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Deeper Waiver Wire Pickups For Week 17 (American League)

As the August 1st trade deadline approaches, the internet has been abuzz with all the rumors and whispers regarding which players could be on the move. These moves are particularly of interest to single-league owners, where trades potentially bring in new players to the waiver wire. Trades also create new opportunities for different players to receive the lion's share of playing time at a position suddenly empty.

Here are some players to consider claiming after the big ticket prizes are gone, all owned in 25% of Fleaflicker leagues or less.

Editor's Note: RotoBaller offers the best Premium MLB Subscription - only $1.99 per week. All the tools you need to help win your seasonal and daily leagues: Hitter & Pitcher Streamers, Matchup Ratings for every player, Under-the-Radar Surgers for AVG, HR, Ks, plus daily DFS Cheat Sheets, Lineup Picks, Expert Lineups, Stacks and Avoids. 

 

American League Waiver Wire Targets

Hitters

Justin Morneau (1B, CWS) - 1% Owned

In his first action since last year, first baseman Justin Morneau has been decent despite the time off. Back in the American League for the first time since 2013, he's hitting .233 with one home run and four RBI in 30 at-bats for the White Sox. That's not going to light the world on fire, but it's a start. Morneau revived his career in 2014 when he led the National League in batting average with a .319 mark, and was off to a .310 mark before injuries cut short his 2015. With him receiving starter's at-bats in the near future, he's a worthy bench stash investment at the very least.

Jake Smolinski (OF, OAK) - 4% Owned

Outfielder Jake Smolinski might be a bit long in the tooth to have a big breakthrough, but that could be what we are seeing. After failing to make any traction in the Majors in the years prior, he's hitting .317 with six home runs, 22 RBI and one stolen base in 120 at-bats this season. After hitting .248 with three home runs, 15 RBI and six stolen bases in 145 at-bats in Triple-A prior to his call-up, these results are a bit of a surprise. But with a .281 average, 21 home runs and 16 stolen bases in 620 career Triple-A at-bats, maybe Smolinski's just a late bloomer.

Jett Bandy (C, LAA) - 2% Owned

Rookie catcher Jett Bandy is making a case to be the Angels' starting catcher of the future. After following up a successful 2015 at Triple-A with more solid production there this year, he has continued to hit as a member of the big league club. Over 39 at-bats, he's hitting .308 with two home runs and six RBI as he splits time behind the plate with the .221-hitting Carlos Perez. With veteran Geovany Soto due back sometime in August, if Bandy can keep hitting, it won't be him who is shipped back to the minors, giving him serious two-catcher league appeal.

Delino DeShields (OF, TEX) - 13% Owned

After struggling out of the gate this season and getting himself demoted, outfielder Delino DeShields is back for a second try at sticking in the Rangers' outfield. In his first four games back, he's hitting .308 with one home run and one stolen base, which is a far cry from the .217 average he put up his first 30 games. DeShields was fairly useful as a fantasy player last season when he hit .261 with 10 triples, two home runs and 25 stolen bases, and that potential still exists. As one of the few speed options possibly still available to deep leaguers, he is a must-own to see if he returns to form.

Joey Gallo (3B/OF, TEX) - 23% Owned

Rookie Joey Gallo is getting his first taste of action with the Rangers this season as they look to fill the hole left by the recent injuries to Prince Fielder and Shin-Soo Choo. Though he continues to struggle to hit for average, his big-time power keeps showing up right on cue as he leaves Triple-A with a .246 average and 19 home runs in 244 at-bats. After hitting barely hitting above .200 anywhere outside of Double-A last season, the chances of Gallo turning into another Chris Carter or John Singleton is decent. Whether that has value to you or not is negligible, but as one of the name's top prospects, he should be owned in any deep league he's still available in.

 

Pitchers

Matt Boyd (SP, DET) - 3% Owned

Starting pitcher Matt Boyd was a disaster during his first three attempts at sticking with the Tigers this year, going 0-2 with a 6.44 ERA in 29.1 innings. Fourth time though, things have been quite different. Since returning July 9th, the results have been the exact opposite, with him going 1-0 with a 1.17 ERA in 15.1 innings. He's still working on building his pitching count above 80, but if he can keep himself closer to the pitcher who has a 2.25 ERA in 64 Triple-A innings this year, he could help fantasy teams.

