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 Waiver Wire Team of the Week: MLB Week 25

Waiver wire targets and pickups for NL-only leagues. Jon Denzler identifies who to target, pickup, or stash in deep leagues for week 25.

Every week in baseball, a significant player will hit the disabled list, slip into a slump, or get traded out of a good spot. How fantasy owners adapt to these situations can make or break the season as a whole. One lousy add might not hurt the long-term standing of a team, but failing to take advantage of breakouts or impact bats before others sure can.

The primary challenge of playing in an NL or AL-only league is often the lack of options regarding adding and subtracting players when needed. In mixed leagues, the players on the waiver wire are usually starting for an NL-only staff. So then how does one wade through the names of players that even regular fantasy players have never heard of, and that often will not even start for their teams, to begin with? That is where this series comes in.

Instead of owners spending time digging the waiver wire of 0% owned players, this article will give owners a player at each position to fill the gap, or at the least, keep an eye on to add or stash. Not all of these players will replace that injury, but offer the best option off the scrap heap. Often the players advocated for here are long shots due to the nature of shallow leagues. No quick fixes, but some upside that could turn into much more.  With that onto the island of misfit fantasy toys.

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

NL-Only Team of the Week

C - Curt Casali (C, CIN) - 1% owned

After spending most of his career in the American League, this year Casali has taken a shot with the Reds and turned it into 45 games. Over that time he is slashing .298/.362/.468 with four homers and 16 RBI. The batting line alone makes him worth a play at catcher, and with the park factors in his favor as well, that power should continue to play up for fantasy owners. The negative in the profile has been a few points dropped in the walk rate, but coupled with a higher OBP so far means that this is not a red flag for Casali. Not only should he keep getting time in the final two weeks, but might be playing for a starting gig next season with the Reds. At the very least, in a weak catcher week, take a .300 batting average from the spot and run with it.

1B - Ryan McMahon (1B/2B/3B, COL) - 4% owned

Finally getting his shot with the Rockies, McMahon entered this year as one of the hottest fantasy prospects. Sadly, with limited time and struggles when he did get a chance, 2018 has not worked out as planned. The critical piece with this add is that the Rockies might not use him much while being in a pennant race. This means shots off the bench, and some platooning at first, at best, in these last few weeks. Still, for owners in keeper leagues, this is an easy addition to keep that door open. For example, he walked off the Dodgers the other night, so even on the bench, he will get key chances. If playing in redraft leagues, McMahon could be a spark the rest of the way as well. So far, in 82 games, he is slashing .237/.311/.387 with five homers and one steal. All in all, not a lost season, and if he keeps getting shots, the power upside alone could make him worth a CI slot.

2B - David Bote (2B/3B, CHC) - 1% owned

While he has cooled off since his hot start, Bote looks to be one of the key adds this week as the Cubs figure out how they are going to approach a playoff run. At the very least, while Joe Maddon hurts most fantasy options, he has turned Bote into one. To date, in 63 games, he is slashing .229/.307/.414 with six homers and three steals. The second half has killed his numbers with a .200 average in 40 games, meaning that the .310 average to start the year is perhaps a fluke. Why then should owners buy low? Lineup context indicates he will still score runs, as even with that average, he has scored 13 runs in the past 41 games. Add to that twice as many doubles in the past few months, and when Bote makes contact, there is still production to be had. Bote also serves as a nice infield injury cover, so for owners needing to fill a gap late, this is the add this week. Expect Bote to have one more run in him, as that has been the pattern all year.

3B - Patrick Wisdom (3B, STL) - 0% owned

The Cardinal prospect has been turning heads in his hot start so far, meaning that interested owners need to move fast. That zero percent ownership rate will not remain for long if he continues to hit. Through his first 24 games in the bigs, he is slashing .231/.333/.538 with four homers and two steals. Add that to 11 RBI, and this has been an excellent start for the young power hitter. In his minor league career, Wisdom was mostly known for the bat but had a few double-digit steal seasons as well. If he can carry some of that over, and add both power and speed, the batting average can stay a bit depressed and still make him a useful fantasy player. This is one to keep in mind for next year as well.

SS - Tyler Saladino (2B/3B/SS, MIL) - 0% owned

A favorite on the list all year, for the stretch run, Saladino still offers a good mixture of positional flexibility and bat to make him a nice fantasy bench option at the least. Also add in that he is free everywhere, and owners should take this chance while they can. In 51 games so far with the Brewers and White Sox, Saladino is slashing .261/.315/.420 with five homers and two steals. Not only is he a multiple category threat, but Saladino also has chipped in 16 RBI showing how much he can add to most teams. The downside is he does strike out quite a bit, but this season the rate is much higher than usual, so a good week could see him take a point or two off that line. The other key is the SLG, which boosts a .160 ISO, showing the pop that this utility fielder offers. Saladino will not win you a league, but will offer a nice reserve option much like Bote that could be key to finishing a season.

