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Welcome RotoBallers to the next edition of our fantasy baseball waiver wire pickups for hitters. These fantasy baseball waiver wire pickups are for the week of April 15 - April 21, looking at players below ~50% rostered on ESPN or Yahoo.
We'll be doing this points league roundup every week here at RotoBaller because we know points players get neglected and we're here to help. Player values can vary wildly from platform to platform, so we'll make sure to highlight where players are the best and worst fits, with waiver wire targets being evaluated in terms of the different scoring systems on ESPN, Yahoo, CBS, Fantrax, and NFBC.
Position eligibility is taken from NFBC and players are grouped by their most valuable fantasy position, using a hierarchy of C > 2B > OF > 3B > 1B > SS. Stats and rankings for charts are calculated using games through Saturday, April 13.
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Early Season Waiver Wire Caveats
Roster% Thresholds
We use a combination of Roster% to assess who is in our target pool, relying mostly on Yahoo and ESPN. For some players, you'll notice a wide discrepancy between the two. This is because ESPN's Roster% is heavily weighted by points players, with guys who don't do well in their system (often because of an inflated K% but also sometimes, who really knows?) lagging behind the Yahoo Roster%.
For this reason, you'll sometimes see players (especially early) who might make you question my sanity in including them in a waiver wire article. For example, Christian Encarnacion-Strand has a 98% Roster% on NFBC and is at 91% on Yahoo, but on ESPN, he's only at 29% -- hence, we'll include him.
First Base Waiver Wire Pickups
Best Choices
Ryan Mountcastle, BAL, 1B (Yahoo: 72%, ESPN: 25%) - Mountcastle is now slashing .314/.383/.529 over his 60 PA, with a 15% K% and 12% BB% -- I mean, what are we doing, ESPN pointers? There's nothing to dislike in Mountcastle's profile and yet he's still sitting in the bargain bin. Correct this, if possible.
Michael Busch, CHC, 1B/3B (Yahoo: 34%, ESPN: 8%) - We talked last week about how time might be running out on the chance to roster Busch but that time may be now once everyone notices his current three-game HR streak. Do be aware that all rookies come with streaks of growing pains and they might come for Busch this week, as the lefty is scheduled to face left-handed starters in four of seven games.
Ty France, SEA, 1B (Yahoo: 14%, ESPN: 11%) - This is a great week to channel your inner francophile, and not just because France gets a series in Colorado. There is also the fact that he has a .281 AVG and .369 OBP, while his puny .308 wOBA is backed by an elite .393 xwOBA. Go get him.
Next Choices
Josh Bell, MIA, 1B (Yahoo: 27%, ESPN: 35%) - Bell is a classic example of not being able to judge a points book by its stat cover, with a usable 117 APR even though a .200/.313/.327 is downright dismal. Bell continues to collect a pile of PAs, with a 19% K% and 12% BB%, and will get a week of decent matchups, facing two LHP and a manageable Cubs rotation for four games.
Anthony Rizzo, NYY, 1B (Yahoo: 45%, ESPN: 20%) - Is Rizzo usable -- umm, sure. Should you be using him outside of desperate times -- umm, probably not. Particularly not in a week where he'll face LHP in two of his six games, in addition to tough matchups against the Blue Jays and Rays.
Desperate Choices
Andrew Vaughn, 1B, CHW (Yahoo: 31%, ESPN: 9%) - You know what I'm going to say -- Vaughn is very mid but can be usable if you need an unexciting placeholder. Not for me, especially in a week with no LHP scheduled and matchups with Aaron Nola and Zack Wheeler over the weekend.
Wilmer Flores, SF, 1B/3B (Yahoo: 5%, ESPN: 12%) - Flores will probably still have a points-friendly profile but also starts too inconsistently vs. RHP to be relied upon in most leagues. In Week 4, San Francisco plays four of its seven games vs. LHP (only two total vs. LHP in the three weeks prior), so expect Flores to get plenty of run before fading back into fantasy obscurity.
Connor Joe, PIT, 1B/OF (Yahoo: 51%, ESPN: 44%) - Joe's Roster% has finally ballooned up but just in time for the ol' letdown to begin. With only one LHP on the board and some tough matchups at New York (Mets) and against Boston, I wouldn't bank on a turnaround this week.
On the IL
- Nathaniel Lowe, TEX, 1B (strained oblique - rehab assignment)
- DJ LeMahieu, NYY, 1B/3B (foot fracture - no timetable)
Second Base Waiver Wire Pickups
Best Choices
Brendan Donovan, STL, 2B/OF (Yahoo: 58%, ESPN: 22%) - Really, Donovan still hasn't been snagged from a majority of wires? I'll be honest; it doesn't make a whole hell of a lot of sense -- at least, not any more than it did this time last week. Donovan has a 47 APR for the season via two HR, 10 R, and eight RBI, while slashing .288/.397/.519 with a 10% BB% and minuscule 14% K%. Playing and raking every day, Donovan is going to be an upgrade to your team in all but the shallowest of leagues.