Tyler Skaggs (SP, LAA) - 24% Owned

On Tuesday, starting pitcher Tyler Skaggs made his first start since 2014, and did he ever look like the pitcher the Angels were hoping for when they traded for him back then. He held the Royals scoreless over seven innings, allowing only three hits and one walk, striking out five. As great as this outing was, Skaggs hasn't pitched in the Majors in well over a year and was more potential than production when he was injured, so keep expectations tempered. That said, he should provide a boost to pitching-depleted teams as he looks to builds towards a full season next year.

Darren O'Day (RP, BAL) - 19% Owned

Elite relief pitcher Darren O'Day quietly returned from the disabled list Sunday, immediately returning to fantasy gold. He pitched a perfect inning, striking out all three batters he faced to pick up the win. Though his season stats are rather pedestrian for a pitcher who hasn't had an ERA north of 2.00 since 2013, there is little reason to think O'Day won't spend the next two plus months pushing that ERA as low as he can.

Cam Bedrosian (RP, LAA) - 7% Owned

With many a club looking towards the bottom-dwellers for relief help at the trade deadline, Angels' closer Hudson Street has found his name among those floating around in the rumor mill. With those rumblings picking up steam, so have those regarding who would inherit his closer role. While Joe Smith seems like a logical choice based on experience, there is absolutely no denying that reliever Cam Bedrosian is the most deserving based on stats alone. On a team going nowhere, the Angels should look to the future and pass the torch to Bedrosian and his 0.97 ERA and 10.5 K/9 in 37 innings this season.

Dylan Bundy (SP, BAL) - 13% Owned

After making this list recently as a reliever, Dylan Bundy is now in the starting rotation and it was worth the wait. After a rough first start, his second outing was much better, as he gave up zero earned runs on five hits and zero walks over five innings, striking out five as he picked up the win. On Wednesday, he was no-hitting the Rockies for five innings before finally ceding three ER on two hits, while striking out eight. Once a top-three prospect, he has had to overcome injuries and growing pains to get to this point. Though he still has much to prove when it comes to fantasy value, Bundy's current 3-2 record with a 3.30 ERA and 8.0 K/9 are a good start.

 

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REAL-TIME FANTASY NEWS

Valeri Nichushkin

Nathan MacKinnon, Valeri Nichushkin Uncertain for Game 4
Oliver Kapanen

Sitting as Healthy Scratch Monday
Max Domi

Out Indefinitely Due to Offseason Surgery Complications
Tanner Koziol

a Long-Shot Dynasty Tight End?
Dylan Cease

Heading to Injured List With Hamstring Injury
Kevin Coleman Jr.

