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

Waiver Wire Points Leagues - Week 18

Matthew Stamper recommends some H2H points leagues waiver wire adds for Week 18 of the fantasy baseball season. These free agents can be added to bolster teams.

After Monday's trade deadline, MLB teams aren't the only ones who have to deal with the consequences, fantasy baseball teams do too. With the amount of movement on July 31, some guys have new homes and new ballparks to play at, some have sunnier outlooks on places they play already, and some players might even be out of a job. Not all of the waiver wire pickups this week were affected by the trade deadline, but there are a few highlighted below.

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 H2H points leagues waiver wire pickups for Week 18. Let's get to it.

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

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

 

Week 18 Waiver Wire - Points Leagues

C - Welington Castillo, Baltimore Orioles - 48% owned 

While he scuffled along in June, July has been a totally different story for Welington Castillo, as he finds himself tied for 10th among catchers in points leagues since the all-star break. Hitting at the bottom of the order won't help the 30-year-old, but his walk rate is up and his strikeout rate is down since June, meaning he's doing something right over the past month. Clearly there are results, with nearly a third of his RBI coming in the second half of the season. Castillo is a decent add at a position with not a lot of depth, especially if you can ride his bat while it's hot.

1B - Trey Mancini, Baltimore Orioles - 48% owned 

A popular waiver wire pickup early this year, Mancini has done nothing to stop owners from owning him. He's hit consistently for average all year, and he's done well in the power department too. So why the low ownership? First base is a position chock-full of quality players. There was also a dip in average this month, but nothing extreme enough to suggest that he's losing it in his first full season. The good news is that his strikeout rate is down in July, his walk rate is pretty similar and his line drive rate is up, although his hard contact is down. I'm thinking that Mancini is just getting a bit unlucky despite not hitting the ball as hard as earlier this year. If he got dropped in your league during his "slump", grab him now.

2B - Steve Pearce, Toronto Blue Jays - 6% owned

No, this recommendation isn't coming after two walk-off grand slams from the 34-year-old. Well, maybe part of it is. But the reality is, is that Steve Pearce has been putting it together over the last month or so. He was injured a large part of May and June, but even with a bigger sample size this month, the numbers don't look too bad. With the Blue Jays kind of heating up, Pearce isn't a bad play behind a few guys who get on base at a decent clip. He's obviously shown power, and hitting at the Rogers Centre is always nice too. He'll probably slow down and the strikeouts will pick back up, but these homers could come in groups and it's worth jumping on it for a bit.

3B - Maikel Franco, Philadelphia Phillies - 45% owned  

He's been a pretty big disappointment since his rookie year, where he slashed .280/.343/.497, to this point, where's slashing .225/.285/.395, but with each month, the 24-year-old looks like he's slowly building upon where he left off in 2015. The strikeouts do come fast and furious with Franco, in fact, he's got 13 in his last 10 games, but in July he's walking more, and hitting the ball harder, leading to a few doubles, and two homers in his last five. Obviously be prepared to be disappointed, and if you expect the kind of production you should get from someone of Franco's ADP, keep dreaming, but he's slowly gaining some traction. Don't bank on it, and be prepared to drop him if the trend of climbing with each calendar month doesn't continue with August.

SS - Orlando Arcia, Milwaukee Brewers - 26% owned

Orlando Arcia may be a more valuable player to his real team than his fake team but that doesn't mean we won't take his contributions for a while. The Brewers have been a nice surprise this year, and while a few of their players have been unpleasant surprises (Jonathan Villar), Arcia has been enjoyable for the most part. He's got some speed, has shown flashes of power and most importantly has some consistency. Arcia won't light the world on fire, but if you've struggled at shortstop like I have all year, Arcia is a welcome add where you'll see some points most nights, and the cold streaks aren't as bad as some others I've seen this year.

