Hot Waiver Wire Pickups for Week 3

April 14, 2014

RotoBaller's Tyler Petagine gives you his MLB waiver wire analysis on four hot fantasy baseball players who are probably still on your league's waiver wire.

In this article I will give you some of my favorite fantasy baseball waiver wire pickups for Week 3 of the MLB season. Some of these players can be sleepers for your team off the waiver wire, depending on your league size and depth, including NL-Only and AL-Only formats.

Waiver Wire Options for Week 3

Russell Martin (C, PIT) - Waiver Wire Pickup

The veteran catcher is the leader for his contending team, yet he seizes to earn the recognition deserved. This undervalued Pirate is clearly, or at least has been, a much better “real-lifer” than fantasy commodity, but at the advanced age of 31, Martin is actually only getting better.

He might not offer the greatest of stat lines comparatively to the position’s elite, but one thing’s for sure: his bat, whether deemed lethal or otherwise, will be heavily counted on.

Yahoo Ownership Percentage: 20%

Angel Pagan (OF, SF) - Waiver Wire Pickup

The former Met is arguably a top 20-30 outfielder when healthy. This is a guy who has the potential to steal 30 plus bags, and is a great batting average helper as well. Pagan owners can’t have a much better low-tier #2 Outfielder or high-tier #3 Outfielder. Now batting atop the order, he will get plenty of runs scored and base stealing opportunities; any power numbers that come along are simply more icing for your already delicious cake.

Yahoo Ownership Percentage: 70%

Melky Cabrera (OF, TOR) - Waiver Wire Pickup

The former Pinstripe is playing like a man possessed; possessed by the Toronto fresh air, by fellow home run mates (Bautista and Encarnacion), or maybe he’s on muscle enhancers again. Whatever the true reason is behind his re-resurgence, it’s irrelevant. All that matters here is that you're getting a quality hitter, who has done it before, playing in home-run friendly conditions. It’s time for all you offense-needy fantasy owners to celebrate, and enjoy the veteran Blue Jay slugger.

Yahoo Ownership Percentage: 65%

Joel Hanrahan (RP, FA) - Waiver Wire Analysis

On the fast-track of recovering from Tommy John Surgery, and only two years removed from being a full-time closer, Hanrahan accumulated 76 saves in a two-season span for the Pirates, from 2011-2012 (40 and 36 saves respectively.) Several contenders seeking to strengthen their bullpen are scouting him as a free-agent prospect, however there is no guarantee, depending on his destination, that a closer role will be earned.

Yahoo Ownership Percentage: 1%