The waiver is stacked this week with some surprise names, power bats, and post-hype prospects.
The top is outfield-heavy, and we know that. However, we need a lot of outfielders to fill those spots in our lineups.
Enjoy the warmer weather as we turn the calendar to May, and Happy Waivers!
Waiver Wire Hitters
Wilyer Abreu, OF, BOS
A sub-10% strikeout rate alone is worth a look. Averaging an RBI per game, and has been moved up in the order, Abreu is silently boosting the Sox lineup.
Boston does have Tyler O’Neill back from the IL, but with Tristan Casas’ rib injury and Matsataka Yoshida leaving Sunday’s game, there’s room for hitters to fill the gaps on this squad.
Joey Loperfido, 1B, 2B, OF, HOU
The Astros’ 1B situation is about to get a lot better. 13% of Loperfido’s ABs in the minors have resulted in home runs. The strikeout rate is concerning, but another power hitter in the Astros lineup is only a good thing. Even mediocre production from Loperfido will be better than the duo of Jon Singleton and Jose Abreu.
Loperfido also adds another power lefty bat to that lineup. I don’t think anyone wants to see a 3-4-5 combo of Kyle Tucker, Yordan Alvarez, and Loperfido if he pans out.
Jo Adell, OF, LAA
Is it happening?! 5 years into the Jo Adell experiment and we’re finally seeing signs of life. 51.7% hard-hit rate; BABIP .375 – aka good things are happening when he puts the ball in play.
He has lowered his strikeout rate to under 24%, which is a vast improvement for Adell. He’s still only 25 years old, and we love guys who are considered late bloomers on this side of 30.
Honorable Mention – Waiver Wire Hitters
Luis Garcia, 2B, WSH
Mark Canha, INF/OF, DET
Bryan De La Cruz, MIA, DH
Blaze Alexander, SS, AZ
Andy Pages, OF, LAD
Miguel Sano?!, 1B/3B, LAA
Vaughn Grissom, SS, BOS
Waiver Wire Pitchers
Slade Cecconi, SP, AZ
Turned in 2 quality starts so far, with a BABIP of .138, and less than 14% of those balls put in play are line drives.
Injuries to Merrill Kelly and Ryne Nelson are opening up some opportunities in the D-backs rotation, and Cecconi could stick with the newfound opportunity if he keeps this up.
Keaton Winn, SP, SF
Throws his splitter a ton, helping him get a 58%+ ground ball rate.
Sunday had a great start against the Pirates, going 6 innings with only 80 pitches needed to qualify for the win. He’s forcing the issue now and the Giants will be fools if they remove him from the rotation.
Jameson Taillon, SP, CHC
Added a sweeper to his pitch mix, and held the Astros to 1 ER over 5.2 IP. Taillon has always had the pedigree, and he’s shown flashes. You could do way worse than betting on a pitcher who’s got the Cubs lineup behind him.
Javier Assad, SP, CHC
Not only has he been reliable, but Assad is a two-start pitcher this week, barring any changes. Like Taillon, plays for a really good team that remains competitive and puts up runs.
Simeon Woods Richardson, MIN
Had a career-high in strikeouts over the weekend (6), bringing his K:9 up to 9.00. He got into some jams against the White Sox in his last start, but only gave up 2 runs. For a 23 year old who got the call a few weeks ago, he looks promising.
Reliever Watch
Hector Nerris, RP, CHC
The Cubs are filling up the waivers this week. Nerris looks to have entirely supplanted Adbert Alzolay for the closer role. Given the track record and experience, that’s a great thing. Grab him where available in saves or saves+holds leagues.
Jason Adam, RP, TB
Getting even more work out of the Rays bullpen. He’s not guaranteed to be the closer while Pete Fairbanks is out, but he’s being used in high-leverage situations and that’s perfect for points and saves+holds leagues.
Other Pitchers to Watch
Joel Payamps/Trevor Megil, RPs, MIL
Mackenzie Gore, SP, WSH
Jack Flaherty, SP, DET
Mitchell Parker, SP, WSH
Remember, work the wire, keep your eye on these guys for MLB DFS on Rival Fantasy, and win each day of your fantasy season.
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