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It's hard to believe we're already through the first week of May in the 2023 MLB season. In this article, you will find my first base and third base fantasy baseball waiver wire pickups for Week 7 – May 8 through May 14.
By now, standings in your fantasy league have begun to take shape. Even if someone is running away from the league right now, that doesn't mean they can't be caught. That's why the waiver wire is crucial in moving up in the standings, and either taking over first place or maintaining your lead.
Without further ado, here are some names to consider at the corners as fantasy baseball waiver wire pickups for the upcoming week.
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Waiver Wire Pickups for Shallow Leagues (30-50% rostered)
Miguel Vargas, 1B/2B, Los Angeles Dodgers (44% rostered)
The Dodgers elected to promote their top prospect in Vargas prior to the 2023 campaign, and their decision has paid off in a big way thus far. The 23-year-old has begun to heat up over the past week, slashing .296/.345/.741 with two home runs and nine RBI across his last seven games. Although the right-hander likes to pull the ball to left field, he enjoys occasionally tapping the ball to right as well.
However, the Cuban infielder has struggled with the strikeout, fanning 22 times in 117 plate appearances. Vargas is primarily a second baseman but offers first-base eligibility too, making him a solid choice for fantasy teams looking to bolster the right side of their infield.
Matt Mervis, 1B, Chicago Cubs (44% rostered)
The Chicago Cubs called up one of their top prospects in Matt Mervis on May 5. The 25-year-old is a former 39th-round pick of the Washington Nationals. He eventually signed with Chicago as a minor league free agent in June 2020, and quickly rose through the Cubs' system, working his way up to their No. 6 overall prospect.
The Duke alum made an impression in his debut against the Miami Marlins, collecting his first major league hit and RBI. Mervis, nicknamed "Mash," smoked the RBI single to right field, coming off the bat at 111.2 mph. His knock made it 4-1 in favor of the Cubs. With Trey Mancini not panning out so far for Chicago, Mervis' call-up could see the former Oriole's role diminish, as Cubs fans are hoping for the second coming of Anthony Rizzo at first base in the rookie standout.
More Players to Consider
- Brett Baty, 3B, New York Mets (47% rostered)
- J.D. Davis, 1B/3B, San Francisco Giants (38% rostered)
Waiver Wire Pickups for Deeper Leagues (10-30% rostered)
Luis Rengifo, 2B/3B/SS/OF, Los Angeles Angels (10% rostered)
Rengifo has been sharp at the plate over the last week, slashing .286/.333/.476, and helped to lead the Angels to a big 11-7 defeat of the slumping St. Louis Cardinals on Thursday, going 3-for-4 with a home run, double, and RBI. A hot streak would be great for Los Angeles, especially in their top-heavy lineup.
LaMonte Wade Jr., 1B/OF, San Francisco Giants (19% rostered)
Wade Jr. has been on a tear for the Giants, blasting three homers in his last seven games, along with a .286/.483/.762 slash, three RBI, and eight walks. Overall, he's totaled six homers on the year, nearly matching his total in 2022, in which he had eight.
In 2021 when San Francisco won 107 games, the 29-year-old belted a career-high 18 home runs, along with 56 RBI and 33 walks. The Giants are hoping for the latter version of Wade Jr. in 2023, as he currently ranks in the 90th percentile in xSLG, 98th in xwOBA, 99th in chase rate, and 100th in BB%. It's important to note that he infrequently sees playing time against lefties, but is still worth rostering in 12+ team leagues.
Deeper Waiver Wire Options to Consider (Under 10%)
Spencer Steer, 1B/3B, Cincinnati Reds (9% rostered)
Steer is an ideal sleeper candidate. He's been sneakily good for the Reds all season and is beginning to get back on track following a bit of a slump. In his last seven games, he has seven hits, including a home run and a pair of RBI. While the 2019 third-rounder's numbers don't look spectacular on paper (.705 OPS, 30 K) he's still collected 10 extra-base hits and is a vital part of a young Cincinnati lineup. Likewise, he can be a valuable streamer to a fantasy lineup.
Hunter Dozier, 1B/3B/OF, Kansas City Royals
Dozier has multi-position eligibility, but is still basically a platoon player for the Royals and is going to sit against righties sometimes. He's still hitting under the Mendoza line but is able to get on base with his ability to draw walks and he still has plenty of pop in his bat. He might be best utilized as a streamer in regular-sized leagues for when the KC faces a hittable lefty, but if you're in a deep league and need someone with decent OBP, then Dozier is a potential option for sure.
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