👉 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


POPULAR FANTASY TOOLS

#1 Expert Projections
Save 50% Now
Import Your Leagues
Props Tool
Compare Any Players
Compare Any Players
24x7 News and Alerts

Holds Leagues: Waiver Wire Pickups & Adds for Week Five

While holds are even tougher to predict than saves, the players we’ll highlight today include some elite setup men to target off the waiver wire for Week 5 of the fantasy baseball season.

The more likely an MLB team is to win, the more likely these pitchers will be eligible to earn the holds that could be the difference between winning or losing in your fantasy league.

Let's get to it.

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

 

Week 5 Waiver Wire Pickups for Holds

Justin Wilson, Detroit Tigers

1 Save, 6 Holds, 1.54 ERA, 11.2 IP, 19 K, 0.60 WHIP

The power-lefty Justin Wilson has been dominant through the first month of the 2017 season. Through 12 plate appearances by lefties, only one has reached base and it was by a walk. Righties are not doing much better, with three hits in 31 plate appearances to the tune of a .107 batting average. Once thought of as a specialist, Wilson has established himself as dominant force as a setup man for closer Francisco Rodriguez. Averaging well over a strikeout per inning, Wilson is throwing swing-and-miss stuff that adds more value as a waiver wire pickup in holds leagues.

Luis Avilan, Los Angeles Dodgers

5 Holds, 1.93 ERA, 9.1 IP, 10 K, 1.39 WHIP

Unlike Wilson, Luis Avilan is a specialist for the Los Angeles Dodgers. Appearing in 14 games, Avilan will get the big lefty matchup and he has done well this year. Left-handed batters are hitting .150 against Avilan this year. Averaging about a strikeout per inning, Avilan thrives out of the zone with his 84.1 MPH changeup and 93.3 MPH fastball. The appeal of a specialist on the waiver wire lies in how frequent the reliever will see time in multiple games.

Mychal Givens, Baltimore Orioles

5 Holds, 1.26 ERA, 14.1 IP, 13 K, 0.98 WHIP

The Baltimore Orioles have a loaded bullpen and relief pitcher Mychal Givens deserves the praise. The power-pitching Givens incorporates a 94.7 MPH fastball with an 86.9 MPH slider. Givens propensity to pound the strike zone is a solid strategy as opponents are hitting .204 against him. He strikes out just under a batter per inning but weak contact makes him a viable waiver wire acquisition for holds leagues.

Hector Rondon, Chicago Cubs

4 Holds, 0.87 ERA, 10.1 IP, 12 K, 0.88 WHIP

Former closer Hector Rondon maintains his effectiveness as the bridge to Chicago Clubs closer Wade Davis. Rondon throws his fastball at 95.4 MPH and his slider at 84.0 MPH. Rondon is generating some swing-and-miss pitches as he averages just over a strikeout per inning but the .125 opponent batting average shows he is generating weak contact that has not come back to haunt him. The Cubs are expected to be contenders, if not potential champions, so Rondon will see opportunities for holds. His strong pitching will make him a very acceptable waiver wire claim in holds leagues.

Jose Leclerc, Texas Rangers

1 Save, 2 Holds, 0.82 ERA, 11.0 IP, 17 K, 0.73 WHIP

The young Jose Leclerc has been a notable presence in the Texas Rangers highly questionable bullpen. Leclerc had one opportunity at a save and there should be more opportunities for him in the future if he continues to produce at the rate he has this season. Mixing his 95.9 MPH fastball with his 85.0 MPH changeup, Leclerc has well over a strikeout per inning. Leclerc is averaging twice the swinging strike rate (23.7%) as the league average (10.3%). Leclerc is a dominant force in a shaky bullpen. The rookie will get plenty of holds with stuff like that and if veteran relievers continue squandering opportunities, Leclerc can even receive more save opportunities for the Rangers.

