We enter the final stretch of the season, and it’s time to focus on needs and not get too hung up on name value. The right fit for your team will outweigh where you drafted them and what they’ve done for you thus far.
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
Joey Bart (C – PIT) 12% Rostered
Bart may be figuring some things out. The power and contact are finally coming together and showing up in the box scores. See Bart’s Prcoess+ below:
Over the last 30 days, Bart’s touting a .309/.382/.574 with 5 HRs and more hits than Ks. Additionally, the Pirates have cleared the runway for Bart on playing time by allowing him to catch or DH. Until he cools off, keep sticking Bart in your lineup!
Honorable Mention: Connor Wong (48% rostered), Alejandro Kirk (6% rostered), Shea Langeliers (39% rostered )
Middle Infield
Zach Neto (SS – LAA) 44% Rostered
FINALLY! We have seen Neto getting some looks near the top of the batting order.
This has been the second or third time I’ve suggested Neto in the Waiver Wire column, and he’s nearing a roster% that will make him unobtainable soon. At only 23 years young, Neto has put together an impressive season with 17 HR/21 SB and a .267 BA. Furthermore, in his 431 PAs, he’s been 23% better than the league average at the dish.
Simply put, he’s a constant producer and shouldn’t be on any waiver wires.
Honorable Mention: Gavin Lux (33% rostered), Mason Wynn (27% rostered), Geraldo Perdomo (18% rostered)
Corner Infield
Michael Busch (1B, 3B – CHC) 36% Rostered
Continuing to put up stats in his first full big-league season, Busch is adding plenty of thump (.202 ISO) to a quiet Chicago Cubs lineup. Furthermore, he’s swatted 16 balls into the bleachers thus far and doesn’t really show signs of slowing down. While the batting average has tapered off a little, the power is still evident, with eight XBH including four HRs in his previous 70 ABs.
With the corner infield depleted, take a chance on Busch for Week 20, especially if you’re looking for HRs and RBI.
Honorable Mention: Eugenio Suárez (41% rostered), Ty France (6% rostered), Josh Bell (52% rostered)
Outfield
Victor Robles (OF – SEA) 12% rostered
Seattle has been desperate for an offensive spark all season. With the opportunity opening up, Robles came a calling.
The former Nationals CF replaced J-Rod and has been a fixture in the leadoff role. In his 41 games with Seattle, Robles has been a menace on the basepaths by swiping 12 bags. Furthermore, he’s barreling up the ball more than ever before (11.4% barrel rate), all while keeping his K-rate around 16%.
Now, should we count on Robles for power? Probably not, but the stolen base threat will always be there. Look for more SBs, and help in the Runs category for Week 20.
Honorable Mention: Juan Yepez (29% rostered), Heliot Ramos (48% rostered), Joc Pederson (47% rostered)
Starting Pitcher
Paul Blackburn (SP – NYM) 20% rostered
Any two-start SP with matchups as enticing as these (vs. OAK, vs. MIA) should be a priority pickup.
Sure, he may not be an arm that will pile up strikeouts(19% K-rate), but the 47% groundball rate helps keep him on the mound and pitching deep into games. In fact, he’s managed to g0 five-plus innings in each of his three starts since returning from the IL.
Whether you’re in a Wins or QS league, Blackburn needs to be scooped up in way more than 20% of leagues.
Honorable Mention: Andrew Abbott (52% rostered), Brayan Bello (47% rostered), Spencer Arrighetti (13% rostered)
Relief Pitcher
Justin Martinez (RP – ARI) 16% rostered
If you haven’t watched Justin Martinez pitch, I’d suggest doing so. The young Arizona fireballer touts a sinker that hits triple digits and a splitter that falls off the table. The combination is aiding a near-30% K-rate over 51 innings pitched. Furthermore, on top of racking up Ks, it’s not easy to square him up; as seen by his 1.6% barrel rate. Additionally, he touts a 5.20 PLV slider to keep the batters guessing.
Outside of a wicked arsenal, Martinez is fresh off a solid week where he put up a pair of saves and a win. If there were any doubts about whom Arizona trusts to close, those have been put to rest.
Honorable Mention: Chad Green (37% rostered), Ryan Walker (26% rostered), Ben Joyce (26% rostered)
He’s been doing pretty well recently, but an FYI on Robles: he says he’s been playing through a hip issue for most of the season. He’s got 16 SB on the years, but if I know hip issues, (I do), that thing could hitch or lock any minute and either slow him down or take him out completely. Obviously, the M’s looked at his medicals and thought he was stable enough to trade for, but if you combine the hip issue with the fact that J Rod is back in action, I’d exercise caution there.
Thanks for reading Doug!
You bring up a great point about the health concerns and crowded outfield.