OF - Austin Slater (1B/OF, SF) - 1% owned

With the Giants out of the playoff picture, Slater will be given a shot to prove his worth moving into next season. Boosting a league-average glove, according to ratings, Slater seems to be a good fit for the park factors, and also adds enough speed to make him a legit option in center. And yet, what will matter the most long-term are the offensive numbers. In 66 games this campaign, he is slashing .268/.348/.328 with one homer and six steals. The lack of power is made up for by 23 runs and 23 RBI over that time. He does strike out a bit, with a rate close to 30 percent this year, but this is an exception from his track record in the minors. More time with the Giants and increased exposure to top-flight pitching should help round out the profile. For owners looking for batting average with speed upside, this is the option down the stretch.

OF - Tyler O’Neill (OF, STL) - 4% owned

O’Neill is back with the Cardinals, and that means that owners desperate for power down the stretch have a dart to throw. While it does not look like he will start often, as the Cardinals are in a playoff race, if Sunday’s game is any hint, he will be one of the first bats of the bench late in games. If this is the case, then expect better match-ups, and more opportunities to swing away late in those situations. The other piece is that with harder throwers out of the bullpen, power plays up a bit as opposed to a soft-tossing starter. That being said, in 50 games this year, O’Neill is slashing .246/.289/.483 with eight homers and two steals. Even more, he has scored 22 runs in his short time, adding to the baseline moving forward. Power is the main sell here, but the risk of speed also makes this an easy add.

OF - Roman Quinn (OF, PHI) - 2% owned

Quinn is another name that has been on and off the list but looks to be up the rest of the way for the Phillies. In some ways, the fact that the team’s playoff shot might be over helps fantasy owners. This means more chances for Quinn to look forward to next year, but also to see what they have in the field as well. So far this campaign, in 36 games, Quinn is slashing .330/.358/.527 with two homers and eight steals. While that SLG will come down as the sample size increases, the speed seems to be the real deal. If Quinn can hit .300 with that same steal rate, he could be an OF2 at his peak. The rest of the way, look for him to be the top steals option in roto that is free on the wire, and owners will take whatever else he can offer at the plate. Quinn could have the most impact in the final two weeks of any players on this list. 

P - Richard Rodriguez (RP. PIT) - 1% owned

Rodriguez might be the breakout bullpen option in a non-closer role of the 2018 campaign. In 56 games, he has posted a 2.57 ERA with four wins. The FIP is only slightly higher at 2.72, so the ERA seems to be the real deal. The ratios are even better, with 11.29 K/9 and 2.43 BB/9 to date. His homers are also down for the year, at 0.71 HR/9 rounding out a complete season. While his ceiling is a bit low due to the lack of save chances, for owners looking to solidify the rest of the line, this seems to be an easy add. Perhaps the Pittsburgh pitching magic has moved to the pen? Watch Rodriguez to be th sthees sleeper next year.

P - Corbin Burnes (SP/RP, MIL) - 1% owned

Burnes is in an usual spot, as in the long term he looks to be a starter, but for now, is a crucial arm out of the Brewer bullpen. Fantasy owners are hoping he is not the next Josh Hader, but rather, is kept in the starting rotation for the stuff alone. Still, with the Brewers being in the middle of a pennant race, Burnes has been given the opportunity to contribute, and with such a low ownership rate owners should jump on while they can for a few reasons. First, in 24 games he has pitched in 31.1 innings, meaning there is a chance to rack up the innings for roto leagues. Second, even with no starts so far he has recorded five wins, which out of the bullpen are worth their weight in gold. Third, and finally, the ERA sits at a lowly 2.87, with a 3.69 FIP to boot. All in all, Burnes is a hard-throwing bullpen arm, with wins upside, and an excellent chance to keep adding to the K rate. Easy add in keeper leagues, and a nice late addition in re-draft leagues as well.

P - Victor Arano (RP, PHI) - 3% owned

Another bullpen arm to finish off the list this week, Arano has enjoyed a tremendous second spell with the Phillies and looks to be a key piece moving into next season. In 55 innings he has posted an ERA of 2.45 and a FIP of 2.90. These numbers are vital to the profile, and with the gross innings, should help stabilize most teams. Next, in those innings, he has been posting a 9.33 K/9 to round out a 2.45 BB/9. Both are good numbers, and the Ks might even be down a bit from his time in the minors. This means there might be more room to grow. Finally, the main issue for him in the minors was the home run rate, but this year, that is down to 0.65 HR/9. Arano is enjoying a great 2018 and should be a nice addition for teams looking for ratios and ERA the rest of the way.

