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We have completed the first weekend of MLB action, and we have made it to the first week of the waiver wire claims after seeing some regular-season games. A lesson we all need to remember is not to overreact as we have only seen a few games. Many early slumps could break out at a moment's notice, and hot starts can cool off quickly. However, playing time is the most important thing for now.
Early on, there are also a lot of really intriguing names on the waiver wire, like veterans Tommy Pham, Andrew McCutchen, and Lorenzo Cain. Still, I am going to highlight some potentially lesser-known names. This article will discuss fantasy baseball waiver wire pickups for the outfield in Week 1, April 11 through April 17.
In the first few weeks, rostered percentages can change quickly. So be quick to check your leagues for their availability. When you want to chat it up regarding outfielders, prospects, or dynasty leagues, message me directly on Twitter at @bdentrek. Key points - this list will focus on rostered players in less than 50% of Yahoo! leagues.
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Josh Lowe, Tampa Bay Rays
34% Rostered
Lowe was dropped in many leagues last week when he did not make the starting roster at first. Then the Rays traded Austin Meadows to the Tigers, and a job was now available for Lowe. As one of the top prospects for the Rays, Lowe was chomping at the bit to play every day. Last season in Triple-A, he hit 22 home runs and stole 26 bases after a 2019 season where he hit 18 home runs and stole 30 bases. Lowe has always been a speedster in the minors, but the power has developed, making him a very intriguing option for fantasy.
So far this season, Lowe has made two starts, even one versus an LHP, and he has gone 2-8 with a triple, two runs scored, and two walks. His OBP skills are solid, and it is just a matter of time before the power and speed follow. Lowe should be a very popular target on the waiver wire this week, and he should be a target on all teams, even if you are complete at outfield. Lowe can slot into your outfield and your utility, and as long as he keeps playing every day, he should be a solid fantasy producer.
Andrew Vaughn, Chicago White Sox
26% Rostered
Last season was an up and down season for Vaughn. His offensive production and playing time were inconsistent, making it hard to roster the young White Sox at times. However, despite the production struggling, Vaughn kept everyone's hopes high thanks to some outstanding contact quality. He was barreling the ball 10.9% of the time with a hard-hit rate of 46.4% and a maxEV of 115 mph.
Even though it is a small sample, contact quality has carried over this season with a 50% barrel rate and 75% hard-hit rate. He is 2-6 on the season with a home run and has played in both White Sox games. If Vaughn keeps playing, he will be a fantasy monster and should be rostered in every league.
Harrison Bader, St. Louis Cardinals
26% Rostered
Bader is a forgotten man to many fantasy players because the Cardinals slot Bader deep in their lineup. But, even with the non-ideal lineup spot, he should bring plenty of fantasy goodness to your team. So far this season, Bader is 2-8 with a double and two runs scored. The Cardinals' offense is clicking early, and he should benefit all season. There is even a chance that Bader moves his way up the order if Edman or Carlson scuffles.
The projection sites have Bader hitting 15-20 home runs and stealing 15 bases. That is a very fantasy-relevant stat line, especially in deeper leagues. If looking for power or speed, add Bader now.
Connor Joe, Colorado Rockies
6% Rostered
Joe was a great fantasy add late last season, and so far this season, he appears to be relevant again. So far this season, Joe has started in the Rockies' first two games, playing two different positions, and is producing. He is 3-8 with a home run, two runs scored, and two RBI. Of course, there is always a chance that the Rockies can screw this up, but for now, he is worth an add in deeper leagues with regular playing time.
The Rockies have a favorable schedule with two games at the Rangers to start the week and then four at Coors versus the Cubs. Joe and the other Rockies make great ads with that four-game Cubs series in Coors.
Steven Kwan, Cleveland Guardians
4% Rostered
Kwan took spring training by storm, hitting .469 with three extra-base hits and ZERO strikeout. He has picked up where he left off to start the season with hits in each of the first two games for the Guardians. Kwan has gone 3-8 with a double and three walks. Kwan has showcased outstanding OBP skills throughout the minors to go with some power and speed.
If Kwan continues to develop and his power and speed grow, he becomes a fantasy stud. Grab Kwan now before the rocket ship takes off, and you are left watching him dominate on someone else roster.
Deeper League Waiver Wire Adds
Here are a few players to the roster in deeper leagues:
- Seth Brown (OAK, 3%)
- Jorge Mateo (BAL, 3%)
- Chad Pinder (OAK, 1%)
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