X
Lost password?

Don't have an account?
Gain Access Now

X

Receive free daily analysis

NFL
NBA
NHL
NASCAR
CFB
MLB
MMA
PGA
ESPORTS
BETTING

Already have an account? Log In

X

Forgot Password


POPULAR FANTASY TOOLS

Expert Advice
Articles & Tools
Import Your Leagues
Daily Stats & Leaders
All Pitcher Matchups
Compare Any Players
Compare Any Players
Rookies & Call-Ups
24x7 News and Alerts

Top Hitter Streamers and Starts for Fantasy Baseball - Week 19

Ramon Urias - Fantasy Baseball Rankings, Draft Sleepers, Waiver Wire Pickups

Fantasy baseball hitter streamers and starts for Week 19 Hitters to add from the waiver wire and stream. Justin analyzes the top batter streamers to pickup.

The NFL preseason may be starting, but let's not lose sight of what should be a fantastic end to the MLB season! Multiple division races are up for grabs, the wildcard races are as wide open as it gets, and it's anyone's guess who wins the major awards. I mean, what else could you want?

Fantasy baseball teams are built through the draft, but an argument can be made that leagues are won through in-season management. Being able to leverage your lineups appropriately so that you are starting the players who are a) playing in the most games and b) are in the most favorable matchups will allow accumulating as many statistics as possible, regardless of league format.

One common way to create the optimal lineup is streaming hitters off of the fantasy baseball waiver wire. It is very common to pick up pitchers who have favorable matchups, but what about doing the same for hitters? Outside of batting average, the other four traditional 5x5 hitter categories are counting statistics, meaning that you can gain a legitimate edge by targeting undervalued hitters on the waiver wire you have the best opportunity to produce. That is the focus of this column. Every week, we will be taking a look at which hitters are the most valuable streaming assets off of the waiver wire. All of these players are under 50% owned in Yahoo leagues, yet could be premium contributors for the upcoming week. Who are these intriguing fantasy baseball streamers? Let us dive right into it!

Be sure to check all of our fantasy baseball lineup tools and resources:

 

What Teams Offer The Most Streaming Value?

When it comes to streaming hitters, outside of overall talent, there are three factors to pay attention to:

  1. How many games is that team playing this week? Playing in the most games gives you the most opportunity to rack up the counting statistics we are looking for. Six games are the standard for a week, with anything above that very enticing and anything below that worrisome.
  2. What parks are they playing at? There is a major difference between playing your games in Colorado and playing your games in Oakland when it comes to offensive success. Targeting players who will benefit from playing in hitter-friendly targets is a great way to gain an edge over your opponents. For this study, we will be using Baseball Savant's park factors to rank the friendliness of the stadiums each team is playing at for this upcoming week.
  3. Which pitchers are they facing? To calculate the strength of the opponent, we will be using Fangraphs Depth Chart's FIP projections for each starting pitcher they will face.

By taking the average park factor and projected opposing starting pitcher ERA for each of their games, and then adding a boost based on the game played, we can accurately measure the "friendliness" of each team's upcoming matchups. Speaking of which, it is time for the great reveal!

It's fun to see some new teams rank near the top of the list, including the Giants, who generally don't have many favorable matchups in the NL West. That being said, they have four home games against the Diamondbacks and three in Colorado this week, making this the optimal week for their offense to get back on track. The same goes for the Red Sox and Rangers, while the Mets play a hefty eight games this week.

By this point of the season, it's much harder to strike gold by identifying a hidden gem that is on the verge of a major breakout. Nevertheless, the search goes on. So who is in a position to thrive this week? Let's take a closer look!

Stats via Baseball Savant and Fangraphs

 

Josh Naylor, OF/1B, Cleveland Guardians

Oscar Gonzalez, OF, Cleveland Guardians

Naylor: 47% rostered

Gonzalez: 4% rostered

Don't look now, but the Cleveland Guardians are in first place in the AL Central! A lot of credit will be given to their efforts in run prevention, particularly with a stellar bullpen, but don't discount an offense that has been quite pesky, to say the least.

