Waiver Wire Report (Week 19)
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
The designation of (X/Y) shows the discussed pitchers (e.g. right handed) the batter is to face this week. The first number is the first half (Monday to Thursday) count with Y being those to be faced in the week’s second half (Friday to Saturday).
Jose Siri: While Siri doesn’t start each game, he’s been productive this season (.229 AVG, 20 HR, 7 SB).
Will Benson: Started in 13 of 14 games while hitting .278/.384/.517 with 7 HR and 10 SB on the season.
Willi Castro: Multi-position eligible with speed (26 SB) and some power (5 HR).
Jon Berti: He’s started in seven of the last eight games while hitting .379/.432/.697 with 2 SB during that stretch. He is a stolen base difference maker when playing.
Edouard Julien: The slugger (10 HR, 2 SB, .930 OPS) continues to only start against righties (.348 OPS vs LHP) with the Twins scheduled to face five next week (2/3).
Sal Frelick: He’s preforming as expected, high on-base rate, no power (.438/.565/.688).
Randal Grichuk: So far in July, he is hitting .340/.375/.679 with 5 HR. He might be more than a home (.919 OPS at home, .782 on the road) streaming option. His value plummets if he is traded out of Colorado.
Wilmer Flores: He plays most of the time (eight of last 10 games) and been on fire in July (.379/.432/.697, 5 HR).
Alex Kirilloff: Solid bat (.271/.360/.448, 8 HR) who plays every day.
Travis Jankowski: Bats second against righties (.800 OPS, 1 HR, 15 SB). Projected to face five righties next week (3/2).
Carlos Santana: A fine hitter who is now on the Brewers. The biggest issue at this point is how much will Santana play? The switch hitter doesn’t have much of a career platoon split (.815 vs .775), so playing time should be there. Should.
Mike Moustakas: He’s starting all the time at third base while hitting OK (.267/.308/.465, 5 HR) since joining the Angels.
Matt Wallner: He has 10 straight starts while hitting .268/.388/.518 with 4 HR and 1 SB in 67 PA. Interesting option if he keeps the playing time with Buxton expected back soon.
Luis Rengifo: His playing time has solidified (eight straight starts) since he’s hitting .279/.353/.623 with 5 HR in July. He’s a second half player.
JJ Bleday: He’s playing all the time and hitting for power (8 HR) and speed (5 SB).
Andruw Monasterio: In 101 PA, the 26-year-old has been good (.307/.391/.416, 1 HR, 4 SB). The only issue will be if his playing at at third base goes away once Brian Anderson comes off the IL.
Mike Tauchman: Hitting (.261/.360/.394, 5 HR, 3 SB) while on the strong-side platoon.
Ryan O’Hearn: A strong-side platoon bat (.302/.346/.523, 9 HR) who will face four righties (2/2) this week.
Max Kepler: A fine streaming option (14 HR, .721 OPS) when the team is faces some righties (5 next week, 2/3).
Brendan Rodgers: He’s played five games in high-A and four games in AAA (1.221 OPS). In leagues where he can be picked up, grab him.
Marco Luciano: So far, he has two starts against righties where the league is not throwing him any fastballs (40%) and he has a 27% SwStr%. I don’t think the 21-year-old is ready for the majors.
Catchers
Connor Wong: Balanced (.255 AVG, 6 HR, 4 SB) catcher option.
Luis Campusano: Started in seven of nine games since coming off the IL while hitting for .280/.302/.460 with 2 HR.
Yan Gomes: Started in eight of the last 10 games (3 at DH). On the season, he is hitting for .274/.319/.434 with 8 HR.
Danny Jansen: Hitting for power (14 HR), but not much else.
Mitch Garver: It’ll be interesting to see how much Garver (.767 OPS) catches with Heim on the IL.
| Name | Previous Roster% | Current Roster% | Change |
|---|---|---|---|
| Edouard Julien 2B MIN | 40% | 60% | 20% |
| Alex Kirilloff 1B MIN | 39% | 53% | 14% |
| Carlos Santana 1B MIL | 34% | 36% | 2% |
| Danny Jansen C TOR | 31% | 34% | 3% |
| Sal Frelick RF MIL | 27% | 61% | 34% |
| Jose Siri CF TB | 27% | 28% | 1% |
| Will Benson LF CIN | 24% | 35% | 11% |
| Wilmer Flores 1B SF | 22% | 36% | 14% |
| Willi Castro LF MIN | 22% | 24% | 2% |
| Jon Berti SS MIA | 18% | 20% | 2% |
| Marco Luciano SS SF | 16% | 30% | 14% |
| Yan Gomes C CHC | 16% | 19% | 3% |
| Mitch Garver DH TEX | 15% | 17% | 2% |
| Luis Rengifo 2B LAA | 14% | 18% | 4% |
| Randal Grichuk RF COL | 14% | 17% | 3% |
| Max Kepler RF MIN | 13% | 16% | 3% |
| Ryan O’Hearn 1B BAL | 12% | 14% | 2% |
| Brendan Rodgers 2B COL | 8% | 9% | 1% |
| Connor Wong C BOS | 7% | 9% | 2% |
| Travis Jankowski LF TEX | 6% | 9% | 3% |
| Luis Campusano C SD | 6% | 9% | 3% |
| J.J. Bleday LF OAK | 6% | 8% | 2% |
| Mike Moustakas 1B LAA | 4% | 7% | 3% |
| Mike Tauchman LF CHC | 4% | 6% | 2% |
| Matt Wallner RF MIN | 2% | 6% | 4% |
| Andruw Monasterio 3B MIL | 1% | 3% | 2% |
Starting Pitchers
Kutter Crawford: He has been great (3.86 ERA, 1.09 WHIP, 8.9 K/9). Should be rostered in all leagues.
