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

Digger Deeper: AL-Only Waiver Wire Report for Week 17

Read about deeper fantasy baseball waiver wire pickups and sleepers for AL-Only leagues. Jon Denzler identifies players to target, pickup, or stash for week 17.

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 for 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. Now, onto the AL version of the Island of Misfit Fantasy Toys. Note, all FAAB recommendations are based on a $1000 budget.

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

 

C - Austin Romine (C, NYY)

2% owned, FAAB $8 
The first of a few Yankees on the list this week, Romine offers what has been a steady presence on a surging ballclub. When the catching position is again a bit of a dumpster fire this week, all of this matters more than it should. While there are others with starting roles behind Romine on the list, none have nearly as good of a team context as he does. This means that even with questions on his own skills at the plate, Romine will score runs when he does get on base. Even more, with Gary Sanchez headed the Injured List, Romine is the primary backstop for the next few weeks.
So far, in 39 games, Romine is slashing .244/.262/.328 with two homers and one steal. While noteworthy for the position, owners are still staring at a .211 xBA and .255 xWOBA, offering a bit more context. While the smaller sample size influences the expected numbers, it is fair to say that .244 might be the ceiling. Still, Romine can run into some power, and with the starting spot, even without much production on his own, is the best option on the wire right now. At the very least the glove will keep him in the game, meaning owners can play on runs by team context alone.

1B - Greg Bird (1B, NYY)

1% owned, FAAB $6 
The second Yankee to populate the list this week, Bird has always been a fantasy darling. That is, when he has been healthy. While he has never matched the early-career hype and production, Bird still offers the rawest power on the wire this week. In 186 total games with the Yankees, Bird has 32 total homers, with a .424 career slugging line. Not the gross production some might expect, but the slugging line shows that there is pop in the bat. While health has been the main issue so far, Yankee Stadium still offers an ideal fit for this type of swing profile.
While currently listed on the Injured List, Bird seems to be on his way back in the next few weeks. If the Yankees do not add a bat at the deadline, with the mounting injuries to their other power bats, the team will look internally for that piece. This means that Bird will be given a chance to play his way into a playoff role, and this was the spot that shot him to fame his first go around with the Yankees. Even more, without a clear option at first in the minors ready to step in, the batting floor, at least with the power, for Bird seems to be the best real-life fit as well. All upside with this pick, the price will be low enough to throw this dart. Owners should move earlier if they want to add him for under $10 at this rate.

2B - Harold Castro (2B/OF, DET)

1% owned, FAAB $12 
After being thought of as minor league filler for the Tigers entering the year, Castro now finds himself batting second on most nights. With a hot start to the year, Castro might even be emerging as the answer at second base for the team moving forward with a full rebuild. At Triple-A, before his call, Castro was slashing .328/.371/.484 with four homers and 20 runs scored. This has continued with Detroit, as through 43 games Castro has slashed .295/.307/.418 with two homers and two steals.
Based on the career numbers, Castro looks to have a carrying stat in the batting but will need to find power and speed to emerge as a starter. The good news is that with a .285 xBA, this start seems to be likely to continue. Even more, with Gordan Beckham being the only other option on the roster at second, Castro is the player with a future on the roster. A low-ceiling, but high-floor option at second, expect a .280 batting line with some counting support the rest of the way.

3B - Matt Duffy (3B, TB)

1% owned, FAAB $16 
A former regular for the Rays in past seasons, Duffy has only played in one game this year due to an injury. For owners, this means there is a starting-caliber player, albeit with some flaws, on a team still hanging in the playoff race, free on the wire. Duffy is as good as a mid-season trade or call-up based on how he expects to play. Still, even with the situational value. Duffy has been one of the better contact hitters over the past few years. Last year, his .294 batting line placed him in the top 15% of the league, and a career .286 mark shows the success over the years.
While he does not have the big bat associated with third and might fit better as a bat at shortstop, there is still pop in the bat. With 67 career doubles and nine triples, Duffy can find the gaps at Tropicana and use above-average speed to push hits into extra-bases. Playing time is there with Yandy Diaz’s recent injury, and the floor is too high to be on the wire. The highest floor on playing time on the list, with the track record to back up some fantasy value, Duffy is a clear win this week.

SS - Luis Rengifo (2B/SS, LAA)

2% owned, FAAB $12 
Rengifo has been hard to add this year based on questions regarding both playing time and production at the plate. Still, with playing time has come production, and so, the floor seems to be ticking up for fantasy owners. With 63 games and 214 ABs, and with Zack Cozart looking to be out for the year, the playing time seems to only be getting clearer on this team. While he seems to be hitting at the bottom of the order, having Mike Trout drive him in makes it easier to count on runs. This means that owners can trade upside for a compiler, and a player that the Angels want to see play out the year.
On the bat, thee questions are tied to contact, as he seems to have more raw power than other second basemen. So far, Rengifo is slashing .262/.329/.393 with three homers and one steal. Like others in this ownership bracket, the main draw is a batting average floor, and owners will have to settle for mediocre power and speed numbers. For now, a safe profile, and with the team, owners can hope for some upside based on how the team is playing of late.

