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

Expert Advice
Articles & Tools
Import Your Leagues
Daily Stats & Leaders
All Pitcher Matchups
Compare Any Players
Compare Any Players
Rookies & Call-Ups
24x7 News and Alerts

NL-Only and AL-Only Waiver Wire for Week 17

Matt Wallach outlines his favorite week 17 waiver wire pickups and adds for deep leagues, and AL-only or NL-only fantasy baseball leagues for the 2021 MLB season.

Welcome back to the NL-only and AL-only pickups column. Each week, I'll look at five players who are under 15% rostered in Yahoo! leagues and who can be considered as options to add in deep-league formats, such as 15-teamers or AL or NL-only leagues.

I'll also include a recommendation for what to do with each player on your roster. And lastly, I'll take a look at some of my picks from the previous week to see how they're performing.

Without further ado, let's get into it.

Be sure to check all of our fantasy baseball lineup tools and resources:

 

Michael Taylor - OF, Royals

6% rostered
Recommended move: Add for this week

Taylor got off to a hot start to the season which initially got a lot of people's attention, but he has cooled off significantly in the months since, with his overall line sitting at .245/.306/.363. However, he has been playing much better in July, with a .297/.395/.432 slash line (132 wRC+), which has seen him get back on the fantasy radar.

This hot stretch for Taylor is keeping him in the Royals' lineup on an everyday basis, and with that being said, the Royals face the Tigers' poor pitching staff this weekend, so he should be a good bet to continue his hot hitting.

This looks to be a pure streaming pick for this weekend though, as Taylor's Statcast metrics, even during this hot stretch, still do leave a lot to be desired, so this performance likely isn't all that sustainable. To make the decision a little more obvious too, the Royals face off against the White Sox after their series with Detroit, and that is not a favorable matchup at all. Still, Taylor should be a good hitter to stream this weekend in deep formats.

 

Harrison Bader - OF, Cardinals

3% rostered
Recommended move: Add for the long haul 

Bader missed about a month with a rib injury that took away from what was, to that point, an up-and-down season for him. He had a 120 wRC+ through May 15, but slumped big-time in the run-up to the injury, to the point where that wRC+ shrunk to just 80 by the time he was placed on the injured list. That poor stretch combined with the injury led many fantasy managers to drop him and forget about him, which didn't seem all that unfair.

Since being activated on July 1 though, Bader has been hitting very well, with a .304/.373/.478 slash line. Additionally, the strikeout rate gains he made pre-injury have also come back with him off the injured list, as he has a strikeout rate of just 13.7% since returning, which is right in line with his 14.9% mark for the season.

Overall, Bader looks to be a solid hitter, and should contribute pretty much everywhere for fantasy purposes, with a decent enough batting average, and modest power, while also being a good stolen base threat with his outstanding speed. He hits eighth in the order, which isn't the best place to rack up steals, but he does have two steals and three attempts this month, so while he may not be an overwhelming stolen base threat, he should net a few each month. Additionally, Bader should remain the Cardinals' everyday centerfielder going forward, so playing time isn't an issue.

 

Oscar Mercado - OF, Cleveland

3% rostered
Recommended move: Add for this week 

Many remember Mercado from his strong 2019 season, in which he burst onto the fantasy scene with 15 home runs and 15 stolen bases in just 115 games. He wasn't able to maintain those gains in 2020 though, as he was one of the worst hitters in the game when he did play, and he was rightfully, off the fantasy radar pretty much everywhere coming into the year.

After spending much of the season in Triple-A, he is now back up with the big league club due to Cleveland's outfield issues. It doesn't look like he's in a straight platoon, but rather splitting time with Daniel Johnson, as he started two of the last four games against righties. He has, however, started every game against a lefty starter, and has generally done well against them in a limited sample, with a .308/.438/.462 triple slash (152 wRC+) compared to a .185/.214/.370 (52 wRC+) mark against righties. That's significant for this week because Cleveland is projected to face four straight lefty starters in their series against the Rays starting on Thursday. Mercado should be in the lineup for each of those games and should be expected to do well, and he may even swipe a bag or two in those games, making it an even more intriguing stream for this week. He may not be the overall hitter he was in 2019 that made many excited, but Mercado should a good candidate for consideration in deep leagues when the matchups favor him, such as this week.

 

Nicky Lopez - SS/2B, Royals

3% rostered
Recommended move: Add for a few weeks 

Lopez has been recommended here before, but as was the case for the previously mentioned Taylor, Lopez gets a bump this week due to a favorable matchup against the Tigers. And it's not as if Lopez isn't playing well, either. Since June 1, he's hitting .330/.407/.367 (121 wRC+), and even though it's a pretty empty slash line, with not much power at all, that high batting average would surely be useful in a lot of fantasy teams, to the point where it's sort of surprising he's rostered at just three percent right now.

