FAAB & Waiver Wire Report (Week 2)
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
Hunter Goodman: Normally, I don’t put catchers in the normal hitter’s group, but I didn’t want anyone to miss on Goodman. He’s a must roster in all formats and league depths (someone in each league could use him). He plays every day for Colorado and is off to a blazing hot start (.269/.345/.615, 2 HR). If available, it’ll be the last time to add him.
Ben Rice: Solid start to the season with 2 HR, 2 SB, and a .350 AVG. Hit leadoff in the last two games.
Otto Lopez: New maxEV has the speedster with a 2 HR to go with a .303 AVG. In at least roto leagues, he’s a must-roster.
Jacob Wilson윌슨: He has yet to walk or strikeout but has hit hit two home runs even with a 58% GB%. If power continues, he’ll be a solid middle infield option.
Ke’Bryan Hayes: He’s showing some speed (2 SB) and power (1 HR, .179 ISO) with a career-low 5% SwStr%. Maybe the skills are starting to show. Ranked high for the upside but could be a false flag.
Max Kepler: He is NOT being platooned, batting in the middle of the lineup, and productive (.861 OPS).
Nathaniel Lowe: Some early season extremes with a 48% K%, 75% HR/FB (3 HR), and .600 BABIP. I don’t buy a breakout from someone with a career-high 14% SwStr%.
Andrew Benintendi: Batting third with 2 HR and .320 AVG.
Geraldo Perdomo: Starting and productive (1 HR, 2 SB, .379 AVG).
Sal Frelick: Started every game and already has two steals.
Isiah Kiner-Falefa: Batting ninth but has a .360 AVG (.409 BABIP) and 4 SB.
Jonny DeLuca: Everyday centerfielder for the Rays who bats ninth. Speed-only play with 3 SB already this season.
Wilmer Flores: Started every game while hitting .214/.267/.643 (4 HR, .105 BABIP).
Carlos Santana: Playing every day while hitting in the third or fourth lineup spot.
Will Wagner: Might be on the strong side of a platoon with a .333 AVG. Also, he will add third base as a position (3 GS).
Gabriel Arias: Started all but one game, four games at second base (only third base eligible right now), and hitting a respectable .924 OPS.
Zach McKinstry: Strong-side platoon bat hitting a .280 AVG with no power.
Michael Massey. Starting and hitting OK (.632 OPS).
Gavin Lux: Playing left field (seven games), so he’s close to adding another position. He is struggling at the plate (.546 OPS).
Heston Kjerstad: Since Cowser went on the IL, Kjerstad has started in three of four games. Another extreme outcome with a .571 BABIP and 43% K%.
Alan Roden: Started in six of eight games while batting at the end of the lineup. Not a negative at the plate (.667 OPS). Bumped up a few spots based on potential upside.
Jonathan Aranda: Started in five of seven games so far (sat against the one lefty starter). A .455 BABIP is masking a 30% K% with him hitting .313/.400/.563.
Kyle Stowers: Possibly on the strong side of a platoon (sat against two of the three lefty starters). Start otherwise with a .825 OPS while batting second.
Harrison Bader: Starting in five of seven games, batting at the end of the lineup, with the only times being on base are from a double and three home runs.
Gavin Sheets: Strong-side platoon bat who is crushing the ball (1 HR, 1 SB, 1.134 OPS).
Ryan O’Hearn: Strong-side platoon bat who is off to a decent start (.724 OPS).
Brandon Marsh: Strong-side platoon bat who is still struggling with strikeouts (32% K%).
Trevor Larnach: Might be back in a platoon since he sat against the only lefty starter. He’s struggling a bit with a .542 OPS.
Jorge Polanco: Even though he’s hitting (.450/.476/.750), he’s only started in five of eight games, none against lefties.
Alek Thomas: Starting half the time while being productive (.938 OPS).
Pavin Smith: Strong-side platoon bat while batting .313/.450/.500.
