3 Must Own Starting Pitchers: Fantasy Baseball Waiver Wire Pickups

July 3, 2014

Mathew Vazin gives you his analyses on 3 MLB starting pitchers who are available on many fantasy baseball waiver wires. These SP sleepers are valuable pickups that can help you team

We're currently in week 14, which means your position in your fantasy baseball standings is getting more entrenched by the day. To make up ground, or extend your lead, you'll need to stay proactive on the waiver wire.  These starting pitcher sleepers can help your team over the next few weeks and months.

Taijuan Walker, SEA

50% Owned in Yahoo, 50% Owned in Fleaflicker

One of the most discussed prospects in all of baseball is finally healthy and has finally been called up, and he did not disappoint in his debut. Taijuan Walker delivered a quality start and picked up the victory against Houston on Monday. Walker went 6 IP, gave up 3 runs and struck out 6. Although it was a good start, Walker did however give up two home runs.

Consistency may be an issue for the 21-year old due to his age, but he is still a must add in all formats as his ceiling is sky high, and certainly higher than 99% of other pitchers on your waiver wire. It should be interesting to see him pitch against the White Sox on Sunday as the world will see how he does against Chicago’s rookie sensation Jose Abreu. Walker is currently owned in 50% of Yahoo fantasy baseball leagues, and that number should be a whole lot higher.

Jesse Hahn, SD

45% Owned in Yahoo, 19% Owned in Fleaflicker

Jesse Hahn has been a tremendous surprise for the San Diego Padres in June. In his first month as a starter, Hahn went 4-1 with a 1.95 ERA while striking out 36 batters over 5 starts. After his first rough start, Hahn has now put together an incredible stretch where he's won 4 consecutive starts.

In his past 24 innings, he has given up just 13 hits and 2 earned runs, and struck out an impressive 31 batters. The 0.75 ERA over his last 4 starts should be enough reason to add him in all formats. Currently, he is owned in 39% of Yahoo fantasy baseball leagues, but his ownership will continue to skyrocket as long as he pitches in Petco and shows the skills of a #2/3 fantasy SP.

CC Sabathia, NYY

49% Owned in Yahoo, 71% Owned in Fleaflicker

Since being placed on the disabled list on May 10^th, many fantasy owners have dropped CC Sabathia. Although he had struggled for the most part before landing on the DL, it would be wise to stash Sabathia if you have a deep DL.

In his five starts prior to the DL Stint, CC gave up more than 2 earned runs just twice. Surprisingly, he pitched better on the road, as he went 18.1 IP while giving up just 4 earned runs in his last 3 road starts. He also had a very nice 4.8 K/BB ratio and 48 punchouts in just 46 IP, showing he still possesses some nasty stuff.

The time off should be good for CC not only to heal the injury, but also fix any mechanical problems that were occurring. Currently, he is owned in 49% of Yahoo fantasy baseball leagues.  He has upside to easily be a top 5 starter in your rotation, and CC is notorious for cooling batter off in the warmer months.

Update: With the recent news that Sabathia has a visit with Dr. James Andrews after experiencing swelling in his knee after his last rehab start, his status remains uncertain at best. More news should be coming over the next few days, but any sort of surgery would clearly eliminate any fantasy value for 2014 and possibly beyond. Stay tuned for further updates.