Losing a superstar like Tarik Skubal stings—there's no sugarcoating it. You can't truly replace a pitcher of his caliber, but you also can't just throw in the towel on your fantasy season. The good news? He's expected to return at some point this year after surgery, likely around August based on similar recovery timelines (think Hurston Waldrep's elbow procedure). So while you wait, it's time to get creative.

The smart play isn't overpaying for another ace and weakening your roster elsewhere. Instead, focus on two strategies: scouring the waiver wire for high-upside arms and targeting buy-low trade candidates who could deliver big returns without breaking the bank. Sure, these pitchers come with risks—that's why they're available—but taking calculated chances on one or two overperformers is your best shot at filling that Skubal-shaped hole.

Let's dive into six waiver wire starters worth chasing and five trade targets to consider.

Waiver Wire Targets

Jared Jones, Pirates (49% rostered) – Jones is working back from an Internal Brace procedure on his right elbow, and while that surgery has a mixed track record, the early signs are electric. He was reportedly hitting triple digits in his first rehab start, and with a mid-to-late May return likely, his raw talent makes him a high-upside stash.

Janson Junk, Marlins (32% rostered) – Junk won't blow you away with strikeouts—his ceiling is limited there—but he's a crafty option who can eat innings. After a tough 1-0 loss Monday, don't overreact; he's shown enough consistency to be a reliable streaming option in deeper leagues.