👉 TAP TO SAVE 50% WITH CODE SPRING
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

#1 Expert Projections
Save 50% Now
Import Your Leagues
Props Tool
Compare Any Players
Compare Any Players
24x7 News and Alerts

Waiver Wire Points Leagues - Week 16

Week 16 is a doozy, spanning 10 days, making many pitchers "two-start" guys and keeping us on our feet right after the All-Star break. If you're like me, the All-Star break was long and the desire to check my lineups hit every day. While I may not have had players playing games, I was still making moves because of other owners dropping players who were "not active" or slumping going into the break. I was able to snag New York Yankees pitcher Jordan Montgomery because of the former reason, and now it looks like he could be the ace (due to lack of better options) of the team.

This week we're back to our shallow and deep points leagues waiver targets, looking at anyone and everyone between 1% and 55%. So here are a few guys who can contribute in points leagues, one at each position to consider for the next week, and possibly beyond. These are your points leagues waiver wire pickups for Week 16. Let's get to it.

Note: All ownership percentages are courtesy of Yahoo! Fantasy Sports.

Featured Promo: Save 50% the regular price with discount code SPRING, for a limited time. Exclusive access to our Team Sync platform, DFS cheat sheets, Lineup Optimizers, betting/prop picks, and exclusive content from Nick Mariano and Eric Cross! GAIN ACCESS NOW

 

Points League Waiver Wire Adds - Week 16

C - Wilson Ramos, Tampa Bay Rays - 42% owned 

I vouched for Ramos earlier this year, before he was ready to come back from his injury, and although he's experiencing some soreness of late, he should be back and ready to contribute in a few days. The batting average won't do much, but his ability to crush the ball will help in points leagues. The 29-year-old already has three home runs in 10 games (42 plate appearances) and while I don't think the batting average will be at .307 like last year, he's an easy bet for .260ish, with 12 home runs, and maybe more. Grab Ramos if you're in need of a catcher, because most owners probably do too.

1B - Josh Bell, Pittsburgh Pirates - 37% owned

When drafting this year, I was big on Bell. I only got to grab him in one of my three leagues, but I'm sure glad I did, because he contributes everywhere. I'd love to see a little bit more speed on the base paths, but I'll take what I can get from him. He's already hit 17 home runs, as well as 17 doubles, making him a virtual lock for 25/25. Those are huge points that I'd love in points leagues. The fact that he has a bit of speed and can potentially mix in a triple and a stolen base here and there is exciting too. His walk rate is down and his strikeout percentage is up, but the average hasn't dipped down too far to make the power not worth it like Joey Gallo. Grab Bell and hold him, or trade him to me, because I'd love some more shares.

2B - Paul DeJong, St. Louis Cardinals - 47% owned

Here's a guy that I'd recommend to hold in category leagues, but in points leagues, I'm just going to mention for the short term. Going into the All-Star break, DeJong clubbed three homers in his last three games, also adding four doubles. Those are some sweet points, but since coming out of the break, he's contributed a double and a homer in his last four games. He was clearly riding momentum, and here's hoping in points leagues that he can continue to show some power for points. Besides that DeJong will definitely be one of those consistent contributors, as he's hitting .299 with an .899 OPS. Not bad for categories, but in points leagues, we're chasing power. Give him two weeks to prove he's got more in him, but cut bait if you only see the small contributions.

3B - Nicholas Castellanos, Detroit Tigers - 33% owned 

Castellanos is another guy who I was high on before the season, and while he's been up and down for most of the season, when he's up, it's very worthwhile. In most points leagues, he should be in the top 120, depending on your scoring settings. Since coming out of the break, he's hit two home runs, and while the lack of extra base hits in his last 10 games or so is concerning, don't forget that he's already ripped six triples this year, and is coming in close on 20 doubles. He's also closing in on passing his runs total from 2016, because of his movement throughout the Tigers lineup, hitting anywhere from second to seventh. Castellanos is a nice add because of the amount he can contribute to virtually any lineup.

SS - Jose Peraza, Cincinnati Reds - 51% owned

I'm still a little weary on a guy like Peraza; I actually drafted him, but got fed up with the cold start, before he kind of got going in May. It's obvious there's not a whole lot of power, and despite points leagues usually chasing power, Peraza is still an interesting play in points leagues. The 23-year-old is obviously still young, and definitely capable of putting together a stronger season. There's lots of promise in him getting opportunities to hit at the top and second in the order, as well as being a threat to steal a base every time he gets on (although, it's been a while). Recently, he's been doing a better job of getting on as his K% from June to July is dropping and his batting average is slowly rising. I'd say give him a few weeks to see if he can maintain some consistency.

