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Deeper Waiver Wire Pickups For Week 16 (American League)

By Keith Allison on Flickr (Original version) UCinternational (Crop) [CC-BY-SA-2.0 (http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/2.0)], via Wikimedia Commons

Tony Peters analyzes some American League players to target as fantasy baseball waiver wire pickups & adds in Week 16. These AL-only targets can be sleepers.

As a long-standing fan of WWE (despite and in spite of its glaring issues), I am excited for the roster draft that shall have already happened by the time this comes out. In an attempt to shake up stagnant TV ratings, the company is holding a roster draft live Tuesday night where two on-site general managers draft for their respective TV show not unlike how we drafted our fantasy teams earlier this year (minus the pre-determined parts, of course).

If you could shake up your roster today and redraft, would you? Do you wish you could have a pick or two back or all of them? A decent draft is one of the keys to fantasy success, but doesn't mean it's not possible to remake a team over time using the waiver wire. Whether you have one or all the roster holes, here are some choice picks to help your second half push, all owned in 25% or less of Flea Flicker leagues.

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

Ryon Healy (3B, OAK) - 2% Owned

Rookie third baseman Ryon Healy makes the list this week following a successful MLB debut last week. Though he has generally flown under the radar in terms of prospect notoriety due to mild power and defensive question marks, a hot start to his Triple-A career this season (a .318 average and six home runs in 210 at-bats) has pushed him firmly into the Athletics' sights as a future starter. In his first taste of the Majors, Healy is hitting a respectable .267 with one home run and four RBI in 15 at-bats. With Oakland committed to letting him start as long as he hits, owners in need of a third baseman should be sure to pick up this lottery ticket.

Yulieski Gurriel (3B, HOU) - Not Available At Time Of Publishing

If a player isn't available in the system, why would he be worth talking about? Because newly-signed Cuban third baseman Yulieski Gurriel is considered a can't-miss talent that is said to be weeks away from making his MLB debut after signing with Houston last week. In his youth, he was considered one of the best players in Cuba, but at 32 years of age, he comes with some wear on his tires. Regardless, Gurriel's coming off a huge 2015 campaign in Cuba that saw him hit .500 with 15 home runs and 51 RBI in only 174 at-bats. The moment he is added to the player pool in your league, he's a must-add.

Sandy Leon (C, BOS) - 16% Owned

To make sure, dear readers, that we are on the same wave length, let me start by saying that catcher Sandy Leon isn't the second coming of Jason Varitek. The 10-year minor league veteran has been ablaze since making his season debut last month, slashing an absurd .452/.493/.694 with two home runs and 12 RBI in only 62 at-bats. But after averaging about two home runs and a .238 average during his minor league career, this is a classic fantasy catfish scenario. But as anyone in a two-catcher league can attest to, a short-lived hot streak from a temporary piece is a lot better than nothing or something negative.

Steve Pearce (1B/2B/OF, TB) - 25% Owned & Kevin Kiermaier (OF, TB) - 14% Owned

Tampa Bay got some reinforcements for the second half this past week in the form of disabled list activations for utility man Steve Pearce and outfielder Kevin Kiermaier. Both are returning from minor injuries to a team in need of an offensive spark, though only Pearce can be counted on right away. He has rebounded from a rough 2015 to hit .322 with nine home runs in 174 at-bats, making him a must-add if he was foolishly dropped. Kiermaier, on the other hand, has continued his slow start to 2016, going 1-for-10 since being activated. There's still plenty of time for the offensively-average outfielder to turn things around, but until then, he's nothing more than a bench stash.

Kurt Suzuki (C, MIN) - 14% Owned

Catcher Kurt Suzuki is quietly pushing himself back into fantasy relevance and past his disappointing 2015. After hitting .240 with five home runs and 50 RBI in 433 at-bats last season, he's currently at .285 with five home runs and 31 RBI. With the Twins set to be deadline sellers, there's a high chance that Suzuki's hot streak is actually an audition for suitors in playoff contention. Grab him now and hope for any destination outside of Minnesota, as anywhere will be a fantasy upgrade.

 

Pitchers

Daniel Norris (SP, DET) - 3% Owned

Starting pitcher Daniel Norris made his first rehab start Monday as he works his way back to the Tigers' rotation. He looked sharp, allowing one run over four innings while striking out four. On the disabled list with a strained oblique, Norris was just finding his groove before he went down, striking out eight Marlins in a win the start before he was injured. A top prospect in the minors, Detroit is expecting a lot from him going forward. If he can deliver on that, he'll be a more than worthy fantasy addition.

