Points League Hitters: Waiver Wire Pickups for Fantasy Baseball - Week 10

Welcome to Week 10 and our fantasy baseball waiver wire hitters. We'll be doing this roundup of points leagues every week here at RotoBaller, with waiver wire targets being evaluated in terms of the different scoring systems of ESPN, Yahoo!, CBS, and Fantrax.

Player values can vary wildly from platform to platform, so we'll make sure to highlight where players are the best and worst fits. We know points league players get neglected and we're here to help.

These fantasy baseball waiver wire pickups are for the week of May 29 - June 4, looking at players below ~50% rostered for ESPN, Yahoo!, or Fantrax. Position eligibility is taken from Fantrax and players are grouped by their most valuable fantasy position, using a hierarchy of: C > 2B > OF > 3B > 1B > SS. Stats and rankings for charts are calculated using games through Friday, May 26.

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Know Your Scoring System

Platform	AB	Hits	TB	1B	2B	3B	HR	R	RBI	BB	SO	SB	CS	HBP
ESPN	0	0	1	1	2	3	4	1	1	1	-1	1	0	0
Yahoo	0	0	2.6	2.6	5.2	7.8	10.4	1.9	1.9	2.6	0	4.2	0	2.6
CBS	0	0	1	1	2	3	4	1	1	1	-0.5	2	-1	1
Fantrax	0	0	1	1	2	3	4	1	1	1	0	2	0	0
NFBC	-1	4	0	0	0	0	6	2	2	0	0	5	0	0

You'll likely find a suitable mirror to your own system if you look above. While every point counts, as long as they aren't seismic changes, you can get away with some "close enough" calls. IE. You're probably fine if everything is the same except for HBP (or something similar).

 

Week 10 Leaderboards

And here are the stats driving the above ranks:

 

First Base Waiver Wire Pickups

Best Choices

Spencer Steer, CIN, 1B/3B (Yahoo: 30%, ESPN: 8%) - Steer was one of our top plays last week and he hasn't disappointed so far, with an 8 APR heading into the weekend, a 20 APR over the past two weeks, and a 64 APR for the year. There really aren't many good reasons for him to remain on your wire and I continue to be perplexed why his Roster% hasn't ticked up faster.

Carlos Santana, PIT, 1B (Yahoo: 7%, ESPN: 18%) - Santana has come back alive recently, settling right back into what he usually is - a top-100ish hitter with a boring but high floor and who can occasionally compile his way to a hot week with the right matchups. Week 10 might be one of those weeks, as Santana will face four LHP, against whom he is slashing .316/.400/.421, with a 11% K% and 13% BB%.

Miguel Vargas, LAD, 1B/2B/OF (Yahoo: 44%, ESPN: 26%) - Vargas has been cold so far in Week 9 but is up to a 95 APR for the season, with his scoring driven by excellent plate discipline (18% K%, 13% BB%) and excellent run production (24 R, 23 RBI). His numbers are also being dragged down by some really poor performance vs LHP  (.196/.275/.370, .283 wOBA) but his discipline is still excellent and against them (20% K%, 10% BB%) and a .367 xwOBA and .287 xBA say better times could be ahead once a .229 BABIP starts coming up.

Next Choices

Alex Kirilloff, MIN, 1B/OF (Yahoo: 25%, ESPN: 7%) -Kirilloff has been ice cold in Week 9 (o hits, 1 walk) but is still healthy and still slashing an impressive .273/.375/.491, with a .378 wOBA, since returning to the big club.

Pavin Smith, 1B, ARI (Yahoo: 1%, ESPN: 1%) - Smith isn't often used against LHP (nor should he be) but Arizona is only scheduled to face one lefty out of their seven games in Week 10. In 81 PA vs RHP, Smith is slashing .253/.361/.446, with a .355wOBA, 19% K%, and 14% BB%.

J.D. Davis, SF, 1B/3B (Yahoo: 41%, ESPN: 8%) - Davis remains a liability vs LHP but is only scheduled to face one (Rich Hill) in Week 10.

LaMonte Wade Jr., 1B/OF, SF (Yahoo: 22%, ESPN: 14%) - Wade is 7-for-23 so far in Week 9 and has multiple hits in three of his last four games but he's been an empty average with no power lately (last HR was on May 10, holding down his recent value. His ceiling will be limited until the home runs show back up but Wade's ability to get on base and lineup spot gives him a playable floor if needed.

Joey Gallo, MIN, 1B/OF (Yahoo: 26%, ESPN: 10%) - Gallo is a liability in leagues with a strikeout penalty but can be useful in those without one whenever the matchups don't include many left-handed starters. Minnesota is only scheduled to face one LHP out of their seven games in Week 10, so expect Gallo to rack plenty of leadoff PAs and have more chances to give us the most favorable of his three outcomes.

Josh Naylor, CLE, 1B (Yahoo: 43%, ESPN: 44%) - Naylor won't be bothered by any of those pesky left-handed starters in Week 10's seven games which means your fantasy team won't have to risk his .154/.195/.231 and .192 wOBA against them.

