RADIO
Deep leagues don’t get enough attention. I hear you. It’s also true that your definition of a deep league might be a shallow league to someone else. It's considerably more difficult to write about deeper formats, which is why most fantasy writers stay away.
With all of the roster moves taking place around the league, they have a bigger impact for those in deep leagues than almost anyone else. Therefore, I’ve tried to craft these selections specifically for fantasy owners who are playing in leagues deeper than 12 team standard formats.
With just a few days to go before Opening Day, here are five hitters for fantasy owners in deeper leagues to target that could end up having a major impact this season.
Five Deep League Waiver Wire Targets
Ryan Rua - 3B/OF, Texas Rangers
The Rangers outfield is a disaster. I’m not even that intrigued by Rua overall (which probably isn’t the best way to try to sell him to you) because he simply doesn’t walk at all. Rua posted a 1.8% walk rate in 109 plate appearances last season. What he does, however, is hit for a high average with some legitimate power. Rua was never a top prospect coming up through the Rangers system, but he’s hit well enough to earn an opportunity. Playing time is gold in deep leagues and Rua should receive plenty of it this season. As an added benefit, Rua is likely eligible at third base as well since he played there last season. He’s an excellent waiver wire add if he’s available.
Odubel Herrera - OF, Philadelphia Phillies
The Rule 5 pick is slated to open the season as the Phillies everyday centerfielder and bat second in their lineup. He’s had a whirlwind offseason, winning the MVP of the Venezuelan Winter League, to now starting in Philadelphia. Herrera has the speed necessary to steal bases, just don’t expect a ton right out of the gate. More importantly, he’s a pretty good hitter for a guy with almost no power. He’s batted .328 with a homer and six stolen bases this spring. With regular playing time, Herrera has the talent to provide a rough facsimile (fewer steals though) of what Dee Gordon did last season in Los Angeles. He’s a must own in deeper leagues.
Jordan Schafer - OF, Minnesota Twins
If you’re looking for a stolen bases, Schafer is you’re guy. Did you know he stole 30 bases last year? He’s swiped at least 22 bags in four consecutive seasons and is probably available on the waiver wire, even in deeper formats. With Aaron Hicks demoted to the minors, Schafer has secured the everyday job in centerfield for the Minnesota Twins. He isn’t going to help in any other categories, but with guaranteed playing time on a team that isn’t playoff bound, he’s going to have the green light at all times.
Garrett Jones - 1B/OF, New York Yankees
A power hitter like Jones has value in deep leagues. Banking on Alex Rodriguez, who has admittedly looked pretty good so far in spring training, to stay healthy all season and consistently hit right-handed pitching is a gamble the Yankees themselves probably won’t even take. Jones is only 33-years-old and should benefit tremendously from the move to Yankee Stadium, which is extremely favorable for left-handed pull hitters. Since emerging with the Pirates in 2009, Jones has slugged 116 home runs in six years. That’s an average of 19 per season. Expecting right around that number, considering he hit 15 dingers in Miami last season, isn’t unrealistic.
Mark Canha - 1B, Oakland Athletics
Sensing a trend here? It’s all about power. The deeper the league, the scarcer it gets. A Rule 5 selection this offseason, Canha will platoon with Ike Davis at first base in Oakland. While it’s not ideal, being on the short-side of the platoon where he will get fewer at-bats, it gives fantasy owners, especially those in daily leagues, the ability to pick their spots and use him exclusively against southpaws. He’s cranked a team-high six homers this spring and is worth a speculative pickup in deeper formats.