OF - Aaron Altherr, Philadelphia Phillies - 37% owned

Altherr hasn't gotten much love from the experts this year, as his mini-slump in June was predicted by many. And while he did bounce back in July, he did spend 10 days on the disabled list, which had me fearing that it would lead to another mini-slump. It's actually been everything but that, as he's picked up four RBI in his five games since his DL trip, and he's deposited two balls into the stands for homers against Atlanta. His strikeout rate is about the same from June to July, but his walk rate is up almost eight percent. He's got a much smaller sample size in July obviously, but it's still good news to see that he's willing to be more selective and potentially swipe a few bags and score a few runs as he's hitting near the top of the order. Without a doubt, Altherr has been one of the bright spots in Philly this year, and I'll gladly hold him for his solid output.

SP - Hyun-Jin Ryu, Los Angeles Dodgers - 24% owned 

With a stellar start on Sunday night against the San Francisco Giants, where he went head-to-head with ace Madison Bumgarner, Hyun-Jin Ryu is making a good case for him to stick in the Dodgers rotation. Of course right now, it's easy for him to be a lock with Clayton Kershaw, Brandon McCarthy and Scott Kazmir injured. Plus, Rich Hill is always a question mark. Ryu missed time with a bruised foot, and was limited in his first start, but threw seven scoreless on Sunday, striking out 7. The K/9 numbers are decent, and he's usually got the walks under control so he's not getting in his own way. With the Dodgers putting together an unreal season, even if the aforementioned pitchers make it back to push Ryu out of the rotation, they'll get more than enough rest, meaning Ryu will get opportunities to start.

RP - Shane Greene, Detroit Tigers - 33% owned 

While he's not the best option, we have to chase the save opportunities, and Greene will be able to provide some in Detroit. He's got some issues with his control, but the 1.22 WHIP is not atrocious, and his 2.74 ERA shows he's been able to escape some of the situations he's put himself into. Justin Wilson was still the best option but with his move to the NL's Chicago Cubs, Greene will have to do for now. There's not too many other guys who will really get the chance to take this job, so here's a free closer who should take the job for the rest of the season.

 

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

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

Tyler Soderstrom

Returns to A's Lineup
Tyler Warren

Sidelined on Wednesday with Toe Injury
Jaylen Waddle

Questionable for Week 3 Against Buffalo
Joe Burrow

Bengals Not Closing the Door on Joe Burrow Returning This Year
CFB

LaNorris Sellers to Play Against Missouri?
Kyle Tucker

Progress has "Plateaued"
Isaac Paredes

has "Outside Chance" to Return This Weekend
CFB

Kaidon Salter Expected To Start for Colorado on Saturday
Willson Contreras

Goes on 10-Day Injured List, Done for Season
Justin Fields

Ruled Out for Week 3 Due to Concussion
Jayden Reed

Out Indefinitely After Foot and Shoulder Surgery
Washington Commanders

Preston Smith Signs With Commanders
Trey Jemison III

Joins Knicks on Two-Way Contract
Kevin McCullar Jr.

Signs New Two-Way Deal With Knicks
Matt Ryan

Returns to Knicks on Exhibit 10 Contract
New York Knicks

Alex Len Signs Exhibit 9 Deal With Knicks
Nickeil Alexander-Walker

Expected to Take on Larger Offensive Role With Hawks
Thomas Sorber

Undergoes Surgery
Dominic Canzone

Has Five-Hit, Three-Homer Game Tuesday
Cal Raleigh

Sets Single-Season Home Run Record for a Switch-Hitter
Jayden Reed

Undergoes Clavicle and Foot Surgeries, Out for Foreseeable Future
Bo Bichette

to Miss Rest of Regular Season
Zach Neto

Placed on 10-Day Injured List With Hand Injury
Yordan Alvarez

Out on Tuesday, Dealing With "Significant" Ankle Sprain
Aaron Jones Sr.

