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Riley Mrack lists catchers who are potential fantasy baseball waiver wire pickups or add targets for Week 24. Consider adding or streaming these free agent options at the C position in mixed leagues and two-catcher formats.
As we enter the final weeks of the regular season we start to see more prospects getting the big league phone call as rosters expand. The September call-up season can muddy up the waters even more for fantasy baseball's already most volatile position, which further adds to the frustration of managers. With that being said, we need to keep on top of the landscape of the position just in case a few new faces start to take over the position or if too many foul tips off the mask start adding up as the year wears on.
If you are not one of those fortunate souls who are privileged with a high-caliber catcher, we'll go through a few tiers of backstops who will fit your specific league format. Every season the waiver wire is full of potential league-winning gems and to be a successful fantasy player you need to be an active fantasy player. Some people may believe that catchers are next to worthless for your team, but if you find an unowned superior performer in your league, you'll wind up with a massive advantage over your opponents.
The catching position has the least amount of volume of any other spot on the diamond with the number of platoons utilized by teams, so understand that a part-time backstop can still be productive at the position. Whether you plan to stream this spot on your roster weekly or if you're looking to find a long term option, we'll go through a vast range of backstops who'll hopefully take you to the fantasy promise land.
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Top-Priority Adds
This tier is targeted towards single-catcher mixed leagues as they are likely to only be available in these formats. These backstops are also particularly serviceable and could return top-10 value in their respective lineups, making it a mystery why they are unowned in the first place.
Josh Phegley (C, OAK) - 12% Owned
After missing a couple of weeks in August with a thumb injury, Josh Phegley has made up for lost time since his activation. In his 15 starts since his return, he's slashed a crisp .283/.351/.434 with a homer, nine runs, and 12 RBI while fending off rookie call-up Sean Murphy from finding any playing time. Phegley's 11 homers on the season aren't anything to boast about, but his 43 runs and 59 RBI are both top-12 numbers at the position.
With three weeks to go in the season, Phegley will remain the number one option down the A's tight playoff push, making him a player worth owning in all formats. He'll continue to rack up solid counting stats with consistent playing time on a top-10 offense.
Roberto Perez (C, CLE) - 17%
A sluggish second half has impacted Roberto Perez' ownership over the last few weeks, but there's still enough left in his tank to help out in the final weeks of the season. After a midseason offensive tear, a .139 BA in August has caused the hype train to make a sudden stop, but his play of late might have you hopping back on board.
Perez has a hit in six-straight games and seven of his last eight including a homer and five RBI. The 30-year-old's 22 homers, 43 runs, and 55 RBI this year look laudable, especially for a player with just 13 long balls combined over his previous three seasons of work. He will look to continue the mini hot streak by taking his desirable .259/.360/.491 slash line against left-handers into this week with three scheduled southpaws slated to face the Indians.
Streamers/Players to Watch
The catchers in this group are either in waiver wire limbo as they are likely scooped up in two-catcher and league-specific formats or they are worth streaming for this week depending on your league size. They are not ideal single mixed league targets unless you have a deep bench to stash one of these backstops. These bats, however, have a shot at returning significant value if everything breaks right.
Tom Murphy (C, SEA) - 13% Owned
Tom Murphy has enjoyed more starts of late with Omar Narvaez beaten up in the late stages of the season. He's made the most of his playing time throughout the campaign as a part-time player as well racking up 17 taters, 38 RBI, and a commendable .276/.311/.561 slash line in 67 games played. Murphy's 127 wRC+ ranks third among all major league backstops and he's even more lethal versus lefties with a 196 wRC+ and a position-leading 11 home runs.
The 28-year-old's 33.2% K-rate is repulsive, but he's making the most of his contact with an elite 12.1% Barrel% and 45.0 Hard Hit%. Between mixing in as a designated hitter, and subbing out a battered Narvaez, Murphy could provide tremendous power numbers the rest of the way.
Two-Catcher League Options
This tier meshes catchers that may still be available in two-catcher leagues, as well as league specific setups. They may carry some single-catcher mixed-league value at some point, but for now, they can stay on your watchlist. They aren’t necessarily going to win you a category, but they won’t hurt your overall production either.
Pedro Severino (C, BAL) - 2% Owned
Pedro Severino continues to post underrated offensive numbers this season with the Orioles. He's clubbed 11 big flies with 33 runs, 41 RBI, and a respectable .255/.325/.418 slash line in 87 games as he continues to receive the majority of starts behind the dish for the orange birds. Severino's numbers aren't too showy, but they certainly play in a two-catcher setup, especially with a favorable hitting schedule over the final three weeks.
Baltimore will play all but four games outside of the hitter-friendly AL East the rest of the way with their only road games coming against an underwhelming Detroit pitching staff. Their toughest test will come this week when the Dodgers come to town, but after that series, it will be a cakewalk in games versus Toronto, Boston, and Seattle. Look for Severino to count some late-season numbers as he polishes off his first campaign as a starter.
Grayson Greiner (C, DET) - 0% Owned
The Detroit Tigers recently called up 26-year-old Grayson Greiner to help leg out the remaining games on the team's schedule. He's made an impact early, going 5-for-16 in his first four games back with the big league club after making the Tigers roster out of spring training. A back injury in June has sidelined him until a rehab assignment in mid-August, and he's now fully healthy and ready to contribute.
The Tigers haven't gotten much out of their other catching prospect Jake Rogers, who's hit an ugly .102 in 102 plate appearances since his promotion. With Rogers struggling, Greiner could see the bulk of the playing time moving forward to help him nail down another starting spot for next season. Detroit has nothing to lose by letting the youngster take over behind the dish, making Greiner an alluring two-catcher add for managers looking to take a chance on a flier.
More Waiver Wire Pickups and Streamers
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