Seth Brown, OAK, 1B/OF (Yahoo: 23%, ESPN: 6%) - In five games since returning from the IL, Brown has two home runs and a 44% K% and is a solid add unless your league has a strikeout penalty. But his surrounding cast and general Oakland stank will limit his overall value from week to week.

Garrett Cooper, MIA, 1B/OF (Yahoo: 5%, ESPN: 3%) - Cooper's power is starting to warm up, hitting two home runs in Week 9 but the strikeouts (31% K%) will remain an issue for many scoring systems. He's also much better vs LHP but will only face two out of his six games in Week 10.

Desperate Choices

Owen Miller, MIL, 1B/2B/OF (Yahoo: 41%, ESPN: 11%) - It's been Owen Miller SZN lately, with the utility guy hitting himself into a more regular role, having now started 15 of the past 16 games. Even better, he's spent more time in the top third of Milwaukee's lineup, mostly leading off vs LHP, and lately closer to the middle vs RHP. Unfortunately, the impending return of Luis Urias (currently on a rehab assignment) means his playing time might get a lot more sparse.

Triston Casas, BOS, 1B (Yahoo: 21%, ESPN: 29%) - Casas hasn't done very much that's fantasy tangible lately but a .410 xwOBA and .618 xSLG over the past two weeks says he's still hitting it on the screws. With seven games in Week 10 and only one scheduled against an LHP, it's as good a time as any to take a chance that his reality will catch up to the expectations.

Dominic Smith, WSN, 1B/OF (Yahoo: 2%, ESPN: 1%) - No power cuts his ceiling down but Smith's 15% K% and 11% BB% will keep him viable under a lot of scoring systems.

Brendan Donovan, STL, 1B/2B/3B/SS/OF (Yahoo: 33%, ESPN: 21%) - Donovan has a 37 APR so far in Week 9 and a 115 APR over the past two weeks but St. Louis only has five games in Week 10 and one will be against an LHP, against whom he'll take the occasional seat.

Harold Ramirez, TB, 1B/OF (Yahoo: 47%, ESPN: 27%) - Ramirez is only slashing .194/.237/.306 over the past two weeks but the .194 AVG is backed by a .301 xBA and .214 BABIP, with a .327 xwOBA behind his .240 wOBA. But even if he starts getting some more batted-ball luck, Ramirez will still be stuck in Tampa Bay lineup limbo, and getting more than four starts in a week is always a dicey proposition.

On the IL

• Wil Myers, CIN, 1B/OF (kidney stones - no timetable)
• Darick Hall, PHI, 1B (torn thumb ligament - no timetable)
• Christian Arroyo, BOS, 1B/2B/3B/SS/OF (strained hamstring - no timetable)
• Luke Voit, MIL, 1B (strained neck - rehab assignment)
• Yu Chang, BOS, 1B/2B/3B/SS (hamate surgery - rehab assignment)
• Ji-Man Choi, TB, 1B (strained Achilles - expected to miss two months)

 

Second Base Waiver Wire Pickups

Best Choices

Matt McLain, CIN, 2B/SS (Yahoo: 36%, ESPN: 9%) - This will be the last week McLain is below our eligibility threshold, right? Ri-iiight? The rookie is slashing .325/.426/.575 in his first 47 PA, hitting two home runs and posting a .430 wOBA. With a 59 APR over the past two weeks and a 5 APR so far in Week 9, Mcclain needs to be rostered if still available.

Miguel Vargas, LAD, 1B/2B/OF (Yahoo: 44%, ESPN: 26%) - Vargas has been cold so far in Week 9 but is up to a 95 APR for the season, with his scoring driven by excellent plate discipline (18% K%, 13% BB%) and excellent run production (24 R, 23 RBI). His numbers are also being dragged down by some really poor performance vs LHP  (.196/.275/.370, .283 wOBA) but his discipline is still excellent and against them (20% K%, 10% BB%) and a .367 xwOBA and .287 xBA say better times could be ahead once a .229 BABIP starts coming up.

Zach McKinstry, DET, 2B/3B/SS/OF (Yahoo: 4%, ESPN: 1%) - McKinstry doesn't much play vs LHP but leads off for Detroit against RHP and has now posted an 80 APR over the past two weeks and a 61 APR so far in Week 9. Leadoff PAs with a .354 wOBA and 19% K% vs RHP can make even a Tiger viable, and McKinstry should get another five starts in Week 10.

Rodolfo Castro, PIT, 2B/3B/SS (Yahoo: 5%, ESPN: 2%) - Castro has fallen off the radar with the Pirates facing few left-handed starters in May but he could be useable in Week 10 with Pittsburgh scheduled to face four LHP in their six games. In 55 PA vs LHP in 2023, Castro is slashing .340/.424/.700, with a .466 wOBA and 17% K%.

