Waiver Wire Report (Week 21)
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).
Maikel Garcia: Great source of stolen bases (18) with a decent batting average (.286) and some power (4 HR). Note: Be careful relying on Garcia since he injured himself on Friday and the full extent is not yet known.
Willi Castro: Eight straight starts and 26 SB.
Luis Rengifo: Leads off every day while hitting .295/.362/.589 with 6 HR and 0 SB since the break.
Davis Schneider: Any hitter is going to look great with a .538 BABIP. Once he regresses, he is projected for a balanced output.
Zack Gelof: In under 100 PA, he hit 6 HR and stole six bases. A 30% K% weighs on his .253 AVG.
Johan Rojas: The 5 SB in 67 P is nice when paired with his .306 AVG. He’s not going to hit many home runs with his 51% GB% and 0% Barrel%.
Mike Moustakas: Starts all the time with 7 HR and a .276 AVG since joining the Angels.
Kerry Carpenter: Steady with 13 HR and a .278 AVG in 269 PA.
Jake Bauers: With Rizzo out, Baurer Power (11 HR) is playing most games.
Matt Wallner: Against two of the last three lefties, Wallner has sat with Jordan Luplow playing instead.
Max Kepler: He faces only righties but he crushed them for .298/.343/.585 with 7 HR since the break. Faces five righties next week (2/3).
Michael Massey: Batting third for five straight. Most of his second-half improvements (.594 OPS vs .785 OPS) are from dropping his strikeout rate from 28% to 12%.
Jordan Diaz: Ten straight starts while having 8 HR and a .253 AVG on the season.
Brice Turang: While he continues to play, he provides some power (6 HR) and speed (14 SB) but no batting average help (.222 AVG). I wonder how much longer the Brewers can run out a hitter with a .631 OPS.
Jose Siri. His 37% K% drags his AVG down to .216. He has hit 23 HR with 7 SB in 284 PA.
Mike Tauchman: Strong-side platoon bat (7 HR, 5 SB, .283) with four righties on the schedule (2/2).
David Peralta. On the strong side of a platoon (four righties this week, 2/2) with 7 HR and a .280 AVG.
LaMonte Wade Jr.: Only starts against righties while hitting 11 HR with a .266 AVG this season. Scheduled to face five righties next week (3/2).
Alec Burleson: Starts against most righties with some power (8 HR in 264 PA).
J.P. Martinez: The prospect was just promoted to the majors after hitting a combined .311/.435/.558 with 12 HR and 36 SB in the minors this year. Here are his projected comps.
They aren’t the best real-life hitters but can be productive with steals if getting full-time at-bats (e.g. Willi Castro and Johan Rojas).
Lawrence Butler: The A’s promoted him after hitting for a combined .350/.475/.825, 15 HR, 21 SB in the minors this year. Here are his Steamer600 (ROS) projection comps.
It’s not a good list. Most of his ranking is based on unknown potential.
Enrique Hernández: Started in nine of the last 10 games. Since joining the Dodgers (51 PA), he has posted an 8% K% versus a 21% K% with the Red Sox. His Contact% jumped from 75% (77% is career average) to 91%. I expect the contact to regress to his career average.
Jordan Westburg: He started in seven of the last ten games while hitting .333/.375/.500 in August. After having a 29% K% in July, it’s down to 9% in August. I’m not sure any of it matters. In 113 PA so far, he just has 2 HR and 2 SB. I know he had some prospect pedigree, but it is too late to wait for him to be fantasy relevant.
Luis Urías: He started in six of seven games so far while hitting .211/.286/.263 so far with Boston.
Brandon Belt: Productive (11 HR, .821 OPS), but only starts against righties. The Jays only face three next week (1/2).
Chris Taylor: Starts against all lefties and just a few righties (two lefties next week 1/1). While 12 HR and 10 SB are nice, his .215 AVG (33% K%) is a drag.
Curtis Mead: On a platoon’s short side with just three major league starts (50% K%, just 35% fastballs). Note: Rumors that he might be demoted soon.
Cade Marlowe: Starts against most righties while providing across-the-board production (.326/.420/.558, 2 HR, 2 SB in 50 PA).
Catchers
Yainer Diaz: Started in six of the last 10 games (three as DH). Remains productive (15 HR, .278 AVG).
Freddy Fermin: Started in seven of the last 10 with a .302 AVG and 9 HR.
