FAAB & Waiver Wire Report (Week 25)
Arianna Grainey-Imagn Images
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
Jake Burger: Batting fourth every game at first base since coming off the IL. He has 4 HR during the same time frame.
Harrison Bader: Starting against lefties and righties while leading off over the last four games. Solid five-category contributor.
Wenceel Pérez: Balanced production and playing every game.
Austin Hays: Middle of the order bat with 15 HR in 385 PA.
Jeremiah Jackson: Hits at the top of the lineup and plays every game. He’s been a source of home runs (5) and batting average (.293).
Jake Mangum: Starting about 80% of the time with 24 SB and a .297 AVG.
Victor Robles: Started in five of seven games since serving his suspension. Mangum and he are the best source of available steals.
Andrew Benintendi: A solid accumulator with more power than the other accumulators.
Parker Meadows: Can’t stay healthy. Over three seasons, he’s hit 16 HR and 20 SB with a .236 AVG. That’s helpful in some leagues.
Jeff McNeil: An accumulator and nothing more.
Daylen Lile: Playing but not much production beyond a .298 AVG.
Josh Bell: Strong-side platoon bat who has been on fire in September (.947 OPS).
Mickey Moniak: The strong-side platoon bat faces four righties at home next week.
Ha-Seong Kim 김하성: Playing but not productive with the Braves (.608 OPS). It’d be nice to know if he’s healthy.
Jake Bauers: Strong-side platoon bat with only four right-handed starters scheduled for the week. Pass.
Chase Meidroth: Playing with 13 steals. The team buries him in the lineup against righties, and he faces five out of six of them this week.
JJ Bleday: Only five starts in the last 10 games. Sits against all lefties and some righties. Not enough playing time to be fantasy relevant.
Drew Gilbert: Unless your league has a chewing on uniform category, he’s fantasy irrelevant.
Drew Gilbert is a spirit animal
Catchers
Kyle Teel: All-around contributor (7 HR, 3 SB, .284 AVG) … for a catcher.
Patrick Bailey: Starting about 80% of the time with a 1.058 OPS in September.
| Name | Previous Roster% | Current Roster% | Change |
|---|---|---|---|
| Kyle Teel C CHW | 39% | 45% | 6% |
| Austin Hays LF CIN | 39% | 43% | 4% |
| Jeff McNeil 2B NYM | 39% | 40% | 1% |
| Mickey Moniak RF COL | 39% | 40% | 1% |
| Jake Burger 1B TEX | 33% | 36% | 3% |
| Jeremiah Jackson 2B BAL | 32% | 40% | 8% |
| Victor Robles RF SEA | 28% | 31% | 3% |
| Andrew Benintendi LF CHW | 21% | 25% | 4% |
| Harrison Bader CF PHI | 19% | 28% | 9% |
| Jake Mangum LF TB | 17% | 19% | 2% |
| Wenceel Perez RF DET | 17% | 18% | 1% |
| Ha-seong Kim SS ATL | 16% | 19% | 3% |
| Chase Meidroth SS CHW | 14% | 15% | 1% |
| Parker Meadows CF DET | 13% | 14% | 1% |
| Josh Bell DH WAS | 10% | 14% | 4% |
| J.J. Bleday CF ATH | 9% | 11% | 2% |
| Drew Gilbert RF SF | 7% | 10% | 3% |
| Patrick Bailey C SF | 7% | 9% | 2% |
| Daylen Lile RF WAS | 4% | 21% | 17% |
| Jake Bauers 1B MIL | 0% | 2% | 2% |
Starting Pitchers
Brandon Sproat: The schedule for the next two weeks is great with matchups against the Nationals and Marlins. His Saturday start [Update: 6 IP, 3 K, 0 ER, 0 BB, ] against the Rangers will go a long way in determining his demand. It’s tough to gauge his talent, but our STUPH models and projections put him as a 4.00 ERA talent.
Tyler Wells: Solid in two starts since coming off the IL (2.31 ERA, 3.92 xFIP, 0.60 WHIP, 7.7 K/9) and gets the White Sox next week with the Rays the final week. Great add for at least the White Sox start.
