X
Lost password?

Don't have an account?
Gain Access Now

X

Receive free daily analysis

NFL
NBA
NHL
NASCAR
CFB
MLB
MMA
PGA
ESPORTS
BETTING

Already have an account? Log In

X

Forgot Password


POPULAR FANTASY TOOLS

Expert Advice
Articles & Tools
Import Your Leagues
Daily Stats & Leaders
All Pitcher Matchups
Compare Any Players
Compare Any Players
Rookies & Call-Ups
24x7 News and Alerts

AL-Only Waiver Wire Team of the Week: MLB Week 23

Every week in baseball, a significant player will hit the disabled list, slip into a slump, or get traded out of a good spot. How fantasy owners adapt to these situations can make or break the season as a whole. One lousy add might not hurt the long-term standing of a team, but failing to take advantage of breakouts or impact bats before others sure can.

The primary challenge of playing in an NL or AL-only league is often the lack of options regarding adding and subtracting players when needed. In mixed leagues, the players on the waiver wire are usually starting for an NL-only staff. So then how does one wade through the names of players that even regular fantasy players have never heard of, and that often will not even start for their teams to begin with? That is where this series comes in.

Instead of owners spending time digging the waiver wire of 0% owned players, this article will give owners a player at each position to fill the gap, or at the least, keep an eye on to add or stash. Not all of these players will replace that injury, but offer the best option off the scrap heap. Often the players advocated for here are long shots due to the nature of shallow leagues. No quick fixes, but some upside that could turn into much more.  With that onto the island of misfit fantasy toys.

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

AL-Only Team of the Week

C - Luke Maile (C, TOR) - 1% owned

The 2018 season has been a campaign to remember for Maile, as this is both his longest stint in the Majors and most successful season at that. Through 60 games he is slashing .232/.318/.346 with three homers and 27 RBI. While there does not seem to be a ton of power in the profile, and the batting line should stay near the .230 mark, the upside is there for a C2 at the very least. Owners should take a look at Maile for the run production as that is perhaps his best fantasy addition. In those 60 games this campaign, he has scored 21 times. Full season this would mean 50 plus out of the catcher slot. Add to that a solid OBP line, and this makes for a relevant player. The other piece is that he has stolen two bases this year, and had eight in one season in the minors. So on a good night, this could be a catcher who can run as well. As of now, he is not a fantasy starter, but in two-catcher leagues, is a solid number two who plays.

1B - Steve Pearce (1B/OF, BOS) - 6% owned

Since his trade to Boston, Pearce has slowed down a bit and has only hit .224 in the second half. The good news, his five homers in the second half have matched his first-half numbers already. This means there is still some pop that can help that batting average look a bit better in context. Owners should expect some rebound in the batting line, but perhaps a .250 the rest of the way is a good bet. The other key piece for owners to watch is the batting splits, as the Red Sox added him to play versus lefties mostly. To date, he is hitting .346 versus lefties, again adding a bit of upside to the batting line. Pearce is a good play for owners in roto leagues looking for power or for daily rosters that can sit him versus righties. At the very least, that six percent ownership will not last long.

2B - Logan Forsythe (2B/3B, MIN) - 3% owned

Forsythe is back in the AL, where he had his breakout seasons with the Rays. With the Dodgers, those same numbers have not been there. This offers an excellent buy-low opportunity for fantasy owners looking for a 2B/MI play. The move to Minnesota seems to be working out as with the Twins he hit .308 in August through 26 games. No homers but 10 runs in that time means there is production to be had. In general, he has been much better since the All-Star break with both teams, and at the very least, will not be hitting himself out of a line-up spot. The impressive numbers are tied to pitcher match-ups, as even though Forsythe hits from the right side, he does much better against righty pitchers as well. In fact, the batting line is close to 70 points higher on the same side. A good move in most leagues, but best where owners can shoot for that matchup value.

3B - Yandy Diaz (3B, CLE) - 0% owned

A bit of warning on this move, as Josh Donaldson will be the starting third baseman for Cleveland once he is healthy. And yet, Diaz is hitting well enough that he should get playing time at DH or the outfield at the very least. Through 18 games so far he is slashing .296/.321/.370 with six runs and eight RBI. The knock on Diaz has always been the lack of power, even with a ton of hard contact. If he can make that change, this stock will soar, but in the meantime, he is a singles hitter with run potential. That alone plays with the type of players hitting around him, so context adds value to this play. Add him now, and wait for the homer spike, even though that might happen next year.