Next Choices

Adam Frazier, BAL, 2B/OF (Yahoo: 28%, ESPN: 24%) - His numbers remain entirely unspectacular but the best version of Frazier has always been very points-friendly when he's playing every day. Well, Frazier is locked in at second base for the Orioles, having started 19 of the last 20, and a .248/.326/.420 slash line has been good enough for a 76 APR in 2023, with his value driven by lots of PAs, runs, and a 9% K%/10% BB%.

Jose Caballero, SEA, 2B/SS (Yahoo: 3%, ESPN: 0%) - Caballero has mostly supplanted Kolten Wong at second base, as of late, having now started eight of his last 10 games (seven at 2B). Over that time, the rookie has hit two home runs and posted a .480 OBA and .459 wOBA, with a 205 wRC+.

Luis Garcia, WSH, 2B/SS (Yahoo: 11%, ESPN: 7%) - Garcia may not hit for power but he's continuing to come into his own as a points asset, now with a 99 APR for the season, a 66 APR over the past two weeks, and a 23 APR so far in Week 9, slashing .588/.579/.706, with a 1.263 OPS and .542 wOBA.

Ha-Seong Kim, SD, 2B/3B/SS (Yahoo: 14%, ESPN: 8%) - It's a good week to use Kim if you need a hole filler, as the Padres will face an LHP in three of their six games. In 68 PA vs LHP this season, Kim is slashing .267/.343/.483, with a .358 wOBA, 19% K%, and 10% BB%.

Ryan McMahon, COL, 2B/3B (Yahoo: 47%, ESPN: 9%) - The story remains the same as ever; McMahon is mostly unusable on the road and as useful as any Rockie at home. Colorado has seven games in Week 10, all on the road.

Kyle Farmer, MIN, 2B/3B/SS/OF (Yahoo: 9%, ESPN: 3%) - Farmer is hitless so far in Week 9 but has started every game but one since coming off of the IL on May 10, slashing .281/.339/.404 over 62 PA.

CJ Abrams, WSH, 2B/SS (Yahoo: 26%, ESPN: 11%) - Abrams has been popping more lately, hitting 3 HR over the past two weeks, with a .535 SLG but a spot at the bottom of Washinton's lineup will continue to hold down the PA compiling he needs to be consistently above average.

Desperate Choices

Owen Miller, MIL, 1B/2B/OF (Yahoo: 41%, ESPN: 11%) - It's been Owen Miller SZN lately, with the utility guy hitting himself into a more regular role, having now started 15 of the past 16 games. Even better, he's spent more time in the top third of Milwaukee's lineup, mostly leading off vs LHP, and lately closer to the middle vs RHP. Unfortunately, the impending return of Luis Urias (currently on a rehab assignment) means his playing time might get a lot more sparse.

Brendan Donovan, STL, 1B/2B/3B/SS/OF (Yahoo: 33%, ESPN: 21%) - Donovan has a 37 APR so far in Week 9 and a 115 APR over the past two weeks but St. Louis only has five games in Week 10 and one will be against an LHP, against whom he'll take the occasional seat.

On the IL

• Luis Urias, MIL, 2B/3B/SS (strained hamstring - rehab assignment)
• Elvis Andrus, CHW, 2B/SS (strained oblique - no timetable)
• Christian Arroyo, BOS, 1B/2B/3B/SS/OF (strained hamstring - rehab assignment)
• Nick Gordon, MIN, 2B/SS/OF (fractured shin - no timetable)
• Yu Chang, BOS, 1B/2B/3B/SS (hamate surgery - rehab assignment)
• Santiago Espinal, TOR, 2B/3B/SS (strained hamstring - no timetable)
• Ehire Adrianza, ATL, 2B/3B/OF (elbow inflammation - no timetable)

 

Third Base Waiver Wire Pickups

Best Choices

Spencer Steer, CIN, 1B/3B (Yahoo: 30%, ESPN: 8%) - Steer was one of our top plays last week and he hasn't disappointed so far, with an 8 APR heading into the weekend, a 20 APR over the past two weeks, and a 64 APR for the year. There really aren't many good reasons for him to remain on your wire and I continue to be perplexed why his Roster% hasn't ticked up faster.

Jake Burger, CHW, 3B (Yahoo: 44%, ESPN: 10%) - His playing time looked to be in trouble once Yoan Moncada returned from injury but Burger has hit his way into the everyday DH and now hasn't missed a game (outside of being on the IL) since April 12. With three left-handers on the schedule, Burger is a full go in Week 10.

Jeimer Candelario, WSH, 3B (Yahoo: 10%, ESPN: 8%) - Candelario has been on fire for the past two weeks, posting a 9 APR while slashing .388/.474/.714 over 57 PA, with a 1.188 OPS and .498 wOBA. With an everyday role and just a 19% K%, Candelario can compile his way to above-average value without blowing the doors off things.

Zach McKinstry, DET, 2B/3B/SS/OF (Yahoo: 4%, ESPN: 1%) - McKinstry doesn't much play vs LHP but leads off for Detroit against RHP and has now posted an 80 APR over the past two weeks and a 61 APR so far in Week 9. Leadoff PAs with a .354 wOBA and 19% K% vs RHP can make even a Tiger viable, and McKinstry should get another five starts in Week 10.