Jonathan India, CIN, 2B (Yahoo: 72%, ESPN: 20%) - His scoring won't get exciting until he taps into at least a little bit of power, but the reason India continues to run around a 100 APR is due to the elite discipline over bunches of playing time. Over 61 PA, India has a 21% BB% and just a 15% K% with a .410 OBP, while a .336 xBA says better things are on the way in regards to his not great .217 AVG.
Jose Caballero, TB, 2B/SS (Yahoo: 49%, ESPN: 14%) - Forget what I said last week in regards to worrying about his playing time vs. LHP, as Caballero continues starting (and hitting) against them, slashing .385/.429/.462 over his first 15 PA against in 2024. Not to mention a 23% K% (career 28% K%) that is backed by a career-best (by four points!) 11% SwStr%. As long as he has an everyday role (and that's even more likely after Brandon Lowe hit the IL), Caballero has a points-friendly profile (that's becoming friendlier) that needs to be rostered.
Next Choices
Jordan Westburg, BAL, 3B (Yahoo: 52%, ESPN: 11%) - As long as Westburg is playing almost every game -- and there's no reason to believe he won't be after starting every game but one to begin 2024 -- he needs to be rostered in all but the shallowest leagues. After collecting six hits and two home runs so far in Week 3, your chances to do so are probably running out.
Thairo Estrada, SF, 2B/SS (Yahoo: 70%, ESPN: 31%) - I'd have to imagine that Estrada's Roster% on ESPN will balloon after he went double-dong last night, but until he's back to getting on base consistently, his ceiling will be limited. After his big night, Estrada is now running a 0.41 pts/PA on ESPN, strikingly similar to the 0.39 pts/PA he ran all of last season.
Edouard Julien, MIN, 2B (Yahoo: 51%, ESPN: 8%) - The former top prospect has finally started busting out, hitting three home runs in his last four games. Julien may need to be rostered in most leagues, but the biggest hindrance to his value remains the expectation that he'll continue being platooned vs. LHP, tying his week-to-week production firmly to the schedule. It is good news that Julien, who has been campaigning for more chances vs. LHP, got the start against Tarik Skubal on Friday (collecting one single against him). Only one LHP (Cole Irvin) on the schedule this week, so expect Julien to get at least five starts.
Desperate Choices
Nolan Gorman, STL, 2B (Yahoo: 83%, ESPN: 21%) - It's easy to crack the case of Gorman's Roster% discrepancies, as his 32% K% will continue to kill him in leagues with a strikeout penalty like ESPN (and CBS) has. Considering his points per PA rates on ESPN/CBS are virtually identical to last season, I wouldn't expect his scoring to overwhelmingly change. A slate of shaky righties in Week 4 could make for some feeding time.
Jorge Polanco, SEA, 2B (Yahoo: 51%, ESPN: 8%) - Polanco has had a miserable start in his new city, slashing just .189/.295/.245 over his first 62 PA, with just one HR, two runs, and three RBI. Given the Coors series in Week 4, I'm comfortable buying the dip in Week 4.
On the IL
- Brandon Lowe, TB, 2B (strained oblique - no timetable)
- Matt McLain, CIN, 2B/SS (shoulder surgery - August return)
- Michael Massey, KC, 2B (lower back - rehab assignment)
- Tommy Edman, STL, 2B/SS/OF (wrist surgery - no timetable)
- Geraldo Perdomo, ARI, 2B/SS (torn meniscus - 4-6 weeks)
- Justin Foscue, TEX, 2B (strained oblique - no timetable)
- Ji Hwan Bae, PIT, 2B/OF (strained hip - rehab assignment)
Third Base Waiver Wire Pickups
Best Choices
Michael Busch, CHC, 1B/3B (Yahoo: 34%, ESPN: 8%) - We talked last week about how time might be running out on the chance to roster Busch but that time may be now once everyone notices his current three-game HR streak. Do be aware that all rookies come with streaks of growing pains and they might come for Busch this week, as the lefty is scheduled to face left-handed starters in four of seven games.
Maikel Garcia, KC, 3B (Yahoo: 80%, ESPN: 28%) - Garcia's slash line (.194/.235/.403) might remain ugly but most scoring systems reward you for filling up the box score and that is exactly what he's done, with three HR, seven runs, 12 RBI, and three SB. The youngster better start hitting or his chances to keep filling up will start to dwindle. Two matchups scheduled vs. LHP is a good thing but one being against Garrett Crochet certainly is not. But hey, maybe Erick Fedde and Chris Flexen will help make up for it.