Coming into the season, a major concern for Cleveland was their offensive depth outside of superstar third baseman Jose Ramirez. Franmil Reyes was expected to help with that, but he struggled mightily (70 weighted-runs-created-plus/wRC+) while also dealing with various injuries, and was eventually designated for assignment. Alas, it has been another former Padre that has picked up the slack.

After dislocating his right ankle in late June of 2021, it wasn't clear what sort of role Josh Naylor would play for the Guardians this season. Remarkably though, he not only came back just a week after opening day but has put together a career season. Overall, the 25-year-old has been 23% above league-average with the bat (123 wRC+), and with slightly more launch in his batted-ball trajectory, his massive raw power is leading to him hitting for more power (9.6% barrel, 63rd percentile as well). Remember, this is a player who already makes a lot of contact (16.3% K), but now you add that to the improvements in power, and you get a much more complete offensive profile. In the middle of Cleveland's lineup, that'll work.

With Reyes being let go, someone had to step into his place as a direct replacement. In the end, that has been Oscar Gonzalez who showcased the combination of contact skills (14.3% K) and power (.224 isolated power/ISO) in Triple-A, and has continued to perform at a high level (121 wRC+) in his first 160 MLB plate appearances. Now, a decent portion of that is due to a very high .366 batting average on balls in play (BABIP), but it's also true that his batted-ball quality (45% hard-hit, 30.8% flare/burner) as well his raw speed (90th percentile sprint speed) is going to lead to him posting naturally high BABIPs. ZiPs projects him for a .271/.296/.446 slash line the rest of the season (108 wRC+), which seems quite fair, especially for someone with as little pedigree as him. Clearly, the Guardians see something here they like, as they should for a player who hits the ball as hard as he does.

Both of these players hit in the thick of Cleveland's lineup, which is notable when they're set the play seven games this week, including four against a depleted Tigers pitching staff. This is a perfect time for them to continue to solidify their spot at the top of the AL Central, and that's going to come with strong offensive contributions. If all goes as planned, expect a lot of run production to go around from this entire lineup, but specifically from these two.

 

Christopher Morel, 2B/3B/OF, Chicago Cubs

41% rostered

Once upon a time, the Cubs were on top of the world, featuring a three-headed monster of Kris Bryant, Anthony Rizzo, and Javier Baez to vault them into dynasty status. Unfortunately, that never quite came to fruition, and now the team is back in a re-tooling phase. While it's a tough time for the fanbase, it does open up the opportunity for their next core of young players to make a name for themselves, which is exactly what Cristopher Morel has done so far.

After a rough minor-league stint in 2021, the shine with Morel had seemingly fallen off, but he came out firing (147 wRC+) in Double-A this season, earning his promotion to the MLB level. Since then, he has not let off the gas, posting a 116 wRC+ and .260/.329/.454 slash line in his first 293 MLB plate appearances. The best part? This isn't just a flash in the plan. With a 13.4% barrel rate (90th percentile) and an elite .457 expected weighted on-base average on balls in play, the 23-year-old's quality of contact is next to none, and it's allowed him to succeed in spite of a high strikeout rate (29.4% K). Meanwhile, as someone who swings more in the zone and less outside the zone compared to league average, this isn't just a "one-trick pony;" he's a much more complete hitter than you'd imagine.

Projections aren't very high on Morel, but we have enough of a sample size by now to overlook that to some extent. In the end, Morel should hit for enough average and get on base at a reasonable clip, while hitting for tremendous power and stealing plenty of bases (9 already) in the process. Add in that multi-positional flexibility, and he's quite the appealing addition to your fantasy team, as well as simply someone Cubs fans can cater to. Chicago gets a seven-game week, including three against the Nationals and one against the Orioles, paving the way for Morel to continue his surge. This is a very electric player and one that folks in the Windy City definitely can enjoy as they wait to get back to the top.

