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Kevin Hickey's fantasy baseball waiver wire pickups for outfielders and Week 2 of the 2023 MLB season. Consider adding and streaming these free-agent hitters.
We are not yet one week into the 2023 MLB action, but it's never too early to start submitting waiver claims. This article will discuss fantasy baseball waiver wire pickups for the outfield in Week 2 - April 3rd through April 9th. Of course, it is far too soon to give up on the struggling players that excited you during the draft. However, trading in some of your end-of-the-bench slots for players with higher ceilings can be crucial to fantasy baseball success in the long run.
Given the brief sample size thus far, these selections will be based less on players' recent performance. Instead, this article will highlight the guys who either went overlooked in drafts or young players whose standing with their team has changed significantly for one reason or another. At this stage, everything is speculative, but it's better to get out in front of the trends.
The names in this article are in order of percentage rostered and are not indicative of a confidence ranking. In the first few weeks, rostered percentages can change quickly. So be quick to check your leagues for their availability.
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James Outman, Los Angeles Dodgers
41% Rostered
This may be the last call on James Outman before he's scooped up in the majority of leagues.
The 25-year-old cracked the Dodgers' Opening Day roster following a torrid spring performance featuring a .957 OPS, three home runs, and four doubles across 53 at-bats. This comes after Outman annihilated the ball in the minors in 2022, racking up 31 home runs and a .978 OPS in 125 games between Double-A and Triple-A.
Although the sample size is small, Outman has demonstrated that his hitting translates to the top level. In a four-game MLB stint last season, Outman accrued a home run, two doubles, and a 1.409 OPS. He returned to the minors, but an impression was made.
It's far too early to crown him a Rookie of the Year candidate, though he did already go yard in his first game of the 2023 campaign. Now is a good time to get Outman if he's still available in your leagues.
Oscar Colas, Chicago White Sox
25% Rostered
Colás is another high-upside rookie. He's the White Sox's No. 2 ranked prospect and MLB Pipeline's No. 85 overall prospect. The hope is that he'll make an immediate splash.
The 24-year-old flashed his 60-grade power last season, racking up 23 home runs and a .523 slugging percentage across 117 games between three minor-league levels.
Adding Colás is more of a speculative move than Outman because it remains to be seen how his game and playing time will translate to the next level.
Regardless, the White Sox will be eager to give their star prospect ample opportunity to succeed. The upside is apparent, and Colás' ownership is already beginning to catch up.
Joey Wiemer, Milwaukee Brewers
4% Rostered
By the time you read this, Wiemer's ownership has likely already increased. With Luis Urias heading to the injured list, Wiemer was called up from Triple-A Nashville for his first taste of the big leagues.
Considering that Wiemer didn't initially make the MLB roster because of playing time concerns, he figures to slot in immediately as an everyday player for the Brewers.
Wiemer is MLB Pipeline's No. 90 ranked prospect in all of baseball, so expectations are high. He features a rare combo of 60-grade power and 60-grade running. Across 127 games between Double-A and Triple-A last year, he posted 21 home runs and 31 stolen bases.
It's possible Wiemer will return to the minors when Urias is healthy, but a strong showing could cement his standing. This may be the best opportunity to buy low.
More Players To Consider
- Ji Hwan Bae, Pirates - 16% rostered
- Robbie Grossman, Rangers - 4% rostered
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