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Week 1 Waiver Wire: 0-25% Owned Pickups

Kyle Bishop looks at some deeper waiver wire pickups and adds for Week 1 of the 2017 fantasy baseball season - players owned in 0-25% of Yahoo leagues.

Baseball is finally back. In light of this, let's give that free agent pool one last look over before the stats start flying.

Here are the best players who are owned in 0-25% of Yahoo leagues. You can see our column on 25-50% owned players as well.

These are your deeper Week 1 waiver wire pickups and adds - players that should be considered as additions to your teams, after your drafts have already been completed.

Be sure to check all of our fantasy baseball lineup tools and resources:

 

Deep League Waiver Wire Adds

Catcher: Cameron Rupp, Philadelphia Phillies (16% owned)

Rupp is mainly keeping the seat warm for prospect Jorge Alfaro, but he did flash some pop last season. He hit 16 homers with a passable .252 batting average and 80 R+RBI. Rupp likely isn't a long-term solution for owners in single-catcher leagues, but he's a viable second catcher in 2C formats.

First Base: Lucas Duda, New York Mets (10%)

Duda missed most of 2016 with injury, but over the prior two seasons, he was 7th among first basemen in home runs, and 12th in both runs and RBI. While he's never going to hit for a high average - his best single-season mark is .253 - the veteran also boasts a career .346 OBP. Assuming health, he's an excellent CI option in 12-team mixers and a viable starter at 1B in deeper and NL-only formats.

Second Base: Cesar Hernandez, Philadelphia Phillies (8%)

Hernandez looked like a utility man when he broke into the majors in 2014, but he’s developed into a player with relevance in many fantasy formats. His plate discipline, contact rate, and contact quality have steadily trended up in the last three years. He earned some criticism for mental lapses on the bases — note the ugly 17-for-30 success rate on stolen base attempts — but he also hit .294/.371/393 with quality defense to turn in a surprising four-win season. Hernandez was 19-for-24 in thefts in 2015, and has been working with coaches to improve that aspect of his game this winter. He will hit near the top of the order,

Third Base: Travis Shaw, Milwaukee Brewers (24%)

Shaw faded badly after a hot start with the Red Sox in 2016. Traded to Milwaukee over the winter, he'll be the starting first baseman and likely hit fifth in a sneaky-good Brewers lineup. While Fenway Park has a well-deserved reputation as a hitters' park, it's actually one of the most difficult parks in the game for lefties to hit a home run. Miller Park is among the best parks for lefty power, and it's not hard to imagine Shaw taking advantage.

Shortstop: Tyler Saladino, Chicago White Sox (14%)

Saladino has picked up some sleeper hype during a torrid spring, but he remains lightly owned. The versatile 27-year-old hit .282 with eight homers and 11 steals in just 319 plate appearances a year ago. Given his minor league track record and the White Sox rebuild, he's likely to run a bit more in 2017, and could see some time near the top of the batting order. Yoan Moncada is the future at second base, but Saladino has the job right now, and he could provide double-digit pop with 20+ stolen bases to go with his eligibility at three positions.

Corner Infield: Yangervis Solarte, San Diego Padres (14%)

If you've ever read my work before, you probably knew this was coming. I've been beating the Solarte drum since 2015, after all. The veteran doesn't have enough foot speed to take advantage of the Padres' aggressive basestealing philosophy, but hits well enough to land a spot in the middle of their lineup: .286/.341/.467 last season, with 15 homers and 126 R+RBI in just 109 games. Injury cost him some time, as did the tragic death of his wife. The latter is just another reason to root for the guy.

Middle Infield: Chris Owings, Arizona Diamondbacks (10%)

Owings will open the year as the starting shortstop in Arizona, and he's hitting second in their first game. There's not much pop here, but Owings swiped 21 bags in 23 attempts last year. With the current dearth of speed in the game, he's an intriguing sleeper at short and free to add in 90 percent of Yahoo league at the moment. If he can hit enough to stick in the 2-hole, he'll be sandwiched between A.J. Pollock and Paul Goldschmidt. That's a nice place to be. Like many of the guys we're discussing today, Owings offers flexibility as well, since he's eligibile in the outfield.

