Points League Hitters: Waiver Wire Pickups for Fantasy Baseball - Week 25

September 10, 2023

Nicklaus Gaut's fantasy baseball H2H points league waiver wire hitters to pick up for Week 25 of the 2023 MLB season, identifying free agents hitters to add.

Welcome to Week 25 and our fantasy baseball waiver wire pickups for hitters. These fantasy baseball waiver wire pickups are for the week of September 11 - September 17, looking at players below ~50% rostered on ESPN, Yahoo!, or Fantrax.

We'll be doing this points league roundup every week here at RotoBaller because we know points players get neglected and we're here to help. Player values can vary wildly from platform to platform, so we'll make sure to highlight where players are the best and worst fits, with waiver wire targets being evaluated in terms of the different scoring systems on ESPN, Yahoo!, CBS, Fantrax, and NFBC.

Position eligibility is taken from Yahoo 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 Saturday, September 9.

Know Your Scoring System

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. I.E., You're probably fine if everything is the same except for HBP (or something similar).

Week 25 Leaderboards

Here are our waiver wire leaderboards headed into Week 25, with players ordered by their Yahoo Roster%:

And here are the stats driving the above ranks:

Wire Pickups

Best Choices

J.D. Davis, SF, 1B/3B (Yahoo: 23%, ESPN: 5%) - Davis has been hot, with a 73 APR over the past two weeks and a 25 APR so far in Week 24 but the real streaming appeal lies in his four games in Colorado.

Hunter Goodman, COL, C/1B (Yahoo: 6%, ESPN: 1%) - Goodman and his 70-grade raw power has yet to hit a home run since getting called up but two triples and three doubles in 42 PA ain't too shabby and for compiling reasons, neither is him playing in every game but one. With catcher eligibility and a homestand on the horizon, Goodman might be the best Colorado streamer available.

Next Choices

Elehuris Montero, COL, 1B/3B (Yahoo: 2%, ESPN: 1%) - Montero has played all eight games in September (.375/.484/.583) and will get seven games at home. Sneaky play if you're in need at the corners.

Carlos Santana, MIL, 1B (Yahoo: 14%, ESPN: 22%) - I will not huff, I shall not puff; we all know the deal. Santana remains a top-75ish hitting option in any given week. If all else fails, you can always plug him in and know he at least probably won't kill you.

Mark Canha, MIL, 1B/OF (Yahoo: 18%, ESPN: 7%) - Yes, Mark Can(ha)? Okay, maybe Mark can – he is playing every day and has a very points-friendly profile for compiling. Just don't expect a high ceiling.

Desperate Choices

Alex Kirilloff, MIN, 1B/OF (Yahoo: 14%, ESPN: 4%) - Kirilloff is, in theory, healthy, and won't see any LHP in Week 25. Counterpoint – he'll probably be back on the IL by the time I finish typing this sentence.

On the IL

• Jose Miranda, MIN, 1B/3B (shoulder impingement - no timetable)
• Joey Votto, CIN, 1B (shoulder discomfort - rehab assignment)
• Joey Gallo, MIN, 1B/OF (foot contusion - no timetable)
• Kevin Newman, CIN, 1B/2B/3B/SS (strained oblique - rehab assignment)

Second Base Waiver Wire Pickups

Best Choices

Willi Castro, MIN, 2B/3B/SS/OF (Yahoo: 14%, ESPN: 2%) - Sweet jiminy, Castro has come back from the IL firing, slashing .471/.524/.765 over 22 PA, with three multi-hit games and two stolen bases. While the pitching matchups with Tampa Bay might be tough, the ones in Chicago against the White Sox are mostly the opposite.

Next Choices

Elehuris Montero, COL, 1B/3B (Yahoo: 2%, ESPN: 1%) - Montero has played all eight games in September (.375/.484/.583) and will get seven games at home. Sneaky play if you're in need at the corners.

Mauricio Dubon, HOU, 2B/SS/OF (Yahoo: 16%, ESPN: 11%) - Dubon has terrific numbers lately and more importantly he's played six of the last eight games. I still don't trust he'll continue to get everyday bats, or, at least enough to be comfortable to play during September fantasy runs.

