Deep League Waiver Wire Pickups for Week 18: Fantasy Baseball Sleepers

July 30, 2014

Aaron Schooler analyzes some top fantasy baseball waiver wire pickups for week 18. These sleepers can have an immediate impact on your team and should be owned.

There's not much to speak of at the bottom of the barrel this week, however there are a few veteran potential sleepers that may squeeze a solid stretch of production for you at the right time, and they may be available based on your league size and format including NL-Only and AL-Only leagues. Take a look and enjoy this week's of deep league waiver wire sleeper pickups.

Kendrys Morales - 1B/DH, SEA

Owned in 21% of Yahoo Leagues, 27% of Fleaflicker Leagues

Morales’s output is not going to wow anyone thus far in the season. In fact, he was bad with the Twins and even worse since the trade with the Mariners. This recommendation is based on his solid track record as a veteran hitter.

Right now, Morales is just starting to round into form because of his senseless early season hold out. Being one of the few hitters that can handle hitting in Seattle, Morales will get a long leash to figure it out. By the end of the season, he will end up having a month or two of solid production.

Recommendation: Good hitter. Make sure to be ready to pick him up when he turns the corner

Juan Uribe - 3B, LAD

Owned in 12% of Yahoo Leagues, 10% of Fleaflicker Leagues

Uribe has always been hard to figure out. He can look so bad that you question how he is even in the big leagues. The Dodgers are always preparing to write him off and move on. Then, out of the blue, he gets hot and comes up with big hit after big hit for the Dodgers.

Lately he has been stepping it up with a .350 average in his last 10 games. Uribe has some interesting splits. He is eating up right-handed pitchers and is much more effective on the road than at home. In 38 road games he had hit 10 doubles, 22 RBI and a .340 average.

Recommendation: I can see an extended hot streak. Worth a pick up.

Miguel Gonzalez - SP, BAL

Owned in 7% of Yahoo Leagues, 7% of Fleaflicker Leagues

Gonzales is a middle of the rotation arm that has been hot lately. Sure, his most recent effort against the hapless Mariners may be an aberration. In fact, with a fairly high Whip (1.42) he has had to navigate through a lot of trouble this season. Yet Gonzales has persevered and in his last 4 outings has logged over 30 innings and yielded only 6 runs. His next start is against an Angles who are one of the best offenses in the league. He's a bench for that start but if he puts a quality start together, he's worth a flier.

Recommendation: Barely moves the needle, but could be a decent filler.

John Jaso - C/DH, OAK

Owned in 20% of Yahoo Leagues, 11% of Fleaflicker Leagues

It’s amazing that with the lack of quality catchers in the big leagues that Jaso slides under the radar. One thing is clear: the A’s have hit the jackpot when it comes to catching depth. Oakland will use Jaso almost exclusively against righties. If you look at him as a daily matchup player do not dismiss his home and away splits. He is a monster at home hitting .331 with an OPS of .975. How many teams would take that production from a catcher?

Recommendation: Great option for leagues with daily lineups.

Josh Willingham - OF, MIN

Owned in 9% of Yahoo Leagues, 15% of Fleaflicker Leagues

Willingham is in the same boat that Morales was in. He is a tradable piece for the Twins that may flourish in a new environment. He is getting a little long in the tooth at 35, but he's still showing above average power and great fly ball tendencies, and any under performance is likely due to injury this year.

Since the All-Star break, he has looked a little better and has hit two home runs. Being traded to a smaller park and surrounded by a better lineup may bolster his value in a big way

Recommendation: Watch how the trade deadline works out.