With the NHL and NBA seasons coming to a close, the focal point of fantasy sports is now solely on baseball. That means everyone’s attention will be diverted to their fantasy baseball teams. There are a few players left on the waiver wire that could help you towards the playoffs, so be sure to keep an eye on it.
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
Martin is available in over 80 percent of fantasy leagues, as has been hot of late. Earlier in the season, Martin was playing through injury, therefore limiting his effectiveness. But it seems that he is healthy again, which bodes well for his fantasy baseball value. In his last 39 at-bats, Martin is hitting .308 and has stolen three bases. He has also scored five runs while driving in five more. If Martin can stay healthy, he is a viable option in all leagues behind the plate, so consider adding him.
Second Base
La Stella is still on fire. In his last 44 at-bats, he has 19 hits for an average of .432, in addition to five runs scored and five runs batted in. La Stella seems to be the Braves’ everyday second baseman for the foreseeable future, so add him if you need help in the middle infield. How often does a .300 hitter come around this late in the season on the waiver wire?
Third Base
It seems that Holt has been a feature of this column for a few weeks, and he will continue to be as long as he is available. In the last month, Holt leads all third basemen in hits and stolen bases, he is tied for ninth in runs scored, and tied for sixth in total bases. Holt has been one of the best fantasy infielders in the game of late, and is still available in over 60 percent of fantasy leagues. Add him now before it’s too late.
Outfield
Fowler is starting to play close to his potential in the last month, which bodes well for the Astros and those who have him as a fantasy option. Fowler is hitting .327 in his last 107 at-bats, and has scored 20 runs, hit three home runs, and has driven in 12 more all in the last 30 days. Fowler is doing everything right now, and in an Astros lineup that is suddenly one of the best in the American League, he can be a viable fourth or fifth outfield option on your fantasy team.
Starting Pitcher
Roark has been one of the best pitchers in the Majors this year. You read that correctly, in all of baseball. So far, Roark is 5-4 with a 2.92 ERA and a 1.06 WHIP. Those are good numbers, but how is that among the best in baseball? He is fourth in baseball in line drive percentage against, allowing just 15.4 percent (the same line drive rate as Johnny Cueto) and has an impressive ground ball rate of over 47 percent. Roark’s stuff has been very good this season, allowing him to pitch to hitters in all different ways. His .261 BABIP is in the top 20 in baseball this year, and it’s indicative that opposing hitters are just not squaring the ball up against him. Roark could be in line for two starts this week, depending how the Nationals use their off-day. He will pitch against the Astros tomorrow, who, despite a recent surge, struggle against righties.
Relief Pitcher
Ramirez is the latest closer to be available in the short term for save opportunities, and he will try to close the door at the end of games for the Cubs. In 17 innings of work this year, Ramirez has given up only eight hits and five walks for a WHIP of 0.76. He has also allowed only two earned runs, and is striking out over a batter per inning. Add him if you are in need of saves in the short run, as he is only the part-time closer in Chicago.
