FAAB & Waiver Wire Report (Week 14)
In the article, I cover the players using CBS’s (about 40% or less initial roster rate) and Yahoo’s ADD/DROP rates. Both hosting sites have the option for daily and weekly waiver wire adds. CBS uses a weekly change while Yahoo looks at the last 24 hours. Yahoo is a great snapshot of right now, while CBS ensures hot targets from early in the week aren’t missed. The players are ordered for redraft leagues by my rest-of-season preference, grouped by starters, relievers, and hitters.
Batters
Otto Lopez: Finally, Lopez will be off the list next week. A power and speed threat, while not being a sink in batting average.
Isaac Collins Starting, while batting .263/.368/.409 with 5 HR and 8 SB in 203 PA.
Ha-Seong Kim 김하성: Kim posted some great fantasy seasons with a combination of power and speed without being a batting average sink. He could continue such results, but the playing time in Tampa will always be messy.
Zack Gelof: Over his short career, Gelof provided power but was a batting average sink (.230 AVG) due to his 32% K%. More of the same should be expected this time. Playing time could be a mess with Gelof, Urshela (76 OPS+), Muncy (82 OPS+), Urias (91 OPS+), and Andujar (104 OPS+) fighting over second and third base jobs.
Ramón Laureano: Still playing and hitting (10 HR, 3 SB, .273 AVG).
Jake Meyers: Stolen 14 bases so far with a .309 AVG.
Tyler Freeman: Continues to hold onto Colorado’s leadoff spot while hitting for average (.326 AVG) and stealing bases (12 SB).
Jake Mangum: Continues to play while batting .306/.342/.393 with 11 SB.
Wenceel Pérez: Has 7 HR in 117 PA. Moved up to batting third.
Caleb Durbin: He’s been an average hitter (.257/.341/.364, 4 HR, 8 SB) but sat in two of the last four games with no reported injury.
Brooks Lee: Hitting for power (8 HR) and average (.270 AVG) but no speed.
Joey Ortiz: While the overall stats suck (65 wRC+), he’s taken off since June 1st (.271/.320/.438 with 4 HR and 4 SB). He’s turned his season around by pulling flyballs harder.
Stat: Mar-May, Jun-Jul
FB%: 39%, 42%
Pull%: 26%, 39%
HH%: 33%, 37%
avgEV: 84.9, 88.2
I’m not sure if he’s a good add. He’s just not an obvious dump anymore.
Ernie Clement: Providing batting average (.296 AVG) but nothing in the way of power or speed.
Lenyn Sosa: Providing some power (7 HR in 264 PA) and batting average (.269 AVG).
Andrew Benintendi: Hitting for power (10 HR) but nothing else.
Nolan Gorman: With 11 straight starts while hitting 8 HR, but a drag on batting average (.220 AVG).
Nick Gonzales: Has 3 HR in 113 PA to go with a .308 AVG. Dropped his strikeout rate for the second straight season (28% K% to 19% to 14%).
Colson Montgomery: Just made his major league debut. In AAA, the 23-year-old prospect hit .218/.298/.435 with 11 HR and 4 SB in 261 PA.
Dominic Canzone: Strong-side platoon bat who hits for power (6 HR in 73 PA) when he plays.
Thairo Estrada: Estrada used to provide fantasy value by stealing bases while hitting for a decent batting average. He has the batting average (.305) but is just one for four in stolen base attempts.
Jacob Young: Can provide stolen bases (4 for 8 in SB attempts) when hitting. The problem is that he’s just batting .246/.316/.297 on the season.
Jake McCarthy: The 2 HR and 2 SB in 78 PA, but while batting .155/.218/.282. He’ll head to the bench or minors with Carroll returning.
Anthony Seigler: Recently promoted by the Brewers. In AAA, he hit .277/.416/.465 with 7 HR and 20 SB. He might be interesting if he can find regular playing time.
Yanquiel Fernández: Just a short-side platoon bat with Kyle Stowers. Ignorable.
Esteury Ruiz: Recalled to be a bench bat for the Dodgers.