Jason Alexander: Add him if you can. He’s got the Rangers and Mariners next week with the Angels on the final week. Showing signs of being a 4.00 ERA talent. Matchups and talent make him a top add.
Connelly Early: The recently promoted prospect might end up with a decent schedule over the past two weeks. Next week are games against the Athletics and Rays with a start against a possibly clinched Tigers in the final series. He destroyed the Athletics in his debut. It’s tough to put a true talent on him but for teams needing a late home run, he is perfect.
Cade Cavalli: Solid arm in the middle of a good two-step (MIA, PIT). He’s got the Mets next week and the White Sox the final week. Solid add if available.
Justin Verlander: Great in September with a 0.00 ERA (2.92 xFIP) and 0.50 WHIP. He’s lined up for Arizona next week and St. Louis the final week with a chance of final game start against the Rockies.
Slade Cecconi: In a great two-start week (vs KC, vs CWS) with the Twins next week. After that, it’s a little dicey if he’ll get a final start against the Rangers. A 4.00 ERA talent to ride at least one more week
Ryan Weathers: Unless someone thinks Weathers is one the game’s best starters, his schedule is at the Rockies, at the Phillies, and possibly versus the Mets. Maybe stream next week’s start against the Rockies for the Win.
Johan Oviedo: I feel he’s going to be a popular add with a 2.81 ERA and 1.17 WHIP (.230 BABIP). I’d be a little worried about his 4.9 BB/9. His schedule isn’t the easiest against the Cubs next week. Then at the Reds with a possible Sunday game at the Braves. Not horrible, but there seem to be better options.
Eduardo Rodriguez: A decent add for his next matchup against the Giants, but gets the Dodgers and possibly the Padres in the final week. While he has a 3.63 ERA in the second half, he’s shown no signs of improvement.
Jacob Latz: He was lined up two more great matchups (MIA, CLE), but Tyler Mahle might take his rotation spot. He’s been solid to end the season (2.91 ERA, 4.37 xFIP, 1.24 WHIP, and 8.0 K/9). He’d be a top-5 option if the starts were guaranteed.
Mike Burrows: Brandon Ashcraft and Burrows are piggybacking starts with a “start” on Sunday. Then they line up for starts against the Athletics and Braves. He’s likely not going to get a Win if he starts since he hasn’t gone over 4 IP in his last four appearances (two starts). His role is going to be huge in determining to roster him.
Joey Cantillo: I’m sure Cantillo will get another start since he’s still on the team (DET this weekend), but playing time gets a little iffy after that (John Means coming off the IL). He’s one of the more available good starters, but the playing time is unclear.
Stephen Kolek: I’m not sure he’s still in the rotation with Michael Wacha and Cole Ragans returning soon. If he does stay in it, he’ll face the Mariners and Angels.
Bryce Elder: Lined up to face the Tigers and Nationals. Could be worse. He’s on a hot streak so far in September since he quit walking people (0.7 BB/9). He cut the walks in May, but it didn’t last, and he was a disaster for three months. [Update: Normal struggles returned with 6 ER, 7 K, and 3 BB in 4 IP on Saturday]
Yoendrys Gómez: Probably added for his two-start week (TB, CLE). He should face the Padres next week and the Nationals the next. He’s not talented with long-term signs pointing to mid-4.00 to 5.00 ERA talent. The recent chart below likes him more. Maybe add him for the Nationals start.
Nabil Crismatt: In the middle of a two-start week with the possibility of not starting next week. If he stays in, he’ll be facing the Phillies and the Padres. Being around a 4.50 talent, there are better options (talent and/or rotation spot).
Ryan Bergert: In the middle of a two-start week with the Blue Jays next week and at the Athletics the week after that. Bergert regained some control when he first signed with the Royals, but that fell apart in September with a 6.5 BB/9. A drop for the season.