Rodolfo Castro, PIT, 2B/3B/SS (Yahoo: 5%, ESPN: 2%) - Castro has fallen off the radar with the Pirates facing few left-handed starters in May but he could be useable in Week 10 with Pittsburgh scheduled to face four LHP in their six games. In 55 PA vs LHP in 2023, Castro is slashing .340/.424/.700, with a .466 wOBA and 17% K%.

Next Choices

Casey Schmitt, SF, 3B/SS (Yahoo: 39%, ESPN: 15%) - Schmitt keeps trucking along, starting every game but one since getting called up, albeit in the bottom third of the order. His .366 wOBA is better than his .328 xwOBA, and while he has yet to take a walk, an 18% K% helps balance it out.

J.D. Davis, SF, 1B/3B (Yahoo: 41%, ESPN: 8%) - Davis remains a liability vs LHP but is only scheduled to face one (Rich Hill) in Week 10.

Brett Baty, NYM, 3B (Yahoo: 29%, ESPN: 11%) - Baty has run an unspectacular 135 APR over the past two weeks but is starting every day and striking out at a below-average rate (22% K%), with a .373 xwOBA over that stretch that is a sight better than a .330 wOBA.

Ke'Bryan Hayes, PIT, 3B (Yahoo: 45%, ESPN: 16%) - Hayes has dropped back below our eligibility threshold after a rough few weeks but his high-PA profile that comes with good run scoring and few strikeouts still gives him a high floor in many scoring systems. The Pirates face four LHP in Week 10 and while Hayes has only posted a .264wOBA against them, a .378 xwOBA says better days could be ahead.

Ha-Seong Kim, SD, 2B/3B/SS (Yahoo: 14%, ESPN: 8%) - It's a good week to use Kim if you need a hole filler, as the Padres will face an LHP in three of their six games. In 68 PA vs LHP this season, Kim is slashing .267/.343/.483, with a .358 wOBA, 19% K%, and 10% BB%.

Brian Anderson, MIL, 3B/OF(Yahoo: 32%, ESPN: 23%) - Anderson is still bringing pop and PAs but his value in most point leagues will continue to be held down by a 27% K% and .238 AVG (.211 AVG over the past two weeks).

Ryan McMahon, COL, 2B/3B (Yahoo: 47%, ESPN: 9%) - The story remains the same as ever; McMahon is mostly unusable on the road and as useful as any Rockie at home. Colorado has seven games in Week 10, all on the road.

Kyle Farmer, MIN, 2B/3B/SS/OF (Yahoo: 9%, ESPN: 3%) - Farmer is hitless so far in Week 9 but has started every game but one since coming off of the IL on May 10, slashing .281/.339/.404 over 62 PA.

Desperate Choices

Maikel Garcia, KC, 3B/SS (Yahoo: 1%, ESPN: 1%) - The high-contact Royal is starting to demand attention, running a 39 so far in Week 9 and a 126 APR for the past two weeks. No power but Garcia makes up for it by getting on base, stealing bases, and running a below-average K%. He's still buried at the bottom of a bad Kansas City lineup but Garcia's point-league stock is still trending upwards.

Brendan Donovan, STL, 1B/2B/3B/SS/OF (Yahoo: 33%, ESPN: 21%) - Donovan has a 37 APR so far in Week 9 and a 115 APR over the past two weeks but St. Louis only has five games in Week 10 and one will be against an LHP, against whom he'll take the occasional seat.

 

On the IL

• Luis Urias, MIL 2B/3B/SS (strained hamstring - rehab assignment)
• Josh Donaldson, NYY (strained hamstring - rehab assignment)
• Christian Arroyo, BOS, 1B/2B/3B/SS/OF (strained hamstring - rehab assignment)
• Yu Chang, BOS, 1B/2B/3B/SS (hamate surgery - rehab assignment)
• Santiago Espinal, TOR, 2B/3B/SS (strained hamstring - no timetable)
• Ehire Adrianza, ATL, 2B/3B/OF (elbow inflammation - no timetable)

 

Shortstop Waiver Wire Pickups

Best Choices

Matt McLain, CIN, 2B/SS (Yahoo: 36%, ESPN: 9%) - This will be the last week McLain is below our eligibility threshold, right? Ri-iiight? The rookie is slashing .325/.426/.575 in his first 47 PA, hitting two home runs and posting a .430 wOBA. With a 59 APR over the past two weeks and a 5 APR so far in Week 9, Mcclain needs to be rostered if still available.

J.P. Crawford, SEA, SS (Yahoo: 5%, ESPN: 7%) - Would you like to hear a hilarious joke? J.P. Crawford has a 97 APR for the season, a 110 APR over the past two weeks, and a 32 APR so far in Week 9 but it is less than 10% rostered. Ba-ha-ha-ha-ha-ha. Bonus joke: Crawford has now batted leadoff for 16 games in a row, slashing .277/.338/.415, with a .332 wOBA and 116 wRC+ but is still less than 10% rostered...Double ba-ha-ha-ha-ha-ha.