Next Choices
Eugenio Suarez, SEA, 3B (Yahoo: 59%, ESPN: 22%) - Suarez did a whole lot of nothing in Colorado earlier in the week but hit a three-run jack on Friday to help salvage his week heading into Sunday's action. Seven games and three vs. LHP should again set Suarez up for a solid week.
Anthony Rendon, LAA, 3B (Yahoo: 3%, ESPN: 1%) - Good god -- is that Anthony Rendon's music?? After starting the season with a five-game hitless streak, Rendon is starting to wake up a little bit. Not for roto, mind you, as the power seems to be dead and buried. In points leagues, he could again become useful given his batting order and a lifetime of high OBPs. Rendon now has hits in six of his last seven games and has multiple hits in three of his last four.
Desperate Choices
Wilmer Flores, SF, 1B/3B (Yahoo: 5%, ESPN: 12%) - Flores will probably still have a points-friendly profile but also starts too inconsistently vs. RHP to be relied upon in most leagues. But in Week 4, San Francisco plays four of its seven games vs. LHP (only two total vs. LHP in the three weeks prior), so expect Flores to get plenty of run before fading back into fantasy obscurity.
On the IL
- DJ LeMahieu, NYY, 1B/3B (fractured foot - no timetable)
- Yoan Moncada, CHW, 3B (strained groin - likely out until All-Star break)
- Jon Berti, NYY, 3B/SS (strained groin - no timetable)
- Patrick Wisdom, CHC, 3B (strained back - rehab assignment)
Shortstop Waiver Wire Pickups
Best Choices
Jose Caballero, TB, 2B/SS (Yahoo: 49%, ESPN: 14%) - Forget what I said last week in regards to worrying about his playing time vs. LHP, as Caballero continues starting (and hitting) against them, slashing .385/.429/.462 over his first 15 PA against in 2024. Not to mention a 23% K% (career 28% K%) that is backed by a career-best (by four points!) 11% SwStr%. As long as he has an everyday role (and that's even more likely after Brandon Lowe hit the IL), Caballero has a points-friendly profile (that's becoming friendlier) that needs to be rostered.
Ezequiel Tovar, COL, SS (Yahoo: 80%, ESPN: 19%) - Tovar's peripherals don't support his current slashing line (.316 AVG vs. .231 xBA, .394 wOBA vs. .309 xwOBA) and he'll come back home after starting the week with a set of tough matchups in Philadelphia.
Next Choices
Jackson Merrill, SD, SS (Yahoo: 55%, ESPN: 23%) - The rookie has hit the ground running (.300/.386/.400) while scoring an impressive 12 runs and swiping two bags in 58 PA. The left-handed Merrill is only scheduled to face one lefty starter in Week 4 and will quickly be universally rostered if he continues the hot hitting.
Thairo Estrada, SF, 2B/SS (Yahoo: 70%, ESPN: 31%) - I'd have to imagine that Estrada's Roster% on ESPN will balloon up after he went double-dong last night, but until he's back to getting on base consistently, his ceiling will be limited. After his big night, Estrada is now running a 0.41 pts/PA on ESPN, strikingly similar to the 0.39 pts/PA he ran all of last season.
Blaze Alexander, ARI, SS (Yahoo: 6%, ESPN: 4%) - The Blaze has cooled down but, as expected, Alexander has a hold on the shortstop job until Geraldo Perdomo returns from injury next month. As long as he's playing, the floor is high enough to be usable in many leagues.
Desperate Choices
Masyn Winn, STL, SS (Yahoo: 6%, ESPN: 4%) - The rookie continues to collect hits, with multiple knocks in six of his 14 games, and in three of his past six. His fantasy usefulness will remain limited with Brandon Crawford continuing to vulture starts from him.
Orlando Arcia, ATL, SS (Yahoo: 23%, ESPN: 17%) - Arcia continues to have an up-and-down year, but playing every day and rarely striking out is a good way to compile points when you're in an offense like Atlanta's.
On the IL
- Vaughn Grissom, BOS, SS (strained hamstring - rehab assignment)
- Trevor Story, BOS, SS (dislocated shoulder - no timetable)
Outfielder Waiver Wire Pickups
Best Choices
Colton Cowser, BAL, OF (Yahoo: 58%, ESPN: 22%) - Welp, Colton Cowser SZN has arrived and Austin Hays has gone straight into the bin. The former fifth overall pick is sizzling hot, starting every game for Baltimore this week and picking up nine hits and three jacks. If he's still available, grab him now.
Taylor Ward, LAA, OF (Yahoo: 72%, ESPN: 33%) - I know it's just on ESPN, but there are no earthly reasons Ward should be on anyone's waiver wire. Ward is now slashing .310/.333/.603, with five HRs, 11 R, and 16 RBI. If he's still available, for some reason, please pick him up.
