👉 TAP TO SAVE 50% WITH CODE SPRING
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


Digging Deeper: Week 9 NL Waiver Wire Targets

Welcome back to our Week 9 edition of Digging Deeper, our weekly column where we will focus on deep league waiver wire options. My counterpart Tom Bellucco will be handling the American League while I focus on the National League.

For those that have played in limited size leagues, you are well aware that at-bats and innings are the precious commodities. You are not going to find a top-100 player on the wire at any point this season. In fact, top-150 is a stretch. And as the year goes on, the options are going to get uglier and uglier.

Players in shallow standard formats who are here because they love fantasy baseball (thanks for reading!) will find some of these players apprehensive. But at the end of the day at-bats and innings are key, and that's where our attention will be.

Featured Promo: Save 50% the regular price with discount code SPRING, for a limited time. Exclusive access to our Team Sync platform, DFS cheat sheets, Lineup Optimizers, betting/prop picks, and exclusive content from Nick Mariano and Eric Cross! GAIN ACCESS NOW

 

Digging Deeper: Week 9 Pickups - NL

Hope everyone enjoyed their Memorial Day weekend. Memorial Day is known as the tipping point for fantasy, in which hot starts begin to turn into breakthrough seasons and distinguished players who haven't put it together get sent to the waiver wire.

 

Arodys Vizcaino (SP, SD) - 12% owned in Y! Leagues

There is no standout pitcher to begin this week, so let's shift to the closer carousal. As the month turns to June the hot stove should begin to warm up, and closers/standout relievers are worth a pretty penny. The Braves are not contending this year and Jim Johnson (1 year/$2.5M) is going to be a prime candidate given his closer and set-up experience. This will open the door for last year's closer, Arodys Vizcaino, to take his role back. Vizcaino has been excellent in the set-up role, compiling a 2.11 ERA and 24/7 K/BB in 21.1 innings. He's a two-pitch reliever, featuring a fastball that sits at 98 mph and a heavy curveball. He's an excellent add for save-needy owners.

Trevor Williams (SP, PIT) - 0% owned in Y! Leagues

Williams is one of the pitchers where his stuff doesn't equal his stats. Williams has a 5.20 ERA and 1.32 WHIP while his soft ball contact is up and his line drive rate is down. He also has been doing well at limiting base runners since stepping into a starting role. In his past four starts (21.2 IP) Williams has a 3.32 ERA and 13/3 K/BB. He's worth a start his next time out versus the struggling Mets.

Randall Delgado (SP/RP, ARI) - 1% owned in Y! Leagues

This is a one-time buy, but it's worth investing. Delgado started in place of Taijuan Walker on Memorial Day and was fantastic, pitching 5.2 innings and limited the Pirates to one run. He struck out eight and walked none. Delgado has been excellent out of the Diamondbacks bullpen, posting a 35/6 K/BB through 36 innings. Keep in mind Delgado was originally a Braves starter when he was a central piece to the Justin Upton trade. Delgado gets the Marlins on Saturday and will be worth holding onto should Walker experience another setback.

Allen Cordoba (OF, SD) - 1% owned in Y! Leagues

Yes, the Padres are a wasteland for offense. BUT -- everyone likes at-bats, and that's what we get from Cordoba. Cordoba has settled into the leadoff role with Manuel Margot (calf) on the disabled list and been a hitting machine. In his past 43 at-bats, he is hitting .349. The issue -- he only has three runs, one RBI, and a steal. He's purely an average play, but at-bats are scarce in NL-leagues so give him a shot.

Chase Utley (2B/3B, LAD) - 2% owned in Y! Leagues

What year is it? Utley, 38, looks like the MVP-version recently, providing a spark for the NL-West leading Dodgers. In his past five games, Utley is hitting 7-for-20 (.350) with three home runs, six RBI, and a steal for good measure. Dave Roberts has gotten creative with his lineup, inserting Utley, Chris Taylor, and Logan Forsythe at various positions to keep their bats in the lineup. Whatever he's doing, it's working. Utley is a good short-term add while he stays hot.