 

More Waiver Wire Pickups and Adds




POPULAR FANTASY TOOLS

#1 Expert Projections
Save 50% Now
Import Your Leagues
Props Tool
Compare Any Players
Compare Any Players
24x7 News and Alerts

REAL-TIME FANTASY NEWS

Bryce Eldridge

Giants to Promote No. 1-Ranked Prospect Bryce Eldridge to MLB Roster
Jonas Brodin

Out for Games 1 and 2 Against Colorado
Joel Eriksson Ek

Will Miss First Two Games of Colorado Series
Joel Kiviranta

Remains Out of the Lineup Versus Minnesota
Anthony Volpe

Reinstated from Injured List, Optioned to Triple-A
Josh Manson

Out for Game 1 Against Minnesota
Carter Bryant

Iffy for Game 1 Against Timberwolves
Joel Embiid

Considered Probable for Monday
Kyle Anderson

Available for Round 2 Opener
Ayo Dosunmu

Tagged as Questionable on Injury Report
Anthony Edwards

Listed as Questionable for Game 1 Against Spurs
Luka Dončić

Luka Doncic Unavailable for Start of Round 2, Considered Week-to-Week
Brandon Ingram

Won't Play in Game 7 Against Cavaliers
Ranger Suarez

Exits Sunday's Start with Hamstring Tightness
Agustín Ramírez

Marlins Demote Agustin Ramirez to Triple-A
Victor Hedman

Will Not Play Sunday Versus Montreal
Noah Dobson

Will Play Against Tampa Bay on Sunday
Marvin Mims Jr.

Path to Dynasty Relevance May Require a Change in Scenery
Tank Bigsby

Remains a High-End Dynasty Handcuff Running Back in Philadelphia
Ben Rice

Exits Sunday's Contest with Left Hand Contusion
Hunter Henry

Long-Term Future in New England in Question After NFL Draft?
Matthew Golden

a Prime Dynasty Buy-Low Candidate Heading into 2026
Kevin Huerter

is Out for Game 7
Jalen Coker

Carries Breakout Potential into 2026
Dak Prescott

Remains a Dynasty QB1 Heading into 2026
Nikola Vučević

Nikola Vucevic Could be Done in Boston
Christopher Bell

Is Christopher Bell Worth Rostering for Texas Lineups?
Cal Raleigh

Considered Day-to-Day With Soreness in his Side
Brandon Ingram

is Downgraded to Doubtful for Game 7
William Byron

Might have the Speed to Compete for the Win at Texas
Jonathan Isaac

Remains Out for Game 7
Joey Logano

Provides Solid Upside for Texas DFS Lineups
Joe Ryan

Exits Early From Start on Sunday Due to Elbow Soreness
Chase Briscoe

Could Chase Briscoe be A Sneaky Pick for Texas Lineups?
Ty Gibbs

Should DFS Managers Roster Ty Gibbs at Texas?
Daniel Suarez

Is Daniel Suarez Worth Rostering After Career-Best Starting Position at Texas?
Daniel Palencia

Cubs Reinstate Daniel Palencia From the Injured List on Sunday
Kyle Busch

Is a DFS Risk Starting in the Top 10 at Texas
Ronald Acuña Jr.

Braves Place Ronald Acuna Jr. on Injured List With Strained Hamstring
Nick Lodolo

Expected to Make Season Debut on Friday
Tyler Reddick

One of the Favorites to Win Texas
Chase Elliott

Could Contend for Another Win at Texas
Carson Hocevar

on Pole at Texas
NASCAR

Bubba Wallace Wrecks in Practice at Texas
Chris Buescher

Looking to Continue Strong Run at Texas
Austin Dillon

Blows Engine in Practice at Texas
CeeDee Lamb

Is CeeDee Lamb Being Undervalued?
Bijan Robinson

Could Just Be Entering His Dynasty Prime
Derrick White

Delivers All-Around Line in Game 7 Loss
Neemias Queta

Finishes with Double-Double in Playoff Loss
Malik Washington

Emerging as a Low-Cost Dynasty Buy Out of Ambiguous Receiver Room
Jaylen Brown

Posts Strong Line but Celtics Fall Short
Diego Pavia

Ravens Noncommital on Diego Pavia's Future with Team
Tyrese Maxey

Dominates in Series-Clinching Victory
David Njoku

Visiting the Chargers on Monday
VJ Edgecombe

Provides Key Spark in Game 7 Win
Patrick Mahomes

Expected to Participate in OTAs
Joel Embiid

Delivers 34 Points in Series Clincher
Ayo Dosunmu

Considered Day-to-Day Ahead of Game 1
Mike Reilly

Delivers Two Assists in Game 1 Win
Logan Stankoven

Establishes New Franchise Record With Five-Game Goal Streak
Frederik Andersen

Records Second Postseason Shutout
Radko Gudas

Ducks Hope to See Radko Gudas Return During Second Round
Josh Manson

Day-to-Day Ahead of Game 1 Against Wild
Joel Kiviranta

Considered Day-to-Day
Joel Eriksson Ek

Questionable for Game 1 Against Avalanche
Cal Raleigh

Scratched From Lineup, No Reason Given
Ronald Acuña Jr.

