Matt McLain - Fantasy Baseball Waiver Wire Pickups

BALLER MOVE: Add in 12+ Team Leagues

ROSTERED IN: 42% of Leagues

ANALYSIS: The Minor League OPS leader and No. 5 prospect in the Cincinnati Reds farm system, Matt McLain was called up on Sunday and debuted in Monday's series opener in Colorado.

Before being promoted to the pros, McLain was the sole leader in the minor leagues in OPS (1.184) and hit 12 home runs through 173 PAs. Out of the surplus infielders in the Reds farm system, McLain has made the loudest noise at the plate which prompted his promotion. In his debut on Monday, the 23-year-old recorded his first career hit and went 1-for-4 at the plate.

McLain took a huge leap at the plate this season following a disappointing year in 2022. He slashed .232/.363/.453 with 17 HRs through 103 games at Double-A Chattanooga, but he has stepped up immensely through the first month and a half of this season. Through 38 games at Triple-A Louisville, the shortstop was hitting an absurd .348/.474/.710.

His swinging numbers have improved tremendously from last season in the form of a 19.7% K rate and 16.8% walk rate. He was on pace to completely shatter his 58 RBI season in Double-A last season as demonstrated by his 40 RBI mark before reaching 200 at-bats. He's been a more polished hitter in every facet to begin the season, and the obvious question would be if McLain's success will translate into the big leagues.

Due to his smaller build, McLain won't typically generate too much power and will likely mold into a 15-20 home run hitter in the pros. His abilities on the basepaths and above-average defensive abilities are paramount to his hitting abilities, but his recent stint at the plate is proving otherwise. If the California native can sustain his absurd hot streak and produce consistent contact, he could find a permanent spot in the Reds lineup.

McLain has been a hot pickup on the waiver wire since being promoted, most notably with a 40% roster increase since last week. If he's still available in your league, I highly suggest adding him to your squad.

More Fantasy Baseball Waiver Wire Pickups

Jacob deGrom - Fantasy Baseball Waiver Wire Pickups (Week 25)

BALLER MOVE: Add in All Leagues ROSTERED IN: 75% of Leagues ANALYSIS: Texas Rangers starting pitcher Jacob deGrom is on the verge of returning to the major leagues and should be rostered in all formats. The former two-time Cy Young winner underwent Tommy John surgery last summer and began a rehab assignment in late August. Through […]

Andy Smith 2 months ago

Kumar Rocker - Fantasy Baseball Prospects Waiver Wire Pickups (Week 25)

BALLER MOVE: Add in 12+ Team Leagues ROSTERED IN: 15% of Leagues ANALYSIS:  Texas Rangers starting pitching prospect Kumar Rocker is set to make his major league debut on Thursday and should be added in all standard leagues. Rocker has had a rocky start to his professional career. He was originally drafted by the New […]

Andy Smith 2 months ago

Jasson Dominguez: Fantasy Baseball Prospects Waiver Wire Pickups for Week 25 (2024)

BALLER MOVE: Add in 12+ Team Leagues ROSTERED IN: 35% of Leagues ANALYSIS: The New York Yankees called up their top prospect, Jasson Dominguez, before Monday's series opener against the Kansas City Royals. Dominguez hit sixth and played left field in his second major league start of the season. In that contest, he went 1-for-4 with […]

Joey Pollizze 2 months ago

Will Wagner - Fantasy Baseball Prospects Waiver Wire Stashes (Week 23)

BALLER MOVE: Use as Streamer for Rest of Season / Stash in Dynasty Leagues CALL-UP ETA: In Majors ANALYSIS: Will Wagner, the son of legendary closer Billy Wagner, was acquired by the Toronto Blue Jays at this year’s trade deadline from the Houston Astros as part of the Yusei Kikuchi return. The 26-year-old currently ranks […]

Jake Kleiner 3 months ago

Connor Norby - Fantasy Baseball Prospects Waiver Wire Stashes (Week 22)

BALLER MOVE: Add in Deeper Leagues CALL-UP ETA: August 19 ANALYSIS: Connor Norby is finally making his much-anticipated debut for the Miami Marlins. Norby, who was acquired at the trade deadline in the deal that sent Trevor Rogers to Baltimore, was playing with Miami's Triple-A team in Jacksonville since being traded but was activated by Miami […]

Dan Palyo 3 months ago