SS - Adeiny Hechavarria (SS, NYY) - 0% owned

A favorite on this column for the NL side all season, Hechavarria now makes the move to the AL side of things. While in the near future he is more of a bench or utility player than a starter. The fact that he is playing in the Bronx adds enough value to keep him on fantasy radars. While the numbers should change with the new park and lineup factors. The good news for owners is that it should only improve. And yet, to date, he has been an excellent hitter with a .254/.287/.342 slash line. Only four homers and one steal thus far means this is mostly an empty average play, but in deep leagues, that still should help most teams. With playing time he will score runs and might steal a bit more, but owners should view the numbers to date as the baseline.

OF - Robbie Grossman (OF, MIN) - 0% owned

After a few weeks away from the list, Grossman is back after a hot August. In 11 games he hit .345 but did not add much concerning power or runs. Therefore, like others on the list, Grossman is an empty average hitter with some ability to surprise in the right game. The other piece is that Target Field looks to be a great place to hit and with some power help, might get Grossman a homer or two. The other reason to add is there will be playing time own the stretch. While Jake Cave looks to be getting the bulk of playing time, Grossman seems to be a player the team might hang onto into next year. This means there is little worry about losing playing time, meaning if the hot bat can keep up, this is a smart play to hold onto a category.

OF - Joey Rickard (OF, BAL) - 0% owned

Rickard is another player on a bad team, who is playing better in the second half, and giving himself plenty of time to show what he has to offer in a rebuild. The young outfielder has worked his way into fantasy relevance with a .269 batting line in the second half. Not a ton of power, with only seven homers in 53 games to date, but this is also not a bad line. Over a full season, owners should expect 15 or more bombs from the outfielder. Not only will he play down the way, but is auditioning for next year, so there is little downside to Baltimore playing him regularly. Only two steals with Baltimore, but in the minors, he was often a double-digit steals option. This means there might be more speed to be had, but owners cannot rely on that. In the long term, this looks like an OF3, but the rest of the way seems to be a fantasy asset.   

OF - Brian Goodwin (OF, KC) - 0% owned

When the Nationals dumped him to Kansas City, there was some fantasy interest based on the speed that Goodwin could offer. And then came the injuries, which he is only now back from and should be a starter soon. So then, take the numbers with a grain of salt, but also look to them as a good floor. To date, with two teams, in 55 games, Goodwin is hitting .267/.356/.433 with four homers and three steals. The other exciting line is that both his K and BB numbers are way up, so this has been one of those seasons for Goodwin. The rest of the way he is a fringe power and speed threat with a .270 batting line offering the best case option. If owners are looking to add a wildcard in roto leagues, this is the best lottery ticket with playing time.

P - Oliver Perez (RP, CLE) - 1% owned

Perez is an exciting fantasy option the rest of the way. To date, Cleveland has only used him as a match-up play, but in that limited time he has been lights out. Not even on the team to start the year, Perez might be the best Cleveland reliever to date. In 25 innings he has an ERA of 1.08 with 10.8 K/9. Add to that with 1.44 BB/9, and these are elites ratio number for a fantasy pitcher. While he will not get many innings, with Andrew Miller out on the DL again, there will be plenty of pitching time the rest of the way. This might be a sneaky relief arm that helps most fantasy teams.

P - Hector Velazquez (SP/RP, BOS) - 5% owned

After pitching in the Mexican League for most of his career, Velazquez seems to have found a home with the Red Sox. In 71.1 innings to date, he has posted a 3.15 ERA with seven wins and two losses. The downside is that he has only struck out 5.68 per nine, which limits some of his fantasy appeal. The good news is that with Boston he should get more wins which makes up for some of that downside. The other good news is that he does not give up many homers, with only 0.76 HR/9 this season. When the K numbers have been better in the past, and just a bit more stuff helps his fantasy profile, this is a good buy-low on a good team.

