With another week of fantasy baseball in the books, we are approaching the halfway point of the fantasy baseball season. We’ve seen everything so far this season, from a rookie leading the league in home runs, to a player hitting 10 home runs in 14 games, to a pitcher dominating the National League and having a 4-4 record. What’s next?
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
A.J. Pierzynski, Boston Red Sox
So far this season, Pierzynski is hitting .288 with four home runs and 27 runs batted in. In his last 48 at-bats however, he is hitting .375 which is the best in baseball among catchers over that stretch. Add him if you need help behind the plate.
First Base
Lucas Duda, New York Mets
Duda is currently riding a five-game hitting streak where he has hit two home runs and driven in six. On the season, he is hitting .241 with eight home runs, but he is seven for his last 22, and could be turning a corner. In deeper leagues where first base is thin, give Duda a chance on your fantasy team.
Third Base
Trevor Plouffe, Minnesota Twins
I know what you’re thinking. “He is just a guy, there is nothing special about his value in fantasy baseball.” Wrong. Plouffe is hitting .254 this season, which is pedestrian. But, he is eighth in runs scored and fourth in runs batted in among third basemen. Those in front of him in both categories? Josh Donaldson and Miguel Cabrera. If you need help at the hot corner, look no further than Plouffe.
Outfield
Denard Span, Washington Nationals
On the season, Span is hitting .273 with eight steals and 30 runs scored. That is not much to get excited about, but you have to look at what he’s done lately, and that is where his value comes to fruition. Span is tied for second in hits in the Major Leagues in the last 15 days with 22 hits, and he has scored nine runs and stolen three bases in that same, ready for it, “Span”. What Span brings to your fantasy team is the ability to steal bases and score runs, but his average is rising, so be sure to add him before it’s too late.
Relief Pitcher
Dellin Betances, New York Yankees
It’s not often that a suggested add off the waiver wire is a relief pitcher who is not a closer, but Betances is worth an add. No matter what kind of league you are in, he can help you. If you have holds, he should be on a roster, if you’re in a points league, he strikes out almost two batters an inning. But, with Yanks closer David Robertson struggling, Betances could see a few save opportunities before long, and you do not want to miss that boat. Betances has a 1.38 ERA and a 0.73 WHIP, so be sure to add him now if you have a slot open for a relief pitcher.
