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

Catcher Waiver Wire Pickups For Week 7

Riley Mrack lists catchers who are potential fantasy baseball waiver wire pickups or add targets for Week 7. Consider adding and streaming these free agent options at the C position in mixed leagues and two-catcher leagues.

As we approach the middle of May, catching situations are becoming clearer and some players' numbers are starting to normalize with a larger sample size. We now have nearly two month's worth of games to better evaluate some early season cold streaks as well as some scorching-hot starts to the season.

If you're in the market for a catching upgrade this week or in the near future, 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.

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

 

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.

Robinson Chirinos (C, HOU) - 44% Owned

There likely isn't a better everyday catcher than Robinson Chirinos available in your fantasy league. He's started in nearly 75% of games for the Astros, and he handles the bat exceptionally well for a 34-year-old veteran. On the season Chirinos has six homers, 20 runs and 20 RBI while slashing .278/.412/.567, all numbers that are within the top-10 among catchers. His bat has picked up some steam of late as well with three round-trippers and a .389 batting average over his last seven games.

Houston is set up for a six-game slate this week all on the road visiting Detroit followed by a trip to hitter-friendly Fenway Park in Boston. Chirinos is a terrific stream play this week for those looking for an option in shallow leagues if you recently lost Buster Posey or Mike Zunino to the IL. Chirinos also fits the mold of anyone looking for a long-term option to occupy their catching spot as he's sure to hover around the top-10 at the position this season. His counting stats will continue to flourish in his first year batting in the Astros potent lineup, especially with the amount of playing time he'll receive this season.

James McCann (C, CHW) - 36%

The White Sox offseason signing of James McCann is shaping out to be a steal of a deal with his performance of late. Over his last 14 games, he's spanking the ball slashing .446/.475/.714 with three homers and 10 RBI. The White Sox have rewarded McCann with his superb play batting him either in the cleanup or fifth spot in the lineup and by giving him more starts behind the dish. McCann's .382 batting average on the year leads all major league backstops although it is helped out by an inflated .476 BABIP.

Some regression is bound to occur for McCann as he holds a .247/.294/.379 career slash line now entering his fifth full season in the big leagues. Although regression may not impact him as drastically as he's made improved contact at the plate by increasing his Hard Hit% from a 34.2% career mark to 46.3% in 2019. McCann is worth owning until we actually witness some decline in his game. The White Sox will continue to give him opportunities to pile up the stats batting in the meat of the order keeping him fantasy relevant even if his bat slows down. Ride his hot swing as far as it goes; it may wind up being one of the more valuable waiver wire discoveries this season.

 

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.

Willians Astudillo (C/3B, MIN) - 29% Owned

Activated off the IL on Sunday was Twins backstop and fan favorite Willians Astudillo. After missing the last two weeks with a strained left hamstring, "La Tortuga" returned to the lineup as the team's leadoff hitter in Sunday's game going 1-for-5 followed by a 1-for-4 performance Monday with both hits going for doubles. Astudillo was enjoying an excellent start to his 2019 season slashing .327/.340/.531 in his first 16 games before the injury, and it won't take long for him to regain his stroke. Although he qualifies as a catcher, he's been used all over the diamond getting starts at first, third, and in the outfield to keep his bat in the lineup.

It'll be interesting to see how the Twins utilize their deep lineup once Miguel Sano returns from his rehab within the next week or two. Astudillo still appears to be in line for quite a bit of playing time as he's one of the top players who hits for average for the Twins. His amazing contact skills have netted him just one strikeout and one walk on the year, a rare skill set in this day and age of baseball. Take advantage of those owners who dropped Astudillo after his injury. He's undoubtedly capable of remaining one of the top hitting catchers in average by season's end with substantial counting stats that will follow.