Nate Jones (RP, CHW) - 20% Owned

Relief pitcher Nate Jones has carved himself out an important role in the White Sox's bullpen this season, emerging as the man to own behind closer David Robertson. Since June 1st, he's 2-1 with two saves, six holds, a 1.37 ERA and 23 strikeouts in 19.2 innings, hence the hike in ownership. Robertson has a firm hold over the closer role, but is clear that Jones is his handcuff, and a productive one at that. Grab him for whatever fantasy needs you have, he helps with them all.

Ryan Dull (RP, OAK) - 12% Owned

Another emerging closer handcuff, rookie Ryan Dull inherited the role from injured setup man Sean Doolittle. He picked up his first save of the season July 9th on a night when closer Ryan Madson was unavailable. With the Athletics another team on the selling side of the upcoming trade deadline, the free-agent-to-be Madson is a likely player to be moved. If so, look for Dull and his 2.05 ERA and 9.3 K/9 to slide into that role until Doolittle returns to health.

Trevor May (RP, MIN) - 1% Owned

Relief pitcher Trevor May has returned from the disabled list performing like the pitcher he was expected to be this year. In four July innings, he's 1-0 with a 0.00 ERA and five strikeouts. With the closer role currently being held by one of the Twins better trade chips, minor league signee Brandon Kintzler, there's hope that May can show some consistency and be more than just a dark horse candidate for saves. Even if the saves don't come, he has the strikeout ability to help fantasy teams if he can suppress runs effectively.

Miguel Gonzalez (SP, CHW) - 2% Owned

Starting pitcher Miguel Gonzalez isn't a great starting pitcher, but that doesn't mean he is incapable of throwing quality starts it seems (last year's Orioles beg to differ). Over the past month, he has one win, a 3.94 ERA, 1.13 WHIP and 20 strikeouts in 32 innings. Those numbers surely won't help a fantasy team take first place or likely to last all season. But a life preserver is a life preserver: it only needs to get you to next thing, it's not a boat for all your friends that you'll never forget.

 

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




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REAL-TIME FANTASY NEWS

Marvin Harrison Jr.

to Take Part in Wednesday's Walkthrough Practice
Drake London

Day-to-Day, Will Practice on Wednesday
CFB

Jeremiyah Love Officially Heading to NFL Draft
Quinn Ewers

Making First Career Start in Week 16
Tua Tagovailoa

Being Benched by Dolphins
CFB

Jake Merklinger Leaving Tennessee for Transfer Portal
Jeremy Ruckert

Jets, Jeremy Ruckert Agree to a Two-Year Extension
Thatcher Demko

Shuts Out Rangers With 23 Saves
Macklin Celebrini

Notches Four Points in Tuesday's Win
Leon Draisaitl

Reaches Special Milestone During Four-Point Night
Shea Theodore

Questionable for Wednesday Night
Jack Eichel

Battling Illness
Darcy Kuemper

Placed on Injured Reserve
Brandon Montour

Hurt on Tuesday
Sam Merrill

Remains on Shelf Wednesday
Max Strus

Still Out Wednesday
Ayo Dosunmu

May Miss Another Game Wednesday
Brandon Clarke

Upgraded to Questionable on Injury Report
Cam Spencer

Unavailable Wednesday
Mike Conley

Remains Sidelined Wednesday
Zach LaVine

to Be Re-Evaluated in One Week
Mike Trout

Angels Open to Mike Trout Playing Center Field in 2026
Victor Wembanyama

Coming off the Bench on Tuesday Night
Rudy Gobert

Not on the Injury Report for Wednesday
Anthony Edwards

on the Injury Report Again for Wednesday Night
Ja Morant

Questionable for Wednesday's Meeting With Timberwolves
Saquon Barkley

Misses Practice With Stinger
RJ Harvey

Dealing With Rib Injury
Josh Jacobs

Intends to Play Against Bears on Saturday
Zach Bogosian

Misses Tuesday's Game
Marcus Johansson

Unavailable Tuesday
Artyom Levshunov

Scratched for Tuesday
Mathew Barzal

a Game-Time Call Tuesday
Joseph Woll

Returns to Action Tuesday
Mike Matheson

Won't Play on Tuesday
Rasmus Ristolainen

Makes Season Debut Tuesday
Bam Knight

Cardinals Place Bam Knight on Injured Reserve
CFB

Kansas State's Jayce Brown Intends to Transfer
CFB

Nation's Leading Passer Drew Mestemaker to Enter Transfer Portal
Justin Crawford

Phillies Planning to Start Justin Crawford in Center Field
CFB

Jayden Maiava Signs New Deal to Return to USC
CFB

Aidan Mizell Won't Return to Florida, Entering Transfer Portal
CFB

East Carolina Targeting Jordan Davis as Next Offensive Coordinator
Patrick Mahomes