Outfield: Steve Pearce, Toronto Blue Jays (12%)

The release of Melvin Upton makes it clear that the Jays will give Pearce every opportunity to run with the starting job in left field. He also carries eligibility at first and second base, and given that Devon Travis can't stay healthy and Justin Smoak is terrible, he could easily see time at either position. Pearce has never logged 400 plate appearances in a season before, but has a great chance to do so in 2017. He's hit .267/.347/.493 with 49 homers in just 279 games over the last three seasons. If he can come close to that level over a full slate, he'll be a fantastic value.

Outfield: Travis Jankowski, San Diego Padres (8%)

If speed's what you need, consider Jankowski. He strikes out too much to hit for average despite his quickness and doesn't have much power, but Jankowski does the starting job in left field. He swiped 30 bags as a part-timer in 2016. Jankowski does get on base at a good clip thanks to a double-digit walk rate, so if the playing time holds up, 40-50 stolen bases are attainable.

Starting Pitcher: Mike Foltynewicz, Atlanta Braves (19%)

The former first-round pick hasn't quite lived up to the hype, but Foltynewicz has improved every season in the big leagues. He also seems to have developed his changeup into a viable third offering, which should allow him to stick in the rotation. His blazing fastball and slider have led some to conclude his future is in the bullpen. If the Braves were to make that move, Folty could be in line for some saves. For now, he's a solid back-end fantasy starter with upside for more.

Starting Pitcher: Daniel Norris, Detroit Tigers (12%)

Norris was one of just 19 starters who logged a strikeout per inning and walked fewer than three batters per nine. Most of the guys in that group are bona fide aces. Of course, Norris was the only player in the group who failed to log 100 innings, and he also had trouble with home runs and hard contact. But the former top prospect is just 23 and carries plenty of upside.

Relief Pitcher: Hector Rondon, Chicago Cubs (15%)

By virtually any measure, Rondon has been one of the best relievers in baseball over the last three seasons. He has served as the Cubs' closer for the bulk of that time, but the defending champs opted to bring in Wade Davis via trade to handle closing duties. Davis had some arm troubles last season, though, and is coming off an extremely shaky spring. Rondon could find himself back in the ninth if Davis stumbles, and can bolster your ratios even as a set-up man.

Relief Pitcher: Jason Grilli, Toronto Blue Jays (18%)

Grilli had command issues last season that led to inflated walk and home run rates, but he logged a 12.0 K/9 for the second straight year and fourth time in five seasons. With Roberto Osuna on the disabled list to begin the year, Grilli will take the closer baton in Toronto for at least a couple of weeks.

 

More Waiver Wire Pickups and Adds


Check out RotoBaller's entire fantasy baseball waiver wire pickups and sleepers list, updated daily!




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REAL-TIME FANTASY NEWS

Joe Mixon

Not a Lock to be Ready For Week 1
Rashee Rice

Receives Clearance to Travel to Brazil for Week 1
Haywood Highsmith

Dealt to Brooklyn on Friday
Amir Coffey

Signs One-Year Deal With Bucks
Jacob Misiorowski

Activated and Starting on Friday
Ronald Acuña Jr.

Ronald Acuna Jr. Back From the Injured List
Khamzat Chimaev

A Favorite At UFC 319
Dricus Du Plessis

Set For His Third Title Defense
Aaron Pico

Set For UFC Debut
Lerone Murphy

Looks To Remain Undefeated
Chase Burns

Hits 15-Day Injured List With Flexor Strain
Geoff Neal

Looks For His Second Win In A Row
Travis Hunter

Dealing With Upper-Body Injury, Could be Held Out of Preseason Game
Michael Page

Set For His Second Middleweight Bout
Jared Cannonier

Looks To Win Back-To-Back Fights
Kai Asakura

Looks For His First UFC Win
Tim Elliott

Set To Open Up UFC 309 Main Card
CBJ

Mikael Pyyhtia Re-Signs With Blue Jackets for One Year
UTA

Caleb Desnoyers Expected to Miss 12 Weeks After Wrist Procedure
Tyson Foerster

on Track to Be Healthy for Season Opener
NHL

Olivier Rodrigue Signs KHL Deal
NHL

Emil Bemstrom to Join Swiss Team
Payton Pritchard

Reportedly Moving Into Starting Lineup
Ronald Acuña Jr.