Zach McKinstry, DET, 2B/3B/SS/OF (Yahoo: 4%, ESPN: 1%) - McKinstry doesn't much play vs LHP but leads off for Detroit against RHP and has now posted an 80 APR over the past two weeks and a 61 APR so far in Week 9. Leadoff PAs with a .354 wOBA and 19% K% vs RHP can make even a Tiger viable, and McKinstry should get another five starts in Week 10.

Rodolfo Castro, PIT, 2B/3B/SS (Yahoo: 5%, ESPN: 2%) - Castro has fallen off the radar with the Pirates facing few left-handed starters in May but he could be useable in Week 10 with Pittsburgh scheduled to face four LHP in their six games. In 55 PA vs LHP in 2023, Castro is slashing .340/.424/.700, with a .466 wOBA and 17% K%.

Next Choices

Jose Caballero, SEA, 2B/SS (Yahoo: 3%, ESPN: 0%) - Caballero has mostly supplanted Kolten Wong at second base, as of late, having now started eight of his last 10 games (seven at 2B). Over that time, the rookie has hit two home runs and posted a .480 OBA and .459 wOBA, with a 205 wRC+.

Luis Garcia, WSH, 2B/SS (Yahoo: 11%, ESPN: 7%) - Garcia may not hit for power but he's continuing to come into his own as a points asset, now with a 99 APR for the season, a 66 APR over the past two weeks, and a 23 APR so far in Week 9, slashing .588/.579/.706, with a 1.263 OPS and .542 wOBA.

Ha-Seong Kim, SD, 2B/3B/SS (Yahoo: 14%, ESPN: 8%) - It's a good week to use Kim if you need a hole filler, as the Padres will face an LHP in three of their six games. In 68 PA vs LHP this season, Kim is slashing .267/.343/.483, with a .358 wOBA, 19% K%, and 10% BB%.

Kyle Farmer, MIN, 2B/3B/SS/OF (Yahoo: 9%, ESPN: 3%) - Farmer is hitless so far in Week 9 but has started every game but one since coming off of the IL on May 10, slashing .281/.339/.404 over 62 PA.

CJ Abrams, WSH, 2B/SS (Yahoo: 26%, ESPN: 11%) - Abrams has been popping more lately, hitting 3 HR over the past two weeks, with a .535 SLG but a spot at the bottom of Washinton's lineup will continue to hold down the PA compiling he needs to be consistently above average.

Ezequiel Tovar, COL, SS (Yahoo: 24%, ESPN: 7%) - Tovar has gotten on base during a Coors homestand in Week 9 (.313 AVG, .353 OBP) but has only posted a 264 APR with just 2 R and 1 RBI. Without any power, even when hitting, Tovar's point scoring is at the mercy of an unproductive Colorado offense and that's way too chancy as they go on the road for Week 10.

Zach Neto, SS, LAA (Yahoo: 38%, ESPN: 13%) - Even without any power, Neto has a fairly points-friendly profile but batting ninth for the Angels doesn't do him any favors for compiling PAs. And he's also been much more successful against LHP and Los Angeles will only face one in Week 10, so this might not be a great week to try and run a stream.

Desperate Choices:

Maikel Garcia, KC, 3B/SS (Yahoo: 1%, ESPN: 1%) - The high-contact Royal is starting to demand attention, running a 39 so far in Week 9 and a 126 APR for the past two weeks. No power but Garcia makes up for it by getting on base, stealing bases, and running a below-average K%. He's still buried at the bottom of a bad Kansas City lineup but Garcia's point-league stock is still trending upwards.

Brendan Donovan, STL, 1B/2B/3B/SS/OF (Yahoo: 33%, ESPN: 21%) - Donovan has a 37 APR so far in Week 9 and a 115 APR over the past two weeks but St. Louis only has five games in Week 10 and one will be against an LHP, against whom he'll take the occasional seat.

Paul DeJong, STL, SS (Yahoo: 38%, ESPN: 13%) - The Paul DeJong comeback tour keeps rolling along, with the previously banished Cardinal running a 39 APR over the past two weeks. However, St. Louis only has five games in Week 10, with one coming against an LHP (DeJong is slashing .190/.261/.333 against them, with a 39% K%), so he'll have a pretty tight window to return value.

On the IL

• Luis Urias, MIL 2B/3B/SS (strained hamstring - rehab assignment)
• Elvis Andrus, CHW, 2B/SS (strained oblique - no timetable)
• Christian Arroyo, BOS, 1B/2B/3B/SS/OF (strained hamstring - rehab assignment)
• Nick Gordon, MIN, 2B/SS/OF (fractured shin - no timetable)
• Yu Chang, BOS, 1B/2B/3B/SS (hamate surgery - rehab assignment)
• Santiago Espinal, TOR, 2B/3B/SS (strained hamstring - no timetable)

 

Outfielder Waiver Wire Pickups

Best Choices

Bryan De La Cruz, MIA, OF (Yahoo: 33%, ESPN: 9%) - Having clearly been made aware that he was our cover boy for Week 9, my guy BDLC took us one step closer to being best friends by mashing at Colorado before keeping the train rolling in Colorado. De La Cruz has a 15 APR so far in Week 9 and has a 3 APR over the past two weeks, slashing .429/.500/.755, with 4 HR, a .527 wOBA, and a 1.255 OPS.

