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

The Waiver Wire Watch List: Week 6

Bill Dubiel's list of fantasy baseball free agents to watch in Week 6 of the 2019 season. These are players to monitor and could be potential pickups off the waiver wire in deeper leagues.

As important as it is to be active on the waiver wire, snagging that next hot bat or pitcher on a roll before anyone else can, let's be honest--there are only so many roster spots. That's why your watch list is just as important as your waiver wire activity, and perhaps even more so.

Throughout the season, you want to get the jump on your competition and sniff out the breakout players before they break out. That's what this list is all about--using some in-depth research and advanced analytics to find the players who aren't quite there yet but are on their way.

This is not necessarily a list of players you should add right away - it is a list of people to keep a very close eye on in most leagues, and to consider picking up in deeper formats. In some cases, we will even caution you not to pick up a widely-added player, and steer you away from the fool's gold. Use it to build your own watch list.

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

 

Pitchers to Watch in 12+ Team Leagues

John Brebbia (RP, STL)

Jordan Hicks gets the bulk of the attention in the St. Louis bullpen, what with the 105-MPH smoke and the closer role, but Brebbia might be one of the unsung heroes of the National League Central. The outright stats are impressive enough--seven holds, 0.49 ERA and a 0.82 WHIP--but his peripherals back them up, which is more important.

Working almost exclusively with his fastball and slider, Brebbia has shaved more than 12 points off his hard-hit percentage (just 26.8% in 2019). That's a significant improvement when batters are making contact, but Brebbia has also been missing more bats. His swinging strike percentage has jumped from 12.4% to 15.8% in 2019, which has helped him achieve the highest K% of his career (29.6%). Brebbia is likely the next man up for saves if Jordan Hicks goes down, but you'll take those ratios no matter what format you play in.

Chris Bassitt (SP, OAK)

The 30-year-old righty found himself in the A's starting rotation when Marco Estrada went down with a back injury, but with the way he's pitching the highly ineffective Estrada may not have a spot even when he is healthy. Bassitt has made two starts and has posted an outstanding 16:4 K-BB ratio in 12 innings, along with a 1-0 record, a 0.75 ERA and a 0.75 WHIP.

Bassitt is outperforming his career averages in just about every aspect, and we're only talking about two starts, which is why he's on the watch list and not the add list. With that said, Bassitt added a MPH to his fastball, and through two starts he's used his fastball more often while cutting back on his slider a bit. It's possible that Bassitt's made some real adjustments for sustainable success, but it's simply too soon to tell.

Tyler Mahle (SP, CIN)

Through 33 innings pitched (six starts), Tyler Mahle has amassed an 0-4 record with an unimpressive 4.08 ERA. While that sounds unspectacular, I'm more into the underlying stats. In those 33 innings, Mahle has racked up 33 strikeouts against just seven walks, and that's what I'm more interested in.

His SIERA is a tidy 3.64, implying that he's pitching better than that mediocre ERA and terrible record indicate. Mahle is using his curveball much more often this year, which has led to a career-high strikeout percentage (24.4%). There is some legitimate potential here, so keep a close eye on Mahle's upcoming starts.

 

Batters to Watch in 12+ Team Leagues

Hunter Pence (OF, TEX)  

The former All-Star is a shadow of his former self, and as such he's no longer even a regular starter--in 2019 he's the fourth outfielder for the Texas Rangers. He has been playing himself into more time as of late though and is producing in the at-bats he is getting. So far in 2019, he's posted a .858 OPS, and his three homers already are just one short of his season total last year with the Giants.

Pence is in his 13th season, and while there is virtually no shot at him regaining any of the form that made him one of baseball's best in years past, there's a route for him to regain a starting position and provide modest but useful counting stats. Delino DeShields has been abysmal at the plate so far, and while he offers more in center field than Pence would, there's little doubt that the surprisingly pesky Rangers would continue to roll him out there with Pence hitting well. Don't add him yet, but monitor the Rangers outfield situation.

Melky Cabrera (OF, PIT)  

The Melk Man! Feels like I haven't written about him in ages, which is probably because I haven't. But, Cabrera is forcing my hand lately. A blistering past seven games puts his OPS at a rock-solid .870 through 88 at-bats, and while there isn't much power there you'll take an average over .340 from just about anybody.

