smith, meanwhile, has shown signs of a resurgence after a disappointing rookie season. The 23-year-old has started nine of the Astros’ 10 games so far, leveraging his 93rd percentile sprint speed to steal three bases. His bat speed has increased by 3 mph, placing him at 77.2 mph, which ranks fifth in the league. While his average exit velocity remains low at 83.7 mph, his willingness to take extra bases and his consistent playing time suggest a higher ceiling than previously anticipated. Smith’s performance has shifted the narrative around his potential, making him a valuable asset in leagues that prioritize power-speed profiles. Other notable pickups include Emerson Hancock, who has continued his strong start with the Mariners.#jordan_romano #jordan_walker #cam_smith #emerson_hancock #bryce_elder
Los Angeles Angels 3-0 Houston Astros (Mar 26, 2026) Game Recap The Los Angeles Angels secured a season-opening victory with a 3-0 win over the Houston Astros on Thursday, marking their first road win in an opener since 2013. Mike Trout, the team’s star outfielder, delivered a key home run in the seventh inning to break a scoreless tie, sending a 96 mph fastball from reliever AJ Blubaugh 403 feet onto the train tracks in left-center field. The blast, Trout’s fifth opening-day homer and a club record, came after he walked three times and made his first start in center field since April 2024. The 34-year-old three-time MVP played 130 games last season, his most since 2019, despite injuries that limited his availability. Trout’s performance helped the Angels snap an eight-game road losing streak in season openers. The team’s offense added insurance runs in the eighth and ninth innings, with Oswald Peraza hitting an RBI single and Nolan Schanuel launching a home run. José Soriano (1-0) pitched six innings, allowing two hits and four walks while striking out seven, and four relievers combined for a three-hitter. Jordan Romano earned the save in his Angels debut, working the ninth inning. Houston’s starting pitcher, Hunter Brown, allowed four hits and four walks in 4 2/3 innings but struck out nine. The Astros struggled to capitalize on opportunities, going 0 for 7 with runners in scoring position and leaving nine runners on base. Houston’s Yordan Alvarez faced a controversial call in the first inning when his potential home run was ruled a foul ball after ricocheting off a rafter at Daikin Park. The Astros challenged the decision, but it was upheld after a review. Alvarez later struck out swinging.#mike_trout #los_angeles_angels #houston_astros #aj_blubaugh #jordan_romano