Vikings Place Aaron Jones Sr. on Injured Reserve With Hamstring Injury
CFB

Diego Pavia Refutes Report of Seeking Seventh Collegiate Season
Christian Kirk

Expected to Return in Week 3
CFB

Diego Pavia Seeking Another Year of Eligibility
Tarik Skubal

on Track to Start Thursday
CFB

Kevorian Barnes Questionable Against SMU
Bo Bichette

has Short-Term Knee Injury, Could Return for Postseason
Tosan Evbuomwan

Joins Knicks
NBA

Kai Jones Links Up With EuroLeague Team
Bismack Biyombo

Returns to Spurs
Bones Hyland

Rejoins Timberwolves
Kobe Bufkin

Moves to Brooklyn
Trey Yesavage

Sets Franchise Strikeout Record On Monday
Yordan Alvarez

To Receive MRI For Sprained Left Ankle On Tuesday
Willson Contreras

Exits Early Monday With Right-Biceps Tightness
Yordan Alvarez

Exits With Ankle Sprain
Brock Bowers

Officially Active on Monday Night
Jauan Jennings

Day-to-Day With Ankle Injury
Logan O'Hoppe

Activated Off Seven-Day Injured List
CBJ

Denton Mateychuk Dealing With Groin Issue
Bo Horvat

Fine for Training Camp
Kirby Dach

on Track to Be Ready for Opening Night
Jose Altuve

Returns Against Rangers
J.J. McCarthy

Expected to Miss 2-4 Weeks With High-Ankle Sprain
J.J. McCarthy

Likely Out for Week 3 With High-Ankle Sprain
Jean Silva

Gets Finished For The First Time In His Career
Aaron Jones Sr.

Unlikely to Play in Week 3 Due to Hamstring Injury
Diego Lopes

Returns To The Win Column
Jayden Daniels

' Week 3 Status in Doubt
Rob Font

Outclassed In The Noche UFC 3 Co-Main Event
David Martinez

Wins His Second UFC Fight
Jared Gordon

Suffers Brutal TKO Loss At Noche UFC 3
Rafa Garcia

Wins Back-To-Back Fights
Brian Thomas Jr.

Dealing with Wrist Injury
Dustin Stoltzfus

Drops A Decision At Noche UFC 3
Kelvin Gastelum

Gets Back In The Win Column
Diego Ferreira

Suffers Second-Round TKO
Alexander Hernandez

Extends His Win Streak With A Brutal TKO
Quang Le

Suffers First-Round Knockout
Santiago Luna

Shines In His UFC Debut
Christopher Bell

Earns his First Bristol Cup Series Victory
Alex Bowman

Falls Short of Advancing Through Cup Series Playoffs
Chase Briscoe

Collects his Third Top-10 Finish at Bristol
Ryan Blaney

Strong Top-Five Bristol Performance Advances him to the Playoffs
Corey Heim

Earns his First Career Cup Series Top-10 Finish at Bristol
Giannis Antetokounmpo

Leads Greece to Bronze Medal
Alperen Sengün

Alperen Sengun Drops 28 Points in EuroBasket Finals
CFB

Indiana's Lee Beebe Jr. Out for Season with Knee Injury
Dennis Schröder

Dennis Schroder Named EuroBasket MVP
Bryce Eldridge

Giants to Promote Bryce Eldridge
Jaren Jackson Jr.

Progressing in Recovery
Jonathan Kuminga

Receives New Offer From Warriors
Kenneth Walker III

Bounces Back with Big Week 2 Performance
Bijan Robinson

Rushes for 143 Yards in Week 2
Justin Fields

Currently in Concussion Protocol
Cincinnati Bengals

Bengals Calling Around to Available Free-Agent Quarterbacks
Joe Burrow

to Undergo Surgery, Out at Least Three Months
Emil Heineman

Aiming to Take the "Next Step" This Season
Braeden Cootes

Good to Go for Camp
Ivan Fedotov

Blue Jackets Acquire Ivan Fedotov From Flyers
Garrett Crochet

Punches Out 12 in Win
Cole Ragans

to Return on Wednesday
George Kirby

Strikes Out 14 in Win
Quentin Grimes

Still Not Close to a New Contract Agreement
Joel Embiid

"Looking Slender, Spry and in Positive Spirits"
Ty Gibbs

Has Arguably his Best Career Drive, but Only Finishes 10th
Chase Elliott

Despite Crashing Out at Bristol, Chase Elliott Advances to Round of 12
Austin Dillon

