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Bill Dubiel analyzes the best fantasy baseball waiver wire pickups for second base and shortstop. These sleeper MLB middle infielders should all be owned right now.
So how’s your team looking for the fantasy baseball home stretch? Whether you’re at the top of the heap or languishing in the basement, your team can always use a shot in the arm… or in this case, the roster.
If you play fantasy baseball, I don't need to tell you that Chicago Cubs prospect Javier Baez is worth an add. Raw power in the middle infield is a rarity, and the kid's got it. However, here’s a look at some other middle infielder sleepers that could be useful in the next few weeks. If they are still available on your league’s waiver wire, consider snatching these guys up, depending on your league size and format including NL-Only and AL-Only leagues. At the very least keep them on your radar…
Second Base (2B) Waiver Wire Options
Dustin Ackley (SEA) - Owned in 43.5% of leagues
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This guy has been scorching hot over the last two weeks, hitting .327 with 10 RBI and 11 runs scored. He fell off the face of the Earth after a dismal June, where he batted a mere .214, but his post-All Star Break resurgence has made him a valid fantasy option once again.
He may lose a bit of playing time with Austin Jackson and Chris Denorfia now on the roster, but it’s one of those things—if you’re doing well at the plate, they’ll find a spot for you in the field.
Baller Move: Add in deeper leagues
Jedd Gyorko (SD) - Owned in 29.6% of leagues
Maybe don’t look at his season stats, because they’re laughable. However, since he returned from a foot injury on July 28th, he’s hitting over .320 with eight RBI, six runs scored and two bombs. Power is always at a premium in the middle infield, and say what you will about the rest of his game, Gyorko has power. If he continues making consistent contact as he has been over the last week or so, the home runs and RBIs will come.
Baller Move: Add in deeper and NL-only leagues
Shortstop (SS) Waiver Wire Options
Jordy Mercer (PIT) - Owned in 17.5% of leagues
This is one of those “ride him while he’s hot” situations. Mercer has turned it up a notch in the last week or so, hitting .375 in August with five runs scored and four RBI.
Lately he’s seen some time towards the top of the lineup, although it’s far from an everyday thing. Trust him while he’s got a hot bat, but keep an eye on him.
Baller Move: Add as injury replacement or in NL-only leagues
Stephen Drew (NYY) - Owned in 4.1% of leagues
This is more of a gut call versus an actual statistically-supported pick. Drew is going to be getting regular at-bats, and he’s always been highly-touted as an overall player. He’s in a good situation in the Yankee offense, and even from the bottom of the lineup he’ll have opportunities for counting stats. This is more of a monitoring situation than an immediate add situation, but I really think he’s a breakout candidate for the rest of the season, particularly if the Yankee offense picks up. Keep an eye on him.
Baller Move: Monitor in all leagues
