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Major League Baseball's second half is here -- a time that many consider when the season "truly begins." The second half of the season brings renewed energy, fierce competition, and tantalizing storylines that capture the hearts of fans across the nation. With the first half of the season serving as a stage for teams to showcase their strengths, weaknesses, and aspirations, the second half presents an opportunity for teams to make their move. It's a time when contenders separate themselves from the pack, underdogs defy expectations, and the quest for a playoff spot intensifies.
In this pivotal period, every game matters. The race for division titles, Wild Card spots, and ultimately a chance at the coveted World Series trophy takes center stage. The stakes are higher, the pressure mounts, and players find themselves giving their all in pursuit of baseball glory. The second half also offers a platform for individual excellence. Players are driven to leave their mark on the season, chasing personal milestones, awards, and records. Batters swing for the fences, pitchers hurl strikeouts, and fielders make extraordinary plays in a mesmerizing display of athleticism and skill.
So get ready, buckle up, and prepare for the rollercoaster ride that is the MLB's second half. The drama is about to unfold, and the thrill of America's pastime is set to captivate us all once again. Here are some first and third-base fantasy baseball waiver wire pickups for Week 17 -- July 17 through July 23.
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Waiver Wire Pickups For Shallow Leagues (30-50% rostered)
Geraldo Perdomo, 2B/3B/SS, Arizona Diamondbacks (37% rostered)
The Diamondbacks have cooled off somewhat after a mostly dominant first half, as they've seen themselves fall out of first place in the NL West. Geraldo Perdomo looking more like his 2022 self at the plate has played a part in that, but the infielder is hoping to turn it around in the second half after coming off of his first All-Star game appearance.
On Saturday against the Blue Jays, Perdomo reached base three times on three singles. Unfortunately, none of his teammates were able to bring him home. Still, it's an encouraging sign from the 23-year-old who's hit just .208 in his last seven games.
DJ LeMahieu, 1B/2B/3B, New York Yankees (39% rostered)
DJ LeMahieu, along with the rest of the Yankees offense, has severely underperformed this season. Sure, they've been without Aaron Judge since the beginning of June, but guys like LeMahieu need to be better. Luckily, the veteran seems to be on the upswing.
He's collected four hits since returning from the All-Star break and has batted .318 and reached base at a .375 clip across his last seven games. New York has fallen to fourth place in the AL East, and are two games back of a Wild Card berth. If they have any hope of reaching October, LeMahieu must continue to deliver for the Bronx bombers.
Waiver Wire For Deeper Leagues (10-30% rostered)
Tyler Soderstrom, C/1B, Oakland Athletics (27% rostered)
The Athletics recently promoted their No. 1 prospect, Tyler Soderstrom, to the big leagues following an appearance in the Futures Game. He made his debut on July 14 and collected his first major league hit against the Twins on July 15.
The 21-year-old was a first-round selection by the A's out of high school in the 2020 draft. Soderstrom was boasted as one of the best bats in his draft class. Per Baseball America, he had some of the best exit velocities in Oakland's minor league system. The lefty bat has an intriguing enough profile that could make him worth an add.
Triston Casas, 1B, Boston Red Sox (18% rostered)
Triston Casas has gotten off to a hot start since resuming play after the break. The 23-year-old has hit a homer in each of the last two games, with his long ball on Saturday leaving the bat at 112.1 mph and traveling 425 feet.
The two home runs brought his total to 11 on the year overall, along with 30 RBI and 40 walks -- good for a .331 OBP. The Red Sox rookie hitter appears to be finding his groove, which would be great news for a team currently in last place in the East but just 2.5 games out of a Wild Card spot. The 6-foot-5, 244-pound Casas could prove to be a force in the Boston lineup down the stretch.
Deeper Waiver Wire Options to Consider (Under 10%)
Ramon Urias, 1B/2B/3B, Baltimore Orioles (2% rostered)
The Orioles have had a fantastic season thus far, as everyone in their lineup has contributed offensively at one point or another. Most recently, it's been Ramon Urias' turn -- slashing .296/.321/.519 with a home run and six RBI in the seven games leading up to the break.
That's why it's a bit perplexing that the 29-year-old has yet to appear in a game in the second half for Baltimore. With abysmal numbers against lefties, it's unsurprising that he sat out on Saturday against Marlins lefty Braxton Garrett. But riding the bench on Friday vs. RHP Sandy Alcantara was puzzling considering Urias'.304/.367/.467 slash line when facing right-handers this year. Hopefully, he's back in the lineup on Sunday for the O's.
More Players to Consider
- Donovan Solano, 1B/2B/3B, Minnesota Twins (5% rostered)
- Mike Ford, 1B, Seattle Mariners (7% rostered)
- Joey Wendle, 2B/3B/SS, Miami Marlins (4% rostered)
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