While fantasy managers would likely prefer a more well-rounded profile, Lopez should still be a good roster stabilizer in the average category to help offset some potentially poor batting average hitters elsewhere. While Lopez does have good speed, there haven't been as many stolen bases as maybe would have been expected from him, with just one attempt this month, he has eight total on the season, which is still solid. It's perhaps not a profile that would work on every fantasy team, but if you're in need of someone to help in the batting average category, Lopez should be a good option. Plus, he has dual eligibility at second base and a favorable matchup this weekend as an added benefit.

 

LaMonte Wade Jr. - 1B/OF, Giants

2% rostered
Recommended move: Add for this week 

Here with Wade, we have one final hitter-streaming option for this week. The Giants love to play their platoons, and while they face the tough Dodgers this week, they get a break this weekend with a matchup against the Pirates, and importantly for Wade, with three projected right-handed starters set to take the mound, which means that not only should Wade be in the lineup for each of those three matchups, but also at the top of it, as he's been their leadoff hitter against righties lately.

Wade is pretty much as close to a true platoon player as you can get, as he has just fifteen plate appearances against left-handed pitchers all season, and for good reason, as he hasn't recorded a single hit against them. Even in his still limited sample as a major leaguer, Wade hasn't recorded a hit against a lefty, so it definitely seems wise to keep him out against lefties as much as possible.

Against righties though, Wade rakes, with a career 131 wRC+ against them, and a 151 mark this season. That should definitely be expected to play well against the Pirates staff this weekend, and helping out those fantasy managers in need of a stream and some potentially cheap results for a short period.

 

Reviewing Last Week's Picks

At the end of each week's post, I'll review what happened with last week's picks and offer a suggestion for them in the future.

Kole Calhoun (OF, ARI) 

Last week: 10% rostered. This week: 10% rostered. 

Calhoun didn't do well last week, with just two hits recorded, but the track record still seems strong enough that he should still be rostered for the time being. It depends on each manager's situation, as some may prefer to pick up a hotter hitter or stream a hitter to take advantage of some good matchups, but most managers held onto him even after the poor week last week, which makes sense considering what we have seen from him throughout his career.

Current recommendation: Hold. 

Brian Goodwin (OF, CHW) 

Last week: 2% rostered. This week: 2% rostered. 

Goodwin also didn't do much last week, getting just three hits in 19 tries. He does remain the team's cleanup hitter against righty starters, and similar to Calhoun, the track record here suggests that he should still be solid going forward. Again, it's situation-dependent, but I think he's been hitting too well over the whole season to drop him after one rough week. Goodwin is still a good deep-league option, at least until the trade deadline.

Current recommendation: Hold. 

Orlando Arcia (SS/OF, ATL) 

Last week: 2% rostered. This week: 2% rostered. 

Arcia has been a playing time beneficiary with Ronald Acuna Jr.'s (knee) injury, and even with the team adding Joc Pederson, Arcia has remained in the starting lineup. Unfortunately, he didn't play well last week, getting just three hits after what was a solid first few games after being called up. The Braves figure to still be hunting for an outfielder, which would push Arcia back to the bench, and this probably isn't worth rostering anymore.

Current recommendation: Drop. 

John Nogowski (1B, PIT) 

Last week: 1% rostered. This week: 4% rostered. 

Nogowski made some headlines last weekend against the Mets and did back it up with generally strong play, as he went .310/.333/.414 last week as he continues to hit well for the Pirates. Since being called up on July 5, he's hit .422/.469/.511 (171 wRC+). It's not the most complete profile, but he's probably one of the better deep-league first base options right now. Hold him.

Current recommendation: Hold.  

Ramon Urias (2B/SS, BAL) 

Last week: 1% rostered. This week: 2% rostered. 

Urias didn't have the best week last week, with just a 66 wRC+, but he is still hitting well since being called back up to the Orioles on June 27 with a .323/.373/.468 line in that span. The Orioles will keep running him out there every day, and while it's not a complete profile with little power or speed, it can still be a useful one in deeper formats. I'd give him some more time on your roster if you can afford it.

Current recommendation: Hold. 



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!



More Fantasy Baseball Advice




POPULAR FANTASY TOOLS

Expert Advice
Articles & Tools
Import Your Leagues
Daily Stats & Leaders
All Pitcher Matchups
Compare Any Players
Compare Any Players
Rookies & Call-Ups
24x7 News and Alerts

REAL-TIME FANTASY NEWS

Jaylen Waddle

Questionable for Week 3 Against Buffalo
Joe Burrow

Bengals Not Closing the Door on Joe Burrow Returning This Year
CFB

LaNorris Sellers to Play Against Missouri?
Kyle Tucker

Progress has "Plateaued"
Isaac Paredes

has "Outside Chance" to Return This Weekend
CFB

Kaidon Salter Expected To Start for Colorado on Saturday
Willson Contreras

Goes on 10-Day Injured List, Done for Season
Justin Fields

Ruled Out for Week 3 Due to Concussion
Jayden Reed

Out Indefinitely After Foot and Shoulder Surgery
Washington Commanders

Preston Smith Signs With Commanders
Trey Jemison III

Joins Knicks on Two-Way Contract
Kevin McCullar Jr.