P - Jonathan Loaisiga (SP, NYY) - 2% owned

After a hot start to this career with the Yankees, the youngster struggled with injuries and a roster crunch to limit his time so far. The good news is that now owners should not be worried about an innings cap, and with no real shot of making the postseason roster he should get good time the rest of the way. The numbers have been good in 18 total innings, with a 3.00 ERA and 2.87 FIP. Add to that 10.50 K/9, and there is upside to be had. While still on most radars, the extended stay in the minors has pushed his ownership rate down to the two percent line, meaning he is there to be had. Even if he is not a starter, this is the play for stuff and wins on a good team.

More Waiver Wire Pickups and Streamers




POPULAR FANTASY TOOLS

Expert Advice
Articles & Tools
Import Your Leagues
Daily Stats & Leaders
All Pitcher Matchups
Compare Any Players
Compare Any Players
Rookies & Call-Ups
24x7 News and Alerts

REAL-TIME FANTASY NEWS

Giannis Antetokounmpo

Potential Giannis Antetokounmpo Trade may not Happen Until "August, September"
Ha-Seong Kim

Removed Early During Season Debut
ARI

Christian Fischer Retires From NHL at 28
NHL

Spencer Martin Moves to Russia
WAS

Anthony Beauvillier Re-Signs With Capitals for Two Years
Vladimir Guerrero Jr.

