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

Week 7 Catcher Waiver Wire

Ellis Canady recommends catchers (C) who can be valuable waiver wire targets or adds to help fantasy owners for Week 7 of the 2018 fantasy baseball season.

It is week seven and by now there just be plenty of clarity about the baseball season and your roster. Let me tell you one truth: the backstop is a weak position. Yep, it’s been said. We all agree but some just won’t say it aloud. Others will just shrug their shoulders. Well, I’ve said it for you. Now that it has been stated, there are choices to be made. Option A is to trade for one of the better catchers like Gary Sanchez and Willson Contreras. That could prove costly and might force you to go bankrupt. Option B is to avoid it all together. This is primarily for the head-to-head leagues where managers would rather risk the counting stats for the safety knowing the catcher spot won’t wreck their slash line. Option C is to stream the leftovers. This is the preferred method for a couple of reasons.

Option C is for the individual that is not tied down to an elite or in some case, an upper-mediocre catcher. When you own one of those catchers, you are forced to keep them in your lineup because they are at some degree slightly better than the average catcher, which might not be saying much. With the freedom of Option C, you are able to go gallivanting across the catcher universe, picking and choosing your catcher du jour.

So, this list below is of players who are owned in less than 50% of leagues. You could grab a combination of these guys or just stream at your leisure. Either way, a serviceable guy across the board is better than a drain in all or multiple categories.

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

 

Week 7 Waiver Wire Targets For Your Backstop

Catcher Du Jour

John Hicks (1B/C, DET ) 21% owned

Hicks is a prime example that some players just need an opportunity. He has more at-bats in the last two weeks than the likes of Wilson Contreras and Gary Sanchez. His playing time is dictated by Miguel Cabrera’s presence on the disabled list for a hamstring injury. Coincidentally, it is currently a favorable situation for Hicks as Cabrera is “done playing hurt”. “Nobody appreciates you when you play hurt,” Cabrera also stated. Cabrera was eligible to return from the DL on Monday but has experienced soreness in his back and hips. This gives Hicks an opportunity to continue to provide steady results for you from the first base spot, with catcher eligibility. He has the most at-bats (49) for a catcher-eligible player in the last two weeks. Hicks has eight runs, two homer and eight RBI with a .327 batting average during that time. Hicks’ playing time upon Cabrera’s return is a bridge to cross once it gets here. Until then, enjoy the unexpected production of a grossly under-owned catcher. Hicks’ upcoming matchups are mostly favorable against Seattle, Minnesota, and the Chicago White Sox.

Mitch Garver (C, MIN) 0% owned

An unowned guy that has the starting job for a young, up-and-coming offense. That defines Garver, who has been given a chance to prove himself after the primary catcher, Jason Castro, was lost for the year due to a knee injury. Garver dominated the minors; most recently, he had a great year in Triple-A last season where he continued to show power with very good plate discipline. He hit 17 HR and 29 doubles to go with a 13.4 BB% and .291 AVG which earned him the Minor League Player of the Year for the Twins in 2017.

Garver was called up in August of 2017 for a cup of coffee and has served as the primary backstop since the first day of spring training. Once Castro went to the disabled list in early May, Garver stepped into the full-time role. He only has a .259 average in 27 at-bats with two runs and three RBI. However, there are few full-time catchers available on the waiver wire, let alone one who is more of an offense-first profile on a team with little other options. Garver has a 38.6% rate for both hard hit and fly ball to go with a 80% contact rate. As a full-time catcher, Garver becomes an option for those in deep leagues and even more if his performance improves. He has matchups that he can take advantage of with Milwaukee and Detroit at home and Seattle on the road.

James McCann (C, DET) 4% owned

McCann is a hitter with average skills across the board that is getting consistent playing time. He was slowed down last week by the quality pitching in Seattle and Cleveland. On the season, McCann has three homers and eight doubles with 15 RBI to go with a .272 batting average. He has enough plate discipline to be productive at that plate with a 17.3 K% and 8.6% swinging strike. He is able to spread the ball around to all fields and does not rely on being a fly ball or ground ball hitter. It isn’t exciting but he should get more plate appearances that some of the other streamers that are in split time shares.

 

Risky Business

Luke Maile (C, TOR) 3% owned

Maile shares the catcher role with the age-less Russell Martin. Should Martin sustain an injury, Maile would then take of the starting gig. If this year’s numbers were any indication of future success, then Maile would be a hot commodity. In 14 days he has four runs, two homers and five RBI to go with a .296 AVG and .387 OBP. However, keep in mind that the 27-year-old has no history of this type of performance.  He has an 11.7% walk rate and a .476 BABIP that forecasts a regression in the .324 batting average.