Pedro Severino (C, BAL) - 0% Owned

Fantasy managers in two-catcher or AL-only leagues looking for a streamer this week should turn their attention towards Orioles backstop Pedro Severino. The O's have a full schedule of games this week with a series at Yankee Stadium followed by a four-game set in Cleveland. It's a terrific opportunity for the 25-year-old to add on to his five home runs as he'll play in two top-10 ballparks that favor hitters. For the year, Severino is slashing .246/.333/.525 on an underwhelming Baltimore team, but he's worth at least a one-week flier in a thin catching pool.

Severino has played approximately every other game for the Orioles making this his most prominent role as a major leaguer to date. He came up in the Nationals system playing a career-high 70 games with the major league club last year before getting placed on waivers this offseason. He showed some pop in the minor leagues swatting 13 big flies across 174 games in his Triple-A tenure, so keep an eye on him to run into one in this week's slate of games.

 

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.

Jason Castro (C, MIN) - 1% Owned

Despite Astudillo and Mitch Garver receiving all the attention in the fantasy world, Jason Castro is having himself a fine season of his own. Slashing .245/.362/.612 with five homers, 11 runs, and 12 RBI in 18 games, the 31-year-old journeyman is proving that he can also be a fantasy asset in 2019. Starting the season as the team's number one catcher, he's since relinquished some playing time to Garver who's swinging one of the hottest bats of all backstops this season. Castro's play of late, however, has given the Twins an embarrassment of riches behind the dish.

Over his last seven starts, Castro has hit four homers and 10 RBI amid a 6-for-19 offensive tear. He's an even bigger asset in OBP leagues as he's consistently put up walk rates in the double-digits through the years. His current 13.7% BB% would be a career-high, and it is also the second-best mark among all catchers. After striking out a miserable 35.1% of the time in 2018, he's also improved on this category with a 24.1% mark this season. Castro has never hit for much of an average, which is commonplace for most backstops, but he has eclipsed double-digit homers in his last five full seasons. The left-handed swinger is certainly on pace for much more this year and could provide sneaky value in two-catcher formats.

Stephen Vogt (C, SF) - 1% Owned

With Buster Posey on the 7-day IL with a concussion, the door has opened for Stephen Vogt to take advantage of some more at-bats. The Giants hit Vogt second in the batting lineup twice over the weekend which is a welcoming compliment for any player. While he is unlikely to stay in this spot throughout the season, he may get some more starts at the top of the order this week making him a decent streamer in two-catcher leagues.

Since getting his call up to the majors on May 3, Vogt has hit .350 in his eight games including a home run and three RBI. He's also hit a trio of doubles as he's taken over the backup job after the club recently designated Erik Kratz for assignment. Posey may return for a portion of the weekend series against the Diamondbacks, but will likely be eased back into action after his concussion last week. Deep league managers can afford to take a flier on Vogt as the 34-year-old could earn more starts behind the plate if Posey misses more time or begins transitioning to first base.

More Waiver Wire Pickups and Streamers


Check out RotoBaller's entire fantasy baseball waiver wire pickups and sleepers list, updated daily!




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

Shemar Stewart

Not Practicing With College Team
Uchenna Nwosu

Seahawks Place Uchenna Nwosu on PUP List
Taylor Decker

Alim McNeill, Taylor Decker Placed on PUP List
Tyrion Davis-Price

Titans Waive Tyrion Davis-Price
Tre Harris

Chargers Relying on Tre Harris to Be Starting X Receiver
Eugenio Suárez

Eugenio Suarez Expected Back Friday
Micah Parsons

Will Become Highest-Paid Non-QB
MarShawn Lloyd

Vying for RB2 Role
Keandre Lambert-Smith

KeAndre Lambert-Smith Finds End Zone in First Training Camp Practice
Tyler Shough