Mitch Garver: Leading catcher in Texas with Heim on the IL (coming back soon). So far this season, Garver has 8 HR and a .272 AVG.
Gary Sánchez: Seven starts in the last 10 games (one as DH). On fire in August with a 1.087 OPS.
Ryan Jeffers: Providing a nice balance of power (9 HR) and batting average (.284 AVG).
Logan O’Hoppe: Beginning his rehab assignment.
Prospects
Jackson Holliday: Across three minor league levels, the 19-year-old hit .333/.457/.528 with 10 HR and 20 SB in 399 PA.
Jordan Lawlar: In AA, the 21-year-old hit .261/.365/.472 with 15 HR and 33 FB in 405 PA.
Jackson Chourio: In AA, the 19-year-old hit .284/.340/.471 with 17 HR and 32 SB in 435 PA.
Luisangel Acuña: In AA, the 21-year-old hit .302/.366/.429 with 7 HR and 48 SB in 446 PA.
Pete Crow-Armstrong: Across two minor league levels, the 21-year-old hit .285/.376/.523 with 16 HR and 30 SB in 386 P.
Ceddanne Rafaela: Across two minor league levels, the 22-year-old hit .303/.344/.523 with 18 HR and 34 SB in 423 PA.
Everson Pereira: Across two minor league levels, the 22-year-old hit .308/.372/.556 with 16 HR and 8 SB in 312 PA.
Masyn Winn: In AAA, the 21-year-old hit .286/.356/.467 with 17 HR and 17 SB.
| Name | Previous Roster% | Current Roster% | Change |
|---|---|---|---|
| Maikel Garcia 3B KC | 38% | 45% | 7% |
| Jordan Westburg 2B BAL | 37% | 39% | 2% |
| Yainer Diaz C HOU | 36% | 41% | 5% |
| LaMonte Wade 1B SF | 34% | 36% | 2% |
| Jackson Holliday SS BAL | 32% | 34% | 2% |
| Jackson Chourio CF MIL | 31% | 33% | 2% |
| Luis Rengifo 2B LAA | 28% | 37% | 9% |
| Zack Gelof 3B OAK | 28% | 35% | 7% |
| Willi Castro LF MIN | 28% | 32% | 4% |
| Gary Sanchez C SD | 27% | 36% | 9% |
| Jose Siri CF TB | 26% | 28% | 2% |
| Logan O’Hoppe C LAA | 26% | 28% | 2% |
| Jordan Lawlar SS ARI | 23% | 25% | 2% |
| Mitch Garver C TEX | 22% | 29% | 7% |
| Max Kepler RF MIN | 20% | 34% | 14% |
| Kerry Carpenter RF DET | 19% | 23% | 4% |
| Chris Taylor LF LAD | 18% | 20% | 2% |
| Curtis Mead 3B TB | 17% | 20% | 3% |
| Pete Crow-Armstrong CF CHC | 17% | 19% | 2% |
| Mike Tauchman LF CHC | 16% | 32% | 16% |
| Masyn Winn SS STL | 16% | 19% | 3% |
| David Peralta LF LAD | 15% | 17% | 2% |
| Luis Urias 2B BOS | 15% | 17% | 2% |
| Luisangel Acuna 2B NYM | 13% | 15% | 2% |
| Enrique Hernandez 2B LAD | 12% | 15% | 3% |
| Matt Wallner RF MIN | 11% | 21% | 10% |
| Brice Turang 2B MIL | 10% | 17% | 7% |
| Michael Massey 2B KC | 9% | 11% | 2% |
| Brandon Belt DH TOR | 8% | 11% | 3% |
| Ceddanne Rafaela 3B BOS | 8% | 11% | 3% |
| Mike Moustakas 3B LAA | 7% | 14% | 7% |
| Everson Pereira LF NYY | 7% | 9% | 2% |
| Johan Rojas CF PHI | 4% | 12% | 8% |
| Jordan Diaz 2B OAK | 4% | 8% | 4% |
| Alec Burleson LF STL | 4% | 7% | 3% |
| Cade Marlowe LF SEA | 4% | 6% | 2% |
| Ryan Jeffers C MIN | 3% | 10% | 7% |
| Jake Bauers RF NYY | 3% | 9% | 6% |
| Freddy Fermin C KC | 2% | 10% | 8% |
| Lawrence Butler RF OAK | 2% | 7% | 5% |
| Davis Schneider 2B TOR | 1% | 35% | 34% |
| Julio Pablo Martinez CF TEX | 0% | 2% | 2% |
Starting Pitchers
Zack Littell: I targeted Littell over Ragans because I figured the Rays would win more games than the Royals. I still think Littell is the one to target. His job is safe with all the injuries to the Rays. Over his last three starts, he has a 2.65 ERA, 3.91xFIP, 5.3 K/9, 1.12 WHIP, and 2 Wins.