Chris Taylor, LAD, 2B/3B/SS/OF (Yahoo: 22%, ESPN: 5%) - Few can get hot like Taylor, even if it's been a while since we've seen it consistently. Taylor has a 27 APR so far in Week 24 and a 48 APR over the past two weeks but the problem remains his spotty playing time and 32% K%.

Desperate Choices

Zack Gelof, OAK, 2B/SS (Yahoo: 43%, ESPN: 16%) - Gelof has a 61 APR so far in Week 24 but a .500 BABIP doesn't bode well for his streaking to continue.

Brendan Rodgers, COL, 2B (Yahoo: 6%, ESPN: 10%) - Sure, he might only have a .719 OPS at home but still, it's Coors!

Trevor Story, BOS, 2B/SS (Yahoo: 32%, ESPN: 11%) - The ghost of Trevor Story remains a pass for me.

On the IL

• Pablo Reyes, BOS, 2B/SS (elbow discomfort - rehab asssigment)
• Nick Gordon, MIN, 2B/SS/OF (fractured shin - no timetable)
• Kevin Newman, CIN, 1B/2B/3B/SS (strained oblique - rehab assignment)

Third Base Waiver Wire Pickups

Best Choices

Willi Castro, MIN, 2B/3B/SS/OF (Yahoo: 14%, ESPN: 2%) - Sweet jiminy, Castro has come back from the IL firing, slashing .471/.524/.765 over 22 PA, with three multi-hit games and two stolen bases. And while the pitching matchups with Tampa Bay might be tough, the ones in Chicago against the White Sox are mostly the opposite.

J.D. Davis, SF, 1B/3B (Yahoo: 23%, ESPN: 5%) - Davis has been hot, with a 73 APR over the past two weeks and a 25 APR so far in Week 24 but the real streaming appeal lies in his four games in Colorado.

Next Choices

Yoan Moncada, CHW, 3B (Yahoo: 16%, ESPN: 5%) - Eeek! A Zombie! Moncada has three home runs in his last four games but will also miss Sunday's game with a balky knee.

Chris Taylor, LAD, 2B/3B/SS/OF (Yahoo: 22%, ESPN: 5%) - Few can get hot like Taylor, even if it's been a while since we've seen it consistently. Taylor has a 27 APR so far in Week 24 and a 48 APR over the past two weeks but the problem remains his spotty playing time and 32% K%.

On the IL

• Anthony Rendon, LAA, 3B (shin contusion - no timetable)
• Jose Miranda, MIN, 1B/3B (shoulder impingement - no timetable)
• Willi Castro, MIN, 2B/3B/SS/OF (strained oblique - rehab assignment)
• Kevin Newman, CIN, 1B/2B/3B/SS (strained oblique - rehab assignment)

Shortstop Waiver Wire Pickups

Best Choices

Ezequiel Tovar, COL, SS (Yahoo: 42%, ESPN: 11%) - Tovar might be under our Roster% threshold but he's still probably hard to find in many leagues. Well, at least the ones that saw that he had a homestand coming up, with Tovar slashing .281/.325/.454 in the thin air of Colorado.  Where available, he's clearly the best MI stream for Week 25.

Willi Castro, MIN, 2B/3B/SS/OF (Yahoo: 14%, ESPN: 2%) - Sweet jiminy, Castro has come back from the IL firing, slashing .471/.524/.765 over 22 PA, with three multi-hit games and two stolen bases. While the pitching matchups with Tampa Bay might be tough, the ones in Chicago against the White Sox are mostly the opposite.

Noelvi Marte, CIN, SS (Yahoo: 10%, ESPN: 3%) - Marte has been terrific but will miss another game on Sunday after getting accidentally hit in the face while warming up prior to their game against the Cardinals on Saturday. As long as he's good to go moving forward, Marte is one of the better ROS pickups at MI if you're looking for a ceiling play.

Next Choices

Mauricio Dubon, HOU, 2B/SS/OF (Yahoo: 16%, ESPN: 11%) - Dubon has terrific numbers lately and more importantly he's played six of the last eight games. I still don't trust he'll continue to get everyday bats, or, at least enough to be comfortable to play during September fantasy runs.

