With college baseball regional tournaments winding down, little league all-star teams starting to form, the smell of hot dogs and the condensation of ice cold refreshments in the air, it is officially baseball season and starting to feel like summer. Not to mention fantasy baseball is in full-swing, and some big-time contributors are still on the waiver wire. Some players who are free agents are actually worth selecting on the major league all-star ballot. So be sure to take a look at the waiver wire this week.
Whether it is a free agent pool, a budget-based system, or weekly waivers, playing the wire is a key element to winning your fantasy baseball leagues.
Each week, XN Sports will present an option at each position (if there is anyone worth picking up), and why you should add them.
Without further ado, let’s play the waiver wire:
Catcher
Derek Norris, Oakland Athletics
Norris makes the cut (literally) for the second straight week in our waiver wire column, and for good reason. He is available in almost 75 percent of fantasy leagues, and he is a top-tier fantasy catcher. How so, you must be thinking? Norris is hitting .354, which leads all catchers, and has four home runs and 20 runs batted in. He has less than 100 at-bats, but is still worth having on your fantasy team, as he hits for average without sacrificing production, and vice versa.
Second Base
Gordon Beckham, Chicago White Sox
Every year, Beckham gets hot for a few weeks, and those who have him on their fantasy teams are rewarded. If he could stay consistent for the entire season, he could be a very good player in the major leagues. In the last two weeks, only two second baseman have more total bases and home runs, and only five second baseman have scored more runs. In addition, only four second basemen have driven in more runs than Beckham, so add him while he is hot.
Third Base/Shortstop
Eduardo Escobar, Minnesota Twins
XN Sports recently touched on adding Escobar, but he still remains available in well over 95 percent of fantasy leagues. Why add him? He has the ability to fill in at two positions, and is hitting .354 so far this season. If you have a watch list, be sure to keep an eye on him. But in deeper leagues, add him if you need help in the infield.
Outfield
A.J. Pollock, Arizona Diamondbacks
Pollock has been on an absolute tear for the Diamondbacks, hitting .476 with two home runs and three stolen bases, in his last 21 at-bats. That is exactly what fantasy players want to see from your players, and Pollock is available in around 85 percent of leagues. So far on the season, Pollock is hitting .302 with five home runs and he has stolen six bases.
Starting Pitcher
Gavin Floyd, Atlanta Braves
In what seems like a blast from the past, Floyd has been pitching very well in his three starts so far this season. Overall, Floyd has a 2.70 ERA and a 1.13 WHIP in over 13 innings of work. He looks to start a lot of games for the Braves, who will be able to play good defense and hit the ball for him. Floyd can contribute in four pitching categories right away, and is available in over 90 percent of fantasy leagues.
Relief Pitcher
Zach Britton, Baltimore Orioles
“Here we go again” should be the name of the the waiver wire when it comes to relief pitchers. Every single week there is a hot, new name just waiting to be scooped up. This week’s feature is Britton, a young lefty for the Orioles. With Tommy Hunter struggling, and Darren O’Day in the setup role, it seems that Britton could be given the opportunity to close ball games for the O’s. Britton had his first save against the Astros just a few days ago, and possesses a 0.81 ERA with a 0.85 WHIP to go along with 15 strikeouts in 22 innings. If you have a roster spot and need some potential in the saves department, Britton is the guy for you.
