Each week, we will be looking at players who are rostered in fewer than 15% of leagues (according to Fantasy Pros as of Sunday afternoon). Typically, these would be players to consider mostly in deeper leagues, but in 2020 we know nothing is normal, so there is a good chance you will have to look deep into the waiver wire in your leagues to fill your lineups every week. I’ll do my best to highlight players from multiple positions as well each week.
It’s hard to believe that we are already in week 7, and for those of you playing in head to head leagues, this is probably the final week of your regular season. I think when it comes to September baseball and fantasy it is all about finding those players who are riding a streak that can carry you to a championship. Hopefully one of those names on this week’s list can be that player for your squad.
JP Crawford, SS, SEA (12%)
Crawford was a hot add the first week of the season but had a bit off a cool down in the month of August. He’s coming alive again with two home runs in the past week. If you are looking for help at shortstop Crawford might be worth a gamble in the stretch run.
Corey Dickerson, OF, MIA (11%)
Dickerson was not a name on many fantasy rosters to start the season, but he has hit four home runs and eight RBI in the past week. He has a respectable .306 wOBA on the season and while his Statcast numbers don’t jump out, it might be worth taking a shot on a guy riding a hot streak like his right now.
Yoshi Tsutsugo, 3B, OF, TBR (9%)
His triple-slash line is nothing to sniff at, but he does have six homers and 18 RBI on the season, (two of those homers coming in the past week). He’s in the top 21% in hard-hit percentage and has a decent wRC+ of 116 on the season. I’ve been watching him all season and I think it might be time to add him if you are needing to get some power for your roster in a corner infield or utility slot.
Ke’Bryan Hayes, 3B, PIT (8%)
The son of former major leaguer Charlie Hayes was the most anticipated Pirates prospect to debut this season, and since being called up on September 1st, he has gone .389/.421/.722 with a .473 wOBA and 201 wRC+. Hayes’ hallmark throughout the minors was his defense, but he has delivered with the bat so far. We see this every year when a rookie comes up late in the season and help contribute to a fantasy title. It’s possible that Hayes is that guy this year. The Pirates have every reason to let him play every day for the rest of the season, he is their future at the hot corner and they have nothing to play for this year so rest assured he will get playing time down the stretch.
Jackie Bradley Jr., OF, BOS (8%)
JBJ was on my inaugural list this season, and he quickly saw his rostered percentage rise after a quick start to the season. Unfortunately. like Crawford, he did not have a great August. He is heating up since the calendar turned to September though, with 3 homers and 6 RBI since the month began. I know we have seen this sort of up-and-down production from him in the past, but I really think September is all about riding the hot hand and Bradley is certainly hot at the moment.
Raimel Tapia, OF, COL (6%)
I have mentioned Tapia in this space before, and despite his continuing his solid pace he’s still only rostered in 6% of leagues. Tapia has a .317/.398/.416 line with a .358 wOBA and wRC+, plus 13 walks and 12 RBI. A lot of managers are probably deterred by the only one home run, but the rest of those numbers are solid and he should be rostered more than he is.
Rowdy Tellez, 1B, TOR (4%)
Tellez finished Sunday’s action with a .295/.361/.562 line with a 145 wRC+, eight home runs, and 21 RBI. Factor in a low strikeout rate of 15.1% and a solid walk rate of 9.2%, and I’m surprised he is so widely available. He has only gotten better as the season has progressed—two of those homers are from this past week.
Featured image by Justin Paradis (@freshmeatcomm on Twitter and @justinparadisdesigns on Instagram)