Steven Matz: Since returning as a starter on July 9th, he posted a 1.65 ERA (3.65 xFIP), 9.1 K/9, and .189 WHIP. His biggest change is throwing more strikes.
Cole Ragans: The Royals have moved him away from his four-seamer (11% SwStr%) and introduced a slider (32% SwStr%). There could be a ton more upside if he dumped his curve (9% SwStr%) and cutter (8% SwStr%).
Chase Silseth: Since rejoining the rotation in July, he has a 2.04 ERA, 13.3 K/9, and 0.79 WHIP. He leaned into his splitter (20% SwStr%) and slider (16% SwStr%) while dumping his cutter (14% SwStr%).
Brady Singer: He started throwing his change more on July 8th. From that point on, he posted a 3.96 ERA (3.48 xFIP), 7.9 K/9, and 1.11 WHIP.
Brandon Pfaadt: His 7.16 ERA might scare others away but he has performed better since returning from AAA (4.24 ERA, 4.08 xFIP, 8.1 K/9, 1.03 WHIP).
Emerson Hancock: The 24-year-old struggled in AA with a 3.5 BB/9 before his promotion to the majors where he walked three batters in five innings. Now, he did just have a 34% Ball% that points to a 2.3 BB/9. A roster-and-hold and see how his next couple of starts go. Or gamble on next week’s two-step (@KC, @HOU).
Tanner Houck: Should join Boston’s rotation in a week or two.
John Means: Threw 28 pitches in his first rehab start.
Jesse Scholtens: I’m gaining interest in Scholtens for several reasons. First, his fastball velocity has slowly been climbing.
In his last two games, both starts, he used his curve (15% SwStr%) more. Finally, he lowered his walk rate from 4.3 BB/9 before June 1st to 1.6 BB/9 after June 1st. The changes are small but at least he is trending up.
Nick Martinez: In his last three appearances (two were starts), he threw 38, 22, and then 53 pitches. As a starter, he has just a 6.2 K/9 in 30 IP. Also, there is a chance he never rejoins the rotation. Gamble.
Jameson Taillon: His STUFFF numbers point to an average or better pitcher (103 Pitching+, 55 BotOverall), but the results don’t match up (5.17 ERA, 4.66 xFIP, 1.34 WHIP, and 7.9 K/9).
Luis Medina: A 5.6 BB/9 (1.50 WHIP) since June 25th has nearly made him unrosterable.
Paul Blackburn: He might be streamable (4.52 ERA, 1.55 WHIP, 9.1 K/9) against a near-perfect matchup.
David Peterson: In two starts since rejoining the rotation, he has not reached the 4th inning or 65 pitches. His issue remains the walks (3.9 BB/9, 1.61 WHIP).
Hyun Jin Ryu 류현진: His knee hurts and he might not make his next start. It is tough to get excited for a starter with an 89-mph fastball.
Joan Adon: Adon has shown great STUFFF for a while, and it seems like he got his walks (2.6 BB/9, 36% Ball%, 2.9 equivBB/9) under control. This season, he revamped his pitch mix with fewer four-seamers (69% usage to 42%) and more of the other pitches. His curve (13% SwStr%) and slider (11% SwStr%) are his better secondary offering. Improved but is still not rosterable.
Dakota Hudson: I guess if I have to write something nice, he has a 49% GB%. The rest of his profile right now is … not nice.
Randy Vásquez: A 1.89 ERA (.182 BABIP, 94% LOB%) to pair with a 5.98 xFIP. Regression is coming.
Yonny Chirinos: He has no good traits with the best aspect being a 2.8 BB/9.
Xzavion Curry: Curry transitioned from relieving (3.06 ERA, 6.5 K/9, 1.8 BB/9) to starting (3.97 ERA, 6.65 xFIP, 4.7 K/9, 4.3 BB/9) and it has not been smooth. I’m not buying in yet.
Brandon Williamson: A 3.5 BB/9 and 1.6 HR/9 (35% GB%). He earned his 4.54 ERA and 5.20 xERA.
