Fantasy Baseball Waiver Wire: All Star Break Edition
Welcome to MLB All-Star week where die-hard fantasy baseball players go into withdrawal trying to figure out how to fill their time until games resume on Friday!
Fear not gamers, savvy season long fantasy players should use this time to review their current roster and do a deep dive into their league waiver wire to find ways to improve their current rosters.
One player we recently highlighted as a waiver wire option, Jose Reyes, ended the first half of the season with 2 home runs and has hit 3 total home runs batting in the lead-off spot for the New York Mets. In Yahoo leagues, Reyes has now hit the 5 game threshold and has added 3B eligibility which increases his value further. As of today, Reyes is still owned in only 43% of Yahoo leagues – the time to act is now!
Outside of Reyes, there are a variety of highly valuable players that can be found in the majority of Yahoo leagues and can provide value in all league formats. You want to make a run in your league….then let’s get started on the wire!
Next: Down goes Kimbrel
News broke over the weekend that Boston Red Sox closer, Craig Kimbrel will have surgery to repair cartilage in his knee and will miss the next 3-6 weeks.
Those chasing saves should head to the wire and add Koji Uehara who will serve as the primary closer for the Red Sox and is available in 51% of Yahoo leagues as of today.
Uehara has racked up 20+ saves in each of the last three years for the Red Sox and gives Boston an experienced option in the 9th inning with Kimbrel on the shelf. Uehara has struggled with a 4.8 ERA this season but with only a 1.10 WHIP, Uehara should be able to pitch to his usual 2.5-3 ERA and makes for an ideal pickup for those chasing saves.
Next: New Closer in Arizona
The Craig Kimbrel injury not only opens up a closer spot in Boston, but with news that the Red Sox acquired Brad Ziegler from Arizona, the Diamondbacks now have a new closer of their own after shipping Ziegler out of town.
Tyler Clippard is the new closer for Arizona and makes for an immediate must add as he has pitched well this season, putting up a 2.97 ERA, 1.20 WHIP and has struck out 41 batters in 31 IP.
Clippard, like Uehara, has experience closing and will get the first shot at nailing down the closing duties which for owners chasing saves, provides immense value and is owned in less than 50% of Yahoo leagues as of this writing.
Next: Jose Reyes to the Rescue
With plenty of time left to make a run in your league, getting two closers off the waiver wire for free can not only help your roster but also provide you valuable trade chips as we approach the trading deadline.