The summer has just begun, but fantasy baseball is already in the second half. The savvy fantasy players have already scavenged the wire this season, adding J.D. Martinez, Charlie Blackmon, Scooter Gennett, Charlie Morton, George Springer and more. Who is next? Keep one eye on the waiver wire so you can find the next guy to help you on your way to fantasy prowess.
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:
First Base
A lot of fantasy players are fans of the Angels first baseman, but he was never able to get on the field. Now, Cron has started eight of the Angels’ last nine games, and will receive at-bats for the foreseeable future. Why add him? In these eight games, Cron is 10-for-29 for a .345 batting average, five home runs, seven runs batted in, and six runs scored. So far this season, Cron is hitting .290 with eight home runs in just 131 at-bats. Add him if you need help at first base, or even at the first/third slot.
Second Base
How often is it that you can add a player who ranks fourth at his position in runs batted in off the waiver wire in July? That is exactly what Infante brings to your fantasy team. He is fourth among second basemen with 40 runs batted in to go along with his .251 batting average. Keep in mind that Infante is seven for his last 23, so his average could be on the upswing, considering that he is a career .278 hitter. Add him if you need help in the middle.
Shortstop
When looking at the waiver wire, you have to look past the season line, but look more at what the player has been doing lately. That philosophy leads directly to Miller, the Mariners’ shortstop. In the last month, Miller has hit .300 with four home runs and 11 runs batted in while scoring 14 runs. That would put him in the top 15 in each category, which is hard to find off the waiver wire at shortstop. Add Miller while he is hot, and reap the benefits.
Outfield
Calhoun may not be available in your league, but he is available in over half of leagues, so chances are he is on one of your waiver wires. In the last month, no outfielder has scored more runs than Calhoun, and only J.D. Martinez and Mike Trout have a higher batting average. In addition, Calhoun has also hit four home runs, driven in 13 runs, and even stole a base. Calhoun is doing everything for the Angels, and could be doing everything for your fantasy team. Add him if he is available.
Starting Pitcher
Walker is set to make his season debut today against the Houston Astros, and today could be the last day he is available on the waiver wire, so be sure to pick him up. Walker is one of the best pitching prospects in baseball, and will finally have a chance to prove what he can do in Seattle. In the minor leagues, Walker had a 3.48 career ERA with 446 strikeouts in 411 innings of work. He has electric stuff that will be on display Monday night, so if you are weary about adding a prospect, turn on the game tonight and you will want to add him right away. Walker figures to be one of the hot adds this week, so add him before the rush.