Misses Round of 12 After Extremely Mediocre Bristol Run
Shane Van Gisbergen

Shane van Gisbergen Fails to Advance to Round of 12
Josh Berry

Finishes Last in All Three Round of 16 Races to Fail to Advance
CFB

Ryan Williams Explodes In Return To Field
CFB

Drew Allar Plays Mediocre Game In Blowout Win
CFB

LaNorris Sellers Exits Game In Blowout Loss
CFB

DJ Lagway Tosses Five Interceptions In Loss
CFB

Garrett Nussmeier Plays Game Manager in Saturday's Win
CFB

CJ Carr Remains Poised In Narrow Loss
CFB

John Mateer Leads Oklahoma In Rout
CFB

Arch Manning Struggles Against UTEP
CFB

Jeremiah Smith Impresses In Win
CFB

Sam Leavitt Shines As Arizona State Rebounds From Week 2 Loss
Ivan Demidov

Turning Heads in Rookie Camp
NHL

Calvin de Haan Signs With Swedish Team
Samuel Girard

Skates With Non-Contact Jersey
Mackenzie Blackwood

Dealing With Injury Ahead of Training Camp
Spencer Knight

Signs Three-Year Extension With Blackhawks
Chris Buescher

May have Another Solid Run at Bristol
Corey Perry

Out 6-8 Weeks Following Surgery
Kyle Busch

Should DFS Managers Roster Kyle Busch at Bristol?
Ricky Stenhouse Jr

Is Ricky Stenhouse Jr. Too Risky to Consider Rostering at Bristol?
Michael McDowell

Could be A Solid Value Option For Bristol DFS Lineups
Chase Elliott

Probably Won't Factor in for Bristol Win
NASCAR

Bubba Wallace Not as Strong at Bristol as Other Short Tracks
Alex Bowman

Needs to Win to Make Round of 12
Ross Chastain

has Never Led at Bristol but Has Been Pretty Consistent
Austin Dillon

Richmond Speed Unlikely to Carry Over to Bristol
Josh Berry

Might Run Well at Bristol, but Almost Certainly Won't Win to Advance
Justin Haley

Bristol One of Justin Haley's Few Recent Bright Spots
CFB

Austin Simmons Listed As Game-Time Decision Against Arkansas
CFB

Nico Iamaleava Struggles In Fourth Straight Loss
Ukko-Pekka Luukkonen

Dealing With a "Tweak"
BUF

Alexandar Georgiev Joins Sabres on One-Year Deal
Corey Perry

Injured During Pre-Camp Skate
CFB

Antonio Williams Out Against Georgia Tech
CFB

CJ Bailey Flashes Again in Win Over Wake Forest
CFB

Jaxson Moi a Game-Time Decision for Tennessee on Saturday
Jean Silva

A Favorite At Noche UFC 3
Diego Lopes

Set For Noche UFC 3 Main Event
Rob Font

Looks For His Third Consecutive Win
David Martinez

Set For Noche UFC 3 Co-Main Event
Rafa Garcia

An Underdog At Noche UFC 3
Jared Gordon

Looks To Win Back-To-Back Fights
Dustin Stoltzfus

Looks To Return To The Win Column
Kelvin Gastelum

In Dire Need Of Victory
Diego Ferreira

Looks To Get Back In The Win Column
Malcolm Brogdon

Heading to Knicks on One-Year Deal
Landry Shamet

Staying with the Knicks

RANKINGS

QB
RB
WR
TE
K
DEF
RANKINGS
C
1B
2B
3B
SS
OF
SP
RP