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Well, we're here. The final week of the 2023 MLB season, and the last installment of 1B/3B waiver wire pickups. It went by quickly, didn't it? Although half of the playoff field is already set, the other half still needs to be decided by both division races and the Wild Card race for each league. It's sure to be a thrilling week for baseball fans, albeit a nerve-wracking one for fans of teams competing for those final spots.
Overall, the last week of the MLB season is a rollercoaster of emotions for players and fans alike. It's a time when every pitch, every hit, and every play can have a profound impact on a team's fate. It marks the culmination of months of intense competition, as teams jockey for playoff positions, chase wild card spots, and attempt to secure division titles. This period is often filled with drama, nail-biting moments, and unforgettable performances that can make or break a team's postseason aspirations.
Lastly, I want to thank everyone who followed along with this column week by week during the 2023 MLB season. Your support for our work here at RotoBaller and for my writing means the world. It does not go unnoticed or unappreciated. And of course, I hope these articles were able to help in your fantasy baseball leagues! Enjoy the postseason and I hope to see you all next season! Here are first- and third-base fantasy baseball waiver wire pickups for Week 27 -- September 25 through October 1.
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Waiver Wire Pickups For Shallow Leagues (30-50% rostered)
Willi Castro, 2B/3B/SS/OF, Minnesota Twins (44% rostered)
If you're currently experiencing deja vu, it's because Willi Castro appeared on last week's 1B/3B waiver wire adds list! The Twins second baseman stayed hot this past week, aiding Minnesota in clinching their third AL Central division title in the last five seasons.
The 26-year-old homered in back-to-back games on Sept. 19 and 20 against the Reds on the road and overall has slugged .548 with eight hits, including a pair of home runs and four RBI in his last seven games. However, he's also struck out eight times and walked just once. Still, Castro's been a large part of the Twins' success and he's hoping to carry that over into the postseason.
Christian Encarnacion-Strand, 1B, Cincinnati Reds (31% rostered)
Another name that carries over from last week is Christian Encarnacion-Strand, who continues to swing a hot bat. Cincinnati is 2.5 games back of the third and final NL Wild Card spot with six games left to play, and the 23-year-old is nearly single-handedly fighting for a postseason berth.
The Oklahoma State product has slashed .364/.391/.909 with a whopping four homers and nine RBI across his last seven appearances. Since debuting in July, September has by far been his best month, as he touts a .925 OPS in 16 games this month.
Waiver Wire For Deeper Leagues (10-30% rostered)
Harold Ramirez, 1B/OF, Tampa Bay Rays (23% rostered)
With both Luke Raley and Brandon Lowe hitting the injured list for Tampa Bay, Harold Ramirez is likely to get more playing time during the last week of the 2023 campaign and during the postseason, although he primarily fulfills designated hitter duties. His last 18 at-bats have seen the 29-year-old slash .389/.450/.556 with a homer, five RBI, and two walks.
As previously mentioned, Ramirez has put together a solid season for the Rays with a .793 OPS in 116 games. Following a hot September, he's poised to play a larger role during the next month for Tampa Bay as they compete for their second AL pennant since 2020.
Junior Caminero, 3B, Tampa Bay Rays (13% rostered)
The Rays recently promoted Junior Caminero, their top infield prospect, to the majors. The 20-year-old was acquired by Tampa Bay during the 2021 offseason from Cleveland for right-hander Tobias Myers. So far, the trade seems to have worked out well for the Rays -- but let's be honest -- is this really a surprise?
Caminero posted a .975 OPS along with 31 home runs and 94 RBI between two levels in the minors this year, prompting Tampa Bay to make the decision to promote him to the big leagues. He's already picked up his first major-league hit and worked a seven-pitch walk in his first MLB at-bat vs. Toronto on Saturday. And luckily for the Rays, who recently clinched a playoff spot, Caminero is postseason eligible despite not being in the big leagues by September 1 because he was already in the organization by then.
Deeper Waiver Wire Options to Consider (Under 10%)
Mark Vientos, 1B/3B, New York Mets (5% rostered)
The Mets may have been officially eliminated from postseason contention on Friday, but if there's a silver lining in it all, it's the recent power surge from corner infielder Mark Vientos. The 23-year-old has clobbered three homers in his last seven games and added five RBI while hitting to the tune of .321.
As Pete Alonso took over at DH, Vientos filled in at first base during their four-game set against the Phillies. New York's 2023 season has been a disaster, as they are likely to finish out the year with a losing record and the highest payroll in the league. It will be interesting to see what their offseason plan entails -- as they have needs in nearly every area on the roster.
More Players to Consider
- Kyle Farmer, 2B/3B/SS, Minnesota Twins (4% rostered)
- Jared Triolo, 2B/3B/SS, Pittsburgh Pirates (1% rostered)
- Cavan Biggio, 1B/2B/3B/OF, Toronto Blue Jays (5% rostered)
- Miles Mastrobuoni, 2B/3B/OF, Chicago Cubs (0% rostered)
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