More Waiver Wire Pickups and Streamers




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

PGA

J.T. Poston Returns to John Deere Classic Looking for Another High Finish
Josh Naylor

Back in Action on Tuesday
Yordan Alvarez

Suffers Setback
Thriston Lawrence

a Decent Fit For John Deere Classic
Tom Kim

Not Finding Much to be Happy About Ahead of John Deere Classic
Nolan Arenado

Dealing with Finger Sprain
ANA

Mikael Granlund Moves to Anaheim on Three-Year Deal
Jacob Wilson

Scratched With Hamstring Soreness
NJ

Jake Allen Signs Five-Year Extension With Devils
VAN

Brock Boeser Remains in Vancouver on Seven-Year Deal
Conor Garland

Signs New Six-Year Deal with Canucks
Thatcher Demko

Signs Three-Year Extension with Canucks
Brandon Woodruff

Ready for Season Debut
Martin Fehérváry

Martin Fehervary Agrees to Seven-Year Extension with Capitals
Garrett Mitchell

Out for the Rest of the Season
MLB

Brewers-Mets Postponed on Tuesday
MLB

Tigers-Nationals Postponed on Tuesday
Zach Neto

Returns to Tuesday's Lineup
Milwaukee Bucks

Gary Harris Inks Deal With Bucks
MLB

Padres-Phillies Postponed on Tuesday
Charlotte Hornets

Mason Plumlee Heading Back to Charlotte
Si Woo Kim

is a Prohibitive Fade at John Deere Classic
Hunter Goodman

Back Behind the Dish on Tuesday
Jakob Poeltl

Agrees to a Contract Extension With Raptors
Ben Griffin

is the Appropriate Favorite at TPC Deere Run
Jason Day

is a Fine Play With Limited Upside at John Deere Classic
Vasilije Micić

Vasilije Micic Dealt to Bucks on Tuesday
Daniel Suarez

and Trackhouse Racing Parting Ways After 2025 Season
Luke Clanton

Looks to Have Another Strong Week at TPC Deere Run
Pat Connaughton

Traded to Hornets
Atlanta Hawks

Luke Kennard Lands in Atlanta
Breece Hall

Aiming to Prove He is "Still One of the Best in the League"
T.J. Watt

Steelers Not Planning to Trade T.J. Watt
Sacramento Kings

Dennis Schroder Set to Join Sacramento
Bo Bichette

Out Again on Tuesday
Trent Grisham

Likely Heading to Injured List
Boston Celtics

Luke Kornet Agrees to Contract With San Antonio
Jonas Valančiūnas

Nuggets Trade for Center Jonas Valanciunas
Royce Lewis

Twins Activate Royce Lewis
Shai Gilgeous-Alexander

Signs Massive Extension With Oklahoma City
Corbin Carroll

Eyeing Return Before All-Star Break
New York Knicks

Knicks Pick Up Guerschon Yabusele
Yordan Alvarez

Could Return Early Next Week
NFL

Negotiations on 18-Game Season Not Expected Until Next Year
Indiana Pacers

Myles Turner Leaves Indiana, Signs With Milwaukee
Kerry Carpenter

Shelved with Hamstring Issue
Tyler Boyd

Steelers Have Talked With Tyler Boyd
Milwaukee Bucks

Damian Lillard Waived By Milwaukee
Darren Waller

Coming Out of Retirement to Play for Dolphins
Alexander Romanov

Islanders Retain Alexander Romanov on $50 Million Contract
Andrei Kuzmenko

Signs Up for One More Year with Kings
Morgan Geekie

Signs Long-Term Extension with Bruins
Ivan Provorov

Stays in Columbus on Seven-Year Deal
Alex Pietrangelo

Stepping Away From Golden Knights for Health Reasons
Matias Maccelli

Maple Leafs Bring in Matias Maccelli
Evan Bouchard

Inks $42 Million Contract with Oilers
Vladimir Tarasenko

Wild Acquire Vladimir Tarasenko From Detroit
Patrick Kane

Signs New One-Year Deal with Red Wings
Brad Marchand

Lands Six-Year Extension
Aaron Ekblad

Remains a Panther on Eight-Year Deal
Mitchell Marner

Heads to Vegas
Randy Arozarena

Homers Twice, Plates Four Monday
Shea Langeliers

Hits Three-Run Homer In Return From Injured List Monday
Wilyer Abreu

Belts Grand Slam and Hits Inside-the-Park Home Run
Philadelphia 76ers

Trendon Watford Lands in Philadelphia
New York Knicks

Jordan Clarkson Expected to Sign With Knicks
Zack Wheeler

Tosses Eight Shutout Innings, Punches Out 10
Santi Aldama

Remains with Grizzlies
Atlanta Hawks

Nickeil Alexander-Walker Lands in Atlanta
Jalen Ramsey

Could Move Around in Pittsburgh