Cabrera has left field more or less locked down at the moment, and as long as he's getting regular playing time he'll have the opportunity to produce. That average is the big key here, and if it's not there then Cabrera won't hold much use in either points or roto formats. Wait a bit longer to see if this hot streak is real, then be ready to grab him as an outfield depth piece.

James McCann (C, CHW) 

In the vast, scorched earth of the Catcher Wasteland, where the very air you breathe is a toxic fume, James McCann is your oasis. The White Sox backstop has been quietly (silently) putting up a terrific line in 2019, batting .365 with an absurd .587 slugging percentage.

I'm not foolish enough to think these kinds of numbers are sustainable for the light-hitting 28-year-old, particularly with a .444 BABIP. However, given that there is so little production in the talent pool at the position right now, you'll certainly take anything near what McCann's putting up. I'm not cutting a top-12 catcher for him just yet, but McCann has my eyebrows raised.

 

Recapping The Waiver Wire Watch List

In the section, I will review the progress and current outlook of players that I wrote about in previous articles in this series.

Pitchers

Martin Perez (SP, MIN) - Add Now: Just baffled the Astros, QS in three of his last four starts. The adjustments for Perez in 2019 make this sustainable.

Adam Wainwright (SP, STL) - Add Now: Another QS, this time on the road against the Nationals. Wainwright is locked in right now and has plenty of value as a back-end fantasy starter.

John Means (SP, BAL) - Still Watching: Stung by the home run in his last outing, yielding four earned over five innings. Keeping an eye on him for now.

Daniel Norris (SP, DET) - Still Watching: Coming off another solid start, still don't feel confident enough to add him without seeing a few more strong showings.

Jorge Lopez (SP, KC) - Dropped: Four earned runs in each of his last four outings. There just isn't enough positive here to warrant a roster spot.

Jeff Samardzija (SP, SF) - Still Watching: Continues to be better at home than on the road. If you're okay with streaming him in only those starts, you can add now.

Pablo Lopez (SP, MIA) - Still Watching: The peripherals look better than the results right now, so we're watching closely but not ready to add him yet. Perhaps stash on your bench if you can afford the roster spot.

Eric Lauer (SP, SD) - Still Watching: Can't seem to get deep into games and doesn't have a ton of strikeout potential, but still avoiding blow-ups.

Lucas Giolito (SP, CWS) - Still Watching: A pretty decent outing against the Red Sox in his return from the IL. Not confident enough to add him yet, but there have been blips of potential in a few of his starts.

Batters

C.J. Cron (1B/DH, MIN) - Still Watching: Starting to cool off a bit, and if he's not hitting for power there isn't much to see here.

Eric Sogard (2B/SS, TOR) - Still Watching: Makes for an ideal injury replacement at the moment, and is a fine MI option while he's hot.

Dexter Fowler (OF, STL) - Still Watching: Dealing with an extended bout of flu, so tough to make an assessment since last week.

Mike Tauchman (OF, NYY) - Dropped: The starting Yankees are starting to heal up, so Tauchman will likely lose most of his regular playing time.

Brian Goodwin (OF, LAA) - Add Now: Looking like a legitimate breakout campaign. Has kept the hitting up for over a month now and showing no signs of slowing.

Danny Santana (OF/2B, TEX) - Add Now: He's got three homers and five steals in just 62 ABs, along with a batting average over .350. Even with the return of Odor, the Rangers will find a way to deploy him regularly.

Freddy Galvis (SS, TOR) - Still Watching: Cooled off since returning from a few days off with a stiff leg, but still plenty of roto value here along with regular ABs.

Jorge Soler (OF, KC) - Still Watching: Want homers? He can help there. Want anything else? Not so much.