in the Right Place for Opportunities
Josh Cameron

has Long-Term YAC Upside in Liam Coen's Offense
Rashee Rice

Chiefs Have No Plans to Sign Rashee Rice to Long-Term Extension
Daniel Suarez

Wins at Charlotte in Rain-Shortened Coca-Cola 600
Christopher Bell

Finishes as the Runner-Up in the Coca-Cola 600 at Charlotte
Denny Hamlin

Falls Short of Winning and Places Third at Charlotte
Tyler Reddick

Places Fourth After Leading Laps at Charlotte
Kyle Larson

Strong and Consistent Day Ends in Fifth at Charlotte
Cole Payton

Dynasty Managers Will Have to be Patient with Cole Payton
Taylen Green

Does Taylen Green's Speed Get Him on the Dynasty Radar?
Jack Endries

Is Jack Endries the Tight End of the Future in Cincinnati?
CJ Daniels

a Developmental Stash in Dynasty Leagues
Garrett Nussmeier

a Low-Risk Target with Upside in Dynasty Leagues?
Jam Miller

Has Sneaky Value if He Can Earn a Roster Spot
Justice Hill

a Dynasty Drop Candidate Wherever He's Still Rostered
J'Mari Taylor

Is J'Mari Taylor Worth a Taxi-Squad Spot in Deep Dynasty Leagues?
Greg Dulcich

Has a Lack of Competition Made Greg Dulcich a Dynasty Sleeper?
Carson Beck

a Worthy Investment in the Later Rounds of Rookie Drafts
Devon Toews

Logs Two Assists In Game 3 Defeat
Brett Howden

Nets 10th Postseason Goal
Mitchell Marner

Delivers Two Assists in Comeback Victory
Mark Stone

Returns With Multi-Point Effort
Valeri Nichushkin

Exits Early Sunday
Nathan MacKinnon

Hurt in Game 3 Loss
Isaiah Hartenstein

Provides Steady Production in Defeat
Chet Holmgren

Has a Quiet Offensive Night on Sunday
Shai Gilgeous-Alexander

Held Under 20 Points in Game 4
Stephon Castle

Hands Out Six Assists in Game 4 Win
Devin Vassell

Tallies 13 Points in Game 4 Win
De'Aaron Fox

Records Double-Double as Spurs Even Series
Victor Wembanyama

Sets Tone Early as Spurs Force a Pivotal Game 5
Isaac Guerendo

Could be a Drop Candidate in Dynasty Leagues in 2026
Jayden Higgins

' Dynasty Arrow is Pointing Up With Clear Path to WR2 Role in Houston
Jakobi Meyers

a Sell-High Candidate in Dynasty Formats?
Drake Maye

to Make a Big Leap in 2026 in Second Season With Josh McDaniels?
Jamal Murray

Earns First Career All-NBA Selection
Kevin Durant

Becomes First Player to Make All-NBA Team With Five Franchises
Shai Gilgeous-Alexander

Victor Wembanyama Lead All-NBA First Team
Taylor Hall

Enjoying Life in Carolina
Mark Stone

Returns to Action Sunday
Cale Makar

Rejoins Avalanche Lineup Sunday
Cason Wallace

Joins Starting Unit Sunday
De'Aaron Fox

Doesn't "Feel Great" Entering Game 4
Jalen Williams

Won't Play Sunday
Christian Watson

Is Christian Watson on the Verge of a Legitimate Breakout?
Khalil Shakir

Dynasty Value in Decline
Travis Hunter

Still a Risky Buy, Even at his Sunken Dynasty Cost
Dylan Cease

Removed From Sunday's Start With Hamstring Discomfort
Vladimir Guerrero Jr.

Exits Sunday's Game Early with Elbow Contusion
MLB

Reds-Cardinals Game Postponed on Sunday
Edward Cabrera

Cubs Place Edward Cabrera on the 15-Day Injured List
Denny Hamlin

the Favorite to Win at Charlotte
Tyler Reddick

on Pole for Coca-Cola 600
Christopher Bell

Could Break Out of Slump
Kyle Larson

May have A Solid Day at Charlotte
Ryan Blaney

Is A DFS Risk for Charlotte Lineups
William Byron

Could have A Great DFS Performance at Charlotte
Chase Briscoe

Is A Solid Tournament Option for Charlotte DFS Lineups
Ty Gibbs

May not be Worth his Salary for Charlotte DFS Lineups
Chris Buescher

May be a Sneaky Tournament Option for Charlotte Lineups
NASCAR

Bubba Wallace Has Favorable Upside for Charlotte DFS Lineups
Ross Chastain

Is A Strong Addition for DFS Lineups at Charlotte
Austin Dillon

Should Fantasy Managers Roster Austin Dillon for Charlotte DFS Lineups?
Chase Elliott