Catchers
Gary Sánchez: Solid contributor at the catcher position. Gains playing time as the DH on days he doesn’t catch.
Sean Murphy: Back to being in a 50/50 time share. Has 12 HR from the catcher position.
Hitter Prospects
Chase DeLauter: In AAA, the 23-year-old is batting .288/.394/.477 with 4 HR and 1 SB in 132 PA.
Samuel Basallo: In AAA, the 20-year-old is batting .253/.372/.547 with 16 HR and 0 SB in 231 PA.
| Name | Previous Roster% | Current Roster% | Change |
|---|---|---|---|
| Zack Gelof 2B ATH | 37% | 38% | 1% |
| Ernie Clement 3B TOR | 36% | 46% | 10% |
| Brooks Lee 3B MIN | 35% | 38% | 3% |
| Jake Meyers CF HOU | 32% | 35% | 3% |
| Samuel Basallo C BAL | 29% | 31% | 2% |
| Sean Murphy C ATL | 27% | 31% | 4% |
| Otto Lopez SS MIA | 26% | 58% | 32% |
| Tyler Freeman RF COL | 24% | 32% | 8% |
| Caleb Durbin 3B MIL | 23% | 30% | 7% |
| Chase DeLauter OF CLE | 23% | 28% | 5% |
| Wenceel Perez RF DET | 20% | 21% | 1% |
| Jake Mangum LF TB | 20% | 21% | 1% |
| Ha-seong Kim SS TB | 18% | 20% | 2% |
| Andrew Benintendi LF CHW | 17% | 19% | 2% |
| Thairo Estrada 2B COL | 15% | 17% | 2% |
| Gary Sanchez C BAL | 14% | 29% | 15% |
| Colson Montgomery SS CHW | 12% | 17% | 5% |
| Joseph Ortiz SS MIL | 11% | 17% | 6% |
| Nolan Gorman 2B STL | 10% | 14% | 4% |
| Isaac Collins LF MIL | 10% | 13% | 3% |
| Nick Gonzales 2B PIT | 9% | 12% | 3% |
| Ramon Laureano RF BAL | 5% | 15% | 10% |
| Jake McCarthy CF ARI | 5% | 7% | 2% |
| Jacob Young CF WAS | 5% | 7% | 2% |
| Lenyn Sosa 2B CHW | 4% | 5% | 1% |
| Yanquiel Fernandez RF COL | 3% | 6% | 3% |
| Esteury Ruiz LF LAD | 3% | 5% | 2% |
| Dominic Canzone RF SEA | 3% | 5% | 2% |
| Anthony Seigler 3B MIL | 0% | 2% | 2% |
Starting Pitchers
Brandon Walter: An 8.6 K/9, 0.5 BB/9, and 52% GB%. Those are Logan Webb, Max Fried, and Spencer Schwellenbach-type numbers. I’m amazed at his low rostership rate.
Huge gap
Justin Wrobleski: He’s not putting up Walter-like numbers (4.08 ERA, 3.10 xFIP, 8.7 K/9, 50% GB%), but they are still must-start numbers. One of two non-streaming options available this week.
Janson Junk: Not walking anyone (0.5 BB/9) with a reasonable number of strikeouts (8.0 K/9). Solid.
Kumar Rocker: He’s been good over this last four starts with a 2.49 ERA (3.78 xFIP), 8.3 K/9, and 1.11 WHIP. His groundball rate is up 7% points. During that stretch, he added a cutter (19% SwStr%).
Dean Kremer: Before May: A 7.04 ERA (4.88 xFIP), 5.9 K/9, and 1.57 WHIP. From May on: A 2.98 ERA (3.87 xFIP), 7.9 K/9, and 1.16 WHIP. I’m having a problem finding a single cause for the improvement. He’s not throwing his subpar four-seamer as much, but it’s only a 3% point drop.
Eric Lauer 라우어: While the 2.65 ERA should regress up some, signs point to him being a mid to high-3.00 ERA talent.
Trevor Rogers: He’s not 2.05 ERA good as his .200 BABIP and 0.4 HR/9 will increase. He is now usable, especially because of the career-low 2.5 BB/9. Solid streaming option.