OF - Brian Goodwin (OF, LAA)

3% owned, FAAB $15 
Designated by the Royals earlier this year, Goodwin quickly found a role with the Angels. To date, he has played in 82 games and slashed .285/.341/.467 with eight homers and three stolen bases. Playing in all three outfield spots over the past week, Goodwin has moved to the reserve role since the return of Justin Upton. Still, when the bat has been this good, he will find those spots and get the benefit or normal rotation off the bench. His ability to play in center and the corners will help him remain on the team, and with Jo Adell a year away, there is no pressure for the spot.
The other reasons to buy Goodwin the rest of the way is tied to the .404 xSLG. For a player without much power over his career, any increase will push up his chances to jump up fantasy rosters. A good glove will keep him on this year, and with the playoffs still open, there is no reason for the team to move on from a productive hitter. Even more, if he can keep on the 15/15 pace, Goodwin is back to being a top-50 outfielder. While he is still capped on playing time, the skills are there for a fantasy bat in only-league at least.

OF - Tyler Naquin (OF, CLE)

4% owned, FAAB $18 
If there is a player who has changed minds in the fantasy community this year it has been Naquin. Still, with a current 4% ownership rate, the majority of players have not jumped on board. In July alone, Naquin hit .396 with three homers and a steal. For the year this pushed the season-long line to .288/.322/.505 with nine homers and four steals. While the power is not where it needs to be for a starter in a corner spot, the batting line growth shows that things are starting to click for the lefty.
Comparing this year along to his career marks, Naquin is hitting the ball two miles-per-hour harder, and with a five-point jump in his launch angle. This means that the 40 Hard Hit%, which is only up two points from his career mark, is putting the ball in the air more. With this comes for more power, but also for Naquin, more balls finding the field. Due to Cleveland's needs, there is a clear starting role the rest of the way for Naquin, and owners should buy before the price rises even more.

OF - Bubba Starling (OF, KC)

2% owned, FAAB $12 
Making a repeat appearance on the list, Starling has been impressive since his call a week back. Through eight games, Starling has eight hits, one homer, and seven runs scored. Even better, he has looked good in the field and has overall played better than expected. With the prospect pedigree still there, and a rebound over the past year, the hype should be back. As he has taken over in center, and is only 26, will play as he can factor into this rebuild.
The question is fantasy impact, as the Royals are just not that good. This means lots of empty trips to the bases, and a reliance on his limited power for runs. The silver lining is that since the break, the Royals have been one of the better teams offensively. A young team with obvious upside, this is the ideal fantasy spot for a toolsy outfielder. If the team continues to play well, Starling will get the bounce. If not, he has the tools to play on his own, and show what he has for 2020.

SP - Jalen Beeks (SP, TB)

2% owned
Added last year in return for Nathan Eovaldi, Beeks seemed like a good fit for the follower role in Tampa Bay. And yet, in his one start this year, he went seven strong innings. A starter in the minors, the report was that he lacked the stuff to churn a roster three times. Still, even in other relief appearances, with 21 total this year, Beeks has posted a 1.33 WHIP and 3.69 ERA. Add in an 8.5 BB% and Beeks looks to at least be a lefty with some length in the pen.
Still, the plan is for his to start this week, and then be the first option up for busy weeks ahead. While Beeks does give up a good amount of hard contact, with a 30% career line, he also has been able to limit the damage with only seven homers in 68 innings. Even more, the batting line sits at .268, so there is some room for improvement, but the current profile is a good fit for the Rays. A higher floor option with a good team in support, Beeks is a steamable option for the next few weeks at the least.

RP - Nick Goody (RP, CLE)

1% owned
While the Cleveland bullpen is as locked into their roles as any in the game, and Brad Hand will not lose the job, Goody still has definite fantasy value without saves. A former waiver pick-up from the Yankees, Goody was electric when he first got to the team. After an injury knocked out most of his 2018 campaign, Goody is back on the mount and flashing his elite stuff. With Cleveland, relievers earn their way into roles, and Goody has been a favorite for Terry Francona's. With the ability to pitch out of jams, Goody will end innings, with the ability to continue into the next frame.
For his career, Goody has posted a 21% K rate, but this year, that is up to 39%. In 2017, his first year in Cleveland, Goody had a 32.6 K%. All of this shows that the stuff plays, and he will be an elite option for counting stats in pitching categories. Even more, with a 1.25 WHIP, and a 1.03 line this year, Goody has great ratios as well. A reliable reliever, with a 12 K/9 upside, owners can start and forget this arm on their teams.

 

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