While typically reliable veterans like Matt Kemp, Josh Hamilton, Matt Cain, and Cole Hamels have struggled in the early going, inexperienced kids in their (very) early-20s, many without any experience above Double-A, are stealing the show. This week’s waiver wire doesn’t have any old timers or All-Stars, just kids who recently gained the right to drink alcohol and look to be the story of the 2013 season which has already seen terrific success on the part of players like Jose Fernandez, Manny Machado, and Shelby Miller.
Yasiel Puig: It’s hard to be more excited about a call up than this 22-year-old Cuban import who killed it in spring training and has continued to do just that in Double-A. In 147 at-bats so far, Puig has a stellar .313/.383/.599 line with eight homers, 37 RBI, 26 R, and 13 SB. He also has another 12 doubles and three triples. I think this kid can be better than Yoenis Cespedes and if you have a chance to grab him you should do so immediately.
Zack Wheeler: The Mets are getting ready to call up Wheeler, the seventh-top prospect in the country, in the next 10 days or so. Certainly Matt Harvey‘s success increases the hype around Wheeler but he has looked very solid in the minors, never putting up an ERA over 3.99. This season he is 4-1 with a 3.86 ERA, 1.30 WHIP, and 9.1 K/9. Over his career he owns a 3.54 ERA, 1.28 WHIP, and 9.6 K/9. I don’t think his transition to the Majors will be as impeccable as Harvey’s but the potential for a great strikeout pitcher is definitely there and worth taking a shot on.
Tyler Skaggs: Skaggs looked excellent against the Rangers when he was called up to start the first game of a double-header, pitching six scoreless innings while surrendering just three hits, three walks, and striking out nine. With Brandon McCarthy headed to the disabled list, Skaggs is back and it’s hard not to get excited about a 21-year-old who happens to be the 10th best prospect in the country. He has struggled a bit in the minors, putting up a 5.23 ERA and 1.37 WHIP in nine games this season. It’s the first time he has put up an ERA over 3.61, however, and he owns a 3.25 ERA, 1.19 WHIP, and 9.9 K/9 over his minor league career. Get him.
Marcell Ozuna: While the power he showed in the minors hasn’t translated to the bigs, Ozuna is putting up very solid numbers in every other category. In his first 117 MLB at-bats, the 22-year-old has a .333/.376/.479 line with a home run, 15 RBI, 16 R, 10 2B, two triples, and three steals. Ozuna hit 22+ home runs in each of his last three minors seasons and if he can start hitting the ball out of the park he will be a must-own in every league.
Luke Gregerson: With Huston Street landing on the DL, Gregerson will take over temporary closer duties. Gregerson owns an excellent 1.05 ERA and 0.66 WHIP and with no timetable for Street’s return he could be a big help in the saves category.
Jarrod Parker: On the surface, his 4.90 ERA, 1.44 WHIP, and 11 home runs allowed (he gave up 11 home runs all of last season in 181 IP) don’t scream fantasy pickup but Parker seems to have recovered from his rough start and is worth the add. After going 1-5 with a 7.34 ERA, .345 BAA, and 25 K/18 BB in his first seven starts, Parker has gone 3-1 with a 2.41 ERA, .175 BAA, and 26 K/10 BB in five starts since. He was impressive last season with a 13-8 record, 3.47 ERA, 1.26 WHIP, and a passable 6.9 K/9 so he is definitely worth a shot.
Nick Franklin: With shortstop and second base eligibility and two homers in his first six games, the 47th top prospect in the country is certainly making the case for a pick up. Franklin has potential to be a 20-20 threat after putting up 23 HR and 25 SB two years ago and has a very good .287/.360/.459 career line over 394 minor league games.