Matthew Liberatore: There is no sugarcoating it, the 23-year-old has been horrible all season. In his two August starts, he has his xFIP down to 4.57. He upped the use of his change during that stretch but it has not performed well (5% SwStr%, 60% GB%).
Austin Gomber and Peter Lambert : Why sigh …
Dallas Keuchel; What in the hell is he doing back in the majors? In 6 IP, he had 0 K and 4 BB. Pass.
| Name | Previous Roster% | Current Roster% | Change |
|---|---|---|---|
| Steven Matz SP STL | 37% | 55% | 18% |
| Brady Singer SP KC | 37% | 55% | 18% |
| Jameson Taillon SP CHC | 34% | 51% | 17% |
| Hyun-Jin Ryu SP TOR | 31% | 37% | 6% |
| Brandon Pfaadt SP ARI | 25% | 31% | 6% |
| Austin Gomber SP COL | 18% | 20% | 2% |
| Nick Martinez RP SD | 16% | 18% | 2% |
| Brandon Williamson SP CIN | 15% | 25% | 10% |
| Matt Brash RP SEA | 14% | 23% | 9% |
| Yonny Chirinos SP ATL | 13% | 21% | 8% |
| Carlos Hernandez RP KC | 13% | 15% | 2% |
| Tanner Houck SP BOS | 13% | 14% | 1% |
| Matthew Liberatore SP STL | 12% | 15% | 3% |
| Luis Medina SP OAK | 12% | 13% | 1% |
| John Means SP BAL | 11% | 14% | 3% |
| Paul Blackburn SP OAK | 10% | 15% | 5% |
| Chase Silseth RP LAA | 9% | 43% | 34% |
| Emerson Hancock SP SEA | 8% | 26% | 18% |
| David Peterson SP NYM | 8% | 10% | 2% |
| Cole Ragans SP KC | 7% | 51% | 44% |
| Dakota Hudson RP STL | 4% | 11% | 7% |
| Randy Vasquez SP NYY | 3% | 6% | 3% |
| Peter Lambert RP COL | 3% | 5% | 2% |
| Zack Littell RP TB | 2% | 13% | 11% |
| Jesse Scholtens P CHW | 2% | 6% | 4% |
| Xzavion Curry RP CLE | 2% | 6% | 4% |
| Dallas Keuchel SP MIN | 2% | 5% | 3% |
| Joan Adon RP WAS | 0% | 4% | 4% |
Relievers: Save-based ranks
Gregory Santos: Good reliever who is the closer.
Giovanny Gallegos: Good reliever who is temporarily the closer.
Trevor May: Below-average reliever who is the closer.
Justin Lawrence: Below-average reliever who is the closer.
Carlos Hernandez: Below-average reliever who still may be the closer.
Beau Brieske: Average reliever who might be the closer.
Reynaldo López: Fine reliever who is the backup for a closer on the hot seat.
Matt Brash: Great reliever who is the backup closer.
Bryan Abreu: Good reliever who might be the backup closer.
Hector Neris: Good reliever who might be the backup closer.
Griffin Jax: Good reliever who is the backup closer.
| Name | Previous Roster% | Current Roster% | Change |
|---|---|---|---|
| Giovanny Gallegos RP STL | 37% | 38% | 1% |
| Bryan Abreu RP HOU | 26% | 28% | 2% |
| Gregory Santos RP CHW | 23% | 25% | 2% |
| Justin Lawrence RP COL | 23% | 24% | 1% |
| Hector Neris RP HOU | 21% | 22% | 1% |
| Trevor May RP OAK | 16% | 20% | 4% |
| Matt Brash RP SEA | 14% | 23% | 9% |
| Carlos Hernandez RP KC | 13% | 15% | 2% |
| Reynaldo Lopez RP LAA | 5% | 6% | 1% |
| Griffin Jax RP MIN | 4% | 5% | 1% |
| Peter Lambert RP COL | 3% | 5% | 2% |
| Beau Brieske 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.
8 shutout innings from Libby and he faces Oakland this week. But the comment is just that he has been awful all year?
He might be a streamer against the A’s depending upon league size, but based upon his underlying numbers including his control and xFIP, it isn’t a leap of faith I would take based upon one start.
I saw a couple innings of that game. He looked superb.
The author’s comment is more than he has been awful all year. Provides some reasoning actually (did you miss the other words maybe?) And he has been awful all season by the way. One good start doesn’t make that untrue.