Mitchell Parker: Was scheduled for two starts this week, but MacKenzie Gore’s return pushed back Parker’s start. Instead of facing the Pirates this week, he is now lined up for the Braves and Mets next week (pass) and possibly the White Sox in the final week. Parker’s horrible (5.09 xFIP, 1.44 WHIP) and likely a drop in all formats.
Kyle Hendricks: He continues his decline and faces the Brewers, at the Rockies, and the Astros. Horrible stretch for a bad pitcher. Just stay away.
| Name | Previous Roster% | Current Roster% | Change |
|---|---|---|---|
| Justin Verlander SP SF | 40% | 45% | 5% |
| Slade Cecconi SP CLE | 38% | 42% | 4% |
| Ryan Bergert SP KC | 34% | 38% | 4% |
| Eduardo Rodriguez SP ARI | 33% | 35% | 2% |
| Cade Cavalli SP WAS | 30% | 39% | 9% |
| Brandon Sproat SP NYM | 26% | 35% | 9% |
| Ryan Weathers SP MIA | 22% | 26% | 4% |
| Jason Alexander SP HOU | 20% | 25% | 5% |
| Mitchell Parker SP WAS | 19% | 20% | 1% |
| Johan Oviedo SP PIT | 12% | 15% | 3% |
| Michael Burrows SP PIT | 12% | 13% | 1% |
| Bryce Elder SP ATL | 11% | 23% | 12% |
| Joey Cantillo RP CLE | 9% | 17% | 8% |
| Yoendrys Gomez SP CHW | 7% | 10% | 3% |
| Kyle Hendricks SP LAA | 7% | 9% | 2% |
| Tyler Wells SP BAL | 5% | 10% | 5% |
| Stephen Kolek SP KC | 5% | 9% | 4% |
| Fernando Cruz RP NYY | 5% | 7% | 2% |
| Nabil Crismatt RP ARI | 4% | 12% | 8% |
| Connelly Early SP BOS | 2% | 26% | 24% |
| Jacob Latz RP TEX | 2% | 5% | 3% |
| Name | IP | BotERA | Pitching+ERA | SwStr% ERA | FBv ERA | SIERA | xFIP | AVG |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Connelly Early | 5.0 | 3.16 | 3.33 | 2.22 | 4.03 | 1.13 | -0.04 | 2.31 |
| Ryan Weathers | 5.0 | 2.85 | 3.02 | 2.18 | 3.73 | 2.42 | 2.47 | 2.78 |
| Mike Burrows | 7.0 | 3.04 | 3.45 | 1.98 | 3.71 | 3.11 | 3.47 | 3.13 |
| Yoendrys Gómez | 10.0 | 4.06 | 3.65 | 3.61 | 4.13 | 3.72 | 3.59 | 3.79 |
| Joey Cantillo | 14.0 | 3.67 | 4.21 | 3.44 | 4.31 | 3.64 | 3.50 | 3.80 |
| Bryce Elder | 17.2 | 4.51 | 4.04 | 3.32 | 4.21 | 3.51 | 3.24 | 3.81 |
| Tyler Wells | 11.2 | 3.85 | 4.44 | 3.14 | 4.17 | 3.55 | 3.92 | 3.85 |
| Cade Cavalli | 10.0 | 4.01 | 3.60 | 4.61 | 3.62 | 3.96 | 3.87 | 3.95 |
| Slade Cecconi | 13.1 | 3.89 | 4.19 | 4.20 | 3.98 | 3.88 | 3.67 | 3.97 |
| Brandon Sproat | 12.0 | 3.95 | 4.12 | 4.46 | 3.76 | 4.17 | 3.50 | 3.99 |
| Justin Verlander | 18.0 | 4.88 | 4.55 | 3.41 | 4.12 | 4.01 | 4.04 | 4.17 |
| Jacob Latz | 11.0 | 3.17 | 3.66 | 4.01 | 4.03 | 5.30 | 4.87 | 4.17 |
| Stephen Kolek | 13.2 | 4.43 | 4.41 | 4.94 | 4.00 | 4.35 | 3.87 | 4.33 |
| Eduardo Rodriguez | 12.1 | 4.53 | 4.60 | 4.36 | 4.28 | 4.32 | 3.99 | 4.35 |
| Mitchell Parker | 12.1 | 4.48 | 4.40 | 3.69 | 4.23 | 5.12 | 4.76 | 4.45 |
| Johan Oviedo | 10.2 | 4.28 | 4.01 | 4.39 | 3.84 | 5.25 | 5.30 | 4.51 |
| Jason Alexander | 12.0 | 4.88 | 4.84 | 4.91 | 4.54 | 4.21 | 3.80 | 4.53 |
| Nabil Crismatt | 10.1 | 4.18 | 4.34 | 4.82 | 4.76 | 4.81 | 4.64 | 4.59 |
| Kyle Hendricks | 13.0 | 3.98 | 4.89 | 4.12 | 5.12 | 5.25 | 4.68 | 4.68 |
| Ryan Bergert | 12.1 | 4.41 | 4.69 | 4.80 | 4.10 | 5.12 | 5.05 | 4.70 |
Relievers: Saves-based results
Shawn Armstrong: Good reliever who is the closer.