Dane Myers: Started in five of the last six games. A .438 BABIP has pumped up his stat line to a .792 OPS.
Leody Taveras: On the strong side of a centerfield platoon. Struggling at the plate with a .399 OPS.
Jake Mangum: Four starts in the last five games while crushing the ball (.533/.563/.667, 3 SB).
Kameron Misner: Started five of seven games with a .927 OPS (1 HR).
Edmundo Sosa: Just four starts in seven games. No need to roster until he gets a full-time role.
Jose Caballero: Unrosterable with only three starts in the seven games so far. Find a regular contributor.
Derek Hill: A .500 BABIP has him only with a .278 AVG because he also has a 36% K%. On top of that, he has a bad back. Ignorable.
Kyren Paris: He has 1 HR, 3 SB (two as a pinch runner), and a .1.643 OPS. He needs to start more games to be useful besides one category.
Amed Rosario: Two starts in seven games, move on.
Nolan Gorman: Only two starts in seven games … pass.
Giancarlo Stanton: Why is he being added?
Catchers
Hunter Goodman: He’s a must roster in all formats and league depths (someone in each league could use him). He plays every day for Colorado and is off to a blazing hot start (.269/.345/.615, 2 HR). If available, it’ll be the last time to add him.
Sean Murphy: On an AAA rehab assignment, so should return soon.
Miguel Amaya: Regular catcher who won’t win or lose a manager their league.
Jonah Heim: Starting half the time for Texas while hitting 2 HR with a 1.077 OPS.
Dillon Dingler: Three starts in seven games so far this season. He’s been great when playing with a 1.171 OPS.
Carson Kelly: Just four starts in 10 games. Find a regular to roster.
Hitting Prospects
Nick Kurtz: In AAA, the 22-year-old is hitting .462/.500/.923 with 3 HR and 0 SB.
Zac Veen: In AAA, the 23-year-old is hitting .318/.423/.500 with 0 HR and 1 SB.
| Name | Previous Roster% | Current Roster% | Change |
|---|---|---|---|
| Ben Rice DH NYY | 40% | 52% | 12% |
| Nate Lowe 1B WAS | 39% | 50% | 11% |
| Jacob Wilson SS ATH | 36% | 42% | 6% |
| Jonathan Aranda 1B TB | 36% | 37% | 1% |
| Sean Murphy C ATL | 31% | 33% | 2% |
| Jose Caballero 3B TB | 31% | 33% | 2% |
| Heston Kjerstad RF BAL | 30% | 34% | 4% |
| Nick Kurtz 1B ATH | 24% | 30% | 6% |
| Gavin Lux LF CIN | 24% | 25% | 1% |
| Brandon Marsh CF PHI | 23% | 30% | 7% |
| Ryan O’Hearn DH BAL | 23% | 27% | 4% |
| Trevor Larnach DH MIN | 22% | 24% | 2% |
| Jonah Heim C TEX | 21% | 26% | 5% |
| Max Kepler LF PHI | 21% | 25% | 4% |
| Giancarlo Stanton DH NYY | 21% | 23% | 2% |
| Ke’Bryan Hayes 3B PIT | 21% | 23% | 2% |
| Zac Veen LF COL | 20% | 22% | 2% |
| Otto Lopez 2B MIA | 17% | 59% | 42% |
| Sal Frelick RF MIL | 17% | 20% | 3% |
| Jorge Polanco 3B SEA | 16% | 24% | 8% |
| Nolan Gorman 2B STL | 16% | 18% | 2% |
| Michael Massey 2B KC | 16% | 18% | 2% |
| Isiah Kiner-Falefa SS PIT | 15% | 30% | 15% |
| Carlos Santana 1B CLE | 15% | 17% | 2% |
| Hunter Goodman C COL | 14% | 55% | 41% |
| Alan Roden OF TOR | 14% | 15% | 1% |
| Andrew Benintendi LF CHW | 13% | 25% | 12% |
| Miguel Amaya C CHC | 13% | 19% | 6% |