Cristopher Sánchez: While he hasn’t gotten a Win in eight starts, he’s been dominate (2.98 ERA, 3.33 xFIP, 8.1 K/9, 0.97 WHIP).
Steven Matz: Since returning to the rotation, he has a 2.18 ERA, 10.9 K/9, and 0.92. The biggest change is that he has moved away from his curveball (8% SwStr%) and is throwing changeup (15% SwStr%) more. You don’t need to be a robot to add Matz.
Ross Stripling: He rejoined the rotation in July. Since then he has a 4.03 ERA, 3.43 xFIP, 1.07 WHIP, and 6.5 K/9. He’s just quit walking guys with just one this month.
Michael Grove: A fine streaming option whose overall line (6.19 ERA) sucks but he has been great in July (3.66 ERA, 3.66 xFIP, 1.47 WHIP, 8.7 K/9). The two improvements have been getting his walks down (2.3 BB/9) and groundballs up (48% GB%). Additionally, he added a cutter (18% SwStr%, 46% GB%).
Ben Lively 라이블리: Home runs (1.8 HR/9) have been hurting him, but a 8.3 K/9 and 2.3 BB/9 will play. His 16% K%-BB% is comparable to Bradish, Cobb, and Eovaldi. Not great, but not horrible.
Johan Oviedo: He’s got a decent two-step this week (vs DET, at MIL). While he racks up a decent number of strikeouts (8.1 K/9), his walks (3.8 BB/9, 1.35 WHIP) is a WHIP killer.
José Quintana: While the results have been fine (3.27 ERA, 1.36 WHIP), regression could be coming. As of now (could be traded), he is scheduled for at two-step at Kansas City and at Baltimore.
Jameson Taillon: He’s getting hit around (.317 BABIP, 1.5 HR/9) but decent otherwise (7.9 K/9, 2.6 BB/9). I’m not scared off by his home start against the Reds next week.
Hyun Jin Ryu 류현진: He’s supposed to come off the IL and throw on Tuesday. A roster-and-monitor.
Johnny Cueto: Cueto is interesting with his fastball velocity up over 1 mph and a 7.9 K/9 and 2.3 BB/9 (updated with Saturday’s start) this season. It would look even better if his 1 IP start (4 ER, 3 H, 1 BB) before going on the IL is ignored. Streaming option depending on the matchup (vs PHI next week).
Colin Rea: A fine streaming option (4.52 ERA, 1.19 xFIP, 7.4 K/9) depending on the matchup. Next week he’s scheduled to face the Pirates.
Luis Medina: In four tough games (HOU, CWS, BOSx2) since June 30th, the 24-year-old righty has a 2.49 ERA, 3.63 xFIP, 10.4 K/9, and 1.20 WHIP. The biggest improvement was dropping his walk rate from 4.8 K/9 to 4.2 K/9. He could improve even more if he halves the walk rate. Also, he has been reworking his pitch mix during the improvement period.
It sucks that he is on Oakland and just won’t get many Wins but he seems to be heading in the right direction.
Nick Pivetta: He’s sort of a starter but has been shoving since going to the bullpen (1.98 ERA, 3.12 xFIP, 12.7 K/9, and 0.80 WHIP). Over his last six games, he’s averaged over four innings.
Yonny Chirinos: Middle reliever divider. He doesn’t hurt or help a fantasy team, he’s just there. His best chance for a Win (3 of the 4) comes when he is a reliever because he averages just over 4 IP per appearance.
Brandon Pfaadt: He’s been so hittable (3.4 HR/9, .316 BABIP, 1.64 WHIP). While the prospect has potential, he is unstartable right now.
Brandon Bielak: While his 3.62 ERA is fine, his 1.45 WHIP is not. Nor the 1.6 HR/9. Strictly a Win streamer.
Graham Ashcraft: While he has a 2.31 ERA (90% LOB%) in July, nothing else points to him being a decent pitcher (5.8 K/9, 4.2 BB/9, 1.41 WHIP, 5.13 xFIP). His WHIP is unplayable in a Roto league.
Brandon Williamson: I guess the two Runs he allowed to the Dodgers has him on radars. In that same game, he walked more batters (4) than he struck out (2). A 5.00 ERA talent.
