MLB Fantasy: Waiver Wire Adds Week 1
Although the sample sizes may be small, or even non-existent for some of the players we will discuss, there are multiple players, such as Aaron Judge, in fantasy baseball that are currently flying under the radar that definitely deserve to be owned across all formats.
Sure, we are just two days into the 2017 MLB season and it may be difficult to drop a player that you drafted, but my goal is to enlighten you on some players that may produce in your lineup, rather than gather dust like some of your late-round drafted players on your bench.
Let’s take a look at some players you should consider adding from the wavier wire…
The 6-foot-7, 282-pound right fielder brings a daunting feeling to opposing pitchers when he steps into the batters box. On the first pitch he saw on Opening Day, Judge roped an RBI double into the left field corner at Tropicana Field. He finished Opening Day just 1-for-4, but his base knock was very impressive to me.
He doesn’t have the best plate discipline, as he struck out 42 times in 84 at-bats after being called up to the Yankees last season. However, the power potential is there after he hit 19 bombs at the Triple-A level.
Owned percentages:
ESPN: 35.8 percent
Yahoo!: 32 percent
CBS: 66 percent
Although Opening Day could be viewed as a ding to his value due to DeShields not being in the Rangers lineup, it may make it easier for you to grab him off of the waiver wire. You may be able to wait a few days to make a move for the speedy 5-foot-9 center fielder.
DeShields finished seventh in the American League Rookie of the Year running in 2015. He carried a slash line of .261./.344/.374 with two home runs and 37 RBI. Additionally, he swiped 25 bags on 33 attempts. 2016 was a rough year for him, as he only hit .209 with a .275 on-base percentage and eight stolen bases.
So, you must be thinking… why on earth are you telling me about him if he had such a bad year last year and he didn’t even start on Opening Day? The answer is simple. In spring training, DeShields was a perfect 14-for-14 on stolen base chances.
If your team is in dire need of cheap stolen base potential, then DeShields just may be your guy.
Owned percentages:
ESPN: 7.7 percent
Yahoo!: 28 percent
CBS: 33 percent
With Santiago Casilla closing out the Angels in the ninth inning, maybe we have finally discovered who the Oakland Athletics’ closer will be. Then again, A’s manager Bob Melvin did say that the A’s will start the season with a closer-by-committee strategy, but I still give a tip of the hat to Casilla for being called on to close out the first game of the year.
I’m not necessarily saying to drop a middle-tiered starting pitcher or closer, but keep an eye on Casilla, as he could provide some saves production for your team at a very low cost. If you own Ryan Madson, I would especially be following along with who gets handed the ball the next time the A’s have the lead in the ninth inning.
Although the A’s closing situation remains murky, through game one of 162, the advantage is in Casilla’s favor.
Owned percentages:
ESPN: 9.2 percent
Yahoo!: 35 percent
CBS: 13 percent
Zack Wheeler will make his 2017 debut on Friday night at home against the Miami Marlins, which will mark his first start since Sept. 25, 2014. He had Tommy John Surgery in the spring of 2015, and was expected to return midway through the 2016 season. The Mets shut down his comeback, after he felt some elbow soreness in a rehab start.
He has made 49 career starts and carries an 18-16 record with a 3.50 ERA and a 1.34 WHIP. He does have a lot of strikeout upside, as he has an 8.5 K/9 clip. Additionally, his matchup on Friday night is a positive one, with a decent amount of strikeout potential.
If Wheeler isn’t snagged off of the waiver wire before his game on Friday, and he pitches well that night, he could very well land on a roster by Saturday. Watch him very carefully.
Owned percentages:
ESPN: 19.6 percent
Yahoo!: 23 percent
CBS: 64 percent
Ervin Santana finished last season with a 7-11 record with a 3.37 ERA, but more notably, his ERA in the second half was 2.65, to go along with an 8.25 K/9.
He came away with a victory on Opening Day against the Kansas City Royals, as he tossed seven innings and only gave up one earned run, while striking out three batters. Santana is a two-start pitcher this week (for those in weekly leagues), and he will make his second start on Sunday in a very favorable matchup against the Chicago White Sox.
Owned percentages:
ESPN: 33.6 percent
Yahoo!: 16 percent
CBS: 75 percent
Next: DraftKings Early MLB Picks April 5
Who are your favorite adds for this week? Did we miss any? Let us know in the comments or on Twitter @fantasycpr!