Chase d'Arnaud (2B/SS/3B/OF, SD) - 0% owned in Y! Leagues

Another Padre? It may look unappealing but NL-only leagues take what we can get, and it looks like d'Arnaud just got the shortstop job in San Diego. d'Arnaud, 30, has been a swiss-army bench weapon at each MLB stop but given Erick Aybar's struggles (.196/.273/.311) he may have a full-time role. d'Arnaud isn't a MLB-bat, but he does have speed including two steals this past week.  He's now started four of the past five games and should see playing time going forward. If you need speed, this is a good option.

 

Previously Discussed Players

Tim Adleman (SP, CIN)

Aaron Altherr (OF, PHI)

Christian Arroyo (SS/3B, SFG)

Jacob Barnes (RP, MIL)

Cody Bellinger (1B/OF, LAD)

Joaquin Benoit (RP, PHI)

Ty Blach (SP, SFG)

Eddie Butler (SP, CHC)

Gregor Blanco (OF, ARI)

Archie Bradley (SP/RP, ARI)

Jarred Cosart (SP, SD)

Jorge De La Rosa (SP/RP, ARI)

Wilmer Flores (1B/2B/3B, NYM)

Adam Frazier (2B/3B/SS/OF, PIT)

Amir Garrett (SP, CIN)

Zack Godley (SP, ARI)

Austin Hedges (C, SD)

Gorkys Hernandez (OF, SFG)

Kike Hernandez (SS/OF, LAD)

John Jaso (1B/OF, PIT)

Corey Kneubel (RP, MIL)

Dinelson Lamet (SP, SD)

Michael Lorenzen (SP/RP, CIN)

Jose Martinez (1B/OF , STL)

Tommy Pham (OF, STL)

Felipe Rivero (RP, PIT)

Miguel Rojas (2B/SS, MIA)

Joe Ross (SP, WAS)

Rio Ruiz (3B, ATL)

Antonio Senzatela (SP, COL)

Eric Sogard (2B/3B, MIL)

Cory Spangenberg (2B/3B/OF, SD)

Ross Stripling (SP, LAD)

Michael Taylor (OF, WAS)

Alex Wood (SP, LA)

 

More Waiver Wire Pickups and Adds




REAL-TIME FANTASY NEWS

Odell Beckham Jr.

Giants Not Looking to Sign Odell Beckham Jr. Right Now
Bo Nix

Will be Full Speed Before Training Camp
Shane Van Gisbergen

Shane van Gisbergen the Heavy Favorite at Watkins Glen
Chase Elliott

Is Chase Elliott a No-Brainer DFS Pick at Watkins Glen?
Chris Buescher

Qualifies 14th at Watkins Glen
Ryan Blaney

Has Upside at Watkins Glen After Signing Contract Extension
Michael McDowell

Still Searching for First Top-Five Finish at Watkins Glen
Carson Hocevar

Is Carson Hocevar Too Aggressive for Road-Course Racing?
Joey Logano

Needs a Good Run at Watkins Glen
Duncan Robinson

Shines on Both Ends Saturday
Cade Cunningham

Records Second Career Postseason Triple-Double
Donovan Mitchell

Logs 35-Point Double-Double
James Harden

Plays Late Hero Saturday
OG Anunoby

Could Miss Another Game Sunday
Joel Embiid

Considered Probable for Sunday's Elimination Game
Jarred Vanderbilt

Active on Saturday Night
Logan Webb

Placed on 15-Day Injured List With Knee Bursitis
CHI

Blackhawks Bring in Roman Kantserov for Next Season
Mason McTavish

Set to Rejoin Ducks Lineup Sunday
Lukas Dostal

to Remain in Ducks Crease Sunday
Zach Bogosian

Back for Wild Saturday
Jesper Wallstedt

Starting Game 3 Against Avalanche
Joel Eriksson Ek

Not Ready to Return Saturday
Owen Tippett

Won't Play Saturday
Cooper Kupp

a Dynasty Hold into the Start of 2026 Season
Jaylen Warren

a Safe Dynasty Depth Piece with Insurance Upside
Christian McCaffrey

a Risky Dynasty Hold Who Still Exceeds His Trade Value
Brian Thomas Jr.

