👉 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 30% 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 30% Now
Import Your Leagues
Props Tool
Compare Any Players
Compare Any Players
24x7 News and Alerts

REAL-TIME FANTASY NEWS

Karel Vejmelka

Makes Playoff Debut Sunday
Carter Hart

in Vegas Crease for Playoff Opener
Jeremy Swayman

Begins Fifth Postseason Campaign
Alex Lyon

Available for Game 1
Dominic James

Activated From Injured Reserve
NFL

Zachariah Branch Arrested for Misdemeanor Obstruction
New York Giants

Sonny Styles One of the Top Targets for Giants at No. 5 in NFL Draft
Renardo Green

49ers Looking to Trade Renardo Green?
Keenan Allen

Chargers Not Closing the Door on a Reunion With Keenan Allen
Grayson Allen

is Available for Game 1 on Sunday
A.J. Brown

Eagles Preparing for A.J. Brown's Departure?
Peter Skoronski

Titans to Pick Up Peter Skoronski's Fifth-Year Option
Breece Hall

Dynasty Upside Remains Limited by Offensive Environment in New York
Cincinnati Bengals

Dexter Lawrence Signing One-Year Extension With Bengals
Kristaps Porzingis

Unsure About Returning to Golden State
Drake London

Dynasty Upside Remains Limited by Quarterback Questions in Atlanta
Mark Williams

is Ruled Out for Game 1 on Sunday
Chris Olave

Dynasty Value Rising After Resurgent 2025 Season
Coby White

Hornets Want to Bring Back Coby White
Bucky Irving

Can Bucky Irving Bounce Back After Injury-Marred 2025?
Kenneth Walker III

a Major Dynasty Riser After Offseason Move to Kansas City
Desmond Bane

Considered Probable for Game 1
Bo Nix

Dynasty Value in Question Coming Off Injury?
Tarik Skubal

Fans 10 in Win Over Red Sox on Saturday
Raisel Iglesias

Dealing With Shoulder Issue
Davante Adams

Glaring Opportunity to Sell High on Davante Adams?
Jordan Addison

Can Jordan Addison Overcome Ugly Quarterback Situation?
Emeka Egbuka

a Trade Target in Some Dynasty Leagues
Alec Pierce

Stock Rising Following Payday
Michael Pittman Jr.

Gets a Fresh Start in Pittsburgh
Rhamondre Stevenson

an Affordable Target in Dynasty Leagues
Kyle Larson

Should not be Underestimated for the Win at Kansas
Cooper Kupp

Two-Time Super Bowl Champion Cooper Kupp has Become a Fantasy Afterthought
Jaylen Warren

