What is waiver order in fantasy baseball? It’s the priority list that decides who gets a player when multiple teams try to claim the same free agent. In many leagues, it starts in reverse standings order or by draft position, and after a successful claim, that team usually moves to the back of the line.

Quick Scoop

Waiver order is basically the tie-breaker for pickups. If two or more managers submit a claim on the same player, the team with the higher priority wins the player.

How it usually works

  • At the start of the season: Many leagues set waiver priority in reverse draft order or reverse standings order, depending on league rules.
  • When you win a claim: Your team often drops to the bottom of the waiver order afterward.
  • If no one else claims the player: The player may become a free agent, depending on the league’s settings.

Common formats

Format| How it works
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Waiver priority| Teams are ranked, and the highest-ranked claim wins the player. 29
Rolling waivers| The winning team moves to the back after each successful claim. 9
Reverse standings| The last-place team gets the top waiver spot each week. 29
FAAB| Teams bid budget dollars instead of relying only on priority. 3

Simple example

If Team A, Team B, and Team C all want the same pitcher, the team with the highest waiver priority gets him. After that pickup, that team usually falls to the bottom of the order for the next waiver run.

If you want, I can also explain FAAB vs. waiver priority in fantasy baseball.