OF - Carlos Beltran, Houston Astros - 31% owned

I'm putting the 40-year-old veteran on the list for one reason: the Houston Astros. Beltran continues to DH for the Astros even though his strikeout rate is at one of the highest of his career, and his batting average is on the other side of the spectrum. However, it is hard to deny the opportunities that Beltran has with the likes of George Springer, Carlos Correa, Jose Altuve, Yuli Gurriel, Marwin Gonzalez and Josh Reddick hitting around him. Most of his opportunities have come hitting in the fifth slot, where he's posted half of his home run total. I don't want to tell you to hang onto Beltran forever, but the upside is there. This is a guy who hit 29 homers last year, so stick with him, and you should see some RBIs and runs at least.

SP - Ian Kennedy, Kansas City Royals - 42% owned

Yes, some of the underlying numbers suggest Ian Kennedy is not the best recommendation here, but in points leagues, some of those stats matter a little bit less. Diving into some of the numbers though, his line drive percentage is down from last year and his ground ball percentage is up. The only ugly one is his fly ball percentage which increased drastically from his move from San Diego to Kansas City. The fact is though, is that Kennedy has struck out at least five in his last four starts, not allowing more than three runs in any of those games. He's also kept the walks down, which definitely help, it's just the home runs that keep getting hit. In points leagues though, take the strikeouts, and the wins, since Kansas City seems to being doing that, and hope for another quality start from Kennedy when he takes on the White Sox later this week.

RP - Ryan Madson/Sean Doolittle, Washington Nationals - 51% owned and 27% owned respectively

The Washington Nationals have exhausted many options with their bullpens in years past, and 2017 is no exception. Dusty Baker has already hinted that either one of, or both, Madson and Doolittle could see time closing in Washington, seeing as they've both been pretty good this year in Oakland. The lack of save opportunities in Oakland is what have kept their save and hold numbers down, but both are pitching to ERAs under 3.50, with Madson's just above 2! The fact that Madson is a righty, and Doolittle is a lefty means they could both see time, depending on the matchups, but if you only have space for one, I'd bargain that Madson is the safer bet.

 

More Waiver Wire Pickups and Adds

 

Premium Tools & DFS Research

Get a free trial of our powerful MLB Premium Tools. Our famous DFS Optimizer & Lineup Generator, daily Matchup Ratings, expert DFS Lineups/Cheat Sheets, and more.

Sign Up Now!




POPULAR FANTASY TOOLS

#1 Expert Projections
Save 50% Now
Import Your Leagues
Props Tool
Compare Any Players
Compare Any Players
24x7 News and Alerts

REAL-TIME FANTASY NEWS

Aaron Gordon

Questionable for Game 6
Josh Hart

Iffy for Game 6
Joel Embiid

Likely to Play in Game 6
Bones Hyland

Could Miss Game 6
Kevin Huerter

Not Available for Game 5
Jonathan Isaac

Remains Out for Game 5
Franz Wagner

Won't Play in Game 5
MLB

Phillies-Giants Postponed on Wednesday Due to Rain
Nils Lundkvist

to Remain Out Thursday
Jonas Brodin

Uncertain for Game 6
Matvei Michkov

Expected to Rejoin Flyers Lineup Wednesday
Noah Ostlund

Set to Miss "a Period of Time"
Viktor Arvidsson

Doubtful for Game 6 Against Sabres
Barrett Hayton

Close to Returning
Charle-Edouard D'Astous

a Game-Time Call Wednesday
Brandon Aiyuk

Decision Could Come in Late May
Bryce Young

Panthers Pick Up Bryce Young's Fifth-Year Option
MLB

Orioles-Astros Game Postponed Due to Inclement Weather on Wednesday
Gary Woodland

Riding Momentum Into Cadillac Championship
Jordan Spieth

Brings Boom-or-Bust Potential to Cadillac Championship
Adam Scott

Looks Poised for Another Strong Finish at Doral
Maverick McNealy

Needs Approach Game to Click at Doral
George Springer

Being Activated From Injured List, Won't Start on Wednesday
Wyatt Langford

Expected to be Activated on Saturday
Garrett Crochet

Goes on Injured List With Shoulder Inflammation
CFB

Jameson Williams Files Lawsuit Against NCAA, SEC, Big Ten
Junior Caminero

Back in Wednesday's Lineup After Injury Scare
Harry Hall

Volatility Continues at Cadillac Championship
Tommy Fleetwood

Looks to Rebound at Trump National Doral
Pierceson Coody

a Risky Value Play at Cadillac Championship
Deebo Samuel Sr.

