RADIO
Players to target or add from the waiver wire in Week 20 for fantasy baseball points leagues. Austyn Varney identifies the top pickups of the week based on fantasy value.
Welcome to the RotoBaller waiver wire column that skews towards points league. Yes, there is positive correlation to standard 5x5 scoring but in our format, specific categories matter less and the accumulation of total stats is the ultimate objective.
We’re turning towards home for fantasy baseball season. While some league counterparts may be multi-tasking with pigskin prep, it’s time for savvy owners to stay juiced on the diamond! By now, team turnover should be commonplace and most managers have waved goodbye to busted high-round assets. During the dog days, keenness on the waiver could result in celebratory pay days in October.
Our points league waiver wire column will default to standard scoring and try to unearth three players under at least 50% ownership and three players under 25% ownership. For each group, we’ll identify an infielder, outfielder and pitcher. Let’s get hunting!
J.D. Davis (NYM, 3B/OF)
44% Owned
If J.D. Davis isn’t owned in your league, he will be in the next day or so. Davis has been phenomenal against both righties and lefties, sporting a combined .381 wOBA with a .417 since the ASB. His BABIP isn’t overly high and he’s hitting the ball hard 46% of the time, so his peripherals line up. He’s leading the Mets charge to a playoff berth and is worth an add in any league.
Jason Kipnis (2B, CLE)
39% Owned
It's been another solid week for Jason Kipnis, hitting .360 with two home runs, nine RBI, and a stolen base. This Indians offense keeps on rolling and Kipnis is slotted in the heart of it against both lefties and righties. On the season, Kipnis is up to a .338 wOBA on the season with 26 XBH and five stolen bases. The Indians have a friendly schedule coming up and runs will be plentiful. Kipnis was one of the more popular adds last week, so make sure to act swiftly if you need help at second base.
Dustin May (SP, LAD)
45% Owned
Dustin May has made two starts so far, and has looked awesome. He has given up a few runs, but if you've watched him pitch, you can tell that he's on a different level than a normal prospect. The only reason he has struggled is a .570 BABIP vs righties. Just ignore that. He's striking out eight batters per nine innings and has walked just one batter through two starts. May is still available in 55% of league's and may the playoff push you need at pitcher.
Teoscar Hernandez (OF, TOR)
8% Owned
Teoscar Hernandez had a big week, hitting for a .318 average with three home runs and seven RBI. Hernandez is now up to 18 home runs and 46 RBI with four stolen bases thrown in there for fun. Hernandez is playing every night in the outfield and while he strikes out a ton, his contact rate is up over the last month and he's finally striking out under 30% of the time. The Blue Jays have an extremely friendly schedule coming up for hitters against teams like the Red Sox, Orioles, and Rays. Hernandez isn't the safest option in a points league, but he's on fire and could help you get into the playoffs if you're needing some power.
Mark Melancon (RP, ATL)
29% Owned
Melancon is one of the easier adds of the week, as the closer for the Braves (for now). Shane Greene hasn't worked out and Melancon is the closer until further notice. With the fantasy playoffs coming, saves are always a very valuable asset and the Braves are one of the better teams in the NL. Melancon isn't a dominant reliever anymore, but he's posted a combined .321 wOBA and still strikes out a healthy amount. If you're in need of saves, Melancon is the guy to pick up.
