With All-Star voting closing in the next week, we’re that much closer to the break. Most fantasy players are trying to cruise to the break, which could cause them to miss out on the waiver wire. Be sure to keep one eye on it at all times, because you never know who is available. In some leagues, Devin Mesoraco is still available!
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
Navarro is hitting .276 with 18 runs scored, four home runs, and one stolen base. Those seem like pedestrian numbers, but he also has 33 runs batted in, which is good for eighth among catchers. He will not help you in runs scored or home runs, but with a good average and runs batted in, he is worth an add if you need help behind the plate.
First Base/Outfield
As detailed on Monday, Pearce has been tearing the cover off the ball of late, hitting .458 in his last 24 at-bats with two home runs and six runs batted in. But advanced statistics agree with the addition of the Orioles first baseman too. Pearce’s line drive percentage is a whopping 26.6, which would rank 12th in baseball if he were qualified. Pearce is tearing the cover off the ball, which is just what we want from our fantasy first baseman. Add him if you need help at first, or even in the utility slot.
Shortstop
When you look at Miller’s season stats so far, you will not be impressed. But remember, the waiver wire is more “what have you done for me lately.” Miller is hitting .348 in his last 46 at-bats, with two home runs and seven runs scored. A middle infielder who has the ability to hit for average is hard to find, so if you need help in that area, give Miller an add.
Starting Pitcher
Hahn is available in almost 95 percent of leagues, but expect that number to decrease rapidly before too long. Why? Hahn has allowed just two earned runs in his last 19 innings of work and in those same 19 innings, he has struck out 22 batters. Last night, he struck out eight batters and allowed just four hits in six innings of work to a very good-hitting lineup in the San Francisco Giants. Add Hahn before his next start, with comes against the Reds next Monday.
Relief Pitcher
Shoemaker is eligible as a starting pitcher and as a reliever, so that adds value in some leagues. So far this season, Shoemaker has a 3.42 ERA and a 1.16 WHIP, but he has also struck out 51 batters in 50 innings of work. In his last 16 innings of work, he has allowed just three earned runs while striking out 17 batters. Expect him to stay in the Angels rotation, and continue to produce good starts. In leagues where quality starts are counted, he is a must add. He has not allowed more than three runs in a game this year, and he is starting to be stretched out longer, and has two quality starts in a row. Add Shoemaker if you need pitching help.
