AL-Only and NL-Only: Deeper Fantasy Baseball Waiver Wire Pickups for Week 18 (2024)

Welcome, RotoBallers, to our AL-only and NL-only deeper fantasy baseball waiver wire pickups for Week 18 -- July 22 through July 28. The waiver wire can be difficult to navigate. Knowing who to add and when is a game within the game of fantasy baseball. Doing this in a mono league where the player pool is half the size of a full league makes it even more challenging. Every drop and add is significant.

One of the keys to success with roster management is opportunity. A player given the chance to get on the field and produce is one of the first signs of potential. After all, they can't accumulate statistics if they're sitting on their team's bench. These opportunities can arise because of either a promotion from the minor leagues, an injury to another player, or simply because the team has moved on from another player. Whatever the case may be, these players are now given a chance to shine.

It's important to note that these players are on a short leash to see if they can produce. If they don't, then they can be dropped for the next man up. All that being said, here are some of the best players with opportunities.

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Xavier Edwards - 2B/SS Miami Marlins

10% owned

This week's collection begins with a player who has the ability to help with batting average on fantasy teams, which is one of the hardest categories to manage. He finished the first half of the season on a five-game hitting streak that included nine hits, three runs scored, two runs batted in, and three stolen bases. That's a well-rounded piece of hitting there for someone who also walks almost 11% of the time. In his first game back, he used his bat and his speed to help out the Marlins yet again.

Xavier Edwards gives the @Marlins an early 1-0 lead. pic.twitter.com/BVa0HQhQ4h

— Marlins Radio Network (@MarlinsRadio) July 19, 2024

Edwards is who he is, which is a slap hitter who can get himself on base and utilize his speed to give his team opportunities. He will not contribute with power at all, as he hit just fourteen home runs over six minor league seasons. That said, with a terrific eye at the plate, he should be able to wait for a pitch that he likes and get himself on base.

He reminds me of Luis Arraez (but) with speed, in that he should have a high batting average coupled with a healthy walk rate. However, unlike Arraez, he should be able to provide fantasy owners with some stolen bases as well, as he has three already this season. This upcoming week the Marlins play seven games, as they finish off their weekend series with the Mets before welcoming the Orioles. They then travel to Milwaukee for a weekend set at the Brewers. He is worth a look this week to see if he can continue this.

Juan Yepez - 1B/OF Washington Nationals

6% owned

Juan Yepez has only been with the Nationals for the better part of one month, but he has made quite an impact already. As of games played through July 19, he has at least one hit in every game played for a total of sixteen through 41 at-bats.  He's demonstrated power, patience, and an ability to get on base. He has been quite the surprise for the Nationals.

Juan Yepez since his call-up on July 5th:

11 games (11 game hit streak)
.390 AVG
1 HR
6 RBI
8 Runs
1 SBpic.twitter.com/HWLC7lQUwo

— Kirk Snyder (@dynastyinfo411) July 20, 2024

After struggling to live up to his potential while in St. Louis, he signed a minor league contract with Washington in the offseason, looking for his chance for a new beginning. After slugging eleven home runs in Triple-A Rochester, he finally got the call back to the majors and hasn't disappointed.

While this sort of run is unsustainable, it's not out of the question for him to be a contributor in all categories but speed. There is a chance here that Yepez can be a steal in the second half, as he should receive everyday at-bats and play in a good ballpark for hitters. This upcoming week, the Nationals play at home to the Padres before heading out to St. Louis.

Ryne Nelson - SP Arizona Diamondbacks

8% owned

Coming out of the All-Star Break, the Diamondbacks were a team starving for stability in their rotation. With an abundance of injuries, all they're looking for are pitchers who can go out there and give them close to a quality start every fifth day while their ailing arms continue to recover from their respective injuries. This past Friday, Ryne Nelson did just that and gave Arizona more than enough to come away with the victory. He struck out nine batters over 5.2 innings pitched and limited the damage to just one earned run allowed. Looking back, however, his run has gone on much longer than just this past week.

Ryne Nelson over his last 4 starts:

24.1 IP
2.22 ERA
0.86 WHIP
22 K

— Kirk Snyder (@dynastyinfo411) July 19, 2024

How is he doing this? Well, for one, the velocity on his fastball has gone up in July, most notably in his last start before the All-Star Break where he averaged 96 mph. Additionally, he's upped the usage on that pitch, throwing it 64% of the time. As a result, it's that very pitch that has generated 87% of his strikeouts thrown, making it a viable weapon in his arsenal. This week he travels to Kansas City to play in a pitcher's ballpark with the hope of continuing this trend.

Max Schuemann - 2B/SS/OF Oakland Athletics

17% owned

The Oakland Athletics have been looking toward their future for quite a while. This season, they have compiled a roster filled with hard-nosed players who hustle and play with their backs to the wall. Max Schuemann is a prime example of this, as someone who may have gone unnoticed in the minor leagues but is proving the nay-sayers wrong when given the chance.

Max Schuemann over his last 16 games:

.375 AVG
3 HR
13 RBI
13 Runs
5 SBpic.twitter.com/khQ0GwSm2Y

— Kirk Snyder (@dynastyinfo411) July 20, 2024

There was some talk that the promotion of Jacob Wilson would take away Schuemann's playing time, but his versatility in the field makes him even more valuable. He has seen action at six different positions this season, including all three outfield spots. This week the Athletics play three games at home against the Astros before traveling on the road to face the Angels. That's a good schedule for someone like Schuemann who should play every day.

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