Marcell Ozuna, ATL, OF (Yahoo: 26%, ESPN: 8%) - Marcell Ozuna has officially booted out all challengers to Atlanta's DH, having now started 10 games in a row and 13 of 14. It probably has something to do with him being red hot - Ozuna has a 5 APR so far in Week 9 and has a 22 APR over the past two weeks, slashing .409/.458/.818 over 48 PA, with 5 HR and a .532 wOBA. He's also batted fifth for the past two games, and if that holds he'll be in a great position to take advantage of one of the best first fours in a lineup that you can find.

Jose Siri, TB, OF, (Yahoo: 8%, ESPN: 3%) - Less than 10% rostered but all Jose Siri does is refuse to stop hitting dongs. Siri has 6 HR in his last 11 games, over that time slashing .333/.366/.821, with a .490 wOBA.

Michael Conforto, SF, OF (Yahoo: 47%, ESPN: 11%) - Conforto is #1 in APR so far in Week 9 after hitting 3 HR in five games, and is up to a 14 APR over the past two weeks. He has really struggled overall vs LHP (.227/.277/.455, 34% K%) but still has 3 HR in 41 PA and is only scheduled to face one out of San Francisco's six games in Week 10. He absolutely needs to be rostered.

Leody Taveras, TEX, OF (Yahoo: 8%, ESPN: 2%) - Leody Taveras continues to get no respect. Taveras is up to a 113 APR for the season and has a 41 APR over the past two weeks, slashing .333/.404/.452, with a .378 wOBA and .391 xwOBA. And yet, he's rostered under 10%. No respect.

Mickey Moniak, LAA, OF (Yahoo: 27%, ESPN: 8%) - Moniak isn't starting vs LHP but the Angels are only scheduled to face one in Week 10. The rookie has a 63 APR over the past two weeks but without a locked-in lineup spot, he's difficult to count on regularly.

Jarren Duran, BOS, OF (Yahoo: 47%, ESPN: 17%) - Duran is ice cold in Week 9 but is also as streaky as they come. With the Red Sox only scheduled to face one LHP out of their seven games, maybe this is one of the weeks that the good Duran will show up for.

Miguel Vargas, LAD, 1B/2B/OF (Yahoo: 44%, ESPN: 26%) - Vargas has been cold so far in Week 9 but is up to a 95 APR for the season, with his scoring driven by excellent plate discipline (18% K%, 13% BB%) and excellent run production (24 R, 23 RBI). His numbers are also being dragged down by some really poor performance vs LHP  (.196/.275/.370, .283 wOBA) but his discipline is still excellent and against them (20% K%, 10% BB%) and a .367 xwOBA and .287 xBA say better times could be ahead once a .229 BABIP starts coming up.

Zach McKinstry, DET, 2B/3B/SS/OF (Yahoo: 4%, ESPN: 1%) - McKinstry doesn't much play vs LHP but leads off for Detroit against RHP and has now posted an 80 APR over the past two weeks and a 61 APR so far in Week 9. Leadoff PAs with a .354 wOBA and 19% K% vs RHP can make even a Tiger viable, and McKinstry should get another five starts in Week 10.

Next Choices

Adam Frazier, BAL, 2B/OF (Yahoo: 28%, ESPN: 24%) - His numbers remain entirely unspectacular but the best version of Frazier has always been very points-friendly when he's playing every day. Well, Frazier is locked in at second base for the Orioles, having started 19 of the last 20, and a .248/.326/.420 slash line has been good enough for a 76 APR in 2023, with his value driven by lots of PAs, runs, and a 9% K%/10% BB%.

Andrew McCutchen, PIT, OF (Yahoo: 36%, ESPN: 23%) - McCutchen has heated up over the past two weeks, slashing .326/.370/.419 over 46 PA, with a .348 wOBA, and is up to a 91 APR for the season. He should be set up to keep it going in Week 10, with the Pirates scheduled to face four LHP in their six games.

Alex Kirilloff, MIN, 1B/OF (Yahoo: 25%, ESPN: 7%) -Kirilloff has been ice cold in Week 9 (o hits, 1 walk) but is still healthy and still slashing an impressive .273/.375/.491, with a .378 wOBA, since returning to the big club.

LaMonte Wade Jr., 1B/OF, SF (Yahoo: 22%, ESPN: 14%) - Wade is 7-for-23 so far in Week 9 and has multiple hits in three of his last four games but he's been an empty average with no power lately (last HR was on May 10, holding down his recent value. His ceiling will be limited until the home runs show back up but Wade's ability to get on base and lineup spot gives him a playable floor if needed.