| Will Wagner 3B TOR | 12% | 15% | 3% |
| Geraldo Perdomo SS ARI | 10% | 24% | 14% |
| Jonny DeLuca CF TB | 10% | 13% | 3% |
| Pavin Smith DH ARI | 7% | 9% | 2% |
| Gavin Sheets DH SD | 6% | 23% | 17% |
| Harrison Bader LF MIN | 6% | 11% | 5% |
| Leody Taveras CF TEX | 6% | 8% | 2% |
| Carson Kelly C CHC | 4% | 8% | 4% |
| Alek Thomas CF ARI | 4% | 8% | 4% |
| Dane Myers RF MIA | 4% | 6% | 2% |
| Amed Rosario 2B WAS | 3% | 5% | 2% |
| Gabriel Arias 2B CLE | 3% | 5% | 2% |
| Wilmer Flores DH SF | 2% | 21% | 19% |
| Edmundo Sosa SS PHI | 2% | 9% | 7% |
| Zach McKinstry 3B DET | 2% | 6% | 4% |
| Dillon Dingler C DET | 2% | 6% | 4% |
| Kyle Stowers LF MIA | 2% | 5% | 3% |
| Kyren Paris CF LAA | 1% | 11% | 10% |
| Kameron Misner LF TB | 1% | 3% | 2% |
| Jake Mangum RF TB | 0% | 16% | 16% |
| Derek Hill CF MIA | 0% | 2% | 2% |
Starting Pitchers
Note: Until pitchers get three starts, I’m not changing their value much from my preseason rankings.
Jordan Hicks: Start the hot Hicks (0.00 ERA, 3.26 xFIP, 9.0 K/9, 0.50 WHIP) before he start to wear down. His fastball velocity is up at 98 mph, similar to last season. His velo dropped down to 92 mph and was then he was moved to the bullpen.
Hayden Wesneski: Lined up for two starts next week (at SEA, vs LAA). In his first start, 3 BB and 1 HR did him in (3 ER). A must roster based on the schedule.
Tylor Megill: I wish he didn’t walk as many batters (3.5 BB/9) but solid two starts to the season (3.70 xFIP, 2 W).
Jack Kochanowicz: Solid first start (0 BB, 0 ER, and 4 K in 6 IP). One change is that he mixed in a four-seamer to go with his sinker. The White Sox weren’t prepared for the four-seamer with the pitch posting a 19% SwStr%. I’m intrigued to see where is talent stabilizes at.
Matthew Boyd: When healthy, keep starting him. While walks haven’t been a problem, keep an eye on his 5.4 BB/9.
JP Sears: Solid first start (6 IP, 2 HR, 7 K) by using his slider over 50% of the time.
Zack Littell: An expected yet boring start to the season (4.15 ERA, 3.57 xFIP).
Cade Povich: His first start was a mixed bag with 8 K, 5 H, 2 BB, and 3 ER in 4 IP.
Landen Roupp: Too many base runners (.500 BABIP, 9.0 BB/9) in his first start, but he did have 8 K in 4 IP.
Shane Smith: Had more walks than strikeouts in his first start. Besides the walks, it’s an intriguing profile. One of the few guys listed I’d want to roster.
Kyle Hart 하트: I wish I could be more interested in him and his 91-mph fastball. I think there is enough swing-and-miss in his game to be interesting, but I’m afraid he’s going to be hit around (2 HR in first start).
Will Warren: Four walks in his first start is a red flag after previously struggling with them (4.00 BB/9 in ’24). An issue is a 1.5 mph drop in velo.
Ben Brown: He’s allowing too many base runners (walks and hits), as seen by his 1.96 WHIP. I wish he threw an acceptable third pitch.
Mitchell Parker: While the 0.73 ERA (5.07 xFIP) is nice, his 5.1 K/9 is too small, and the 4.4 BB/9 is too big. He needs to get the walks under control. Fastball velo is up about 1 mph.
