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The 2015 season is well underway, but it’s never too early to start trying to improve your team. Over the course of the season I’ll be giving you two players at second base and shortstop per week who I think can help your team off the waiver wire. These players are usually widely available in any format, and should turn nice profits in the weeks to come.
As always, feel free to reach out to me directly @Roto_Dubs with any questions about the middle infield or fantasy baseball in general. Let's get to RotoBaller's recommended 2B/SS waiver wire pickups for Week 3 of fantasy baseball.
Editor’s Note: to read about even more waiver wire options for second base and shortstop, be sure to check out our famous waiver wire pickups list which is updated daily. You can also download our free waiver wire iPhone app.
Second Base Waiver Wire Pickups
Devon Travis (2B, TOR)
Owned in 89.4% of ESPN leagues, 64% of Yahoo! leagues
Devon Travis is the truth. I loved this guy coming into the season after he was named the starting second baseman in Toronto, and my opinion hasn’t changed at all. An injury to Jose Reyes has afforded Travis an opportunity to hit from the top of the explosive Jays lineup, and he hasn’t disappointed. As of right now, Travis is hitting .356 with nine runs scored, 12 RBI, and three homers in the young season. As soon as Reyes returns I imagine Travis will drop in the order, meaning fewer opportunities for runs. However, the power isn’t going anywhere, and I think he’s a talented enough contact hitter to flirt with a .300 batting average. This is a Rookie of the Year candidate, and if he’s available in your league, add him. Now.
Baller move: Add in all points leagues/add in all roto leagues
Luis Valbuena (2B, HOU)
Owned in 4.1% of ESPN leagues, 26% of Yahoo! leagues
Valbuena is more of a “ride him while he’s hot” player, and boy is he hot. In his last eight games, he’s batting .323 with five bombs and seven RBI. The Astros lineup is much better than the numbers it is currently yielding, and Valbuena should benefit from hitting in the top/middle of that lineup once they get going. There’s nothing here for speed, but his multiple position eligibility and 20+ homer ceiling makes Valbuena a valuable commodity for the time being. You’re not dropping anyone of long-term value for Valbuena, but if you’ve got bench spots or some questionable middle infielders in your lineup, you should definitely take a look at him.
Baller Move: Add in points leagues with 10+ teams/add in roto leagues with 10+ teams
Shortstop Waiver Wire Pickups
Addison Russell (SS, CHC)
Owned in 23.0% of ESPN leagues
Enough about Kris Bryant, let’s talk Addison Russell. The Cubs top shortstop prospect should be a breath of fresh air after fans on the North Side have been forced to suffer through Javier Baez’s wild flailing for the last 10 months or so. Russell will not displace Starlin Castro, but should be starting at second base over Jonathan Herrera or Arismendy Alcantara. I don’t think it’s fair to compare Russell to Bryant, but he does have the talent to make an immediate impact. You have to love the lineup he’ll be hitting in, as the Soler-Russell-Castro-Bryant-Rizzo combo figures to remain potent for years to come. Again, don’t drop any solid players to gamble on a rookie, but if you’ve got the space this particular rookie is well worth the roll of the dice.
Baller Move: Add in points leagues with 10+ teams/add in roto leagues with 10+ teams
Odubel Herrera (SS, PHI)
Owned in 22.1% of ESPN leagues
Herrera has come out of nowhere in the early stages of 2015, and is one of the lone bright spots in an otherwise unpleasant situation in Philadelphia. He has been excellent hitting at the top of that order, bringing the kind of speed that is useful in any lineup, real or fantasy. In points leagues, he’s not going to have the counting stats to make a huge impact, but in roto leagues he should be able to help you out in runs, steals and batting average. Keep an eye on him no matter what, and add him now if you’re hurting in those categories.
Baller Move: Add in points leagues with 10+ teams/add in all roto leagues
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