Fantasy Baseball Waiver Wire Picks: Unlocking Hidden Gems
In the ever-evolving landscape of fantasy baseball, the waiver wire is a treasure trove waiting to be explored. It's where you can find the next big breakout star, the hidden gem that will propel your team to victory. Today, we delve into the world of waiver wire picks, uncovering the players who could be the difference between a good season and a championship run.
Top Priority Players to Add
Connor Prielipp (MIN) – SP
Connor Prielipp is a 25-year-old left-handed pitcher who has been quietly making waves in the Twins' rotation. With a 3.32 ERA and a 1.00 WHIP through four starts, Prielipp has demonstrated impressive command and a complete arsenal. What makes him particularly fascinating is his ability to keep his heater up in the strike zone, while also firing his curveball and sliders low. However, his downside is that the Twins will likely curtail his workload, given that he hasn't reached 100 IP in a single season yet. In my opinion, Prielipp is a worthy addition for any fantasy manager, as his potential as a contributor is clear.
Tyler O'Neill (BAL) – OF
Tyler O'Neill, a 30-year-old veteran, has been a bit of a ghost this season, hitting just .185. However, his career 19.6% HR/FB rate places him 14th among all qualified hitters over the past five seasons combined. What makes O'Neill particularly interesting is his untapped potential. Last year, he was just not healthy, but when he was, he banged 31 home runs with a 133 wRC+ across 473 games. Personally, I think O'Neill is worth a watch list spot, as his big-time power could be a game-changer for any fantasy team.
Luis García Jr. (WSN) – 1B, 2B
Luis García Jr. is a 20-year-old phenom who has been productive since his debut six years ago. In 2024, he stole 22 bases and hit 18 home runs across a career-high 528 PAs. What makes García Jr. particularly fascinating is his exceptional ability to put the ball in play (115 contact) and average-ish power. In my opinion, he is an extremely aggressive hitter, so those in OBP leagues might want to look elsewhere. However, in standard leagues, his ability to put the ball in play and average power make him a relevant option.
Yahoo and ESPN Most Added Players
J.T. Ginn (PHI)
J.T. Ginn bulldozed the Phillies last Thursday, but there was a good bit of flukiness involved. Ginn remains a risky option, even against a lineup that doesn't have much star power like the Cardinals. His home park won't do him any favors either. In my opinion, Ginn is not a reliable option, despite his recent success.
Matthew Liberatore (LAD)
Matthew Liberatore had a similarly successful outing his last time out against the Padres, but he also remains a risky option with a limited ceiling. I'm not excited about his 7.3% K-BB rate. Liberatore's success is not sustainable, and his limited ceiling makes him a poor addition for any fantasy team.
Ezequiel Duran (TEX)
Ezequiel Duran, a former Yankee farmhand, is slashing .296/.369/.480 and looks like a pretty decent addition, especially if you are one of the many fantasy managers struggling to find a worthwhile second baseman. At 25, it wouldn't be too surprising to see him develop a little more pop. In my opinion, Duran is a solid addition, as his potential for growth is clear.
Speculative Adds
Brandon Sproat (MIL) – SP
Brandon Sproat limped into Tuesday night's start against the Padres with ghastly results, but he put together his past start, earning his first win and a King Cole. Sproat has flashed some interesting ability and was a key part of the Peralta trade this past offseason. Those in deep leagues might want to scoop him up to see if he can get some momentum. In my opinion, Sproat is worth a shot, as his potential for growth is clear.
Kyle Teel (CWS) – C
Kyle Teel held his own last year and then some, hitting .273 with a 125 wRC+ across 297 PAs as a rookie. His spot in the middle of the White Sox batting order and prospect pedigree should make him instantly fantasy-relevant. Teel's potential for growth is clear, and his position in the batting order makes him a solid addition for any fantasy team.
Grayson Rodriguez (LAA) SP
Grayson Rodriguez last pitched in 2024, when he posted a 19.1% K-BB across 20 starts with the O's. He fanned 11 and tossed 94 pitches during a rehab start with Single-A Rancho Cucamonga this past Sunday, and could potentially return to the Halos' rotation this Sunday in time to face the Dodgers. It's anyone's guess what he looks like after the long layoff, but he certainly has the talent to be fantasy-relevant. In my opinion, Rodriguez is worth a shot, as his potential for a big return is clear.
Streaming Pitchers
Chase Dollander (COL) – SP, RP
Chase Dollander struggled with fastball command in his last appearance, which came at sea level in Philly. Still, his heater has looked so good at times that I want to give him another shot, especially with this being away from his dreadful home park. Dollander's potential for growth is clear, and his away games could be a game-changer for any fantasy team.
Dustin May (STL) – SP
Dustin May has been a few ticks below average as a whole with a 97 team wRC+, but I'm a little interested to see if May can build upon a season-best seven strikeouts his last time out against the Padres. May's potential for growth is clear, and his ability to build upon his recent success could be a game-changer for any fantasy team.
Deep League Players to Watch
Dominic Smith (ATL) – 1B
Dominic Smith was once the jewel of the Mets' minor leagues, but it didn't quite work out. However, he has been really productive this season, slashing .363/.391/.550 in limited action with the Braves. Smith's PLV metrics, including a 113 Power and 128 Process, have me intrigued. In my opinion, Smith is worth a shot, as his potential for growth is clear.
In conclusion, the waiver wire is a treasure trove of hidden gems waiting to be discovered. From young pitchers with untapped potential to veterans with big-time power, there are plenty of options for fantasy managers to explore. By carefully considering each player's potential for growth and their fit within your team, you can unlock the secrets of the waiver wire and take your fantasy baseball team to new heights.