Ryne Nelson: He’s scheduled for two starts against the Giants and Twins. He has been a horrible pitcher this season (5.9 K/9, 1.41 WHIP, 4.97 ERA, 5.14 xFIP) and seems to be getting worse (5.43 xFIP in July).
Patrick Corbin: Why is the guy with a 5.70 ERA, 1.61 WHIP, and 7.2 K/9 in July being rostered?
Adam Wainwright: Don’t even think of it. The team is trying to get the 6.00 ERA talent to 200 Wins (needs two) so they may keep him in, even if he’s struggling, for five innings so he can qualify for a Win.
Chase Silseth: Lost his rotation spot when the Angels traded for Giolito.
Pitching Prospects
Connor Phillips: In 22 AAA IP, the 22-year-old has an 11.1 K/9, 2.38 ERA, and 1.50 WHIP (6.8 BB/9).
| Name | Previous Roster% | Current Roster% | Change |
|---|---|---|---|
| Johan Oviedo SP PIT | 35% | 36% | 1% |
| Nick Pivetta RP BOS | 33% | 41% | 8% |
| Graham Ashcraft SP CIN | 32% | 38% | 6% |
| Cristopher Sanchez SP PHI | 28% | 38% | 10% |
| Ryne Nelson SP ARI | 26% | 32% | 6% |
| Jameson Taillon SP CHC | 25% | 28% | 3% |
| Ben Lively SP CIN | 23% | 28% | 5% |
| Kutter Crawford SP BOS | 21% | 24% | 3% |
| Brandon Pfaadt SP ARI | 21% | 24% | 3% |
| Adam Wainwright SP STL | 21% | 22% | 1% |
| Jose Quintana SP NYM | 20% | 25% | 5% |
| Brandon Bielak SP HOU | 19% | 24% | 5% |
| Hyun-Jin Ryu SP TOR | 18% | 24% | 6% |
| Steven Matz SP STL | 16% | 22% | 6% |
| Patrick Corbin SP WAS | 16% | 18% | 2% |
| Ross Stripling SP SF | 13% | 15% | 2% |
| Colin Rea SP MIL | 13% | 15% | 2% |
| Brandon Williamson SP CIN | 9% | 11% | 2% |
| Yonny Chirinos SP ATL | 8% | 9% | 1% |
| Johnny Cueto SP MIA | 7% | 15% | 8% |
| Connor Phillips SP CIN | 6% | 9% | 3% |
| Chase Silseth RP LAA | 5% | 9% | 4% |
| Luis Medina SP OAK | 5% | 8% | 3% |
| Michael Grove SP LAD | 5% | 8% | 3% |
Relievers: Save-based ranks
Adbert Alzolay: Good reliever who is the closer.
Kyle Finnegan: OK reliever who is the closer.
Joel Payamps: Good reliever who is the backup closer.
Justin Lawrence: Below-average reliever who is the closer.
Trevor May: Below-average reliever who is the closer.
Carlos Hernandez: OK reliever who is the backup closer for someone who is likely to be traded.
Brooks Raley 레일리: Good reliever who may be the closer.
Adam Ottavino: Below-average reliever who may be the closer.
Kevin Ginkel: OK reliever who is still the closer until the team trades for someone better.
Gregory Santos: Good reliever who is the closer for now. He may keep the closer’s role if Liam Hendriks is traded.
Robert Suarez: Good reliever who is the backup closer.
Jason Foley: Good reliever who is the backup closer.
Tanner Scott: Good reliever who is a couple steps away from closing.
Ian Gibaut: Below-average reliever who is a couple steps away from closing.
| Name | Previous Roster% | Current Roster% | Change |
|---|---|---|---|
| Kyle Finnegan RP WAS | 37% | 41% | 4% |
| Adbert Alzolay RP CHC | 36% | 47% | 11% |
| Joel Payamps RP MIL | 22% | 26% | 4% |
| Justin Lawrence RP COL | 21% | 24% | 3% |
| Tanner Scott RP MIA | 20% | 23% | 3% |
| Adam Ottavino RP NYM | 17% | 21% | 4% |
| Kevin Ginkel RP ARI | 12% | 25% | 13% |
| Trevor May RP OAK | 12% | 14% | 2% |
| Jason Foley RP DET | 6% | 7% | 1% |
| Brooks Raley RP NYM | 5% | 12% | 7% |
| Robert Suarez RP SD | 5% | 7% | 2% |
| Ian Gibaut RP CIN | 3% | 5% | 2% |
| Carlos Hernandez RP KC | 3% | 4% | 1% |
| Gregory Santos RP CHW | 2% | 7% | 5% |
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.
“ Patrick Corbin: Why is the guy with a 5.70 ERA, 1.61 WHIP, and 7.2 K/9 in July being rostered?”
You asked this last week too. He had a 2-start week last week with favorable matchups. That’s the only reason. Now his ownership will drop.