Ronald Acuna Jr. Exits with Left Hamstring Tightness
Anthony Edwards

Remains Week-to-Week
Joel Embiid

Available for Game 7 Against Celtics
Paul George

Cleared to Play Saturday
Owen Tippett

Unlikely to Play Saturday
Jonas Brodin

to Miss Game 1 Against Avalanche
Nikita Zadorov

Played Through Torn MCL in Playoffs
Connor McDavid

Played With Fractured Foot Against Ducks
Alexander Nikishin

a Game-Time Call Saturday
Nikolaj Ehlers

Expected to Play Saturday
Greg Dulcich

Carries Breakout Potential into 2026
Kaelon Black

Well-Positioned for Dynasty Success Following NFL Draft
J'Mari Taylor

Can J'Mari Taylor Break Through Crowded Running Back Depth Chart in Jacksonville?
Eli Raridon

Dynasty Stock Rising Following NFL Draft
Michael Trigg

Facing Uphill Battle for a Roster Spot in Dallas
Matthew Hibner

Is Matthew Hibner the Tight End of the Future in Baltimore?
Seth McGowan

Likely to be RB3 to Begin his Rookie Season
Caleb Douglas

a Low-Upside Dynasty Stash Competing for a Role in Miami
Francis Mauigoa

Giants "Comfortable" With Francis Mauigoa's Back
Yandy Díaz

Yandy Diaz Leaves With Side Tightness, Considered Day-to-Day
Jacob Misiorowski

Leaves Start Early on Friday With Hamstring Cramp
Brandon Nimmo

Aggravates Hamstring, Pulled Early on Friday
Ryan Helsley

Placed on Injured List With Elbow Inflammation
Dylan Holloway

Signs Five-Year Extension With Blues
Barrett Hayton

Jack McBain Iffy for Friday
Ryan Pepiot

to Miss the Rest of the Season, Scheduled for Hip Surgery
Brandon Woodruff

Goes on Injured List With Shoulder Inflammation
Nico Hoerner

Leaves Friday's Game Early With Neck Tightness
Jack Della Maddalena

Returns At UFC Perth
Carlos Prates

Set For UFC Perth Main Event
Quillan Salkilld

Set For Co-Main Event
Beneil Dariush

An Underdog At UFC Perth
Steve Erceg

Looks To Win Back-To-Back Fights
Tim Elliott

Looks For His Third Consecutive Win
Ollie Schmid

Set For His UFC Debut
Marwan Rahiki

Looks To Remain Undefeated
Wyatt Langford

Suffers Setback With Forearm Injury
Brandon Woodruff

to Get Some Time Off
Gary Woodland

Riding Momentum Into Cadillac Championship
Jordan Spieth

Brings Boom-or-Bust Potential to Cadillac Championship
Adam Scott

Looks Poised for Another Strong Finish at Doral
Maverick McNealy

Needs Approach Game to Click at Doral
CFB

Jameson Williams Files Lawsuit Against NCAA, SEC, Big Ten
Harry Hall

Volatility Continues at Cadillac Championship
Tommy Fleetwood

Looks to Rebound at Trump National Doral
Pierceson Coody

a Risky Value Play at Cadillac Championship
Akshay Bhatia

Offers Upside with Risk at Cadillac Championship
Justin Thomas

a Scary Proposition at Cadillac Championship
Scottie Scheffler

The Leading Favorite at Cadillac Championship
Collin Morikawa

Still a Smash Play at Cadillac Championship
Viktor Hovland

Showed at Augusta He Can Finish Well
Sepp Straka

Attempting to Finish Better in Miami
PGA

J.J Spaun Enduring Roller Coaster Start to 2026
Min Woo Lee

Seeks to Make Adjustments at Cadillac Championship
Max Homa

May Struggle at Old Doral This Weekend
Ben Griffin

Rebounds From Rough Stretch as Miami Looms
Shane Lowry

Searching For Answers at Cadillac Championship
Russell Henley

Daunting Test at Doral Likely Not a Place For Russell Henley
Justin Rose

Returns to Action After Finishing Third at Masters Tournament
Hideki Matsuyama

Has The Approach Game to Win at Cadillac Championship
CFB

Brendan Sorsby Facing Potential Permanent Loss of Eligibility
RANKINGS
C
1B
2B
3B
SS
OF
SP
RP

RANKINGS

QB
RB
WR
TE
K
DEF