Sitting Out With Foot Issue
Isaiah Neyor

Impresses at Minicamp
Houston Rockets

Jock Landale Waived by Rockets
Bo Bichette

Back in Blue Jays Lineup
Jonas Valančiūnas

Jonas Valanciunas Considering Returning to Europe
Miles Sanders

Works With Starters During Mandatory Minicamp
Jabari Walker

Signs Two-Way Deal With Sixers
Chimere Dike

Titans Could Move Chimere Dike Inside
Keandre Lambert-Smith

KeAndre Lambert-Smith not Guaranteed Roster Spot
Anthony Bradford

Working Hard to Win Back Starting Job
Byron Young

Still Improving?
Cody Simon

Jonathan Gannon has Been Impressed With Cody Simon
SirVocea Dennis

has Impressive Offseason
Trevor Penning

Could Still Have a Role in New Orleans
Jonathan Kuminga

Warriors Decline Recent Offer for Jonathan Kuminga
Orlando Magic

Moritz Wagner, Magic Agree to One-Year Deal
Clarke Schmidt

Placed on Injured List
José Soriano

Jose Soriano Throws Gem Against Braves
Robbie Ray

Earns Ninth Win in Complete Game
T.J. Watt

Likely to Reset the Edge-Rush Market
George Springer

Blasts Two Homers, Drives in Four
James Wood

Goes Yard in Five-Hit Night
Bradley Beal

Suns Discussing Potential Buyout
Los Angeles Lakers

Jaxson Hayes Staying with the Lakers
NBA

Damian Lillard "Open" to Signing With a Team This Offseason
Max Muncy

Out at Least Six Weeks
Clarke Schmidt

Leaves Start with Forearm Tightness
Colson Montgomery

Promoted to the Major Leagues
Pittsburgh Steelers

Omar Khan, Steelers Agree to Three-Year Contract
Max Muncy

Goes on Injured List With Knee Bruise
Max Muncy

Out of Thursday's Lineup
James Wood

Joining Home Run Derby
SJ

Sharks Claim Nick Leddy Off Waivers
Max Scherzer

Cleared to Start on Saturday
SJ

Sharks Sign Dmitry Orlov to Two-Year, $13 Million Contract
CAR

Nikolaj Ehlers Joins Hurricanes on Six-Year Contract
Kodai Senga

Could be "in Play" to Return Before All-Star Break
Ha-Seong Kim

Rays Reinstate Ha-Seong Kim From Injured List
Christian Moore

Placed on Injured List With Thumb Sprain
Luis L. Ortiz

the Subject of Gambling Investigation
Jordan Lawlar

to Miss Multiple Weeks With Hamstring Injury
Yordan Alvarez

Receives Encouraging News on his Hand
Chau Smith-Wade

Having Stellar Offseason
Ace Bailey

Inks Rookie Contract With Jazz
Divine Deablo

Could be the Quarterback of the Defense
Isaiah Rodgers

a Likely Starter for the Vikings
Jacob Monk

Sees Plenty of Work With Starters
Avonte Maddox

has Impressed Dan Campbell
Boston Celtics

Josh Minott Inks Deal With Celtics
Chicago Bears

Ruben Hyppolite Shows Notable Improvement
Sandro Mamukelashvili

Heading to Toronto
Daron Payne

Commanders Coaches Impressed With Daron Payne
Danny Gray

Makes Impression During Offseason Workouts
Jared McCain

Not on 76ers Summer League Roster
Dane Belton

Should Have a Role in 2025
Kaiir Elam

Flashes During Offseason Workouts
Dylan Harper

Unavailable for California Classic
COL

Brent Burns Inks One-Year Deal with Avalanche
STL

Blues Land Pius Suter on Two-Year Deal
Morgan Frost

Agrees to Two-Year Extension with Flames
WPG

Gustav Nyquist Moves to Winnipeg
Cody Glass

Devils Re-Sign Cody Glass to Two-Year Deal
PIT

Anthony Mantha Joins Penguins
Cleveland Cavaliers

Larry Nance Jr. Headed Back to Cavaliers
Eric Gordon

Remaining with 76ers
Los Angeles Lakers

Deandre Ayton Joining Lakers
Emil Heineman

Signs Two-Year Deal with Islanders
Simon Holmstrom

Re-Signs with Islanders for Two Years
UTA

Nate Schmidt Signs Three-Year Deal with Mammoth
UTA

Brandon Tanev Moves to Utah on Three-Year Contract
NJ

Evgenii Dadonov Joins Devils on One-Year Deal
BUF

Sabres Snap Up Alex Lyon on Two-Year Contract
Dallas Mavericks

Dante Exum Returning to Dallas
Ryan McLeod

Inks Four-Year Extension with Sabres
NAS

Predators Bring in Nick Perbix on Two-Year Deal
Jaren Jackson Jr.

Has Surgery to Repair a Turf Toe Injury
LA

Cody Ceci Moves to Los Angeles
Charlotte Hornets

Spencer Dinwiddie Lands With Charlotte
Bud Cauley

in Great Form Ahead of John Deere Classic
Christiaan Bezuidenhout

a Player to Avoid at John Deere Classic
Jake Knapp

Riding Momentum Ahead of John Deere Classic
PGA

Sungjae Im Looking for Consistency at John Deere Classic
Ryan Gerard

a Solid Option at John Deere Classic
Rickie Fowler

Looking to Rebound at John Deere Classic
Cameron Champ

a Volatile Option at John Deere Classic
Jackson Suber

Staying Below 70 is Key to Success for Jackson Suber
Kevin Roy

Playing Better Heading into John Deere Classic
Justin Lower

Hoping for Something Positive in Illinois
Ben Kohles

a Long Shot at John Deere Classic
Stephan Jaeger

Attempts to Stop Roller-Coaster Ride
Beau Hossler

Needs a Challenge in Illinois
Harry Higgs

Has Potential at John Deere Classic
Nick Dunlap

Keeps Plugging Through Tough 2025 Season
Milwaukee Bucks

Taurean Prince Staying in Milwaukee
Kevin Yu

a Near Must-Play at TPC Deere Run
PGA

J.T. Poston Returns to John Deere Classic Looking for Another High Finish
Thriston Lawrence

a Decent Fit For John Deere Classic
Tom Kim

Not Finding Much to be Happy About Ahead of John Deere Classic
Si Woo Kim

is a Prohibitive Fade at John Deere Classic
Ben Griffin

is the Appropriate Favorite at TPC Deere Run
Daniel Suarez

and Trackhouse Racing Parting Ways After 2025 Season
Ilia Topuria

Becomes The New Lightweight Champion
Charles Oliveira

Knocked Out At UFC 317
Kai Kara-France

Alexandre Pantoja Submits Kai Kara-France
Kai Kara-France

Submitted At UFC 317
Joshua Van

Extends His Win Streak
Brandon Royval

Drops Decision
Renato Moicano

Loses Back-To-Back Fights
Beneil Dariush

Gets Back In The Win Column
Felipe Lima

Suffers His First UFC Loss
Payton Talbott

Bounces Back
Alex Bowman

Competitive Run Ends With Third-Place Finish at Atlanta
Erik Jones

Secures A Top-Five Finish After Adversity In Atlanta
Tyler Reddick

Collects A New Career-Best Finish At Atlanta
RANKINGS
C
1B
2B
3B
SS
OF
SP
RP

RANKINGS

QB
RB
WR
TE
K
DEF