Los Angeles Clippers

Brook Lopez Strikes Deal With Clippers
Jonnu Smith

to be Used in Hybrid Role
Terry McLaurin

Commanders, Terry McLaurin Not Close on Contract Extension
Chicago Bulls

Tre Jones Remaining in Chicago
Michael Mayer

Raiders Not Interested in Trading Michael Mayer
Houston Rockets

Dorian Finney-Smith Signing With Rockets
Atlanta Hawks

Caris LeVert Joining Pistons
Aldrich Potgieter

Wins Rocket Mortgage Classic
Thorbjorn Olesen

Finishes Tied for 41st at Rocket Mortgage Classic
Denny McCarthy

Finishes Tied For 12th at Travelers Championship
Chris Kirk

Finishes Tied For Second at Rocket Mortgage Classic
Michael Kim

Finishes Tied for 26th at Rocket Mortgage Classic
Max Homa

Misses Cut at Rocket Mortgage Classic
Lucas Glover

Finishes Tied For Ninth at Travelers Championship
PGA

Nico Echavarria Finishes Tied For Sixth at Rocket Mortgage Classic
Pittsburgh Steelers

Rumors Still Swirling Around Potential T.J. Watt Trade
Ilia Topuria

Becomes The New Lightweight Champion
Charles Oliveira

Knocked Out At UFC 317
Kai Kara-France

Alexandre Pantoja Submits Kai Kara-France
Kai Kara-France

Submitted At UFC 317
Joshua Van

Extends His Win Streak
Tyler Boyd

Interested in Playing for Steelers
Miami Dolphins

Dolphins Now Looking to Acquire a Tight End
Brandon Royval

Drops Decision
L'Jarius Sneed

Says he's Healthy
Renato Moicano

Loses Back-To-Back Fights
Beneil Dariush

Gets Back In The Win Column
Felipe Lima

Suffers His First UFC Loss
Payton Talbott

Bounces Back
Minkah Fitzpatrick

Heading Back to Miami
Jonnu Smith

Shipped to Pittsburgh
Alex Bowman

Competitive Run Ends With Third-Place Finish at Atlanta
Erik Jones

Secures A Top-Five Finish After Adversity In Atlanta
Tyler Reddick

Collects A New Career-Best Finish At Atlanta
Jalen Ramsey

Steelers Acquiring Jalen Ramsey
Jonas Brodin

Expected to Miss Start of Next Season
TB

Conor Sheary Placed on Waivers for Contract Termination
Dante Fabbro

Stays with Blue Jackets on Four-Year Deal
Chase Elliott

Ends Winless Skid With Atlanta Victory
Brad Keselowski

Falls Short of Atlanta Victory
NFL

NFL Won't Hold Supplemental Draft This Year
Damon Arnette

Getting Second Chance With Texans
Deommodore Lenoir

Arrested for Obstruction of Justice
Carson Hocevar

Recovers From Big One to Finish 10th at Atlanta
William Byron

Caught up in Atlanta Big One but Retains Points Lead
Denny Hamlin

Top In-Season Challenge Seed Denny Hamlin Eliminated in Lap 70 Crash
Ty Dillon

Bottom Seed Ty Dillon Upsets Denny Hamlin to Advance in In-Season Challenge
Marvin Harrison Jr.

Expected to Make Second-Year Jump
Jalin Hyatt

Looking to Flip the Script in 2025
Kyle Larson

Don't Expect Kyle Larson to Win First Drafting Track Race on Saturday
Christopher Bell

Unlikely to Complete Atlanta Sweep
Brad Keselowski

Seeks Another Clutch Win for Hail-Mary Playoff Bid
Chris Buescher

Unlikely to Lead Enough to Have Much DFS Value
Alex Bowman

Qualifies Best Among Non-Fords but Unlikely to Contend at Atlanta
Ryan Preece

Will Probably Run Better Than Usual at Atlanta
Austin Dillon

Consistently Mediocre at Atlanta
Ty Gibbs

Slightly Faster Lately but Unlikely to be a Factor at Atlanta
Erik Jones

a Low-Key Strong DFS Option
Noah Gragson

Could Have DFS Value as One of the Lowest-Qualifying Fords
Riley Herbst

Unlikely to Replicate February Atlanta Finish
Charles Oliveira

Can Become A Two-Time Lightweight Champion
Ilia Topuria

A Favorite At UFC 317
Kai Kara-France

Can Become The New Flyweight Champion
Alexandre Pantoja

Set For Fourth Title Defense At UFC 317
Joshua Van

Looks To Extend His Win Streak
Brandon Royval

Looks For His Third Win In A Row
Renato Moicano

Returns At UFC 317
Beneil Dariush

An Underdog At UFC 317
Payton Talbott

Looks To Bounce Back
Felipe Lima

Set To Open Up UFC 317 Main Card
RANKINGS
C
1B
2B
3B
SS
OF
SP
RP

RANKINGS

QB
RB
WR
TE
K
DEF