With the All Star Game in the books, the second half of the season has officially begun. But in fantasy baseball, the final stretch has begun. With just two weeks until the trade deadline, and just a few weeks until fantasy baseball playoffs, the time for adding players off the waiver wire is running out. There are a few gems that could be had, but you have to act fast.
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
Stephen Vogt, Oakland Athletics
So far this season, Vogt has 109 at-bats. Most of the top catchers have three times that number. If you triple Vogt’s numbers, he would have 12 home runs and 51 runs batted in while batting .358. Those totals would place him fifth in home runs, second in runs batted in, and he currently leads all catchers in batting average. Can he keep it up? That is the question, but considering the pace he is currently playing at, he should be added to your fantasy team as a starting catcher, if you need help behind the dish.
Second Base
Scooter Gennett, Milwaukee Brewers
This may be the last time you see Gennett on the waiver wire, so if he is still there, be sure to grab him to help your middle infield. In the last month, Gennett is fifth among second basemen in runs scored, tied for second with four home runs, and is sixth in runs batted in. Gennett is also a threat to steal a base or two if given the opportunity. In addition, the Brewers second baseman is hitting .309 on the season including 30 hits in his last 85 at-bats. If Gennett is on the waiver wire, be sure to add him.
Third Base
Conor Gillaspie, Chicago White Sox
Gillaspie has been on fire of late, leading all third basemen with four home runs in the last two weeks. Gillaspie is also hitting .326 on the season with 36 runs scored and 35 runs batted in. If you need help at the hot corner down the stretch, Gillaspie is your man. Why him? In addition to his high batting average and rate of production of late, Gillaspie has scored a run in eight straight games, which will give him value no matter what he is doing at the plate.
Shortstop
Arismendy Alcantara, Chicago Cubs
A glimpse of the future has arrived, Cubs fans. Alcantara is one of many position players in the Cubs’ system that could be stars in the future. But, Alcantara is worth a look in your leagues now. So far this season, he is hitting .391 with six runs scored and five runs batted in. He has just 23 at-bats, but the talent is there. Add him if you need some help at shortstop, and he will be eligible at second base before too long, so get him stashed.
Starting Pitcher
Jake Odorizzi, Tampa Bay Rays
It seems every year the Rays have a new pitcher that ends up as one of the top pitchers in the AL East. A few years ago it was Jeremy Hellickson, then it was Matt Moore, then it was Alex Cobb. This year? Odorizzi does the honors. So far this season, Odorizzi has a 4.01 ERA and sports a 5-8 record. Not impressive, right? Well, in the last month, he has pitched to a 2.50 ERA and has 40 strikeouts in just 36 innings of work. Odorizzi seems to have turned a corner, and his next start is against a Cardinals lineup who is struggling to score runs this season. Get Odorizzi on your roster if you need pitching help for the second half of the season.