Will Deebo Samuel Sr. Find a New Team Before Training Camps Open?
Jalen Johnson

Collects Second Playoff Double-Double
Akshay Bhatia

Offers Upside with Risk at Cadillac Championship
Elic Ayomanor

Dynasty Stock Way Down After NFL Draft
Jalen Brunson

Pours 39 Points on Hawks in Game 5
Darius Slayton

Dynasty Value Fading After Busy Giants Offseason
Jaylen Brown

Struggles From the Field in Game 5
Jayson Tatum

Picks Up Another Double-Double
David Njoku

With the NFL Draft Over, David Njoku Could Soon Find a Team
Tyrese Maxey

Records Double-Double With Rebounds
Tyler Warren

a Major Offseason Winner
Joel Embiid

Tallies 33 Points as 76ers Stave Off Elimination
Victor Wembanyama

Posts Second Straight Double-Double
Connor McDavid

Extends Multi-Point Streak Tuesday
Justin Thomas

a Scary Proposition at Cadillac Championship
Nikolaj Ehlers

Hurricanes Hope to Have Nikolaj Ehlers Back for Second Round
Alexander Nikishin

Could Be Available in Round 2
Victor Hedman

Logs Full Practice
Scottie Scheffler

The Leading Favorite at Cadillac Championship
Noah Ostlund

Likely to Miss Time Due to Lower-Body Injury
Arttu Hyry

Unlikely to Play Thursday
Collin Morikawa

Still a Smash Play at Cadillac Championship
Jonas Brodin

Spotted Using Crutches After Game 5
Viktor Hovland

Showed at Augusta He Can Finish Well
Sepp Straka

Attempting to Finish Better in Miami
PGA

J.J Spaun Enduring Roller Coaster Start to 2026
Min Woo Lee

Seeks to Make Adjustments at Cadillac Championship
Max Homa

May Struggle at Old Doral This Weekend
Ben Griffin

Rebounds From Rough Stretch as Miami Looms
Shane Lowry

Searching For Answers at Cadillac Championship
Russell Wilson

Jets Host Russell Wilson for a Visit, Considering him as Backup Option
Russell Henley

Daunting Test at Doral Likely Not a Place For Russell Henley
Jonathon Brooks

Fully Cleared for Offseason Program
Christian Gonzalez

Patriots Exercise Christian Gonzalez's Fifth-Year Option
Tyler Allgeier

One of the Biggest Losers After NFL Draft
A.J. Brown

Eagles to Receive a First-Round Pick if They Trade A.J. Brown?
Justin Rose

Returns to Action After Finishing Third at Masters Tournament
Hideki Matsuyama

Has The Approach Game to Win at Cadillac Championship
Aaron Rodgers

Steelers Place Right-of-First-Refusal Tender on Aaron Rodgers
Jauan Jennings

Visiting With Vikings
Quentin Johnston

Chargers Exercise Fifth-Year Option on Quentin Johnston
Jahmyr Gibbs

Lions Picking Up Jahmyr Gibbs' Fifth-Year Option
Bo Nix

Undergoes Cleanup Procedure on his Ankle
Junior Caminero

Suffers Jaw Contusion on Tuesday, Considered Day-to-Day
Scottie Barnes

Leading Raptors' Comeback Effort in Round 1
Pete Fairbanks

Going on Injured List With Nerve Irritation
Tobias Harris

a Bright Spot for Pistons in Tough Series
Jalen Duren

Struggling in First-Round Matchup
Austin Reaves

Officially Listed as Questionable for Game 5
Kevin Durant

Officially Out Wednesday
Collin Gillespie

Wants to Stick With Suns
Jonathan Isaac

Expected to Remain Out Wednesday
Spencer Strider

to Make Season Debut This Weekend
Roope Hintz

Likely to Miss Entire First-Round Series
Jason Zucker

Good to Go for Game 5
Josh Norris

Won't Play Tuesday
Colton Dach

Available Tuesday
Connor Ingram

Returns to Oilers Net for Game 5
Luis Robert Jr.