Jose Ferrer: Average reliever who is the closer.
Andrew Kittredge: Good reliever who is the closer.
Jordan Leasure: Good reliever who is the closer.
JoJo Romero: Average reliever sharing the closer’s role.
Brad Keller: Good reliever who is the backup closer.
David Robertson: Good reliever who is a step or two away from closing.
Fernando Cruz: Great reliever who is a few steps away from closing.
| Name | Previous Roster% | Current Roster% | Change |
|---|---|---|---|
| JoJo Romero RP STL | 37% | 39% | 2% |
| Jose Ferrer RP WAS | 34% | 41% | 7% |
| Shawn Armstrong RP TEX | 15% | 22% | 7% |
| Brad Keller RP CHC | 9% | 21% | 12% |
| Andrew Kittredge RP CHC | 6% | 8% | 2% |
| Fernando Cruz RP NYY | 5% | 7% | 2% |
| Jordan Leasure RP CHW | 4% | 12% | 8% |
| David Robertson RP PHI | 3% | 5% | 2% |
| Name | G | SV | HLD | BS | gLI | K/9 | BB/9 | FBv | ERA | xFIP | ERA (Steamer) | K/9 (Steamer) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| JoJo Romero | 5 | 2 | 2 | 0 | 2.7 | 8.5 | 2.8 | 93.9 | 0.00 | 3.16 | 2.52 | 8.7 |
| Brad Keller | 5 | 0 | 4 | 0 | 2.2 | 12.6 | 3.6 | 97.5 | 0.00 | 2.15 | 2.61 | 8.9 |
| David Robertson | 6 | 0 | 4 | 1 | 1.5 | 10.1 | 3.4 | 91.0 | 5.06 | 3.45 | 2.66 | 12.5 |
| Shawn Armstrong | 6 | 3 | 1 | 0 | 2.3 | 6.8 | 1.4 | 94.2 | 2.70 | 3.47 | 2.76 | 9.6 |
| Fernando Cruz | 6 | 0 | 3 | 0 | 1.8 | 15.0 | 7.5 | 93.8 | 10.50 | 2.82 | 3.05 | 14.1 |
| Andrew Kittredge | 6 | 2 | 2 | 0 | 2.1 | 11.1 | 0.0 | 95.2 | 0.00 | 0.94 | 3.90 | 9.8 |
| Jordan Leasure | 7 | 3 | 1 | 0 | 2.1 | 10.1 | 2.3 | 96.5 | 0.00 | 3.94 | 4.09 | 11.3 |
| Jose Ferrer | 7 | 5 | 1 | 0 | 1.0 | 8.5 | 4.3 | 98.1 | 2.84 | 3.39 | 4.13 | 7.7 |
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.
Thoughts on Trey Yesavage getting the call this afternoon?
Prescient call, Jason B! You are as brainsome as you are toothsome