Mike Burrows: Since his first two starts when he struggled with command (nerves?), he has a 2.73 ERA (3.23 xFIP), 10.3 K/9, 1.22 WHIP in five starts. Two items keep me from ranking him higher. I’m not a fan of a starter with just a changeup as the only average or better secondary pitch. Also, the STUPH metrics aren’t a fan, even over this good stretch.
Andre Pallante: His 64% GB% helps cover up his lowly 6.0 K/9. A solid streaming 4.00 ERA talent.
Colton Gordon: Every aspect of his profile points to an above-average pitcher except for the hittable 91-mph fastballs (.343 BABIP, 1.8 HR/9). Just once, I’d like to see him ditch the four-seamer (7% SwStr%, 24% GB%) and lean into his worm-killing sinker (3% SwStr%, 73% GB%). If he’s going to get hit around, at least let it get hit on the ground.
Sean Burke: For the season, he’s been unrosterable because his walks led to high WHIPs. The walks dropped in June and strikeouts soared to a 19% K-BB% (3.86 xFIP). Reluctantly adding, but I don’t feel good about it.
Joey Cantillo: In AAA, the 25-year-old lefty posted a 3.86 ERA (2.98 xFIP), 0.94 WHIP, and 11.6 K/9. He’s now starting in the majors, where he struggles with walks (4.8 BB/9). His 1.39 WHIP is doing as much ratio damage as a 4.87 ERA. He has the problem of a bad fastball, but it’s the only pitch he can throw for strikes. If a team can take the WHIP hit, he’s a fine addition.
Michael Soroka: His strikeout and walk numbers point to a better pitcher (3.73 xFIP and 3.38 SIERA), but he’s struggling against some key splits. Lefties have an .851 OPS against him while it’s just a .549 OPS against righties. With no one on base, he has a 3.45 xFIP, but once someone is in scoring position, it’s 5.83 xFIP. And when he faces a lineup for the third time, he has a 7.76 xFIP. Finally, keep an eye on his fastball velocity, which dropped to a season low in his last start.
Adrian Houser: Not 1.60 ERA good, but some solid numbers (2.8 BB/9, 48% GB) point to him being a nice 4.00 ERA streaming option. He’ll need to increase his strikeout rate to take a step forward.
Nick Martinez: He is scheduled for an amazing two-step next week against the Marlins and Rockies. Since returning to the rotation, he hasn’t shown any improvement, with the main issue being a lack of strikeouts (4.9 K/9). All signs point to him being a low-4.00 ERA talent, so this week’s two-starts are streamable.
Dietrich Enns 엔스: Struggled in his last start (7 ER, 3 K, 2 BB, and 8 H in 4.0 IP), but the STUPH metrics think he’s an above-average pitcher. His 4.18 xFIP is solid. Gamble.
Simeon Woods Richardson: In a stretch of nice match-ups (vs MIA this week, vs CHC, and vs PIT next week). If a manager is just streaming for wins since he’s a solid 4.50 ERA talent with a 1.34 WHIP, that does as much damage as a 4.57 ERA.
Logan Evans: Yes, he has a 2.96 ERA. Signs point to his talent being closer to 5.00 ERA than 3.00.
Germán Márquez: He must be getting added because of the start against the White Sox and not his talent (5.60 ERA, 4.74 xFIP, 1.60 WHIP, 6.6 K/9).
Didier Fuentes: While the STUPH models still peg him as a sub-4.00 ERA talent, he’s just too homer-prone (2.3 BB/9) for the walks (3.0 BB/9) he allows.
Huge gap
Marcus Stroman: There is no reason to roster a solid 5.00 ERA talent with a 1.66 WHIP. These managers must be tanking for better draft picks.
Pitching Prospects
Cam Schlittler: Across two minor league levels (AA and AAA), the 24-year-old righty posted a 2.82 ERA, 2.70 xFIP, 1.21 WHIP, and 11.6 K/9 in 76 IP. He is joining the Yankees rotation.