Out on Tuesday With Back Tightness
Jason Dickinson

Considered a Game-Time Decision for Tuesday's Action
Connor McDavid

a Game-Time Call Tuesday
Juan Soto

Dealing With Forearm Tightness, Serving as DH on Tuesday
Isaiah Likely

Remains Well-Positioned for Mid-Career Breakout Following NFL Draft
Jauan Jennings

' Dynasty Value Fading Following NFL Draft?
Luther Burden III

Poised for Breakout Season in Chicago?
CFB

Brendan Sorsby Facing Potential Permanent Loss of Eligibility
MarShawn Lloyd

Is MarShawn Lloyd a Dynasty Buy-Low Candidate Following NFL Draft?
Manny Machado

Departs Early With Undisclosed Injury on Monday
Philadelphia Phillies

Phillies Fire Manager Rob Thomson
Elmer Rodríguez

Yankees to Promote Top Pitching Prospect Elmer Rodriguez
Pete Fairbanks

Pulled on Monday With "Unusual Sensation" in his Thumb
Giancarlo Stanton

Heading to Injured List With Calf Strain
Travis Bazzana

Guardians Calling Up Former First Overall Pick Travis Bazzana
Will Smith

Back in Action in Series Opener Against Marlins
Josh Naylor

Back in Starting Lineup on Monday
Carson Hocevar

Scores his First Career NASCAR Cup Series Victory at Talladega
Chris Buescher

Misses out on Winning at Talladega by Finishing Second
Alex Bowman

Earns First Top-Five Finish at Talladega Since Returning From Injury
Chase Elliott

Scores A Fourth-Place Finish at Talladega
Zane Smith

Nabs First Top-Five Finish of the 2026 Season at Talladega
CFB

Texas Tech Quarterback Brendan Sorsby Enters Rehab
Youssef Zalal

Suffers Unanimous-Decision Loss
Aljamain Sterling

Wins Back-To-Back Fights
Norma Dumont

Drops Decision At UFC Vegas 116
Joselyne Edwards

Scores Upset Win
Alexander Hernandez

Gets Dominated
Alexander Hernandez

Rafa Garcia Dominates Alexander Hernandez
Adrian Luna Martinetti

Unsuccessful In His UFC Debut
Davey Grant

Gets Back In The Win Column
Manny Machado

Clubs Two Homers, Starting to Turn Things Around?
Logan O'Hoppe

Placed on 10-Day Injured List Due to Left-Wrist Fracture
Denny Hamlin

Is Denny Hamlin Worth Rostering for Talladega?
NASCAR

Is Bubba Wallace Playable in Talladega DFS Lineups?
Tyler Reddick

Stay Away From Tyler Reddick at Talladega
Ryan Blaney

Can Ryan Blaney Shake Off The Bad Luck at Talladega?
Austin Cindric

Could Contend For Another Talladega Win
Kyle Busch

an Easy DFS Pick at Talladega
Ricky Stenhouse Jr

. a High-Risk, High-Reward Pick at Talladega
Todd Gilliland

a Sleeper to Watch at Talladega
Brad Keselowski

Is Brad Keselowski Worth Rostering for Talladega Lineups?
Chase Briscoe

Could Chase Briscoe be A Sneaky Tournament Play for Talladega Lineups?
Christopher Bell

Should DFS Managers Trust Christopher Bell at Talladega?
Ty Gibbs

Is A DFS Risk for Talladega Lineups
Youssef Zalal

Set For UFC Vegas 116 Main Event
Aljamain Sterling

An Underdog At UFC Vegas 116
Joselyne Edwards

Set For UFC Vegas 116 Co-Main Event
Norma Dumont

Looks To Extend Her Win Streak
Alexander Hernandez

A Favorite At UFC Vegas 116
Rafa Garcia

Looks For His Third Consecutive Win
Adrian Luna Martinetti

Set For His UFC Debut
Davey Grant

Looks To Get Back In The Win Column
RANKINGS
C
1B
2B
3B
SS
OF
SP
RP

RANKINGS

QB
RB
WR
TE
K
DEF