Chris Taylor, LAD, 2B/3B/SS/OF (Yahoo: 22%, ESPN: 5%) - Few can get hot like Taylor, even if it's been a while since we've seen it consistently. Taylor has a 27 APR so far in Week 24 and a 48 APR over the past two weeks but the problem remains his spotty playing time and 32% K%.

Desperate Choices

Zack Gelof, OAK, 2B/SS (Yahoo: 43%, ESPN: 16%) - Gelof has a 61 APR so far in Week 24 but a .500 BABIP doesn't bode well for his streaking to continue.

Trevor Story, BOS, 2B/SS (Yahoo: 32%, ESPN: 11%) - The ghost of Trevor Story remains a pass for me.

Jordan Lawler, ARI, SS (Yahoo: 22%, ESPN: 6%) - It's hard to trust a rookie call-up, even with a pedigree, when you're in the playoffs.

On the IL

• Pablo Reyes, BOS, 2B/SS (elbow discomfort - rehab assignment)
• Zach Neto, LAA, SS (lower back inflammation - rehab assignment)
• Nick Gordon, MIN, 2B/SS/OF (fractured shin - no timetable)
• Kevin Newman, CIN, 1B/2B/3B/SS (strained oblique - rehab assignment)

Outfielder Waiver Wire Pickups

Best Choices

Eddie Rosario, ATL, OF (Yahoo: 42%, ESPN: 15%) - The Eddie Rosario disrespect continues. Pretty much anyone who plays full-time for Atlanta should be rostered, especially someone with a 28 APR so far in Week 24.

Willi Castro, MIN, 2B/3B/SS/OF (Yahoo: 14%, ESPN: 2%) - Sweet jiminy, Castro has come back from the IL firing, slashing .471/.524/.765 over 22 PA, with three multi-hit games and two stolen bases. While the pitching matchups with Tampa Bay might be tough, the ones in Chicago against the White Sox are mostly the opposite.

Tommy Pham, ARI, OF (Yahoo: 24%, ESPN: 7%) - Seriously people, we're about three weeks of continued hotness (26 APR in Week 24) from Tommy Pham spending his offseason going door-to-door, à la Jay and Silent Bob, to slap everyone who didn't roster him. Get your ish together or Tommy's coming for you.

Trent Grisham, SD, OF (Yahoo: 4%, ESPN: 3%) - Grisham has lit things up so far in September, slashing .348/.423/.565 over, with three multi-hit games and two stolen bases. While the Dodgers series will feature tough pitching, the week ends with some sweet Oakland gas cannery.

Charlie Blackmon, COL, OF (Yahoo: 37%, ESPN: 22%) - You know the drill – Coors cookin', baby.

Max Kepler, MIN, OF (Yahoo: 17%, ESPN: 7%) - Seven games in Week 25 with no LHPs currently scheduled? Time to make the sauerkraut, Herr Kepler.

Next Choices

Nelson Velazquez, KC, OF (Yahoo: 13%, ESPN: 3%) - Velazquez's power has been popping while earning more regular playing time, having started 12 games in a row prior to getting a day off on Sunday. Over those 47 PA, Velazquez has five HR, with eight runs and 11 RBI.

Edward Olivares, KC, OF (Yahoo: 1%, ESPN: 1%) - Olivares has been hitting since being recalled for September, with four home runs in his last five games. But he's also only started five of nine games and still doesn't have a guaranteed everyday role.

Mark Canha, MIL, 1B/OF (Yahoo: 18%, ESPN: 7%) - Yes, Mark Can(ha)? Okay, maybe Mark can – he is playing every day and has a very points-friendly profile for compiling. Just don't expect a high ceiling.

Mauricio Dubon, HOU, 2B/SS/OF (Yahoo: 16%, ESPN: 11%) - Dubon has terrific numbers lately and more importantly he's played six of the last eight games. I still don't trust he'll continue to get everyday bats, or, at least enough to be comfortable to play during September fantasy runs.

Chris Taylor, LAD, 2B/3B/SS/OF (Yahoo: 22%, ESPN: 5%) - Few can get hot like Taylor, even if it's been a while since we've seen it consistently. Taylor has a 27 APR so far in Week 24 and a 48 APR over the past two weeks but the problem remains his spotty playing time and 32% K%.