 

Ramon Urias, 2B/3B/SS, Baltimore Orioles

31% rostered

Want extra optimism, Cubs fans? You never know when your window can open up. I mean, just ask the Orioles. In the midst of a complete teardown in which they replenished their farm system, the Orioles, who finished with the worst record in baseball, were not expected to be competitive at all this season. All of the sudden, they're right in the thick of the AL wildcard race, and that is thanks to the contributions they are getting from several different players.

Considering he signed with the Texas Rangers at 16 years old, Ramon Urias probably did not imagine it would take him more than a decade to get an extended look at the MLB level. However, better late than never, as they say. Over 627 career MLB plate appearances, the 28-year-old has been above league-average offensively (109 wRC+) and will continue to see everyday playing time for the Orioles thanks to strong defense and infield versatility.

Notably, especially for not an imposing player (6'0", 190 pounds), Urias hits for plenty of power (9.7% barrel, 47.2% hard-hit), and that has come with not that many strikeouts (22.7%) as well. Need more reason for optimism? Since May 1, he has posted a 120 wRC+, 11.4% barrel rate, and .262/.307/.486 slash line. Yep, that'll work. Baltimore will get to chance to feast this week with six of the seven starting pitchers they face projected for a FIP over 4.00 from Fangraphs Depth Charts projections, and Urias can be a key piece of the puzzle. Will that ultimately lead to a postseason berth? Only time will tell, but how can you not be excited about what's going on in Baltimore?

 

Harold Castro, 1B/2B/3B/SS, Detroit Tigers

3% rostered

On the other end of the spectrum, there are the Detroit Tigers, who after finishing with a winning record following the first month of 2021, believed that they were ready to contend for a postseason spot. Instead, they're nearly 30 games below .500, and consequently, made the decision to relieve general manager Al Avila of his duties. Right now, it's hard to find any sort of optimism in Detroit, especially with Tarik Skubal now on the injured list.

So, what can keep Tiger fans tuning in? Well, the hope would be that a few players emerge as potential contributors for next season. Speaking of which, can we talk about Harold Castro's positional versatility? So far this season, the 28-year-old has lined up at first base, third base, shortstop, second base, left field, and center field. I mean, that is simply remarkable! Plus, it certainly helps when you're performing at an above-average clip (105 wRC+).

Interestingly, Castro's offensive numbers are suppressed by a 4.5% walk rate, which depending on your fantasy baseball format, may not affect his value much. Rather, this is a hitter who has consistently run high BABIPs and is projected by ZiPs to hit .279 the rest of the way, while he's showing more power (6.8% barrel) than ever. Meanwhile, he's also making more contact (19.2% whiff, 82nd percentile) than ever, thus leading to a career-low 17.8% strikeout rate. There's a chance he's putting it all together to be the best version of himself possible, which has to hold some notable intrigue.

Sure, Castro isn't going to hit 20+ home runs or steal any bases. What we will do, though, is hit for a high average while hitting in a very favorable lineup position (cleanup), while also being eligible at four different positions. Especially with Detroit playing seven games, including a favorable schedule against the Guardians and Angels, that's quite appealing. Sometimes, the "boring pick" is the best one. I mean, we need something at stake to watch some Tigers games, right? Here's hoping the organization can get back on track soon.



Download Our Free News & Alerts Mobile App

Like what you see? Download our updated fantasy baseball app for iPhone and Android with 24x7 player news, injury alerts, sleepers, prospects & more. All free!



More Fantasy Baseball Analysis




POPULAR FANTASY TOOLS

Expert Advice
Articles & Tools
Import Your Leagues
Daily Stats & Leaders
All Pitcher Matchups
Compare Any Players
Compare Any Players
Rookies & Call-Ups
24x7 News and Alerts

REAL-TIME FANTASY NEWS

Corey Heim

Does Not Qualify for Cup Race at Chicago Street Course
LaJohntay Wester

Stands out on Special Teams
Clarke Schmidt

Likely to Undergo Tommy John Surgery
Nolan Arenado

Scratched from Saturday's Lineup
Vladimir Guerrero Jr.

