The last days of the baseball season are upon us, and with them come the final stretches of fantasy baseball.
That means there are a few chances left to make a late-season push before the title is either yours or your league mate’s. Even more critical are the dwindling opportunities to strike gold on the waiver wire, where hidden gems can make or break a championship run. Every decision at this stage carries added weight, making the margin for error razor-thin and the payoff potentially season-defining.
One name, however, has flown under the radar and could be exactly what pitching-needy teams are looking for: Stephen Kolak. In most leagues, Kolak remains available on waivers, making him the perfect late-season addition. In a two-start week, he could be the player that vaults your team to the top, or helps secure the league title when every category matters most. Few pitchers available this late offer his unique blend of upside, safety, and matchup potential.
Kolak pitched for the San Diego Padres earlier in the season but now dons a Kansas City Royals uniform—and his effectiveness has only improved. His last start exemplified that growth: he went 7 1/2 innings, allowed just two hits and one run, and struck out eight batters. That’s an ace-level performance in any context, but especially impressive given the heightened pressure of September baseball when many young pitchers falter.
Since joining the Royals on August 30th, Kolak has allowed just five runs in 27 innings, translating to an ERA under 1.50. He has walked only three batters in that span and has yet to surrender a home run in a Royals uniform, displaying command and confidence that fantasy managers can trust without hesitation.
Even before the trade, Kolak was solid, posting a 3.54 ERA with San Diego. Now, he’s not only logging innings consistently but has found a team where he can thrive down the stretch, facing lineups that haven’t adjusted to his improved approach and refined pitch mix.
For fantasy managers searching for late-season gold, Stephen Kolak is the waiver wire pickup that can make a real difference. Whether it’s securing wins, piling up strikeouts, or stabilizing ERA and WHIP, he’s a late-season weapon capable of turning a championship dream into reality.