Should Be Strong at Charlotte
Carson Hocevar

Confident for Coca-Cola 600
Corey Heim

a Chalk DFS Pick at Charlotte
Michael McDowell

Is Michael McDowell A Tournament Option for Charlotte Lineups?
Evan Mobley

Tallies Series-High 24 Points on Saturday
Donovan Mitchell

Struggles at the Line Saturday
Karl-Anthony Towns

Continues Playmaking Surge on Saturday
OG Anunoby

Delivers Clean Shooting Line Saturday
Mikal Bridges

Fills Box Score in Game 3 Win
Jalen Brunson

Pushes Knicks Closer to NBA Finals
Orlando Magic

Magic Interview Jeff Van Gundy for Head-Coaching Position
Phillip Danault

Extends Point Streak to Three Games
Josh Anderson

Nets Two Goals in Painful Loss
Jalen Chatfield

Delivers Two Assists in Crucial Win
Mark Jankowski

Contributes Two Assists in Game 2 Victory
Eric Robinson

Scores in Second Consecutive Game
Nikolaj Ehlers

Tallies Two Goals as Hurricanes Bounce Back Saturday
Giannis Antetokounmpo

Magic Reportedly Have Giannis Antetokounmpo on Their Radar
MLB

Orioles-Tigers Game Postponed on Saturday
MLB

Rays-Yankees Postponed on Saturday
Nazem Kadri

Contributes an Assist in Losing Effort
Ross Colton

Nets Lone Avalanche Goal Friday Night
Rasmus Andersson

Extends Assist Streak to Four Games
Mickey Moniak

Heads to Injured List With Ankle Sprain
Jackson Merrill

has Sore Ribs, Expected to Avoid Injured List
CFB

Jaron-Keawe Sagapolutele Looking to Take Sophomore Leap
CFB

Jadan Baugh Primed to Lead Florida Offense in 2026
CFB

LSU Hires Ed Orgeron As Special Assistant
CFB

North Carolina and South Carolina Cancel Home-And-Home Series
CFB

Confidence High in Mississippi State's Kamario Taylor
MLB

Reds-Cardinals Game Postponed on Friday
Trevor Story

has Hernia Surgery, Expected to Miss 6-10 Weeks
Roman Anthony

Dealing With Sprained Ligament in his Finger
Ronald Acuña Jr.

Ronald Acuna Jr. Exits Early, X-Rays Come Back Negative
Robby Snelling

Will Undergo Tommy John Surgery
Jackson Merrill

Tweaks his Back on Wednesday, Pulled Early
CFB

Lincoln Riley Believes USC is Ready for Playoff Run
CFB

Notre Dame-Stanford Rivalry Renewed Through 2028
CFB

Ahmad Hardy Says He's "Back to the Road to Success"
CFB

Texas Tech Graduate Judge Recuses Himself from Brendan Sorsby Case
CFB

UCLA Tackle Jordan Davis Officially Eligible for 2026 Season
CFB

Bret Bielema Supports Significant College Football Playoff Expansion
Michael Thorbjornsen

Brings High Upside to CJ Cup Byron Nelson
Luke List

Carrying Poor Form Into CJ Cup Byron Nelson
Tom Kim

Hoping to Build on Strong Myrtle Beach Finish
PGA

Sungjae Im Brings Upside to TPC Craig Ranch
Billy Horschel

Looking for Turnaround at CJ Cup Byron Nelson
Adam Hadwin

Difficult to Trust at TPC Craig Ranch
Tony Finau

Looking for Consistency at TPC Craig Ranch
Luke Clanton

Searching for Form at CJ Cup Byron Nelson
Aaron Rai

Withdraws From CJ Cup Byron Nelson
Wyndham Clark

Can Wyndham Clark Find Form at CJ Cup?
Si Woo Kim

Looks To Stay Hot at CJ Cup
Scottie Scheffler

to Defend CJ Cup Byron Nelson Title This Week
Jordan Spieth

Looking For Victory at TPC Craig Ranch
PGA

Matti Schmid Looks to Keep Recent Momentum Going at TPC Craig Ranch
Brooks Koepka

a High-Upside Play at CJ Cup Byron Nelson
Yandy Díaz

Yandy Diaz Exits Early on Tuesday After Being Hit By Pitch
Chris Kirk

Continues Search For Putting Form at TPC Craig Ranch
Rasmus Hojgaard

Looking to Shake Off Poor Major Showing at TPC Craig Ranch
Joel Dahmen

is of No DFS Consideration This Week in Dallas
Pierceson Coody

is Not The Fun DFS Play He Used to Be
RANKINGS
C
1B
2B
3B
SS
OF
SP
RP

RANKINGS

QB
RB
WR
TE
K
DEF