Pushing for Fully Guaranteed Rookie Deal
Ar'Darius Washington

Goes on PUP List
Lamar Jackson

to be Even Better in 2025?
Tre Harris

Agrees to Terms on Rookie Deal
Justin Herbert

Off to Good Start at Training Camp
Jameson Williams

Earning Rave Reviews from Lions Coaches
Christian Mahogany

Expected to Start for Lions
Zach Allen

an Extension Candidate in Denver?
Zaire Franklin

May Miss Start of Training Camp
Portland Trail Blazers

Damian Lillard Returning to Portland
Mason Taylor

to Play "Crucial" Role in Jets' Offense
Paul Skenes

Pirates Could Preserve Paul Skenes in Second Half
T.J. Watt

Once Again Becomes Highest-Paid Non-QB
RJ Harvey

Reaches Agreement on Four-Year Rookie Contract
Rashee Rice

Chiefs Believe Rashee Rice Will Receive Two- to Four-Game Suspension
Brooks Barnhizer

Grabs 19 Points, Nine Boards in Summer League Win
Jeremiah Fears

Scores 22 Points in Summer League Loss to Thunder
Isaiah Collier

Collects 17 Points In Summer League Win
Caleb Houstan

Joins Hawks
AJ Johnson

Erupts for 25 Points in Summer League Loss
Washington Wizards

Leaky Black Logs Double-Double in Loss to Jazz
Connor Norby

Undergoes Surgery, Expected to Miss 6-8 Weeks
Trey Alexander

Tallies 25 Points in Losing Effort
Johni Broome

Records Second Consecutive Double-Double
Jahmir Young

Has Historic Summer League Outing
Rob Dillingham

Plays Big Role in Wednesday's Win
Tyrese Proctor

Erupts for 35 Points Against Kings
Cody Williams

Leads Jazz to Victory Against Wizards
LeBron James

Mavs Not Interested in "Gutting its Roster" For LeBron James
Josh Hart

Undergoes a Procedure on Right Finger
Jake Burger

Goes on 10-Day Injured List With Quad Strain
Sal Frelick

Dealing With Grade 1 Hamstring Strain, TBD for Start of Second Half
Chris Sale

Plays Catch
Los Angeles Clippers

Bradley Beal Heading to Los Angeles to Join Clippers After Contract Buyout
Rayan Rupert

Scores 24 Points in Summer League Win
Derik Queen

Collects Third Consecutive Double-Double in Summer League Loss
GG Jackson II

Records 13 Points in Summer League Action on Tuesday
Johni Broome

Logs Double-Double Against Wizards
DaRon Holmes II

Records Double-Double in Summer League Loss to Raptors
Kyle Schwarber

Named All-Star Game MVP
Harris English

Takes Stellar 2025 Performance to The Open Championship
Aldrich Potgieter

Seeks Better Result in Northern Ireland
Cameron Young

Likely to Hang Around at The Open Championship
Cameron Smith

Just Trying to Make the Cut at Royal Portrush
Jordan Spieth

Is Jordan Spieth Still a Natural for Links Style Golf?
Patrick Reed

a Viable Option at The Open Championship
PGA

Sungjae Im Wants to Rebound from Last Experience at Royal Portrush
Xander Schauffele

Looks to Defend His Claret Jug at Royal Portrush
Tony Finau

Trying to Turn Tide at Royal Portrush
Daniel Brown

Seeks a Rebound at The Open Championship
Rory McIlroy

Will be the Most Watched Player This Week at Royal Portrush
Daniel Berger

Trending Poorly as The Open Championship Looms
Clayton Kershaw

Retires Both Batters In ASG Appearance
Eugenio Suárez

Eugenio Suarez Hit In Pinky In All-Star Game, X-Rays Negative
MLB

NL All-Stars Win On Tie-Breaker Home Run Swing-Off
Robert MacIntyre

Hoping to Bounce Back at Open Championship
Shane Lowry

Hopes to Repeat at Royal Portrush
Brian Harman

Hopes to Rekindle Some Magic at the 153rd Open
UTA

Michael Carcone Returns to Utah on One-Year Contract
Bowen Byram

Signs Two-Year Deal with Sabres
Morgan Barron

Jets Re-Sign Morgan Barron for Two Years
PGA

Chris Gotterup Punches Ticket to Royal Portrush With Win at Scottish Open
Bryson DeChambeau

