There is a tendency to treat every FAAB run like it’s supposed to change your season, but that’s not always the case. There will be ebbs and flows, and highs and lows, and in researching this week, it felt like a bit of a lull on the waiver wire. So I’d categorize this week’s edition of the article as more short-term, immediate options for lineups than exciting pickups you may hold all season. So it may feel like a down week, but each week is a new and unique opportunity to gain an edge.
This can also be an excuse to be conservative with your spending, as surely there are times your budget can use a week like that. There were still plenty of useful options that emerged, and below I clearly outlined my two favorite targets that I see as longer-term impacts that could potentially stay on your rosters for the rest of the season.
This week is less about finding the guy and more about understanding roles, short-term value, and where small edges can be gained without overcommitting FAAB dollars. Think of it more like targeted spending than aggressive, and knowing the difference between a streamer and something worth holding onto.
Throughout the season, this column is designed to help you decide who to target on the waiver wire, as well as how to prioritize who to add. The focus will mainly be on relevant players who are also widely available in all leagues, and will often include players I’ve spent my own FAAB dollars on. Every league is different, so players will not be given an exact dollar amount but instead will use a four-tier investment rating system, ranging from a minimal spend to a potential difference-maker (or LEAGUE-WINNER, if you will).
Let’s spend some FAAB dollars!
Investment Rating System
This week, there are eight teams with a seven-game schedule: the Atlanta Braves, Boston Red Sox, Chicago Cubs, Colorado Rockies, Detroit Tigers, Los Angeles Dodgers, Philadelphia Phillies, and the Washington Nationals. Moisés Ballesteros is a player mentioned below with seven games this week, although coming with some tough matchups in the Dodgers and Phillies. The rest of the teams have a six-game week.
SEVEN GAMES: ATL, BOS, CHC, COL, DET, LAD, PHI, WSN
Batters
Outfielders
Jorge Soler ($$): Even though he is currently in the midst of a suspension for fighting Reynaldo López, so far this season, Soler is looking more like the version of himself that hit 36 home runs in 2023 and 48 home runs back in 2019. He will have completed his suspension by the time games are played next week, and he’ll have some favorable matchups against Patrick Corbin and Eric Lauer as well. When he plays every day and is able to stay on the field, Soler has generally been productive in his career with extended playing time.
Infielders
Angel Martínez ($$$): Angel Martínez has been one of the biggest risers in roster rate early in the season. He raised some excitement with a bit of a hot start last season as well, but there’s optimism he can sustain it this time. He has secure playing time and has value at a weak position at second base in fantasy baseball. I don’t love that he doesn’t walk a lot, but he also doesn’t strike out or swing and miss much either.
Catchers/UT
Moisés Ballesteros ($$$): It remains to be seen how long it will take for Ballesteros to gain position eligibility outside of DH, but he has appeared at both first base and catcher this season. Where he would gain the most excitement and value is clearly at catcher, and in the right weeks, he is worth starting even at a loaded position. His skillset is perfect for points leagues, and in weeks facing all righties, he’d be worthy of starting even at utility.
Gary Sánchez ($$): It may surprise you to hear that Gary Sánchez is still around and producing, but he’s still as prolific a power hitter as he’s always been. Like Ballesteros, he’s a better daily league play at the moment, but when he’s in the lineup, he’s a nice streaming option to be an injury replacement or a hot hand to give a chance. Hitting in the middle of the Brewers lineup should give him plenty of RBI chances as well.
Pitchers
Starting Pitchers
Justin Wrobleski ($$$): As the cover boy for the article this week, Wrobleski is my favorite to recommend because I’m the most confident in him being useful for your teams. He’s had quite a low strikeout rate so far, and against the Mets this week cruised through 8 innings. He only struck out two, but he was efficient and induced a lot of weak contact like he always does. It’s not the type of pitcher who is going to wow and excite everyone, but he will be productive as long as the Dodgers continue to give him starts. I don’t love his matchups this week, pitching at Coors Field and against the Cubs, but I would still add him now because I see it as the best chance to get him.
Jack Kochanowicz ($$): As far as streaming this week, I do prefer Kochanowicz as a more immediate option for the upcoming week. He is showing some improved swing-and-miss so far this season, while still being efficient enough to go deep into games. With that said, he’s struggling with walks and has clear room for improvement. With two starts this week against the struggling Toronto Blue Jays and Kansas City Royals offenses, it’s as good a time as any to give him a shot in weekly matchups.
Relief Pitchers
Abner Uribe ($$$): I see Uribe as the second-best recommendation this week, as he has an opportunity to seize the closer role for the Milwaukee Brewers if he comes through. The struggles of Trevor Megill to start the season have opened the door for the closer role, and for leagues where he’s available, this could be an impact add. It’s not very often that you get a chance at a potential closer on a good team.
Enyel De Los Santos ($$): Since everyone else in the Astros bullpen seems to be struggling at this point, De Los Santos may be the closer by default in Houston until Hader comes back, converting on two save opportunities this week. Hader was also moved to the 60-day IL, so it doesn’t look like he’s close to returning either. De Los Santos is a good short-term option for saves.
