Welcome to the Waiver Wire Picks, our daily fantasy baseball article that reviews the best players to add to your rosters. We’ll look at players who are likely available in most leagues, as well as some deep-league 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
Kade Anderson (SEA) – SP (Yahoo – 49%)
If you’re in a ten-teamer, there is at least a decent chance Anderson landed on waivers after two forgettable outings. But that’s a mistake. He was widely considered the best arm in the minors for good reason. And greener pastures lie ahead, starting tonight with a dream matchup against the A’s at T-Mobile Park. Minus a trip to Coors, his projected matchups the rest of the way are pretty good (9/9 vs TEX, 9/14 @LAA, 9/20 @COL, 9/27 vs. LAA). Don’t miss Nick’s SP Playoff Guide.
Heriberto Hernández (MIA) – OF (Yahoo – 24%)
Don’t let the .229 batting average fool you; Hernández has been productive, totaling 22 home runs with a 110 wRC+, and 10 stolen bases for good measure. He has become a focal point for the Fish, leading off in four of the last six games. And his metrics (127 Process) indicate he is doing exactly what we are looking for. As Scott McDermott mentioned in this week’s Points Leagues Risers and Fallers, you don’t have to squint to see the potential for him to become a right-handed Schwarber-lite. He has some work to do against RHP (30% K rate), but I like his power upside and the opportunity. He is a pretty strong buy in 5-OF leagues.
Héctor Rodríguez (CIN) – OF (Yahoo – 19%)
Unlike Heriberto, Héctor has a much friendlier home park. The 22-year-old lefty played sparingly after his promotion on August 4th, but he has played the last eight straight games, including five games from the leadoff spot. Across 77 PAs in the bigs, Rodríguez has hit .243 with four home runs. And his handiwork with Triple-A Louisville earlier this year (27 home runs and a 127 wRC+ in 455 PAs) suggests there could be more fireworks to come in Cinci.
Yahoo and ESPN Most Added Players
Mickey Gasper has hit second behind Roman Anthony since Contreras went on the IL. It’s nearly impossible to evaluate his true talent level in such a small sample size (165 PAs). But the opportunity speaks volumes, and he has been one of Boston’s most productive hitters (136 wRC+). He is worth a long look if you need help at catcher. Just note that he might lose some at-bats to LHP.
Cody Bradford surrendered three home runs to the A’s yesterday in Texas. Nope, that won’t do.
Jonah Cox can fly and is an interesting speculative add in deeper leagues (see below).
Jonah Cox, a 25-year-old righty-hitting outfielder, sat yesterday against Bubba Chandler. But he has been productive lately with multiple hits in three of his last five games. He has
Drew Anderson finished an out short of a QS against the Twins last night (90 pitches) and could be useful in 15-teamers with another start this weekend against the Guardians in Cleveland, but he’s nothing to be excited about.
Noah Cameron hit the skids a little last night against the Fish, allowing four earned runs on five hits and a walk. The good news, though, is that his fastball averaged 92.7 mph, up from 91.9 mph in his previous start, and he earned 16 whiffs on 42 swings (38%). His next start will come at home against the Snakes, and that looks worthwhile.
Shane McClanahan has not struck out more than five batters since June 12th. Still, you can’t argue against his 3.19 ERA and 1.11 WHIP. He’ll face the Mets today. The other auto-roster, Reid Detmers, went toe-to-toe with Schlittler in last night’s epic pitcher’s duel in Anaheim, recording seven strikeouts while holding the Yankees to one run on six hits and no walks. Next stop, Pittsburgh.
Hayden Wesneski spun his best game of the year last night, holding the White Sox scoreless across seven innings. I have to give him credit; he has a 3.18 ERA through five starts, but he doesn’t have the strikeout upside to get me jazzed up for his next start in Philly.
Jacob Lopez finally earned his sixth win yesterday afternoon at Arlington, holding the Rangers to two earned runs across six innings with seven strikeouts. Admittedly, I’m not thrilled about his next matchup against the Jays in Sacramento, but I think you have to keep going with him. He’s pitched too well for too long.
Speculative Adds
Lazaro Montes (SEA) – OF (Yahoo – 7%)
Montes, a 21-year-old lefty slugger, hit his first home run Tuesday night at Fenway off righty reliever Wyatt Olds. He showcased plus power this year with Triple-A Tacoma (129 wRC+) but also a worrisome 31% K rate. He could easily figure it all out eventually, but I’m a little skeptical he will make an immediate impact. He also sat yesterday against Sandoval for Taylor Ward, meaning he could be in a platoon.
Ethan Salas (SD) – C (Yahoo – 5%)
We’ve heard about Salas for a while now, and yesterday he became the youngest player to start a game behind the plate since Pudge. He turned 20 three months ago. Wild. The Padres have two other capable catchers in Fermin and Campusano, so they don’t need to thrust too much on Salas’ plate. Still, his pedigree and production with Triple-A El Paso (127 wRC+) warrant a look in deeper leagues.
Jonah Cox (SF) – OF (Yahoo – 5%)
Cox, a 25-year-old righty, didn’t play much during his cup of coffee back in June. However, he has been productive since being recalled on August 14th from Triple-A Sacramento. Across 75 PAs thus far, he has hit .294 with four home runs and a 144 wRC+. And, yes, he impressed in the minors, hitting .415 with a 193 wRC+ across Double and Triple-A. The bad news? He has struck out a ton (44%). But if you are in a deep league and need speed, you might want to pick him up and see what happens because he stole 34 bags across 55 games in the minors. The man can fly.
Streaming Pitchers
Be sure to check Nick’s daily SP streamers article.
Today:
Brandon Young (BAL) – SP (Yahoo – 27%) vs. BOS
There aren’t many options today. Young conquered Sacré Verde in his last start and has shown glimmers of promise with his fastball. Yes, this would look a little better if Anthony hadn’t come back yet.
Quinn Mathews (STL) – SP (Yahoo – 5%) at LAD
Yes, the matchup is brutal, but if you’re gonna take a chance on a short slate, why not go with a young arm with upside?
Tomorrow:
Jared Jones (PIT) – SP (Yahoo – 27%) vs. LAA
Jones has struggled all year, really, but you know the talent is there. A matchup against the Halos at home is too good for me to pass up.
Deep League Options
Brett Bateman (TOR) – OF (Yahoo – 4%)
The 24-year-old lefty has led off for the Jays in each of the last five games. He didn’t show any power in the minors, but his plate skills were pretty good (17.3% BB / 18.7% K), and he can steal bases.
Vaughn Grissom (LAA) – 1B, 2B, 3B (Yahoo – 3%)
Grissom landed the only blow against Schlittler last night, his 10th home run. He hasn’t been wildly productive by any stretch (95 wRC+), but he could be a stopgap in points leagues.
Moisés Ballesteros (LAA) – C (Yahoo – 3%)
The former Cub has mostly struggled since landing in L.A. However, he popped his first home run since the deadline last night. Maybe it gets him going?