Ronald Acuna Jr. Expected to Return Friday
Michael King

Heading to 15-Day Injured List
Aaron Nola

to Return on Sunday
Quinshon Judkins

Won't Face Formal Charges
Sam LaPorta

To "Miss a Little Bit of Time"
Rashee Rice

Disciplinary Hearing Scheduled For Late September
Chris Godwin

Likely to Start the Season on PUP List?
Kevin Durant

Rockets Not Interested in Keeping Kevin Durant with Max Extension
Paul Goldschmidt

Could Land on the Injured List
NBA

Isaiah Mobley Joins Turkish Team
NBA

Cole Swider Links Up with EuroLeague Powerhouse
Ethan Thompson

Joins Heat for Training Camp
Los Angeles Clippers

Clippers Add Jason Preston for Training Camp
Stefon Diggs

Unsure About Availability for Week 1
Jakob Marsee

Homers Twice in Seven-RBI Night
Owen Caissie

Cubs Promoting Owen Caissie to Majors
Miguel Amaya

Going on 10-Day Injured List With Sprained Ankle
Max Muncy

Scratched With Side Soreness on Wednesday
Josh Hader

Will be Out Longer Than Two Weeks
Matt Chapman

Out in Series Finale With Hand Soreness
Justin Jefferson

Won't Practice This Week, Will be Re-Evaluated Next Week
Oneil Cruz

Placed on Seven-Day Concussion Injured List
Wyatt Langford

Out Wednesday With Forearm Tightness
Adolis García

Adolis Garcia Placed on 10-Day Injured List With Sprained Ankle
Nolan McLean

to Make MLB Debut on Saturday
Akshay Bhatia

a High-Upside Play at BMW Championship
Robert MacIntyre

a Safe Play at BMW Championship
PGA

Sungjae Im a Risky Play at BMW Championship
Xander Schauffele

Chases Big Week at BMW Championship
Shane Lowry

Aims to Rebound at BMW Championship
Si Woo Kim

Looks to Build Momentum at BMW Championship
Matt Fitzpatrick

Looking to Rebound at BMW Championship
Patrick Cantlay

Eyeing Another BMW Championship Victory
Jac Caglianone

Tallies Four Hits in Triple-A Omaha on Tuesday
Jacob Misiorowski

Scheduled to Throw a Bullpen on Tuesday
Neemias Queta

Wants to Raise His Free-Throw Attempts
Anfernee Simons

Celtics Stuggling to Trade Anfernee Simons
James Cook

Bills Agree on Four-Year Extension
Cole Anthony

Focuses on Winning with Bucks
NBA

Jesse Edwards Moves to Australia
Kessler Edwards

Joins Nuggets
Brice Turang

Dealing With Pinky Injury
Willson Contreras

Exits Early Tuesday With Right-Foot Bruise
Bradley Beal

Feeling Rejuvenated in Los Angeles
Luka Dončić

Luka Doncic Looking "Incredible"
PIT

Chad Ruhwedel Retires From NHL
MIN

Jack Johnson Signs Tryout Deal with Wild
Ryker Evans

Kraken Extend Ryker Evans with Two-Year Deal
Rondale Moore

Out for the Season With Knee Injury
Christian Watson

Likely to Begin Season on PUP List
Jordan Love

Undergoes Procedure on Left Thumb
Bud Cauley

Needs a Big Result in Maryland
Harris English

Confident for BMW Championship
Jason Day

Faces Uphill Battle at BMW Championship
Cameron Young

Hot at the Right Time
J.J. Spaun

Rolls in After Near Miss in Memphis
Brian Harman

is a Longer Shot Heading to Maryland
Corey Conners

Appears Safe This Week in Maryland
Daniel Berger

Must Play Better at BMW Championship
Miami Heat

Kai Jones Works Out for Heat
Sacramento Kings

