The MLB action is just getting under way but there are already a number of moves you can make to improve your fantasy squad thanks to recent injuries, demotions, and trades.
Let’s take a look at who’s worth targeting on the fantasy baseball waiver wire this week.
Jason Grilli ATL-RP (Owned in 43 percent of Yahoo leagues): After the shocking Sunday night trade that saw Craig Kimbrel traded to San Diego, Grilli is expected to serve as the Braves’ closer to start the season. Grilli was terrific for the Pirates for three years in the eighth and ninth innings before struggling a bit last season. Pittsburgh traded him to the Angels mid-season where he turned his season around, putting up a 3.48 ERA and 1.16 WHIP in 40 appearances.
If Grilli struggles, Jim Johnson is likely to get a shot at the ninth inning job.
Jesse Hahn OAK-SP (44 percent): Hahn earned a rotation spot this spring and the highly touted prospect could very well be an impact player in his first full season. Hahn looked solid in his first taste of the Bigs last year as he put up a 3.07 ERA, 1.21 WHIP, and 70 K to 32 BB in 73 innings with the Padres.
Prior to that, he posted eye-opening numbers in the minors, putting up a 2.26 ERA, 1.10 WHIP, and 160 K to 48 BB in 163 minor league innings as he rocketed through the farm. He has a good strikeout arm, keeps the ball in the park as well as anyone, and doesn’t struggle with his control like most pitchers in their early stages.
Edward Mujica BOS-RP (47 percent): Mujica is a short-term pickup but a worthwhile one since he will serve as the Red Sox’ closer while Koji Uehara is out with a hamstring injury. Uehara isn’t expected to miss more than a week but a few free saves off the waiver wire never hurt anyone.
Mike Zunino C-SEA (47 percent): His .199 batting average last season turned a lot of people off but folks should be looking at the fact that he hit 22 home runs at the catcher position in 2014, hit seven home runs this spring (second only to Kris Bryant), and rocketed through the minors with 24 homers in just 364 at-bats. He’s still a work in progress and the low batting average and strikeouts hurt his fantasy stock but you can do a lot worse than a guy capable of hitting 25+ HR at catcher.
