Each week, we’ll look at a handful of different hitters who fantasy managers should consider picking up in deeper fantasy baseball leagues. Many of these players will have the most value in larger leagues where waiver wire options aren’t as plentiful. Still, they could also occasionally be useful additions in other, more standard-sized leagues, depending on your options at their position.
All roster percentages mentioned in this column are via FantasyPros as of Wednesday afternoon.
Michael Helman – 1%
With fellow outfielders Evan Carter and Adolis García currently on the injured list, Texas Rangers outfielder Michael Helman has stepped into a fairly regular role for the American League West club recently. And he’s made an instant impact as a rookie in the process.
The 29-year-old entered play Wednesday batting .255 with a .333 on-base percentage, five home runs, three stolen bases and a wRC+ that was 60 points better than league average in his first 58 career Major League plate appearances with the Rangers this season.
The home run production looks reasonably legit so far, at least if the outfielder’s current batted ball data continues. He’s collected six barrels and a 14.0% barrel rate so far. On the surface, that and a 15.5% strikeout rate are a promising combination of stats.
And while the barrel rate is just that, promising, the strikeout rate is something to watch. Because while Helman’s strikeout rate remains low, his respective whiff rate and chase rate numbers are significantly higher. If those continue at that rate, it could mean a sudden influx in strikeouts and a drop off where the 29-year-old walk rate is concerned.
So statistical regression could potentially be on the horizon at some point where Helman’s surface-level stats (apart from the home run numbers) are concerned. Maybe if this were the middle of June, it’d be a more significant cause for concern, but with only a few weeks left in the season, it’s possible that the statistical regression never significantly impacts Helman’s surface-level numbers.
Even if he can continue to produce like this for the better part of a week (or two), that production, even in a smaller sample size, could be crucial for fantasy managers this time of year.
Patrick Bailey – 3%
Patrick Bailey is more of a short-term addition for fantasy managers. Really, a streaming option behind the plate. But if you’re in need of catcher reinforcements for the next few days or the next week, the San Francisco Giants backstop could be a solid option for fantasy managers in leagues with more than 14 teams. Or in 12-team leagues that have two catching spots in the starting lineup.
The 26-year-old is batting .218 with a .276 on-base percentage, five home runs and a stolen base in 403 plate appearances for the season. However, Bailey has been much better as of late, batting .346 with a .379 on-base percentage, three home runs and a stolen base in his last 29 plate appearances since the start of September.
Given his batted ball and quality of contact data this season, this might not be the most sustainable production.
The 26-year-old is sporting a .264 xwOBA and a 29.8% strikeout rate with a .207 xBA. He ranks in the 26th percentile or lower in each of the following categories: hard-hit rate, barrel rate, xSLG, xBA, xwOBA, whiff rate and strikeout rate.
Still, as is the case with Helman, quality production for even a few days or the better part of the week can be significant this time of year for fantasy managers – particularly at the catcher position.
Austin Martin – 1%
We’re nearly halfway through September, and Austin Martin has a rostered rate of just 1%, which certainly qualifies as a surprise given how productive he’s been for the Minnesota Twins so far in 2025. What with a .302 average and .396 on-base percentage in 113 plate appearances for the American League Central club this season.
The 26-year-old former first-round pick has hit just one home run so far, and has driven in only a pair of runs, but he’s stolen six bases and has started to hit in the top third of the Twins lineup in recent weeks. As long as he continues to hit either leadoff or second for Minnesota – something he’s done in each of his last four starts – he should get plenty of opportunities to get on base and score runs, even in a somewhat depleted Twins lineup.
Furthermore, Martin brings impact versatility, with fantasy eligibility at second base and in the outfield, making him a fit for most fantasy managers.
Whether you’re looking for a boost in terms of batting average production or are in need of reinforcements at second base or in the outfield (or both), Martin is an ideal waiver wire option for fantasy managers in leagues with 14 or more teams.