Kevin Kiermaier, TOR, OF (Yahoo: 9%, ESPN: 4%) - Ho-hum, don't mind the Kevin Kiermaier renaissance, as the apparently former defensive specialist just keeps churning out points at a top-100 rate. Kiermaier could keep it going in Week 10 with Toronto scheduled to face all RHP, against whom he's slashing .337/.396/.565, with a .412 wOBA.

Jake Fraley, CIN, OF (Yahoo: 43%, ESPN: 13%) - The Fraley train has derailed lately, taking a lot of seats with the Reds facing three LHP in Week 9. With two more on tap for Week 10, Fraley will likely only get four starts but the good news is that he's dominating right-handers in 2023, slashing .294/.378/.471, with a .371 wOBA, 18% K%, and 12% BB%.

Austin Hays, BAL, OF (Yahoo: 45%, ESPN: 27%) - Nothing too high energy but Hays has been a top-100ish hitter for most of the season, slashing a better than you probably thought, .311/.352/.491.

Andrew Benintendi, CHW, OF (Yahoo: 41%, ESPN: 17%) - Benintendi is slashing .333/.400/.500 over the past two weeks, posting a 46 APR but will continue to be hampered by the lackluster White Sox lineup.

Joey Gallo, MIN, 1B/OF (Yahoo: 26%, ESPN: 10%) - Gallo is a liability in leagues with a strikeout penalty but can be useful in those without one whenever the matchups don't include many left-handed starters. Minnesota is only scheduled to face one LHP out of their seven games in Week 10, so expect Gallo to rack plenty of leadoff PAs and have more chances to give us the most favorable of his three outcomes.

Seth Brown, OAK, 1B/OF (Yahoo: 23%, ESPN: 6%) - In five games since returning from the IL, Brown has two home runs and a 44% K% and is a solid add unless your league has a strikeout penalty. But his surrounding cast and general Oakland stank will limit his overall value from week to week.

Garrett Cooper, MIA, 1B/OF (Yahoo: 5%, ESPN: 3%) - Cooper's power is starting to warm up, hitting two home runs in Week 9 but the strikeouts (31% K%) will remain an issue for many scoring systems. He's also much better vs LHP but will only face two out of his six games in Week 10.

Robbie Grossman, TEX, OF (Yahoo: 6%, ESPN: 2%) - Grossman has a 113 APR over the past two weeks and should be set up for success in Week 10 with the Rangers scheduled to face three LHP.

Kyle Farmer, MIN, 2B/3B/SS/OF (Yahoo: 9%, ESPN: 3%) - Farmer is hitless so far in Week 9 but has started every game but one since coming off of the IL on May 10, slashing .281/.339/.404 over 62 PA.

Desperate Choices

Charlie Blackmon, COL, OF (Yahoo: 40%, ESPN: 21%) - Starting Rockies away from Coors isn't ideal but Blackmon has at least been serviceable on the road, slashing .260/.317/.419, with a .318 wOBA and 97 wRC+. But I'd still rather take my chances with a non-Rockie this week.

TJ Friedl, CIN, OF (Yahoo: 16%, ESPN: 4%) - Friedl hasn't started against a left-hander since coming off the IL and the Reds will face two of them in Week 10, possibly limiting him to just four games.

Mitch Haniger, SF, OF (Yahoo: 35%, ESPN: 10%) - Haniger is finally starting to warm up but still only has a 135 APR over the past two weeks. Until he starts going dong on the regular, you're probably better off with someone else.

Akil Baddoo, DET, OF (Yahoo: 1%, ESPN: 0%) - Baddoo has succeeded lately and piled up a bunch of PAs, as the Tigers have faced a glut of RHP and haven't needed to send him to the bench. That run will continue in Week 10, with Detroit only scheduled to face one LHP.

Owen Miller, MIL, 1B/2B/OF (Yahoo: 41%, ESPN: 11%) - It's been Owen Miller SZN lately, with the utility guy hitting himself into a more regular role, having now started 15 of the past 16 games. Even better, he's spent more time in the top third of Milwaukee's lineup, mostly leading off vs LHP, and lately closer to the middle vs RHP. Unfortunately, the impending return of Luis Urias (currently on a rehab assignment) means his playing time might get a lot more sparse.

Dominic Smith, WSN, 1B/OF (Yahoo: 2%, ESPN: 1%) - No power cuts his ceiling down but Smith's 15% K% and 11% BB% will keep him viable under a lot of scoring systems.

Jack Suwinski, PIT, OF (Yahoo: 15%, ESPN: 5%) - The good news is that Suwinski has been starting almost every day, even vs LHP. The bad news is, is that he really, really shouldn't be, slashing .167/.278/.233 vs LHP with a 33% K%. With four left-handers on the schedule in Week 10, a Suwinski add is basically counting on about ~8 PAs of good opportunities for production.