Signs New Two-Way Deal With Knicks
Matt Ryan

Returns to Knicks on Exhibit 10 Contract
New York Knicks

Alex Len Signs Exhibit 9 Deal With Knicks
Nickeil Alexander-Walker

Expected to Take on Larger Offensive Role With Hawks
Thomas Sorber

Undergoes Surgery
Dominic Canzone

Has Five-Hit, Three-Homer Game Tuesday
Cal Raleigh

Sets Single-Season Home Run Record for a Switch-Hitter
Jayden Reed

Undergoes Clavicle and Foot Surgeries, Out for Foreseeable Future
Bo Bichette

to Miss Rest of Regular Season
Zach Neto

Placed on 10-Day Injured List With Hand Injury
Yordan Alvarez

Out on Tuesday, Dealing With "Significant" Ankle Sprain
Aaron Jones Sr.

Vikings Place Aaron Jones Sr. on Injured Reserve With Hamstring Injury
CFB

Diego Pavia Refutes Report of Seeking Seventh Collegiate Season
Christian Kirk

Expected to Return in Week 3
CFB

Diego Pavia Seeking Another Year of Eligibility
Tarik Skubal

on Track to Start Thursday
CFB

Kevorian Barnes Questionable Against SMU
Bo Bichette

has Short-Term Knee Injury, Could Return for Postseason
Tosan Evbuomwan

Joins Knicks
NBA

Kai Jones Links Up With EuroLeague Team
Bismack Biyombo

Returns to Spurs
Bones Hyland

Rejoins Timberwolves
Kobe Bufkin

Moves to Brooklyn
Trey Yesavage

Sets Franchise Strikeout Record On Monday
Yordan Alvarez

To Receive MRI For Sprained Left Ankle On Tuesday
Willson Contreras

Exits Early Monday With Right-Biceps Tightness
Yordan Alvarez

Exits With Ankle Sprain
Brock Bowers

Officially Active on Monday Night
Jauan Jennings

Day-to-Day With Ankle Injury
Logan O'Hoppe

Activated Off Seven-Day Injured List
CBJ

Denton Mateychuk Dealing With Groin Issue
Bo Horvat

Fine for Training Camp
Kirby Dach

on Track to Be Ready for Opening Night
Jose Altuve

Returns Against Rangers
J.J. McCarthy

Expected to Miss 2-4 Weeks With High-Ankle Sprain
J.J. McCarthy

Likely Out for Week 3 With High-Ankle Sprain
Jean Silva

Gets Finished For The First Time In His Career
Aaron Jones Sr.

Unlikely to Play in Week 3 Due to Hamstring Injury
Diego Lopes

Returns To The Win Column
Jayden Daniels

' Week 3 Status in Doubt
Rob Font

Outclassed In The Noche UFC 3 Co-Main Event
David Martinez

Wins His Second UFC Fight
Jared Gordon

Suffers Brutal TKO Loss At Noche UFC 3
Rafa Garcia

Wins Back-To-Back Fights
Brian Thomas Jr.

Dealing with Wrist Injury
Dustin Stoltzfus

Drops A Decision At Noche UFC 3
Kelvin Gastelum

Gets Back In The Win Column
Diego Ferreira

Suffers Second-Round TKO
Alexander Hernandez

Extends His Win Streak With A Brutal TKO
Quang Le

Suffers First-Round Knockout
Santiago Luna

Shines In His UFC Debut
Christopher Bell

Earns his First Bristol Cup Series Victory
Alex Bowman

Falls Short of Advancing Through Cup Series Playoffs
Chase Briscoe

Collects his Third Top-10 Finish at Bristol
Ryan Blaney

Strong Top-Five Bristol Performance Advances him to the Playoffs
Corey Heim

Earns his First Career Cup Series Top-10 Finish at Bristol
Giannis Antetokounmpo

Leads Greece to Bronze Medal
Alperen Sengün

Alperen Sengun Drops 28 Points in EuroBasket Finals
CFB

Indiana's Lee Beebe Jr. Out for Season with Knee Injury
Dennis Schröder

Dennis Schroder Named EuroBasket MVP
Bryce Eldridge

Giants to Promote Bryce Eldridge
Jaren Jackson Jr.

