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Welcome, RotoBallers, to our AL-only and NL-only deeper fantasy baseball waiver wire pickups for Week 24 -- September 2 through September 8. 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, 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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Cade Povich - SP, Baltimore Orioles
2% owned
Moving into the fantasy playoffs, the most important factor is winning the week. As such, looking at individual matchups is one of the best ways to do that, focusing on teams or players that can be exploited for one night. As such, I present Exhibit A: Cade Povich, who lines up to face the Chicago White Sox this week and has a chance to give fantasy owners a very good outcome.
He's succeeded in the past and has the arsenal to do it again against a very bad White Sox lineup. Don't be dismayed by his last two outings, as they were against two of the best lineups in baseball in the Astros and Dodgers. Take a chance this week that he can mow down a historically inept Chicago team.
Paul DeJong - 3B, Kansas City Royals
12% owned
One of the surprises this year has been the resurgence of the well-traveled Paul DeJong, who at age 31 is having his best season in years. While his tenure in Chicago was short-lived and surprising in spurts, he has been a rejuvenated version of himself in Kansas City, coming up big in moments when it is needed most.
Now the everyday third baseman, he is making the most of his opportunities as the Royals look toward a playoff spot.
PAUL DEJONG!! NINTH-INNING, GAME-TYING TWO-RUN BLAST!! #Royals pic.twitter.com/ITCnUbZHPP
— Bally Sports Kansas City (@BallySportsKC) August 31, 2024
DeJong has posted a .268/.338/.563/.901 slash line with six home runs hit since joining the Royals. He's been a spark plug for a team that needs one and has been every bit of a value for this team.
Next week, Kansas City comes home to take on the struggling Guardians and then faces off against the Twins, with both series having playoff implications. Look for DeJong to keep the momentum rolling.
Anthony Rizzo - 1B, New York Yankees
17% owned
Remember this guy? Anthony Rizzo has been out of action since the middle of June with a forearm injury but is on the verge of returning to the Yankees. Manager Aaron Boone has sent word that Rizzo looks and feels physically healthy and is possibly ready to return to the lineup.
While he has struggled in the past, possibly due to his age, he has always been an option for power behind the plate. In his rehab assignment, he's been able to play the field and get some at-bats.
Rizzo Rakes!
Rehabbing @Yankees first baseman Anthony Rizzo clears the fences for the @SOMPatriots. pic.twitter.com/7wFgxy055g
— Minor League Baseball (@MiLB) August 27, 2024
There are reasons to believe that Rizzo will get everyday playing time once activated as well. Right off the bat, Ben Rice has been the team's first baseman and has struggled. A returning veteran like Rizzo makes for an upgrade and provides the experience needed for the team to push forward toward the playoffs.
Secondly, Rizzo is being paid to play, not to be a backup, and as such, he should get in there and see the majority of at-bats. Finally, the team will want to see what he has for next season when he has a $6M option available to him.
All of that adds up to Rizzo becoming the everyday first baseman for the Yankees going forward. Next week, the Yankees play at Texas and then at the Cubs for two great matchups for left-handed batters.
Jose Tena - 3B, Washington Nationals
16% owned
The Nationals have had a ton of success this season, and have taken a big step forward in their development this season, as they've seen many players rise to the occasion and succeed in 2024. The latest in their carousel of accomplishments is Jose Tena, a player who was acquired in the trade that sent Lane Thomas to Cleveland.
He has been incredible in his short time in Washington and may have made Washington the clear winner in that trade.
José Tena - Washington Nationals (2) pic.twitter.com/to8MVFbqzh
— MLB HR Videos (@MLBHRVideos) August 28, 2024
Tena hit two home runs last week and looks to keep the momentum going this week. What makes him so appealing is his schedule this week, as it looks like he lines up against right-handed pitchers who he has mashed against this season.
Additionally, it looks like he will avoid both Jared Jones and Paul Skenes when he faces off against the Pirates in Pittsburgh. It's a good week to take a chance on Tena.
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