Brendan Donovan, STL, 1B/2B/3B/SS/OF (Yahoo: 33%, ESPN: 21%) - Donovan has a 37 APR so far in Week 9 and a 115 APR over the past two weeks but St. Louis only has five games in Week 10 and one will be against an LHP, against whom he'll take the occasional seat.

Jurickson Profar, SD, OF (Yahoo: 11%, ESPN: 11%) - Had your eye on a shiny, old Blackmon but lost out? Perhaps a Profar can do the trick, with a low-ceiling but points-friendly profile that holds its own on the road. And by "hold its own", I mean barely replacement level.

Harold Ramirez, TB, 1B/OF (Yahoo: 47%, ESPN: 27%) - Ramirez is only slashing .194/.237/.306 over the past two weeks but the .194 AVG is backed by a .301 xBA and .214 BABIP, with a .327 xwOBA behind his .240 wOBA. But even if he starts getting some more batted-ball luck, Ramirez will still be stuck in Tampa Bay lineup limbo, and getting more than four starts in a week is always a dicey proposition.

On the IL

• Joc Pederson, SF, OF (hand contusion - no timetable)
• Wil Myers, SF, 1B/OF (kidney stones - no timetable)
• Austin Meadows, DET (anxiety - no timetable)
• Max Kepler, MIN, OF (strained hamstring - no timetable)
• Victor Robles, WSH, OF (back spasms - no timetable)
• Christian Arroyo, BOS, 1B/2B/3B/SS/OF (strained hamstring - rehab assignment)
• Dylan Carlson, STL, OF (sprained ankle - no timetable)
• Nick Gordon, MIN, 2B/SS/OF (fractured shin - no timetable)
• Jesus Sanchez, MIA, OF (strained hamstring - rehab assignment)
• Trevor Larnach, MIN, OF (pneumonia - no timetable)
• Kerry Carpenter, DET, OF (sprained shoulder - rehab assignment)
• Avisail Garcia, MIA, OF (back tightness - rehab assignment)
• Kyle Isbel, KC, OF (strained hamstring - expected to miss six weeks)
• Austin Slater, SF, OF (strained hamstring - no timetable)
• Travis Jankowski, TEX, OF (strained hamstring - no timetable)
• Ehire Adrianza, ATL, 2B/3B/OF (elbow inflammation - no timetable)
• Heliot Ramos, SF, OF (strained oblique - no timetable)
• Cristian Pache, PHI, OF (knee surgery - 4 to 6 weeks)
• Henry Ramos, CIN, OF (strained hip - no timetable)
• Tim Locatro, NYM, OF (back spasms - no timetable)
• Billy Hamilton, CHW, OF (strained hamstring - no timetable)

 

Catcher Waiver Wire Pickups

Desperation is a stinky cologne.

Best Choices

Francisco Alvarez, NYM, C (Yahoo: 28%, ESPN: 9%) - The Gary Sanchez experience was over two games after it started, but the question is whether the combination of a returning Omar Narvaez behind the plate and fellow rookie Mark Vientos at DH will turn Alvarez back into a part-time player. But the Mets should really reconsider that option, as Alvarez has been red-hot in May, slashing .317/.394/.698 over 71 PA, with 6 HR, 10 R, and 14 RBI.

Yan Gomes, CHC, C (Yahoo: 16%, ESPN: 7%) - Gomes hasn't done much of anything lately, running a .192/.179/.192 over the past two weeks, with zero home runs and a .158 wOBA but the Cubs will face three LHP in Week 10, which mean at least three starts. Facing LHP in 2023, Gomes is slashing .364/.389/.758, with a .471 wOBA and .444 xwOBA. If you're in a pinch at catcher this week, Gomes is your guy.

Next Choices

Patrick Bailey, SF, C (Yahoo: 1%, ESPN: 1%) - The latest example of San Francisco churning out top catching prospects, hopefully, Bailey won't follow the Bart path of underwhelmingness. Since getting called up on May 19, Bailey has started seven of eight games, slashing .308/.333/.500, with 1 HR and 7 RBI.

Gabriel Moreno, ARI, C (Yahoo: 26%, ESPN: 9%) - The hit stick can play but Moreno's .302 AVG for the year has mostly been empty, with just 2 HR and 9 R.

Desperate Choices

Travis d'Arnaud, ATL, C (Yahoo: 28%, ESPN: 12%) - With Atlanta set to face three LHP in Week 10, this would seem to be ideal for d'Arnaud - or, at least, it would've been before Marcel Ozuna set fire to his bat, booting d'Arnaud out of DH. Since returning from the IL, d'Arnaud has basically been a backup catcher and nothing else, starting just seven of 17 games (six at catcher, one at DH).

On the IL

• Danny Jansen, TOR, C (strained groin - no timetable)
• Logan O'Hoppe, LAA, C (shoulder surgery - out 4-6 months)
• Mitch Garver, TEX, C (sprained knee - rehab assignment)
• Jose Trevino, NYY, C (strained hamstring - no timetable)
• Joey Bart, SF, C (strained groin - no timetable)
• Omar Narvaez, NYM, C (strained calf - rehab assignment)

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