Taijuan Walker: Added about 1.5 mph to his fastball. Additionally, he only walked one batter over 6 IP after a 4.0 BB/9 last season. He mixed up six pitches with the usage between 23% and 8%. They missed a ton of bats with a combined 13.5% SwStr%.
Kyle Freeland: Solid start to the season (12 IP, 2.13 ERA, 2.48 xFIP, 7.1 K/9, 0.0 BB/9). He could be worth streaming on the road. His slider is missing bats (24% SwStr%). Additionally, he added a cutter (10% SwStr%).
Thomas Harrington: The top prospect did nothing positive in his first MLB start. I have him ranked high on first-game nerves and hope he can turn it around for his next start. I understand that I could be wrong.
Germán Márquez: As I write this, Marquez has not allowed a run this season in 10 IP. Like Freeland, Marquez might be useful enough to stream on the road.
Osvaldo Bido: Even though he’s allowed a ton of runners (1.50 WHIP), he’s kept his ERA in check (2.70 ERA, 5.93 xFIP). One major issue is a 1.5 mph drop in his average fastball velocity.
Simeon Woods Richardson: His average fastball velocity is down 1.4 mph. I worry that he was already home run and the slower fastball will be easier to hit. Even with the velocity drop, he carved up the White Sox with 5 K, 1 BB, and 2 ER in 4 IP.
Chase Dollander: He will debut this Sunday as one of the best pitching prospects in the game. Even with the hype, I’m staying away since most Rockies’ pitching prospects aren’t fantasy-relevant. I’m fine being wrong if he’s the exception.
Martín Pérez: The career 4.43 ERA pitcher has “reworked” a few items. First, he lost 2 mph off his fastball, but at least he’s not throwing it as much. In his first start, he evenly divided his usage between cutter, sinker (50% GB%), and changeup (26% SwStr%). One worry are the walks he allows and that trend continued into the first game (4.5 BB/9)
Kyle Hendricks: He’s lost another tick off his fastball and is sitting at 86.5 mph. Zero upside and could repeat the disaster of 2024. Let someone else deal with him.
Michael Lorenzen: I don’t believe the 33-year-old has another gear, so I’m going to take a chance on anyone else.
Matthew Liberatore: His fastball velocity is down almost 1 mph with an overall 5% SwStr%. I haven’t seen enough changes to think he’s more than his career 5.00 ERA talent.
Bryce Elder: Remains a useless fantasy option. He needs to string together a few good starts before I’m interested.
Randy Vasquez: Fastball average velocity is down over 1.5 mph. More walks than strikeouts in his first start. Just an overall 4.6% SwStr%. He’ll need to up his game to be fantasy-relevant.
Logan Allen로건: He and his 91-mph fastball left off where they were last season, getting annihilated (4 ER, 5 BB, and 1 K in 5 IP). Watch from afar.
Lance McCullers Jr.: Beginning his minor league rehab assignment. Will be back within the month.
Tobias Myers: On the IL so it might be a month until he’s back.