Maile also has a couple of other hitting trends that will give cause for concern. In 2018, his hard hit rate (50.0%) is grossly higher than his previous best in 2016 (33.7%). With that hard hit rate, he is hitting the lowest amount of fly balls (29.5%) in his career. Therefore, when that BABIP drops, his other performance will likely drop with it. Do not be left holding this bag. With that being said, the matchups this week aren’t too terrible as the Blue Jays take on the Athletics and the Angels. If you are desperate and have no other option, Maile might be serviceable this week.

The last thing to keep in mind is that Maile is not the catcher of the future for Toronto. That honor belongs to Danny Jansen at Triple-A. Jansen is an offensive force now that he has corrected his vision. In dynasty leagues, Jansen is the catcher you want to own from the Blue Jays roster.

 

Performances of Other Catchers

Most of these guys are in equal time-shares that limits their playing time.

Manny Pina (C, MIL) 4% owned

Last 7 days: 16 AB, five runs, one HR, three RBI, .438 AVG

Tyler Flowers (C, ATL) 3% owned

Last 7 days: eight AB, two runs, one HR, four RBI, .625 AVG

Yan Gomes (C, CLE) 10% owned

Last 7 days: 16 AB, three runs, one HR, three RBI, .313 AVG

Tucker Barnhart (C, CIN) 14% owned

Last 7 days: 16 AB, two runs, one HR, four RBI, .313 AVG

 

More Waiver Wire Pickups and Adds




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

KaVontae Turpin

Arrested on Two Charges
Cole Ragans

to Begin Throwing on Monday
Theo Johnson

Prioritizing his Health this Offseason
Andrés Giménez

Andres Gimenez Hits 10-Day Injured List
Jermaine Burton

Continues to Show Growth
NHL

Hendrix Lapierre Signs One-Year Deal with Capitals
Carson Hocevar

Should DFS Players Consider Carson Hocevar for Chicago Lineups?
Tye Kartye

Kraken Re-Sign Tye Kartye for Two Years
Ross Chastain

May be A Decent DFS Option for Chicago Lineups
Dmitri Voronkov

Signs Two-Year, $8.35 Million Extension with Blue Jackets
Ryan Preece

Should DFS Players Roster Ryan Preece at Chicago?
Austin Dillon

Is Too Great of A Risk to Add to Chicago Lineups
Zane Smith

Is A Value Play Worth Rostering At Chicago
Austin Hill

is A Favorable Value Option for Chicago DFS Lineups
Ty Dillon

Is Ty Dillon A Decent Driver to Add For NASCAR DFS At Chicago?
William Byron

Qualifying Crash Makes William Byron a Likely DFS Must-Have
Alex Bowman

Should Finish Well, but Probably Costs Too Much for Serious DFS Consideration
Joey Logano

Has Been Relatively Mediocre on Road Courses Lately
Ryan Blaney

Doesn't Really Fit Neatly into Optimal DFS Lineups
Austin Cindric

Remains an Overrated Road Racer
Brad Keselowski

Likely to Brush Past Chicago Street Course to Focus on Daytona
NASCAR

John H. Nemechek One of the Best Underdog Options After Strong Runs at Mexico City and Last Year
Cole Custer

Strong Mexico City Run and Xfinity Series Chicago Win Make Him a Solid DFS Option
Erik Jones

Likely Not Good Enough on Road Courses for DFS Consideration Despite Poor Qualifying Result
Noah Gragson

May Be Better Than Other Cheap DFS Options
Riley Herbst

Despite Decent Mexico City Run, Don't Expect Riley Herbst to Contend at Chicago
Cody Ware

Is a Road Course Veteran, but It's Rarely Helped Him in NASCAR
Shane Van Gisbergen

Shane van Gisbergen Is The Heavy Favorite to Win at Chicago Street Course
Christopher Bell

Should Be Strong Despite Practice Struggles at Chicago Street Course
Cam Ward

"Not Expecting" to be handed Starting Job
Chase Claypool

Eager to Get Back on the Field
Wyatt Langford

Activated, Playing on Saturday
Jay Huff

on the Move to Indiana
Cam Whitmore

Wizards Acquire Cam Whitmore from the Rockets
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
SJ

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

Nikolaj Ehlers Joins Hurricanes on Six-Year Contract
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
Boston Celtics

Josh Minott Inks Deal With Celtics
Sandro Mamukelashvili

Heading to Toronto
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
Jaren Jackson Jr.

Has Surgery to Repair a Turf Toe Injury
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
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
RANKINGS
C
1B
2B
3B
SS
OF
SP
RP

RANKINGS

QB
RB
WR
TE
K
DEF