Targeting Week 1 Return in 2026
Cutter Gauthier

Scores Twice at MSG
CFB

Michigan QB Jadyn Davis Set to Enter Transfer Portal
CFB

Travis Williams Joining Texas A&M Defensive Staff
Tim Stützle

Tim Stutzle Records Three Assists in Dramatic Win
Filip Forsberg

Nets 11th Career Hat Trick
Sam Reinhart

Pots Two Goals Against Lightning
Darcy Kuemper

Hurt Versus Stars
Gustav Forsling

Injured in Monday's Win
Brandon Hagel

Makes Early Exit Monday
Cooper Flagg

Becomes Youngest 40-Point Scorer in NBA History
Victor Wembanyama

May Come Off the Bench Again Tuesday
Nikola Jović

Nikola Jovic to Undergo MRI Tuesday
Sam Hauser

Tweaks Left Ankle Monday
Peyton Watson

Not Expected to Be Out Long-Term
Ja Morant

Injures Ankle in Monday's Win
Darren Waller

Hauls in Two Touchdowns in Monday Night Loss
Brandon Clarke

Still Out Monday
Rome Odunze

Considered Week-to-Week With Foot Injury
James Harden

Officially Active on Monday Night
Ja Morant

to Remain Under Minutes Restriction Monday
James Harden

a Game-Time Call Monday
Davante Adams

Considered Week-to-Week With Hamstring Injury
Jaylen Warren

to Play Through Illness on Monday Night
Bhayshul Tuten

to Miss a Few Weeks With Finger Injury
Joe Burrow

Will Start the Rest of the Season
Jayden Daniels

to be Shut Down for Final Three Games
Philip Rivers

Will Start Again in Week 16
Drake London

Falcons "Very Hopeful" Drake London Can Return in Week 16
CFB

Dylan Raiola Entering His Name into Transfer Portal
Micah Parsons

MRI Confirms Torn ACL for Micah Parsons
CFB

Cincinnati's Brendan Sorsby Plans to Transfer When Portal Opens
Adolis García

Adolis Garcia, Phillies Finalizing One-Year Deal on Monday
Jaylen Warren

Questionable for Monday Night Due to Illness
Brandon Royval

Suffers First-Round TKO Loss
CFB

Baylor, LSU, Miami Among Potential Suitors for DJ Lagway
CFB

Aidan Chiles Will Enter Transfer Portal
Manel Kape

Shines At UFC Vegas 112
Kevin Vallejos

Gets Second-Round Knockout Win
Giga Chikadze

Suffers His First Career Knockout Loss
CFB

Quarterback DJ Lagway Entering Transfer Portal
Cesar Almeida

Gets Dominated
Cezary Oleksiejczuk

Wins Sixth Fight In A Row
Morgan Charrière

Morgan Charriere Suffers First-Round Knockout Loss
Melquizael Costa

Gets First-Round Knockout Win
Marcus Buchecha

Still Winless In The UFC
Kennedy Nzechukwu

And Marcus Buchecha Fight To Draw
Lance Gibson jr

Lance Gibson Jr. Drops Decision In His UFC Debut
King Green

Gets Back In The Win Column
Kenley Jansen

Agrees to One-Year Deal With Tigers
Merrill Kelly

Returns to Diamondbacks on Two-Year Deal
Jorge Polanco

Agrees to Two-Year Deal With Mets
CFB

LaNorris Sellers to Return to South Carolina in 2026
CFB

Washington State Expected to Hire Kirby Moore as Next Head Coach
CFB

Kyle Whittingham Stepping Down as Utah Head Coach
Manel Kape

Set For UFC Vegas 112 Main Event
Brandon Royval

An Underdog At UFC Vegas 112
Kevin Vallejos

Set For His Third UFC Fight
Giga Chikadze

In Dire Need Of Victory
Cesar Almeida

Set To Welcome Cezary Oleksiejczuk To The UFC
Cezary Oleksiejczuk

Set To Make His UFC Debut
Maikel Garcia

Royals Agree on Five-Year Extension
Melquizael Costa

Looks To Extend His Win Streak
Morgan Charrière

Morgan Charriere Looks to Win Second Consecutive Fights
Marcus Buchecha

Looks To Bounce Back
CFB

Sherrone Moore Charged with Home Invasion, Among Other Charges
CFB

Freddie Kitchens Fired from North Carolina Coaching Staff
CFB

Bryce Underwood Could Leave Michigan Without Buyout
Fernando Tatis Jr.

Padres Not Considering Trading Fernando Tatis Jr.
Tarik Skubal

Tigers Engaged in "Serious Talks" Around Trading Tarik Skubal at the Winter Meetings
CFB

Chris Brazzell II Declaring for NFL Draft
Raisel Iglesias

to Remain the Braves Closer
Robert Suarez

Agrees on Three-Year Deal With Braves

RANKINGS

QB
RB
WR
TE
K
DEF
RANKINGS
C
1B
2B
3B
SS
OF
SP
RP