Hopes to Reverse Links Golf Struggle at the 153rd Open
Keegan Bradley

Needs to Find The Weekend at Royal Portrush for Ryder Cup Hopes
Oneil Cruz

Ties Home Run Derby Distance Record
Cal Raleigh

Wins 2025 Home Run Derby
Justin Thomas

Finishes Tied For 22nd at Genesis Scottish Open
Scottie Scheffler

Finishes Tied For Eighth at Genesis Scottish Open
Jon Rahm

Finishes in Second at LIV Andalucia
Tallison Teixeira

Suffers First-Round TKO
Derrick Lewis

Scores First-Round TKO
Michael Lorenzen

Royals Put Michael Lorenzen on Injured List With Oblique Strain
Stephen Thompson

Loses Controversial Split Decision
Gabriel Bonfim

Wins Controversial Split Decision
Calvin Kattar

Gets Outclassed At UFC Nashville
Steve Garcia

Extends His Win Streak
Nate Landwehr

Gets Knocked Out
Morgan Charrière

Morgan Charriere Scores Third-Round Knockout
Austen Lane

Suffers Submission Loss
Vitor Petrino

Scores First-Round Submission In Heavyweight Debut
Tuco Tokkos

Earns His First UFC Win
Junior Tafa

Unsuccessful in his Light-Heavyweight Debut
Chase Elliott

Charges to A Finish of Third At Sonoma
Chase Briscoe

Finishes Second With his First Career Road-Course Top-Five at Sonoma
Christopher Bell

Rollercoaster Day Ends With Top-5 Finish at Sonoma
William Byron

Maintains the Regular-Season Points Lead
Kyle Busch

Earns A Hard-Fought Top-10 Finish At Sonoma
Alex Ovechkin

Not Thinking About Retirement
PIT

Penguins Acquire Arturs Silovs
NHL

Nikolai Kovalenko Returns to Russia
Yoshinobu Yamamoto

Tosses Gem Against Giants
Shota Imanaga

Shuts Down Yankees on Sunday
Nathan Eovaldi

Dominant Again in Seventh Win
Tyler Reddick

Evades Near Upset to Remain Alive in In-Season Challenge
Ty Gibbs

One of Three Tylers to Make In-Season Challenge Semifinals
Kyle Larson

Curiously Mediocre at Sonoma Before Late-Race Crash
NASCAR

John H. Nemechek Edges Out Teammate to Make In-Season Challenge Semifinal
Alex Bowman

Ty Dillon Bumps Alex Bowman to Advance to In-Season Challenge Semifinal
Chicago White Sox

Billy Carlson Goes 10th Overall to White Sox
Cincinnati Reds

Steele Hall Selected Ninth by Cincinnati
Toronto Blue Jays

Blue Jays Select JoJo Parker with Eighth Overall Pick
Miami Marlins

Marlins Select Aiva Arquette With Seventh Overall Pick
Pittsburgh Pirates

Pirates Select Seth Hernandez with Sixth Overall Pick
Shane Van Gisbergen

Can Anyone Beat Shane van Gisbergen at Sonoma?
Tyler Reddick

Better at Sonoma Than Record Shows
Chase Elliott

a Prime DFS Option at Sonoma
Michael McDowell

Struggling a Bit at Sonoma
NASCAR

Christopher Bell Has Never Finished Better Than Ninth at Sonoma
Ryan Blaney

Has Top-10 Upside at Sonoma
NASCAR

Sunday at Sonoma Will Likely Be a Long Race for Bubba Wallace
Kyle Larson

Is A Likely Top-Five Contender for Sonoma
Ryan Preece

Points Position Could Affect Race at Sonoma
Todd Gilliland

Struggling to Find Speed at Sonoma
Ty Gibbs

May be an Underrated Favorite to Compete for the Win at Sonoma
Erik Karlsson

Open to Move Away From Pittsburgh
Zach Hyman

Hopes to be Ready for Start of Next Season
SJ

Jeff Skinner Joins Sharks on One-Year Contract
RANKINGS
C
1B
2B
3B
SS
OF
SP
RP

RANKINGS

QB
RB
WR
TE
K
DEF