| Name | Previous Roster% | Current Roster% | Change |
|---|---|---|---|
| Tobias Myers SP MIL | 32% | 33% | 1% |
| Will Warren SP NYY | 31% | 34% | 3% |
| Matthew Boyd SP CHC | 30% | 34% | 4% |
| Tylor Megill SP NYM | 29% | 48% | 19% |
| Ben Brown SP CHC | 22% | 31% | 9% |
| Chase Dollander SP COL | 20% | 29% | 9% |
| Zack Littell SP TB | 19% | 29% | 10% |
| Landen Roupp SP SF | 19% | 24% | 5% |
| JP Sears SP ATH | 19% | 23% | 4% |
| Cade Povich SP BAL | 19% | 22% | 3% |
| Michael Lorenzen SP KC | 18% | 26% | 8% |
| Hayden Wesneski SP HOU | 13% | 24% | 11% |
| Mitchell Parker SP WAS | 13% | 20% | 7% |
| Osvaldo Bido SP ATH | 13% | 15% | 2% |
| Jordan Hicks SP SF | 12% | 43% | 31% |
| Simeon Woods Richardson SP MIN | 12% | 17% | 5% |
| Thomas Harrington SP PIT | 10% | 12% | 2% |
| Logan Allen SP CLE | 9% | 12% | 3% |
| Shane Smith SP CHW | 9% | 13% | 4% |
| Jack Kochanowicz SP LAA | 8% | 11% | 3% |
| Lance McCullers SP HOU | 8% | 9% | 1% |
| Kyle Freeland SP COL | 6% | 16% | 10% |
| Matthew Liberatore SP STL | 6% | 9% | 3% |
| German Marquez SP COL | 4% | 7% | 3% |
| Randy Vasquez SP SD | 4% | 7% | 3% |
| Kyle Hendricks SP LAA | 3% | 5% | 2% |
| Kyle Hart SP SD | 3% | 5% | 2% |
| Martin Perez SP CHW | 2% | 12% | 10% |
| Taijuan Walker SP PHI | 2% | 5% | 3% |
| Bryce Elder SP ATL | 2% | 3% | 1% |
Relief Pitchers: Saves-based ranks
Dennis Santana: Decent reliever who is the closer.
Luke Jackson: Below-average reliever who is the closer.
Emilio Pagán: Below-average reliever who is the closer.
Anthony Bender: Decent reliever who is the closer … probably.
Tommy Kahnle: OK reliever who might be the closer but most likely in a closer committee.
Seth Halvorsen: Below-average reliever who is the closer.
Blake Treinen: Good reliever who is sharing the closer’s role.
José Alvarado: Good reliever who seems to be sharing the closer’s role.
Tony Santillan: Good reliever who might be in a closer committee.
Will Vest: OK reliever who might be part of a closer committee.
Alex Vesia: Fine reliever who might close with several lefties coming up.
Jason Adam: Good reliever who could be the backup closer.
Camilo Doval: Fine reliever who is the backup closer.
| Name | Previous Roster% | Current Roster% | Change |
|---|---|---|---|
| Luke Jackson RP TEX | 28% | 49% | 21% |
| Jason Adam RP SD | 27% | 30% | 3% |
| Blake Treinen RP LAD | 22% | 32% | 10% |
| Jose Alvarado RP PHI | 20% | 35% | 15% |
| Camilo Doval RP SF | 13% | 23% | 10% |
| Seth Halvorsen RP COL | 9% | 22% | 13% |
| Tony Santillan RP CIN | 9% | 11% | 2% |
| Alex Vesia RP LAD | 8% | 11% | 3% |
| Dennis Santana RP PIT | 4% | 23% | 19% |
| Tommy Kahnle RP DET | 4% | 14% | 10% |
| Emilio Pagan RP CIN | 3% | 20% | 17% |
| Anthony Bender RP MIA | 1% | 7% | 6% |
| Will Vest RP DET | 1% | 2% | 1% |
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.
For your closer descriptions, is the order best to worst: Fine, Good, Decent, OK, Avg, Below Avg?
There is also a Great but none of them appear to be that. Order is probably Great, Good, Fine, Decent, OK, Avg, Below Avg.
Pretty tough for me to distinguish the difference between good, fine, decent, OK, and Average. Seems like synonyms to me.
Everyone seems to have them in the correct order. Most FG reader/fantasy nerds apparently did better on their math than verbal SATs. The English language is full of nuance and dirty foreign influences but it’s not ultimately so confusing that you can’t distinguish gradations among similar words. I recommend reading books – no screens, just dead trees.
I like this format. RPs are basically fungible – I just need to know who will be better for S(or S+H) vs ratios, and it’s often not the same people (I would probably like this less if I didn’t play S+H).
This is the order I assume as well
Although I haven’t seen it recently, the lowest category is probably ‘why are people adding him?’ reliever.