Starting on Saturday
Corbin Carroll

Activated from 10-Day Injured List
Cincinnati Bengals

Shemar Stewart, Bengals Continue Contract Talks, No Progress Made
Giannis Antetokounmpo

Potential Giannis Antetokounmpo Trade may not Happen Until "August, September"
Ha-Seong Kim

Removed Early During Season Debut
ARI

Christian Fischer Retires From NHL at 28
NHL

Spencer Martin Moves to Russia
WAS

Anthony Beauvillier Re-Signs With Capitals for Two Years
Vladimir Guerrero Jr.

Sitting Out With Foot Issue
Isaiah Neyor

Impresses at Minicamp
Houston Rockets

Jock Landale Waived by Rockets
Bo Bichette

Back in Blue Jays Lineup
Jonas Valančiūnas

Jonas Valanciunas Considering Returning to Europe
Miles Sanders

Works With Starters During Mandatory Minicamp
Jabari Walker

Signs Two-Way Deal With Sixers
Chimere Dike

Titans Could Move Chimere Dike Inside
Keandre Lambert-Smith

KeAndre Lambert-Smith not Guaranteed Roster Spot
Anthony Bradford

Working Hard to Win Back Starting Job
Byron Young

Still Improving?
Cody Simon

Jonathan Gannon has Been Impressed With Cody Simon
SirVocea Dennis

has Impressive Offseason
Trevor Penning

Could Still Have a Role in New Orleans
Jonathan Kuminga

Warriors Decline Recent Offer for Jonathan Kuminga
Orlando Magic

Moritz Wagner, Magic Agree to One-Year Deal
Clarke Schmidt

Placed on Injured List
José Soriano

Jose Soriano Throws Gem Against Braves
Robbie Ray

Earns Ninth Win in Complete Game
T.J. Watt

Likely to Reset the Edge-Rush Market
George Springer

Blasts Two Homers, Drives in Four
James Wood

Goes Yard in Five-Hit Night
Bradley Beal

Suns Discussing Potential Buyout
Los Angeles Lakers

Jaxson Hayes Staying with the Lakers
NBA

Damian Lillard "Open" to Signing With a Team This Offseason
Max Muncy

Out at Least Six Weeks
Clarke Schmidt

Leaves Start with Forearm Tightness
Colson Montgomery

Promoted to the Major Leagues
Pittsburgh Steelers

Omar Khan, Steelers Agree to Three-Year Contract
Max Muncy

Goes on Injured List With Knee Bruise
Max Muncy

Out of Thursday's Lineup
James Wood

Joining Home Run Derby
SJ

Sharks Claim Nick Leddy Off Waivers
Max Scherzer

Cleared to Start on Saturday
SJ

Sharks Sign Dmitry Orlov to Two-Year, $13 Million Contract
CAR

Nikolaj Ehlers Joins Hurricanes on Six-Year Contract
Kodai Senga

Could be "in Play" to Return Before All-Star Break
Ha-Seong Kim

Rays Reinstate Ha-Seong Kim From Injured List
Chau Smith-Wade

Having Stellar Offseason
Ace Bailey

Inks Rookie Contract With Jazz
Divine Deablo

Could be the Quarterback of the Defense
Isaiah Rodgers

a Likely Starter for the Vikings
Jacob Monk

Sees Plenty of Work With Starters
Avonte Maddox

has Impressed Dan Campbell
Boston Celtics

Josh Minott Inks Deal With Celtics
Chicago Bears

Ruben Hyppolite Shows Notable Improvement
Sandro Mamukelashvili

Heading to Toronto
Daron Payne

Commanders Coaches Impressed With Daron Payne
Danny Gray

Makes Impression During Offseason Workouts
Jared McCain

Not on 76ers Summer League Roster
Dylan Harper

Unavailable for California Classic