A Risky Buy-Low with Immense Upside
Tre' Harris

a Dynasty Hold That Could Require Patience
Braelon Allen

Dynasty Stock Takes a Hit After Teammate's Extension
Josh Allen

Still the Top Dynasty QB in his Prime
Kyler Murray

Suddenly a Rising Dynasty Target in Minnesota
Logan Webb

on Track to Start Against Dodgers on Monday
Mike Matheson

Leads by Example in Game 2 Win
Jakub Dobes

Rebounds After Loss Yet Again for Montreal
Rachaad White

Undervalued in Dynasty Leagues Despite a Path to Upside
Alex Newhook

Sets Tone in Big Montreal Victory
Stephon Castle

Overcomes Shooting Struggles Friday
Jake Tonges

Should by Now Be Rostered by Every Kittle Dynasty Manager
Anthony Edwards

Carries Heavy Usage in Defeat
Chig Okonkwo

a Clear Breakout Candidate in Washington
Lukas Dostal

Gets Pulled in Game 3 Loss on Friday
Victor Wembanyama

Joins Historic Playoff Company
Mikal Bridges

Continues Postseason Surge with 23-Point Game
Aaron Jones Sr.

Still a Low-Cost, Short-Term Dynasty Target
Kelly Oubre Jr.

Keeps Scoring Role Alive
Romeo Doubs

' Buy Window Could Soon Be Wide Open
Joel Embiid

Held to 18 Points in 76ers Game 3 Loss
Brett Howden

Notches Sixth Goal of the Postseason
Jalen Brunson

Tallies 33 Points to Take 3-0 Series Lead
VEG

Mitch Marner Hat Trick Helps Vegas Take Series Lead
Pat Bryant

Working With Training Staff This Offseason
Jacoby Brissett

in Communication With Cardinals Despite Skipping Workouts
Daniel Jones

Could Take Part in 7-on-7 Drills at OTAs
Tyler Glasnow

Dodgers Put Tyler Glasnow on Injured List With Back Spasms
Sam Merrill

Iffy for Game 3 on Saturday
Anthony Edwards

Rejoins Starting Lineup Friday
Kevin Huerter

Likely to Remain Out Saturday
Jarred Vanderbilt

Considered Questionable for Saturday
Jalen Williams

Ruled Out for Game 3 Against Lakers
Ayo Dosunmu

Cleared to Play Friday
Anthony Edwards

Available Friday Night
Mats Zuccarello

Expected to Play Saturday
Joel Eriksson Ek

to Be a Game-Time Decision Saturday
Jonas Brodin

Still Out Saturday
Josh Manson

Could Return Saturday
Kaedan Korczak

Scratched for Game 3 Against Ducks
Radko Gudas

Likely to Remain Out Friday
Sam Carrick

Won't Play Friday
Isiah Pacheco

Can Isiah Pacheco Re-Establish His Dynasty Value in Detroit?
Rico Dowdle

Dynasty Ceiling Limited By Backfield Committee in Pittsburgh
Rashid Shaheed

a High-Risk, High-Reward Buy-Low Candidate for Dynasty Managers
Blake Snell

to Make Season Debut for Dodgers on Saturday
Cole Ragans

Royals Place Cole Ragans on Injured List With Elbow Impingement
Sean Strickland

An Underdog At UFC 328
Khamzat Chimaev

Set For UFC 328 Main Event
Tatsuro Taira

Can Become The New Flyweight Champion
Joshua Van

Set For His First Title Defense
Alexander Volkov

Looks To Win Back-To-Back Fights
MMA

Waldo Cortes-Acosta Looks To Extend His Win Streak
Nick Lodolo

Officially Activated, Making Season Debut on Friday
CFB

Walker Lyons Could be Go-To Target for Bear Bachmeier
CFB

Ty Benefield a Potential Game-Changer for LSU Defense
CFB

Hayden Lowe Set for Significant Role Following Miami's NFL Departures
CFB

Taylor Wein in Position for Big Season on Oklahoma's Defensive Line
CFB

Rasheem Biles an Instant Impact Player for Texas
Dan Vladar

Looks to Return to Winning Ways Thursday
Roman Anthony

Heading for the Injured List
CFB

Sam Leavitt Expected to Be Full-Go for Fall Camp
Tarik Skubal

Could Return in 4-6 Weeks After Successful Elbow Surgery
Cole Ragans

Royals Hopeful That Cole Ragans Makes his Next Start