Joe Boyle: In AAA, the 25-year-old righty has a 1.85 ERA (3.36 xFIP), 0.99 WHIP, and 11.98 K/9 in 73 IP.
| Name | Previous Roster% | Current Roster% | Change |
|---|---|---|---|
| Mike Soroka SP WAS | 38% | 42% | 4% |
| Dean Kremer SP BAL | 36% | 46% | 10% |
| Nick Martinez SP CIN | 34% | 55% | 21% |
| Andre Pallante SP STL | 32% | 40% | 8% |
| Kumar Rocker SP TEX | 27% | 35% | 8% |
| Joe Boyle SP TB | 27% | 30% | 3% |
| Eric Lauer SP TOR | 26% | 32% | 6% |
| Colton Gordon SP HOU | 20% | 35% | 15% |
| Brandon Walter SP HOU | 17% | 23% | 6% |
| Trevor Rogers SP BAL | 16% | 39% | 23% |
| Adrian Houser SP CHW | 16% | 24% | 8% |
| Sean Burke SP CHW | 14% | 18% | 4% |
| Marcus Stroman SP NYY | 10% | 13% | 3% |
| Didier Fuentes SP ATL | 10% | 11% | 1% |
| Justin Wrobleski RP LAD | 9% | 18% | 9% |
| Michael Burrows SP PIT | 8% | 9% | 1% |
| Logan Evans SP SEA | 7% | 9% | 2% |
| Simeon Woods Richardson SP MIN | 6% | 13% | 7% |
| Cameron Schlittler SP NYY | 3% | 10% | 7% |
| German Marquez SP COL | 3% | 5% | 2% |
| Joey Cantillo RP CLE | 2% | 4% | 2% |
| Janson Junk RP MIA | 3% | 6% | 3% |
| Dietrich Enns SP DET | 1% | 3% | 2% |
Relievers: Saves-based ranks
Ronny Henriquez: Great reliever who is now the closer.
Grant Taylor: Possibly a great reliever who is the closer.
Matt Strahm: Good reliever who is sharing the closer duties.
Jason Adam: Good reliever who is the backup to a shaky closer.
Bryan Abreu: Great reliever who is the backup closer.
Phil Maton: Great reliever who is the backup closer.
Bennett Sousa: Good reliever who is a couple of steps away from closing.
Adrian Morejon: Average reliever who is a couple of steps away from closing.
| Name | Previous Roster% | Current Roster% | Change |
|---|---|---|---|
| Jason Adam RP SD | 35% | 37% | 2% |
| Bryan Abreu RP HOU | 21% | 25% | 4% |
| Grant Taylor RP CHW | 13% | 19% | 6% |
| Matt Strahm RP PHI | 12% | 15% | 3% |
| Ronny Henriquez RP MIA | 6% | 24% | 18% |
| Phil Maton RP STL | 6% | 8% | 2% |
| Adrian Morejon RP SD | 4% | 7% | 3% |
| Bennett Sousa RP HOU | 1% | 3% | 2% |
Jeff, one of the authors of the fantasy baseball guide,The Process, writes for RotoGraphs, The Hardball Times, Rotowire, Baseball America, and BaseballHQ. He has been nominated for two SABR Analytics Research Award for Contemporary Analysis and won it in 2013 in tandem with Bill Petti. He has won four FSWA Awards including on for his Mining the News series. He's won Tout Wars three times, LABR twice, and got his first NFBC Main Event win in 2021. Follow him on Twitter @jeffwzimmerman.
Wenceel Perez in on a 35-homer pace, has an actual OPS of .870, and a .500 xSLG. The Tigers seem to think it is all real by moving him up to third in front of Riley Greene. His exceptionally good PULL AIR % seems to lead to numerous paredes homers. Comparing him to the man himself (Isaac Paredes), he falls a little short in PULL AIR % but is significantly better in most other advanced metrics. I suspect his mediocre K-BB% is why he doesn’t get more love here at Fangraphs, but it is hard to imagine a better power hitting fantasy free agent at this point in the season.
Paredes works because he has a great eye and a great ability to spoil pitches. Guys like Wenceel or Cedric Mullins have much more chase and whiff (which would still work if they had Cal Raleigh’s bat speed).