Desperate Choices

Mike Yastrzemski, SF, OF (Yahoo: 7%, ESPN: 6%) - Yastrzemski has a 46 APR so far in Week 24 but he doesn't much play vs. LHP much, likely limiting him to a five-game ceiling in Week 25. That said, three will come at Coors. Don't those count double?

Joc Pederson, SF, OF (Yahoo: 20%, ESPN: 5%) - See; Blackmon, Charlie.

Jack Suwinski, PIT, OF (Yahoo: 18%, ESPN: 6%) - He might be hot lately but friends don't let friends stream Jack Suwinski when three LHP are on the upcoming schedule (.183/.280/.269, 46% K% vs LHP).

Mitch Haniger, SF, OF (Yahoo: 19%, ESPN: 6%) -See; Pederson, Joc.

Brenton Doyle, COL, OF (Yahoo: 1%, ESPN: 0%) - See; every other suspect hitter who might be worth rostering in Week 25 because they're playing at Coors.

Alex Kirilloff, MIN, 1B/OF (Yahoo: 14%, ESPN: 4%) - Kirilloff is, in theory, healthy, and won't see any LHP in Week 25. Counterpoint – he'll probably be back on the IL by the time I finish typing this sentence.

On the IL

• Jarred Kelenic, SEA, OF (fractured foot - rehab assignment)
• Michael Conforto, SF, OF (strained hamstring - no timetable)
• Henry Davis, PIT, C/OF (strained hand - rehab assignment)
• Jesse Winker, MIL, OF (back spasms - rehab assignment)
• Austin Meadows, DET, OF (anxiety - no timetable)
• Joey Gallo, MIN, 1B/OF (foot contusion - no timetable)
• Michael A. Taylor, MIN, OF (strained hamstring - no timetable)
• Dylan Carlson, STL, OF (strained oblique - no timetable)
• Manuel Margot, TB, OF (elbow surgery - expected to miss 3-4 weeks)
• Dylan Carlson, STL, OF (strained oblique - no timetable)
• Jo Adell, LAA, OF (strained oblique - rehab assignment)
• Nick Gordon, MIN, 2B/SS/OF (fractured shin - no timetable)
• Victor Robles, WSH, OF (back spasms - no timetable)
• J.J. Bleday, OAK, OF (sprained knee - no timetable)
• Avisail Garcia, MIA, OF (strained hamstring - no timetable)
• Aaron Hicks, BAL, OF (strained hamstring - no timetable)

Catcher Waiver Wire Pickups

Best Choices

Mitch Garver, TEX, C (Yahoo: 44%, ESPN: 16%) - Garver continues to get everyday playing time at DH and keeps on hitting, slashing .391/.548/.783 over 31 PA in September. Where available, he's easily the best ROS option if you're in need behind the plate.

Hunter Goodman, COL, C/1B (Yahoo: 6%, ESPN: 1%) - Goodman and his 70-grade raw power has yet to hit a home run since getting called up but two triples and three doubles in 42 PA ain't too shabby and for compiling reasons, neither is him playing in every game but one. With catcher eligibility and a homestand on the horizon, Goodman might be the best Colorado streamer available.

Bo Naylor, CLE, C (Yahoo: 8%, ESPN: 2%) - He's only a 3-4 games a week kind of guy but Naylor's bat is starting to show why he was one of Cleveland's top prospects, with a top-75ish APR over the last few weeks. With four HR in his last 12 games, he might have the most upside at the position on most waiver wires.

Next Choices

Gabriel Moreno, ARI, C (Yahoo: 23%, ESPN: 7%) - Moreno hasn't done much so far in Week 24 but next week sets up for a great stream, with Arizona scheduled to face left-handed starters in four of their seven games. Facing LHP this season, Moreno is slashing .344/.365/.533 over 96 PA.

Desperate Choices

Logan O'Hoppe, LAA, C (Yahoo: 8%, ESPN: 6%) - O'Hoppe might only have a .207 AVG and .270 OBP since returning from the IL but four HR in 63 PA, with just a 16% K% keeps him relevant.

On the IL

• Henry Davis, PIT, C/OF (strained hand - rehab assignment)
• Tom Murphy, SEA, C (sprained thumb - no timetable)

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