Russell Westbrook Likely to Join Kings
Golden State Warriors

Al Horford Expected to Sign with Warriors if He Doesn't Retire
Jonathan Kuminga

Reportedly Leaning Toward Accepting Golden State's Qualifying Offer
Cam Thomas

"Increasingly Interested" in Signing Qualifying Offer
Sepp Straka

Withdraws From BMW Championship
Maverick McNealy

Finishes Tied for 28th at FedEx St. Jude Championship
Scottie Scheffler

Finishes Tied For Third at FedEx St. Jude Championship
Collin Morikawa

Finishes Tied For 22nd at FedEx St. Jude Championship
Rory McIlroy

Finishes Tied For Seventh at Open Championship
Brandon Aiyuk

Could Return in Week 6
Boston Celtics

Miles Norris Waived by Celtics
Anthony Hernandez

Extends His Win Streak To Eight
Roman Dolidze

Submitted At UFC Vegas 109
Ode' Osbourne

Drops Decision At UFC Vegas 109
Steve Erceg

Gets Back In The Win Column
Angela Hill

Outclassed At UFC Vegas 109
Angela Hill

Iasmin Lucindo Dominates Angela Hill
Christian Rodriguez

Loses Back-To-Back Fights
Andre Fili

Gets Back in the Win Column
Miles Johns

Drops Split Decision At UFC Vegas 109
Miles Johns

Jean Matsumoto Edges Out Miles Johns To Win Split Decision
Eryk Anders

Suffers First-Round TKO
Christian Leroy Duncan

Scores First-Round TKO Win
Alexander Mattison

Will Miss Entire Season With Neck Injury
Zayne Parekh

Has Sights Set on Making Flames Roster
Hampus Lindholm

Fully Healthy for New Season
NHL

Nathan Bastian Joins Stars on One-Year Contract
Christopher Bell

Good Pit Strategy Helps Elevate Christopher Bell to Second
William Byron

Extends Championship Lead with Fourth-Place Finish
Ryan Blaney

Despite Finishing Sixth, Watkins Glen Might've Been Ryan Blaney's Best Road Race
Alex Bowman

Loses Ground Above Playoff Cutline, but Still Pretty Safe
Kyle Larson

Finishes Last After Brake Failure and Spin
Chris Buescher

Scores Another Top-5 Run At Watkins Glen
Ryan Preece

Earns Stage Points, but Loses Ground to the Playoffs At Watkins Glen
William Byron

Keeps the Regular Season Points Lead After Watkins Glen
Chase Briscoe

Continues His Hot Streak With A Top-5 Finish At Watkins Glen
Chase Elliott

Top-20 Streak Ends at Watkins Glen After Pit Struggles
Matthew Stafford

Will Return to Practice on Monday
Tyjae Spears

to Miss a Couple of Weeks
Rondale Moore

Expected to Miss Season
Shane Van Gisbergen

Shane van Gisbergen the Heavy Favorite to Win at Watkins Glen
Kyle Larson

Is Kyle Larson a Must-Play in DFS at Watkins Glen?
Chase Elliott

an Easy Pick to Make in DFS at Watkins Glen
Chris Buescher

Trying to Repeat at Watkins Glen
Tyler Reddick

Struggling to Find Speed at Watkins Glen
Michael McDowell

a Legitimate Threat at Watkins Glen
Joey Logano

Has Been Solid at Watkins Glen in Next Gen Car
Todd Gilliland

Has Upside at Watkins Glen
Ricky Stenhouse Jr

. has Favorable Watkins Glen Record
Justin Haley

Fastest in Practice at Watkins Glen
Riley Herbst

Could Be A Sneaky DFS Play
Tyjae Spears

Picks Up High-Ankle Sprain in Loss
Jayden Reed

Wearing Walking Boot
Tyjae Spears

Carted Off on Saturday

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