More Waiver Wire Pickups and Streamers




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

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
Christian Moore

Placed on Injured List With Thumb Sprain
Luis L. Ortiz

the Subject of Gambling Investigation
Jordan Lawlar

to Miss Multiple Weeks With Hamstring Injury
Yordan Alvarez

Receives Encouraging News on his Hand
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
Toronto Raptors

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
Dane Belton

Should Have a Role in 2025
Kaiir Elam

Flashes During Offseason Workouts
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
Riley Greene

Homers Twice, Drives in Six on Wednesday
Max Muncy

Exits With Apparent Knee Injury
Christian Moore

Exits Early with Thumb Irritation
Cleveland Cavaliers

Larry Nance Jr. Headed Back to Cavaliers
Josh Naylor

Returning to Diamondbacks Lineup
Eric Gordon

Remaining with 76ers
Los Angeles Lakers

Deandre Ayton Joining Lakers
Oronde Gadsden

an Active Pass-Catcher This Offseason
Brashard Smith

Speed Could be Put to Use
Emil Heineman

Signs Two-Year Deal with Islanders
Pat Bryant

Off to a Good Start
Simon Holmstrom

Re-Signs with Islanders for Two Years
Cody Barton

Quickly Becoming a Leader With his New Team
UTA

Nate Schmidt Signs Three-Year Deal with Mammoth
Montaric Brown

has Worked With Starters
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
DET

James van Riemsdyk Joins Red Wings on One-Year Contract
Viktor Arvidsson

Traded to Boston
Charlotte Hornets

Spencer Dinwiddie Lands With Charlotte
Josh Jung

Sent to Triple-A
Jurickson Profar

Officially Reinstated and Hitting in Five-Hole on Wednesday
Spencer Schwellenbach

Going on Injured List With Fractured Elbow
Maxwell Hairston

Facing Sexual-Assault Lawsuit
Tai Felton

Rookie Season Likely to be Spent on Special Teams
LeQuint Allen Jr.

to Have Receiving Role for Jaguars?
Justin Walley

Turning Heads Going into Rookie Season
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
Jamari Thrash

Establishing Himself as Reliable Option
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
Brandon Woodruff

Likely to Pitch on Sunday in Miami
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
PHI

Dan Vladar Links Up With Flyers on Two-Year Deal
Zac Gallen

Fans 10 in Tuesday's Win
Milwaukee Bucks

Taurean Prince Staying in Milwaukee
Jeff Green

Signs One-Year Deal to Remain in Houston
Los Angeles Lakers

Jake LaRavia Lands with Lakers
Orlando Magic

Tyus Jones Signs One-Year Deal With Magic
Golden State Warriors

Kevon Looney Heads to New Orleans
Milwaukee Bucks

Jericho Sims Staying in Milwaukee
Denver Nuggets

Tim Hardaway Jr. Joins Nuggets
Detroit Pistons

Duncan Robinson Lands With Detroit
Charlotte Hornets

Tre Mann Remaining in Charlotte
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
Milwaukee Bucks

Gary Harris Inks Deal With Bucks
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
Chase Elliott

Ends Winless Skid With Atlanta Victory
Brad Keselowski

Falls Short of Atlanta Victory
Carson Hocevar

Recovers From Big One to Finish 10th at Atlanta
William Byron

Caught up in Atlanta Big One but Retains Points Lead
Denny Hamlin

Top In-Season Challenge Seed Denny Hamlin Eliminated in Lap 70 Crash
Ty Dillon

Bottom Seed Ty Dillon Upsets Denny Hamlin to Advance in In-Season Challenge
Kyle Larson

Don't Expect Kyle Larson to Win First Drafting Track Race on Saturday
Christopher Bell

Unlikely to Complete Atlanta Sweep
Brad Keselowski

Seeks Another Clutch Win for Hail-Mary Playoff Bid
Chris Buescher

Unlikely to Lead Enough to Have Much DFS Value
Alex Bowman

Qualifies Best Among Non-Fords but Unlikely to Contend at Atlanta
Ryan Preece

Will Probably Run Better Than Usual at Atlanta
Austin Dillon

Consistently Mediocre at Atlanta
Ty Gibbs

Slightly Faster Lately but Unlikely to be a Factor at Atlanta
Erik Jones

a Low-Key Strong DFS Option
Noah Gragson

Could Have DFS Value as One of the Lowest-Qualifying Fords
Riley Herbst

Unlikely to Replicate February Atlanta Finish
RANKINGS
C
1B
2B
3B
SS
OF
SP
RP

RANKINGS

QB
RB
WR
TE
K
DEF