Emilio Pagán

Emilio Pagan has Grade 2 Hamstring Strain, Expected to Miss 4-8 Weeks
Joe Ryan

Listed as Scheduled Starter for Saturday Against Cleveland
Tyler Glasnow

Not Expected to Land on the Injured List
Framber Valdez

Suspension Reduced to Five Games
Framber Valdez

Suspended Six Games
Tyler Glasnow

Exits Early on Wednesday With Back Pain
CFB

Brauntae Johnson the Next Star in Notre Dame's Secondary?
CFB

Ethan Barbour a Name to Know in Georgia's Tight End Room
CFB

Payton Pierce Next Up at Linebacker for Ohio State
CFB

Javin Gordon to Play Significant Role for Tennessee?
CFB

Tanook Hines Stepping into WR1 Role for USC
CFB

Rueben Owens II has "Star Potential" in Fourth Campaign
Brandon Woodruff

has Fluid Drained From his Right Shoulder
Brandon Woodruff

to Resume Throwing on Saturday, Return Imminent?
Carlos Correa

to Have Season-Ending Ankle Surgery
Jacob Misiorowski

Listed as Friday's Probable Starter
Logan Webb

Dealing With Knee Discomfort
Carlos Correa

Expected to Miss Significant Time With Ankle Injury
Collin Morikawa

Withdraws From Truist Championship
Xander Schauffele

Carries Elite Form Into Quail Hollow
Hideki Matsuyama

Looks to Bounce Back at Truist Championship
Matt Fitzpatrick

Secures Third Win of 2026 Season
Patrick Cantlay

Continues Playing Well Heading to Truist Championship
Ludvig Aberg

Returns to Action For Truist Championship
Justin Thomas

Searching for Consistency at Quail Hollow
Jordan Spieth

Looks to Break Through at Quail Hollow
Adam Scott

Brings Strong Form to Quail Hollow
Robert MacIntyre

a Steady Option at Truist Championship
Jason Day

Looks to Overcome Approach Struggles at Quail Hollow
Akshay Bhatia

Looks for Complete Game at Truist Championship
Justin Rose

to Continue Mid-Season Club Change at Truist Championship
Si Woo Kim

is Back to Peak Form Ahead of Truist Championship
Sam Burns

to Bounce Back at Truist Championship
Cameron Young

Looks to Carry Dominance to Quail Hollow
Rory McIlroy

Returns to Familiar Stomping Grounds This Week at Quail Hollow
Chris Gotterup

Looking to Bounce Back at Quail Hollow
Tommy Fleetwood

Looking For Better Iron Play at Quail Hollow
CFB

Mario Craver Enters No. 1 Wide Receiver Role for Marcel Reed
CFB

LaNorris Sellers a Strong Rebound Candidate in 2026
CFB

Cam Coleman Poised for Monster Year at Texas?
CFB

Will Hammond Pushing to Be Ready for Week 1
Alex Fitzpatrick

Looking to Keep Up Ball-Striking Output at Quail Hollow
CFB

Notre Dame Leads College Football in Returning Snaps
CFB

Two Ole Miss Football Players Arrested, Charged with DUI
Ben Griffin

Looks Solid on the Surface Heading to Charlotte
Chase Elliott

Earns his Second Texas Motor Speedway Victory
Denny Hamlin

Misses Out on Winning at Texas
Alex Bowman

Finishes Third for the Second Week in a Row at Texas
Tyler Reddick

Earns Seventh Top-Five Finish of the Season at Texas
Chris Buescher

Scores his First Career Texas Finish in the Top Five
CFB

Bryce Underwood in Better Situation Entering Sophomore Season
CFB

Nico Iamaleava Emerging as Leader, Playmaker for UCLA
Jack Della Maddalena

Gets Dominated At UFC Perth
Carlos Prates

Shines At UFC Perth
Beneil Dariush

Suffers A First-Round TKO Loss
Quillan Salkilld

Remains Unbeaten In The UFC
Tim Elliott

Drops Decision At UFC Perth
Steve Erceg

Wins Back-To-Back Fights
Ollie Schmid

Suffers First-Round TKO Loss
Marwan Rahiki

Remains Unbeaten
RANKINGS
C
1B
2B
3B
SS
OF
SP
RP

RANKINGS

QB
RB
WR
TE
K
DEF