BALLER MOVE: Draft target ~pick 375
CURRENT ADP: ~435 overall
ANALYSIS: The massive struggles of Milwaukee Brewers first baseman Keston Hiura have been well documented. After bursting onto the scene in 2019 with 19 home runs, 49 RBI, and a .303/.368/.570 slash in just 348 plate appearances, Hiura has been absolutely putrid. In 2019, Hiura was as-advertised -- the ninth overall draft pick in 2017 with excellent contact capabilities. Then the strikeouts caught up with him.
His 2020 season was a disaster once pitchers adjusted. Hiura posted a .212/.297/.410 line and struck out 85 times in just 217 at-bats. Last season was even worse where he posted just a .168 average and, basically forgot how to hit. Since 2019, he’s shuffled between the minors and majors, has posted a combined .192/.279/.362 slash line, and has struck out an impressive 162 times in only 390 at-bats.
So, what’s changed? Well, for one, Hiura was dealing with personal issues last year, coupled with COVID and some elbow issues. In the offseason, he had minor elbow surgery to deal with that issue, and he has adjusted his swing and batting stance to reduce his leg kick. The results in spring training have been noticeable. In 25 at-bats, Hiura has posted a .400/.500/1.000 slash to go with four HR, 10 RBI, and three doubles. Of course, in 2020, he posted a .393/.414/.893 slash line in spring training (and we all know how 2020 worked out for him).
More Fantasy Baseball Values and Sleepers
Mason Miller - Closers and Saves Waiver Wire Adds
BALLER MOVE: Add in All Leagues ROSTERED IN: 59% of Leagues ANALYSIS: Entering spring training, Mason Miller was a buzzy player after it was reported that he was moving to the bullpen this season. We all just assumed that he would step right into the closer role, as Oakland's bullpen lacks many other exciting late-inning options.... Read More
Chad Green - Closers and Saves Waiver Wire Adds
BALLER MOVE: Add in 15+ Team Leagues ROSTERED IN: 6% of Leagues ANALYSIS: Chad Green, alongside Yimi Garcia, stand to open as Toronto’s closer committee chair with news that Jordan Romano and Erik Swanson will both open on the IL. Tim Mayza is also in the mix but carries a lesser upside. It isn’t much, but every bit counts. Fantasy baseball tweet:... Read More
Jeff Hoffman - Closers and Saves Waiver Wire Adds
BALLER MOVE: Add in 15+ Team Leagues ROSTERED IN: 6% of Leagues ANALYSIS: The former Rockie/Red has found a new life away from Coors/GABP and the need to work deeply as a starter. The Hoff came to Philly last season and added three ticks to his heater (94 to 97 mph) and doubled his slider... Read More
Brock Stewart - Closers and Saves Waiver Wire Adds
BALLER MOVE: Add in 15+ Team Leagues ROSTERED IN: 6% of Leagues ANALYSIS: Stewart may get a surprising amount of action in the ninth with Jhoan Duran on the shelf. The 32-year-old had a pristine 0.65 ERA and 1.08 WHIP over 27.2 IP, posting an absurd 35.8% strikeout rate (39 Ks) that ranked 11th among 550... Read More
James McArthur (KC, RP) - Closers and Saves Waiver Wire Adds
BALLER MOVE: Add in 15+ Team Leagues ROSTERED IN: 14% of Leagues ANALYSIS: McArthur boasts more upside than William Smith, that’s for sure. He finally broke into the majors as a 26-year-old and posted a robust 2.78 FIP/2.80 xFIP/2.65 SIERA sabermetric profile underneath the 4.63 ERA. James McArthur is making a strong case to close games... Read More
Trevor Megill - Closers and Saves Waiver Wire Adds
BALLER MOVE: Add in 12+ Team Leagues ROSTERED IN: 6% of Leagues ANALYSIS: It’s astounding that Trevor Megill's rostered rate can sit so far below that of Joel Payamps and Abner Uribe. He was a dog in the second half, posting an electrifying 32:5 K:BB in just 20 IP after the break. Sounds like the... Read More
Michael Kopech - Closers and Saves Waiver Wire Adds
BALLER MOVE: Add in 12+ Team Leagues ROSTERED IN: 13% of Leagues ANALYSIS: Michael Kopech is throwing triple-digit heat after being transitioned to the bullpen. Don’t go thinking he’ll be THE guy because Pedro Grifol has made it clear that he’ll throw these relievers wherever he wants. But building up Kopech’s trade value with some... Read More
Kevin Ginkel - Closers and Saves Waiver Wire Adds
BALLER MOVE: Add in 10+ Team Leagues ROSTERED IN: 17% of Leagues ANALYSIS: Monday evening saw the Arizona Diamondbacks announce Paul Sewald had a Grade 2 left oblique strain and would open 2024 on the IL. We likely won’t see him until May, which should elevate the entire bullpen leverage ladder up a notch. Diamondbacks’... Read More
Louie Varland (MIN, SP/RP) - Fantasy Baseball Pitcher Waiver Wire Adds for Week 1
BALLER MOVE: Add in 10+ Team Leagues ROSTERED IN: 38% of Leagues ANALYSIS: Minnesota’s No. 5 spot is now Varland’s with Anthony DeSclafani’s injury. Disco never should’ve been ahead of him anyway. Louie Varland is ready to take the final spot in the #MNTwins starting rotation. 🔥⚾️ pic.twitter.com/8XKZVLUtxE — SKOR North - Minnesota Sports (@SKORNorth) March... Read More
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!