COL

Brent Burns Inks One-Year Deal with Avalanche
STL

Blues Land Pius Suter on Two-Year Deal
Morgan Frost

Agrees to Two-Year Extension with Flames
WPG

Gustav Nyquist Moves to Winnipeg
Cody Glass

Devils Re-Sign Cody Glass to Two-Year Deal
PIT

Anthony Mantha Joins Penguins
Cleveland Cavaliers

Larry Nance Jr. Headed Back to Cavaliers
Eric Gordon

Remaining with 76ers
Los Angeles Lakers

Deandre Ayton Joining Lakers
Emil Heineman

Signs Two-Year Deal with Islanders
Simon Holmstrom

Re-Signs with Islanders for Two Years
UTA

Nate Schmidt Signs Three-Year Deal with Mammoth
UTA

Brandon Tanev Moves to Utah on Three-Year Contract
NJ

Evgenii Dadonov Joins Devils on One-Year Deal
BUF

Sabres Snap Up Alex Lyon on Two-Year Contract
Dallas Mavericks

Dante Exum Returning to Dallas
Ryan McLeod

Inks Four-Year Extension with Sabres
NAS

Predators Bring in Nick Perbix on Two-Year Deal
Jaren Jackson Jr.

Has Surgery to Repair a Turf Toe Injury
LA

Cody Ceci Moves to Los Angeles
Charlotte Hornets

Spencer Dinwiddie Lands With Charlotte
Bud Cauley

in Great Form Ahead of John Deere Classic
Christiaan Bezuidenhout

a Player to Avoid at John Deere Classic
Jake Knapp

Riding Momentum Ahead of John Deere Classic
PGA

Sungjae Im Looking for Consistency at John Deere Classic
Ryan Gerard

a Solid Option at John Deere Classic
Rickie Fowler

Looking to Rebound at John Deere Classic
Cameron Champ

a Volatile Option at John Deere Classic
Jackson Suber

Staying Below 70 is Key to Success for Jackson Suber
Kevin Roy

Playing Better Heading into John Deere Classic
Justin Lower

Hoping for Something Positive in Illinois
Ben Kohles

a Long Shot at John Deere Classic
Stephan Jaeger

Attempts to Stop Roller-Coaster Ride
Beau Hossler

Needs a Challenge in Illinois
Harry Higgs

Has Potential at John Deere Classic
Nick Dunlap

Keeps Plugging Through Tough 2025 Season
Milwaukee Bucks

Taurean Prince Staying in Milwaukee
Kevin Yu

a Near Must-Play at TPC Deere Run
PGA

J.T. Poston Returns to John Deere Classic Looking for Another High Finish
Thriston Lawrence

a Decent Fit For John Deere Classic
Tom Kim

Not Finding Much to be Happy About Ahead of John Deere Classic
Si Woo Kim

is a Prohibitive Fade at John Deere Classic
Ben Griffin

is the Appropriate Favorite at TPC Deere Run
Daniel Suarez

and Trackhouse Racing Parting Ways After 2025 Season
Ilia Topuria

Becomes The New Lightweight Champion
Charles Oliveira

Knocked Out At UFC 317
Kai Kara-France

Alexandre Pantoja Submits Kai Kara-France
Kai Kara-France

Submitted At UFC 317
Joshua Van

Extends His Win Streak
Brandon Royval

Drops Decision
Renato Moicano

Loses Back-To-Back Fights
Beneil Dariush

Gets Back In The Win Column
Felipe Lima

Suffers His First UFC Loss
Payton Talbott

Bounces Back
Alex Bowman

Competitive Run Ends With Third-Place Finish at Atlanta
Erik Jones

Secures A Top-Five Finish After Adversity In Atlanta
Tyler Reddick

Collects A New Career-Best Finish At Atlanta
RANKINGS
C
1B
2B
3B
SS
OF
SP
RP

RANKINGS

QB
RB
WR
TE
K
DEF