RADIO
The most exciting week of the baseball season is here as the trade deadline is quickly approaching on August 1. Some trades have already commenced, most notably Max Scherzer to the Rangers, Lance Lynn and Joe Kelly to the Dodgers, and Lucas Giolito to the Angels. Many more are sure to come to fruition in the next few days.
For now, let's take a look at another installment of some first and third-base waiver wire adds. There aren't many new names this week -- a lot of returners who have remained hot for their respective teams following the All-Star break. This shouldn't come as much of a surprise since August is nearly here and leagues have taken shape.
However, if you're still hanging back at second or third place and have first place within reach, then consider adding these first and third-base fantasy baseball waiver wire pickups for Week 19 -- July 31 through August 6.
Waiver Wire Pickups For Shallow Leagues (30-50% rostered)
Wilmer Flores, 1B/2B/3B, San Francisco Giants (41% rostered)
Wilmer Flores continues to dominate offensively for the Giants, finding countless ways to drive in runs for a team very much in the Wild Card race. He's posted a .348/.423/.609 slash line with a home run, two RBI, and three walks in his last seven games for San Francisco.
Overall, he's reached base at a .435 rate and slugged .830 with five home runs, six doubles, and five walks across 14 post-All-Star break games. Although he's due to cool off at some point, the Giants are hoping the 31-year-old can at least remain consistent at the plate as the second-half trudges on.
Jeimer Candelario, 3B, Washington Nationals (46% rostered)
I know, I know...if you've followed this column all season, you know that Jeimer Candelario has been on this list quite a bit. He's been solid offensively for the Nationals all season long and has found himself in numerous trade talks. He's slugged .512 with three homers and 10 RBI in 13 games since the All-Star break.
If he's still available for pickup in your league, now would be a good time to grab the 29-year-old. He's on pace to surpass his previous career-high in homers (19) that he reached in 2018 with Detroit. Candelario could also find himself on another team this week, which presents new opportunities for the switch hitter.
Waiver Wire For Deeper Leagues (10-30% rostered)
Jake Burger, 3B, Chicago White Sox (24% rostered)
He's back! White Sox third baseman Jake Burger -- perhaps the most consistent hitter on the Sox all year, with the exception of Luis Robert Jr. -- has appeared on this list quite a few times. And now, he's back because he is once again doing what he does best: hitting dingers.
Oh, did I say Burger is a consistent hitter? Because his batting average sure doesn't show it, but he makes hard contact and is up to 25 long balls on the year. This is including four in his last seven games and a two-homer game against Cleveland on July 27. Although Chicago has had yet another disappointing season and have been sellers at this year's deadline, Burger appears to be a player the Sox want to keep around in the future. You should consider keeping him around on your fantasy team as well.
Jon Berti, 2B/3B/SS/OF, Miami Marlins (20% rostered)
Unlike Burger, Jon Berti doesn't hit the ball out of the ballpark, but he gets on base and can occasionally nab you a few stolen bags. He was the stolen base leader in 2022, after all. Strangely, though, in a year where stolen base totals are up significantly, the 33-year-old has stolen just 11 this season.
Luckily, though, he's found other ways to contribute. He's reached base at a .435 clip and batted .381 in his last seven games for Miami. Across 15 games in July, he's doubled four times, tripled once, driven in five runs, and walked thrice. His recent play has helped to keep the Marlins in the NL Wild Card race.
Deeper Waiver Wire Options to Consider (Under 10%)
David Fry, C/1B/OF, Cleveland Guardians (4% rostered)
Last week, David Fry appeared under the "More Players to Consider" section. If you decided to add him, congratulations, because the 27-year-old has had a big week at the plate. He's slashed .316/.350/.737 with a pair of homers and five RBI.
Since the Northwestern State product's debut on May 1, he's posted a respectable .824 OPS across 38 games for Cleveland. He's turned up the heat following the All-Star break though, batting .296 and slugging .704 in 10 games. He's under 5% rostered, and could be worth an add while he's hot!
More Players to Consider
- Luis Rengifo, 2B/3B/SS/OF, Los Angeles Angels (16% rostered)
- Chris Taylor, 2B/3B/SS/OF, Los Angeles Dodgers (19% rostered)
- Mike Moustakas, 1B/3B, Los Angeles Angels (5% rostered)
Download Our Free News & Alerts Mobile App
Like what you see? Download our updated fantasy baseball app for iPhone and Android with 24x7 player news, injury alerts, sleepers, prospects & more. All free!
