
Justin Slaten is a fantasy baseball waiver wire pickup for closers and saves. Target Slaten as a free agent relief pitcher for saves on the waiver wire.
BALLER MOVE: Add in 14+ Team Leagues
ROSTERED IN: 2% of Leagues
ANALYSIS: Boston Red Sox reliever Justin Slaten was drafted in 2019 and has had strong strikeout numbers at every stop in the minors. Between Double-A and Triple-A in 2023, he struck out 86 hitters over 59 2/3 IP. His MLB debut came in extra innings earlier this season with the winning run on third base, and the 26-year-old gave up a walk-off single to Julio Rodriguez. Since then, the righty has pitched five-and-two-thirds innings without allowing a hit, has struck out six batters, and recorded a save.
Justin Slaten's Filth
5Ks in 2 innings. pic.twitter.com/dWS2hl3wKK
— Rob Friedman (@PitchingNinja) April 7, 2024
Part of Slaten's appeal is closer Kenley Jansen's back, which has caused him problems in spring training and "tightened up" on him following his first save which made him unavailable to pitch the next day (Slaten's debut). Jansen was able to pitch three times in four days last week for the Sox, but his back issues still sound like they could linger all season.
If they do, then Slaten would be given an opportunity to save more games (veteran Chris Martin seemingly would be in the mix too). If it becomes an IL stint for the 36-year-old Jansen or if Jansen is traded, then there'd be even more opportunity. Based on his K numbers alone, Slaten is worth a speculative add in deep leagues and AL-only formats. Should the Sox's closer situation break in Slaten's favor then he'd be rosterable in all leagues. The former third-round draft pick is currently available in 98% of Yahoo leagues.
More Fantasy Baseball Waiver Wire Pickups

Christian Moore - Fantasy Baseball Prospects Waiver Wire Stashes (Week 12)
BALLER MOVE: Add in 12-team leagues CALL-UP ETA: Now ANALYSIS: On Thursday evening, the Angels announced they were promoting their top-ranked prospect, infielder Christian Moore, to the major leagues. Moore was selected with the eighth pick in last year's draft out of Tennessee. Moore wasted little time making an impact as he made his Double-A debut […]

Andrew Painter - Fantasy Baseball Prospects Waiver Wire Stashes (Week 11)
BALLER MOVE: Add in 12-team leagues CALL-UP ETA: June ANALYSIS: Philadelphia Phillies right-handed pitching prospect Andrew Painter should continue to be viewed as a top stash option. After recovering from Tommy John and missing the entirety of the 2023 and 2024 seasons, Painter has returned to the bump this season and is fast approaching his MLB […]

Zebby Matthews - Fantasy Baseball Prospects Waiver Wire Stashes (Week 11)
BALLER MOVE: Add in 12+ team leagues CALL-UP ETA: June ANALYSIS: Zebby Matthews was one of the most interesting pitching prospects coming into this season and delivered solid outings before going down with a shoulder injury. Matthews has not been particularly impressive in his two major league stints so far, but his minor league success and […]

Quinn Mathews - Fantasy Baseball Prospects Waiver Wire Stashes (Week 11)
BALLER MOVE: Add in 12+ team leagues CALL-UP ETA: June ANALYSIS: St. Louis Cardinals pitching prospect Quinn Mathews was a popular name in this column during the opening month of the campaign, but suffered a shoulder injury. However, Mathews is back in action and remains on a trach to reach the majors this season. In his […]

Carson Whisenhunt - Fantasy Baseball Prospects Waiver Wire Stashes (Week 11)
BALLER MOVE: Add in 14-team leagues CALL-UP ETA: June ANALYSIS: San Francisco Giants left-handed pitching prospect Carson Whisenhunt continues to impress at Triple-A and is quickly approaching his MLB debut. The top-ranked prospect in the system opened the campaign by earning his second look at Triple-A. In 2024, Whisenhunt made his Triple-A debut but struggled, logging […]
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!

Check out RotoBaller's entire fantasy baseball waiver wire pickups and sleepers list, updated daily!