Welcome to the Waiver Wire Picks, our daily fantasy baseball article that looks at the best players you should be adding to your rosters. We’ll look at the players that are likely to be available in most leagues, as well as some deep league waiver wire options. We’ll also look at the most-added players in fantasy baseball across the major sites and tell you which players to add and which to leave on the wire.
Top Priority Players to Add
Tommy Edman (LAD) – 2B, 3B, OF (Yahoo – 33%)
We didn’t know what to expect from Edman when he returned in mid-June from ankle surgery. Would he play every day or would the Dodgers rotate him in and out of the lineup? Not surprisingly, the Dodgers eased him in gradually. But the switch-hitting utility man has since emerged as a mainstay, starting 15 games at second, 12 in the outfield, and seven at third. And he has been superb, slashing .337/ .414/ .490 with two home runs. Edman’s speed made him a valuable commodity during his days with the Red Birds, and on that note, I think you have to be encouraged that he has swiped three on five attempts. Edman doesn’t stand out from the crowd; his PLV metrics, including a 104 Process, are merely average-ish. But his versatility and sub-20 % K rate in a loaded Dodgers lineup afford him a surprisingly good ceiling and at a weak position no less. I wouldn’t be surprised to see his roster percentage push well past 50%.
Dominic Canzone (SEA) – OF (Yahoo – 13%)
Canzone was phenomenal last season, hitting .300 on the nose with a 141 wRC+ in just about half a season. And, you know what? He has done it again this year. The 28-year-old lefty entered last night’s game at Dodgers Stadium toting a 138 wRC+ and then proceeded to take Wrobleski for a 432-foot ride to the batter’s eye for a game-tying home run in the sixth. Two innings later, he tagged a hanging slider from Vesia. That’s right, two dingers against left-handers. And he hit cleanup. In case you were wondering, Canzone has actually held his own against same-handed pitching; he entered last night with a pretty decent 105 wRC+ against LHP. Regardless, his 18 home runs on the season have him just four away from doubling last season’s total, and his 124 Process suggests it’s well-deserved.
Yahoo and ESPN Most Added Players
Luis Rengifo is one of those guys who seems to pop up every summer. Sure enough, he’s strung together some hits while starting six of the past seven games for the Padres. The 29-year-old switch-hitter is an alright stopgap in points leagues, but I’d have to be really hard-pressed to dial him up in a category league.
Brady Singer has posted a 2.57 ERA over his last three starts, including a gem at Coors Field. I’m not in love with his start today against the Guardians, considering it’s at the GABP. Still, I can’t really blame you for rolling the dice after his recent success.
Joc Pederson banged two home runs against George Kirby on Monday afternoon and is rolling along with an .847 OPS thus far. He’s a fine add in daily lineup leagues where you can plug him in against righties, but his Utility eligibility makes him a little clunky.
Seth Lugo left last night’s start in Minny with a QS and a no-decision. He’s always a serviceable streamer, especially in points leagues, but you might want to find an alternative this weekend with his next start in Coors Field.
Hao-Yu Lee, 23, has had a pretty decent rookie campaign for the Tigers, slashing .275/ .307/ .440 with six bombs and a stolen base across just under 200 PAs. Unfortunately, he didn’t get a chance to extend his 12-game hitting streak during last night’s 14-0 demolition of the Orioles. His categorical upside seems fairly modest judging by his minor league track record, but managers in 15-team points leagues who need at-bats could do worse.
Logan Henderson bulldozed the Giants last night and dropped his ERA to 2.66. And his 27.1% K-BB is absurd. I couldn’t imagine seeing him on the waiver wire, but apparently on ESPN, it’s an uncommon occurrence. Let’s fix that.
Ezequiel Duran, 27, has emerged as a key cog for the Rangers, slashing .275/ .326/ .457 with 15 home runs, seven stolen bases (on nine attempts), and a 118 wRC+. His 106 Process is pretty solid, and you gotta love that he has 20 or more starts at second, third, short, and on the grass.
Peter Lambert was decent last night, holding the Angels to two earned runs across five innings with strikeouts. He’ll take a superb 3.06 ERA and 1.15 WHIP into his next start in Houston against the Rangers on Sunday. He’s 58th on The List and should be rostered in just about every 12-team league.
Cade Cavalli logged a QS and his eighth win last night against the Jays. He’ll get a tough test this weekend in Atlanta, but judging by his presence on the cover of this week’s List, I’d be remiss to leave him dangling on the wire.
Taj Bradley continued his breakout season last night with ten strikeouts, although the Royals saddled him with a no-decision by scratching two runs against him in the sixth. He’ll take a 3.65 ERA and 1.21 WHIP into Seattle this weekend to face the Mariners. Similar to Lambert, Bradley is 56th on The List and shouldn’t be on waivers in 12-team leagues.
Streaming Pitchers
Be sure to check Nick’s daily SP streamers article.
Today:
Ian Seymour (TB) – SP/RP (Yahoo – 35%) vs. TEX
Seymour’s 4.64 ERA has suppressed his roster percentage a bit, but I’m buying him and his 19.3% K-BB. He operated behind Casey Legumina during his last appearance, and that should be the case here again, which gives him a better shot at bagging the win.
Tomorrow:
Bailey Ober (MIN) – SP (Yahoo – 18%) vs. KC
Ober’s frighteningly low fastball velocity makes him not for the faint of heart, but I could see this working out against the Witt-less Royals. The Royals are starting Noah Cameron, so you’d figure the Twins should be able to provide Ober with some run support.
Deep League Players to Watch
Patrick Sandoval (BOS) – SP (Yahoo – 4%)
It’s been four years since Sandoval turned in a worthwhile campaign. The results through his first three turns in Boston haven’t been all that impressive, but his pitch quality metrics (5.09 PLV / 2.88 PLA) suggest that he has done at least a few things well. I’m curious to see how he does tonight in Sacramento.