Brendan Donovan, STL, 2B/OF (Yahoo: 58%, ESPN: 22%) - Really, Donovan still hasn't been snagged from a majority of wires? I'll be honest; it doesn't make a whole hell of a lot of sense -- at least, not any more than it did this time last week. Donovan has a 47 APR for the season via two HRs, 10 R, and eight RBI, while slashing .288/.397/.519 with a 10% BB% and minuscule 14% K%. Playing and raking every day, Donovan is going to be an upgrade to your team in all but the shallowest of leagues.
MJ Melendez, KC, OF (Yahoo: 83%, ESPN: 21%) - Only available on ESPN, but just another friendly reminder that Melendez continues to rake (with at least one hit in all but two games) and now has a 53 APR for the year.
Next Choices
Alex Verdugo, NYY, OF (Yahoo: 36%, ESPN: 15%) - I need to come up with a term for players whose point-friendly profiles continue to serve them well even after their classic roto value has started to wane. Whatever that term is, Verdugo is one and he should continue to compile his way to above-average APRs.
Jurickson Profar, SD, OF (Yahoo: 15%, ESPN: 9%) - Roto players might be dismissive of Profar's hotness to start the season, but points players have known for a while just how friendly his profile is when he's playing every day due to his elite plate discipline, giving him a very high floor. But while he's this hot, he's more than a solid pickup, currently running a 49 APR.
Mitch Haniger, SEA, OF (Yahoo: 20%, ESPN: 8%)
Starling Marte, NYM, OF (Yahoo: 63%, ESPN: 16%)
Brenton Doyle, COL, OF (Yahoo: 6%, ESPN: 2%) - This Doyle rules, at least over his first 58 PA, now slashing .309/.345/.564 with three HRs, 10 R, seven RBI, and a .394 wOBA. Banana peels are always waiting to send their station wagon into the ditch, but for now, feel free to ride.
Charlie Blackmon, COL, OF (Yahoo: 18%, ESPN: 16%)
Mark Canha, DET, OF (Yahoo: 7%, ESPN: 10%)
Desperate Choices
Connor Joe, PIT, 1B/OF (Yahoo: 51%, ESPN: 44%) - Joe's Roster% has finally ballooned up but just in time for the ol' letdown to begin. With only one LHP on the board and some tough matchups at New York (Mets) and against Boston, I wouldn't bank on a turnaround this week.
Bryan De La Cruz, MIA, OF (Yahoo: 8%, ESPN: 8%)
Sal Frelick, MIL, OF (Yahoo: 21%, ESPN: 9%)
On the IL
- Max Kepler, MIN, OF (knee bruise - no timetable)
- Brent Rooker, OAK, OF (rib cartilage - no timetable)
- Garrett Mitchell, MIL, OF (fractured finger - 6-to-8 weeks)
- Alek Thomas, ARI, OF (strained hamstring - no timetable
- Dylan Carlson, STL, OF (shoulder strain -- no timetable)
- TJ Friedl, CIN, OF (wrist fracture - no timetable)
- Victor Robles, WSH (strained hamstring - no timetable)
Catcher Waiver Wire Pickups
Best Choices
Logan O'Hoppe, LAA, C (Yahoo: 74%, ESPN: 41%) - His Roster% is creeping up, but O'Hoppe is still available in a lot of ESPN leagues -- and given a 15% K% and 12% BB% to start the season, I'm not so sure why he's still out there. O'Hoppe has a 106 APR for the season but better things might still be ahead according to his expected stats, with a .222 AVG (.258 xBA), .619 OPS (.746 xOPS), and .285 wOBA (.327 xwOBA) all backed by better numbers.
Jonah Heim, TEX, C (Yahoo: 75%, ESPN: 45%) - Ho-hum, just another great week from Heim, who has hits in four of his last five games, along with two home runs. This is the last week he's eligible here, right?
Next Choices
Tyler Stephenson, CIN, C (Yahoo: 10%, ESPN: 5%) - Stephenson hasn't disappointed in a week chock full of suspect starting pitchers, going 4-for-12 with a HR heading into Sunday and posting a 108 APR. He'll face two LHP in Week 4 and a shaky Angels rotation but a series against Seattle should prove more challenging.
Desperate Choices
Mitch Garver, SEA, C (Yahoo: 50%, ESPN: 18%) - Garver continues to disappoint but is still playing and gets three games in Colorado and two LHP in Week 4.
Shea Langeliers, OAK, C (Yahoo: 11%, ESPN: 5%) - Since hitting three home runs on Tuesday, Langeliers still only has a 124 APR as he's gone 0-for-12 since. That kind of sums up the Langeliers experience in point leagues -- you'll get some bursts of power, but it probably won't be enough to outrun a scoring profile that's pretty subpar under most systems.
On the IL
- Danny Jansen, TOR, C (wrist fracture - rehab assignment)
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