Progressing in Recovery
Jonathan Kuminga

Receives New Offer From Warriors
Kenneth Walker III

Bounces Back with Big Week 2 Performance
Bijan Robinson

Rushes for 143 Yards in Week 2
Justin Fields

Currently in Concussion Protocol
Cincinnati Bengals

Bengals Calling Around to Available Free-Agent Quarterbacks
Joe Burrow

to Undergo Surgery, Out at Least Three Months
Emil Heineman

Aiming to Take the "Next Step" This Season
Braeden Cootes

Good to Go for Camp
Ivan Fedotov

Blue Jackets Acquire Ivan Fedotov From Flyers
Aaron Jones Sr.

Injures Hamstring During Sunday Night Football
Garrett Crochet

Punches Out 12 in Win
Cole Ragans

to Return on Wednesday
George Kirby

Strikes Out 14 in Win
Carlos Estévez

Carlos Estevez Exits with Back Tightness
Quentin Grimes

Still Not Close to a New Contract Agreement
Joel Embiid

"Looking Slender, Spry and in Positive Spirits"
Ty Gibbs

Has Arguably his Best Career Drive, but Only Finishes 10th
Chase Elliott

Despite Crashing Out at Bristol, Chase Elliott Advances to Round of 12
Austin Dillon

Misses Round of 12 After Extremely Mediocre Bristol Run
Shane Van Gisbergen

Shane van Gisbergen Fails to Advance to Round of 12
Josh Berry

Finishes Last in All Three Round of 16 Races to Fail to Advance
CFB

Ryan Williams Explodes In Return To Field
CFB

Drew Allar Plays Mediocre Game In Blowout Win
CFB

LaNorris Sellers Exits Game In Blowout Loss
CFB

DJ Lagway Tosses Five Interceptions In Loss
CFB

Garrett Nussmeier Plays Game Manager in Saturday's Win
CFB

CJ Carr Remains Poised In Narrow Loss
CFB

John Mateer Leads Oklahoma In Rout
CFB

Arch Manning Struggles Against UTEP
CFB

Jeremiah Smith Impresses In Win
CFB

Sam Leavitt Shines As Arizona State Rebounds From Week 2 Loss
Ivan Demidov

Turning Heads in Rookie Camp
NHL

Calvin de Haan Signs With Swedish Team
Samuel Girard

Skates With Non-Contact Jersey
Mackenzie Blackwood

Dealing With Injury Ahead of Training Camp
Spencer Knight

Signs Three-Year Extension With Blackhawks
Chris Buescher

May have Another Solid Run at Bristol
Corey Perry

Out 6-8 Weeks Following Surgery
Kyle Busch

Should DFS Managers Roster Kyle Busch at Bristol?
Ricky Stenhouse Jr

Is Ricky Stenhouse Jr. Too Risky to Consider Rostering at Bristol?
Michael McDowell

Could be A Solid Value Option For Bristol DFS Lineups
Chase Elliott

Probably Won't Factor in for Bristol Win
NASCAR

Bubba Wallace Not as Strong at Bristol as Other Short Tracks
Alex Bowman

Needs to Win to Make Round of 12
Ross Chastain

has Never Led at Bristol but Has Been Pretty Consistent
Austin Dillon

Richmond Speed Unlikely to Carry Over to Bristol
Josh Berry

Might Run Well at Bristol, but Almost Certainly Won't Win to Advance
Justin Haley

Bristol One of Justin Haley's Few Recent Bright Spots
CFB

Austin Simmons Listed As Game-Time Decision Against Arkansas
CFB

Nico Iamaleava Struggles In Fourth Straight Loss
Ukko-Pekka Luukkonen

Dealing With a "Tweak"
BUF

Alexandar Georgiev Joins Sabres on One-Year Deal
Corey Perry

Injured During Pre-Camp Skate
CFB

Antonio Williams Out Against Georgia Tech
CFB

CJ Bailey Flashes Again in Win Over Wake Forest
CFB

Jaxson Moi a Game-Time Decision for Tennessee on Saturday
Jean Silva

A Favorite At Noche UFC 3
Diego Lopes

Set For Noche UFC 3 Main Event
Rob Font

Looks For His Third Consecutive Win
David Martinez

Set For Noche UFC 3 Co-Main Event
Rafa Garcia

An Underdog At Noche UFC 3
Jared Gordon

Looks To Win Back-To-Back Fights
Dustin Stoltzfus

Looks To Return To The Win Column
Kelvin Gastelum

In Dire Need Of Victory
Diego Ferreira

Looks To Get Back In The Win Column
Malcolm Brogdon

Heading to Knicks on One-Year Deal
Landry Shamet

Staying with the Knicks
Adam Lowry

Aims for Early-Season Return

RANKINGS

QB
RB
WR
TE
K
DEF
RANKINGS
C
1B
2B
3B
SS
OF
SP
RP