A New Running Mate is Business as Usual for Jaylen Warren
Denny Hamlin

Can Denny Hamlin Dominate at Kansas Again?
NASCAR

Christoper Bell Should Contend for First Win at Kansas
Joel Eriksson Ek

Powers Minnesota Past Dallas in Opening Game
Tyler Reddick

Fastest in Practice and Qualifying for Kansas Race
Ryan Blaney

Could Score another Top-10 Finish at Kansas
Ty Gibbs

Poised to Continue Hot Streak at Kansas
Logan Stankoven

Makes Big Impact in Carolina's Game 1 Victory
Chris Buescher

Always Consistent, Has Speed Heading Into Kansas
William Byron

is A Solid DFS Option for Kansas Lineups
Carson Hocevar

Poised for Career-Best Run at Kansas
Porter Martone

Nets Game-Winning Goal to Defeat Pittsburgh
Frederik Andersen

Shuts Out Ottawa in Game 1
Chase Briscoe

Is Chase Briscoe Worth Rostering for DFS at Kansas?
Chase Elliott

Is A Favorable DFS Option for Kansas Lineups
Matt Boldy

Delivers Huge Game 1 Performance in Win
Joey Logano

Could Joey Logano be Considered Playable In DFS This Week at Kansas?
NASCAR

Bubba Wallace is A Favorable Driver to Consider for Kansas Lineups
Ross Chastain

Is Ross Chastain A Worthy DFS Option for Kansas?
Brad Keselowski

Could Brad Keselowski be A Sneaky DFS Option for Kansas?
Daniel Suarez

Should DFS Managers Roster Daniel Suarez at Kansas?
Dylan Harper

is Ready for Sunday's Game
Grayson Allen

is Questionable for Sunday's Game
Mark Williams

is Questionable for Game 1 on Sunday
Reed Sheppard

Moves into Starting Five on Saturday
Kevin Durant

is Ruled Out for Game 1 on Saturday
Stuart Skinner

Starting Game 1 Against Flyers
Alexandre Carrier

Back at Practice
Jared McCann

Undergoes Lower-Body Procedure
Andrei Kuzmenko

Activated From Injured Reserve
Victor Hedman

Out for Game 1 on Sunday
William Karlsson

Unavailable for Start of First-Round Series
Quinn Hughes

Available Saturday
Miro Heiskanen

Cleared for Game 1
Jhoan Duran

Placed on 15-Day Injured List With Oblique Strain
Kyle Stowers

Will be Activated on Sunday
Jesper Wallstedt

to Start in Goal for Minnesota on Saturday
LaMelo Ball

Scores 23 Points in Season-Ending Loss
Jordan Goodwin

Fills Stat Sheet in Play-In Win
Paolo Banchero

Powers Magic Into Playoffs
Jalen Green

Drops 36 Points to Clinch Playoff Spot
Amen Thompson

Off Injury Report for Playoff Opener
Jabari Smith Jr.

Cleared After Resting in Season Finale
Alperen Sengün

Alperen Sengun Cleared for Game 1 Against Lakers
Logan Stankoven

Presumed Ready for Game 1
Max Muncy

has Another Multi-Homer Game at Coors Field
Lourdes Gurriel Jr.

Expected to Make Season Debut on Saturday
Austin Riley

Hits Two Home Runs in Shutout Win Over Phillies
Daulton Varsho

Removed Early on Friday With Knee Discomfort
Aaron Gordon

Available for Game 1 Against Timberwolves
Julius Randle

Cleared for Playoffs
Jaxson Hayes

Available Saturday Night
Grayson Allen

Will Play Against Warriors
Edwin Uceta

Having More Shoulder Issues, "Shut Down for a Few Days"
Josh Hader

Moved to 60-Day Injured List
Willson Contreras

Returns to Red Sox Lineup on Friday
Daniel Palencia

Goes on 15-Day Injured List With Oblique Strain
Juan Soto

Still on Track to Return Next Week
Los Angeles Angels

Garret Anderson Dies at 53 Years Old
Mike Malott

A Favorite At UFC Winnipeg
Gilbert Burns

Set For UFC Winnipeg Main Event
Kyler Phillips

Set UFC Winnipeg Co-Main Event
Charles Jourdain

Looks To Extend His Win Streak
Jai Herbert

An Underdog At UFC Winnipeg
Mandel Nallo

Set For His UFC Debut
Karine Silva

Looks To Get Back In The Win Column
Jasmine Jasudavicius

Looks To Bounce Back
Robert Thomas

Wraps Up Season With a Hat Trick
Parker Messick

Flirts With No-Hitter in Latest Gem Against Orioles
Mike Trout

Hits Five Homers in Series Versus Yankees
Spencer Arrighetti

Fans 10 in Season Debut, to Remain a Focal Point in Rotation?
Nick Pivetta

Dealing With Flexor Strain, Could Miss Months
Nico Hoerner

Homers, Drive in Five in Win Over Phillies
Shota Imanaga

Strikes Out 11 in First Win of the Season
Sal Stewart

Continues to Hit, Goes Deep Twice on Wednesday
CFB

Michigan Lands Commitment From Quarterback Kamden Lopati
Sahith Theegala

Brings Strong Form Into Harbour Town
Wyndham Clark

Needs Putter to Show Up at RBC Heritage
Jacob Bridgeman

Looks to Return to Elite Form at Harbour Town
J.J. Spaun

a Volatile Option at RBC Heritage
PGA

Sungjae Im Offers High-Upside Value at RBC Heritage
Matt Fitzpatrick

Set for Another Strong Showing at RBC Heritage
Jason Day

Eyes Bounce-Back After Sunday Struggles at the Masters
Akshay Bhatia

Looking to Rebound at Harbour Town
Cameron Young

Hoping to Secure Second Win of Season at RBC Heritage
Scottie Scheffler

Looks to Win Again at RBC Heritage
Shane Lowry

Has Disappointing Final Round at Masters
Viktor Hovland

Hoping to Build on Final Round at Masters
Brian Harman

Struggling For Consistency Heading to RBC Heritage
Chris Gotterup

Putting Together Outstanding 2026 Season
Justin Thomas

Looks to Defend in Hilton Head
Jordan Spieth

in Search of Improved Putting at RBC Heritage
Marco Penge

May Continue Up-and-Down Ride at the RBC Heritage
Xander Schauffele

Could Get The Job Done at RBC Heritage
Jake Knapp

Keeps Building Strong Results in 2026
Kurt Kitayama

Trying to Regain Form From Florida
Collin Morikawa

Continues to be a Scary DFS Play at RBC Heritage
RANKINGS
C
1B
2B
3B
SS
OF
SP
RP

RANKINGS

QB
RB
WR
TE
K
DEF