Fantasy Baseball Waiver Wire Adds: A Deep Dive into the Best Players to Target
In the world of fantasy baseball, the waiver wire is a treasure trove of potential gems waiting to be discovered. This article delves into the top players to add to your rosters, focusing on those who are likely to be available in most leagues and some deep league options. We'll also explore the most added players across major sites and provide insights on which players to target and which to leave on the wire.
Top Priority Players to Add
A.J. Ewing (NYM), 2B/OF
Ewing, 21, has been a consistent producer for the Mets and fantasy managers. His speed and power combination are impressive, with a .281/.425/.438 slash line and a 155 wRC+. What's fascinating is that Ewing is underperforming his expected data, as evidenced by his .533 xSLG compared to his actual .438 mark. He's barreling the ball at an insane 14% clip, and his hard-hit rate has increased compared to his Triple-A days. Ewing's K% might be a concern, but he's seeing fewer pitches in-zone, leading to leverage counts and increased called strike rates. This will even out over time.
Gavin Sheets (WSH), OF/1B
Sheets has been the best hitter in baseball this month, slashing .288/.422/.596 with a 190 wRC+. His ability to move between 1B and OF enhances his fantasy value. Sheets' xwOBA, xSLG, and barrel% are all up compared to last year, indicating a consistent improvement in his performance.
Alec Bohm (1B/3B)
Bohm has turned in a scorching hot performance this month, with a .323/.371/.569 slash line and a 163 wRC+. The 29-year-old has hit safely in twelve of his last thirteen games, and his EV and HH% have increased compared to his overall numbers. The key to Bohm's success has been his ability to produce against fastball types, as evidenced by his .265 xBA and .319 xwOBA against FA-variants. His whiff% has dropped significantly, and his EV has increased, making him a must-add for fantasy managers.
Yahoo and ESPN Most Added Players
J.T. Ginn
Ginn's recent outing was a no-brainer addition, despite the outcome. The 27-year-old has seen an increase in FA velo, resulting in a 2.98 ERA and 1.07 WHIP, the best marks of his career. While his K-BB rate leaves room for improvement, he's working deep into games, and his SwStr% has started to trend in the right direction.
Grant Holmes
Holmes is a polarizing add, with a 4.81 FIP and 8% K-BB rate indicating potential for implosion. However, he's turned in quality starts this year, and his success is not sustainable. It's a buy-low opportunity, but fantasy managers should be cautious.
Lucas Giolito and Steven Kolek
Giolito and Kolek are buy-low starters with a history of success. Giolito, in his season debut with the Padres, showed he can still be a formidable arm. Similarly, Kolek, with a career 10.9% K-BB rate and a solid 3.85 FIP, is worth considering.
Max Meyer
Meyer is an absolute stud, and his stock is finally rising. He's excelled this season with a 2.85 ERA/3.06 FIP and 18.2% K-BB rate. His slider/sweeper combo and elevated four-seamer performance make him a valuable addition to any fantasy roster.
Jake Bauers
Bauers is on a twelve-game hit streak, posting a 1.093 OPS and 209 wRC+ over that span. He's smacked 7 XBH and driven home 10 runs. If he's still available, he's a must-add for his power and consistency.
Streaming Pitchers
For streaming pitcher options, Nick Pollack's list is a go-to resource. Among the recommended pitchers are:
- Christian Scott (NYM), RHP
- Troy Melton (DET), RHP
Scott has flashed upside in the past, with a 3.66 FIP and 28% K rate through five starts. However, his BB% is less than ideal. Melton, on the other hand, is an intriguing high-ceiling addition, with a 1.54 ERA/1.76 FIP and 31.1% K-BB rate through 11.2 innings. His prior success at the major league level further cements his value.
