As Week 10 starts up, scouring the waiver wire might take more time than it once did. Much of the player pool has been picked apart and options are looking more and more bleak. That said, rest assured, I’ve already done a bit of diving through and am ready to suggest players at every corning.
What makes the wire so tough, right now, is playing time has settled and platoons are prevalent. So, many of the options aren’t going to help you maximize from week to week, but instead matchup to matchup. However, we need to try and see past some of the basics and look closer at underlying metrics, usage, and ballpark factors.
Here are some enticing players available in 40% or more Yahoo leagues that managers should consider acquiring this week.
Catcher
Connor Wong (C – BOS) 32% Rostered
Coming into 2024, no one would have guessed Wong would be a top-10 catcher in OPS….but he currently is (.840).
Additionally, he’s been a fixture in the heart of Boston’s lineup. And, while it’s not the strongest offense, he’s pulling his weight with a stout .329 batting average and some pop (5 HRs). So, while some may complain that the counting stats just won’t be there, it’s hard to nitpick an everyday replacement off the wire with this profile.
Lastly, Boston gets six games in Week 10, and Wong will get the share of playing time. Grab him now, and you’ll be looking at at least five games of “set it and forget it” production.
Honorable Mention: Shea Langeliers (42% rostered), Danny Jansen (24% rostered ), Elias Díaz (38% rostered)
Middle Infield
Jonathan India (2B – CIN) 46% Rostered
I get it, his .230 batting average and counting stats aren’t very colorful. However, this week is a perfect week to deploy India.
The ballparks are the major reason. On Monday, Cincy starts a three-game series in hitter-friendly Coors Field, followed by a four-game set at home in the Great American Ballpark — widely known for boosting HRs and power. This is a dream scenario for anyone on the waiver wire.
While the power has been pretty meh, the overall contact, specifically inside the zone, is quite nice (90.2% Z-Contact/83rd percentile). Furthermore, the BABIP is a touch lower than his career. This could be a nice little week for India to get right, and get back to the player he was back in 2021 (21 HR/12 SB and .269 BA).
Honorable Mention: Ceddanne Rafaela (32% rostered), Nick Gonzales (35% rostered), Colt Keith (17% rostered)
Corner Infield
Mark Vientos (3B/1B – NYM) 12% Rostered
The New York Mets finally pulled the plug on Brett Baty and elected to give Vientos another shot.
Now, if you’ve followed along on Vientos, you would know he’s got plenty of thunder in the bat. For those who haven’t, here is a chart of how successful he’s been at putting the ball over the fence:
Yes, it doesn’t take much to realize when Vientos makes contact, it goes a long way. He’s putting up nearly double-digit barrel rates in every stop. He just needs some regular playing time to come his way.
If you’re looking for that much-needed power boost, Vientos is an excellent addition.
Honorable Mention: Jake Burger (56% rostered), Jeimer Candelario (39% rostered), Joey Ortiz (43% rostered)
Outfield
Jake Meyers (OF – HOU) 39% rostered
Houston’s offense continues to look for answers. Recently, they’ve found help in the outfield, and with Meyers.
Over the last two weeks, Meyers is slashing a ridiculous .328/.400/517 which equates to a 165 wRC+. This success is boosting him higher in the batting order and counting stats have followed (8 R/10 RBI). Furthermore, in that timeframe, his K% is a meager 15.4%.
Point blank, Meyers is seeing the ball well, making quality contact, and producing with nearly every opportunity. As much as I loathe saying, ride with the hot hand here.
Honorable Mention: Luis Matos (27% rostered), JJ Bleday (22% rostered), Ryan O’Hearn (26% rostered)
Starting Pitcher
Matt Waldron (SP – SDP) 14% rostered
Boy, I didn’t ever think Waldron would end up as a waiver wire suggestion but here we are. However, if you strike out 25 batters over a three-start (17 IP) stretch, that’s what will happen.
Relying heavily on a knuckleball (37% usage) is a dangerous game, but Waldron is locked in. Remember, we call this a Vargas Rule. Keep rolling with it until it doesn’t work anymore. In those previous three outings, Waldron has gone five or more IP and only given up three earned runs. Right now, he’s locked in.
On top of the success, he gets a nice two-step (@LAA/vs. ARI). Both are very beatable squads and make Waldron a strong candidate for your top SP pickup for Week 10. Now, he needs to be treated as a streamer ONLY. Don’t drop anyone you’re looking at for the long haul.
Honorable Mention: Robert Gasser (41% rostered), Joey Estes (1% rostered), Albert Suarez (16% rostered)
Relief Pitcher
Yimi García (RP – MIL) 30% rostered
The Jordan Romano fantasy managers know he’s getting shelved (again). However, the closer baton hasn’t been handed out to anyone…just yet.
When you glance at the bullpen for the likeliest candidate, it’s down to two arms: Yimi García and Chad Green. Earlier in the season, I suggested getting Green while Romano was on the mend. This time, it’s Yimi García, and here’s why.
Over a longer span, Garcia has been a more reliable arm. And when the team needs someone to get three outs in the 9th inning, the steady RP usually gets the work. Go with Garcia, and stack up the saves.
Honorable Mention: Michael Kopech (30% rostered), Reed Garrett (44% rostered), Jeremiah Estrada (34% rostered)