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Welcome, RotoBallers, to our AL-only and NL-only deeper fantasy baseball waiver wire pickups for Week 27 -- September 23 through September 29. 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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Brady Basso - SP Oakland Athletics
5% owned
With this being the final week of the season, two-start pitchers get preferential treatment here since they give fantasy teams a chance to accumulate much-needed stats. That being said, not every two-start pitcher should be added, but only those with great matchups.
That's where Brady Basso enters the conversation, as his matchups this week have tremendous upside. Used primarily as a starter, he's had a successful first season in the major leagues while posting an ERA of 2.33 and a WHIP of 1.09 in just over nineteen innings pitched.
Brady Basso continues his scoreless streak, stretching back over his last fourteen and a third innings this month. He's tossed three shutout innings along with three punchouts today. #Athletics
— Uprooted (@uprootedoakland) September 18, 2024
While Basso did finish that game surrendering three runs, it's important to note that in his six appearances this season, he's given up at least one run in just two of them. Next week, he gets a great two-start matchup against the Rangers before finishing at Seattle.
Both of those teams have been eliminated from contention and may bench some of their starters to give their younger players a chance to contribute. It may be hard to trust him with your final week of the season, but in the deepest of leagues, there might be no better option.
Michael Toglia - 1B/OF Colorado Rockies
24% owned
Toglia has been a frequent flier here in this article, and the common theme has been it's because the Rockies have a home stand. That theme continues this week, as Colorado will play six games in Coors Field against the Cardinals and then the Dodgers. What makes this even more intriguing is that St. Louis may be without Sonny Gray, who is still bothered by a nagging shoulder injury.
If that's the case, then the Cardinals would be using Erick Fedde, Kyle Gibson, a bullpen game, or Miles Mikolas a day earlier. On top of that, the Dodgers have had their rotation be about as effective as their health, which could allow the Rockies to break out this week.
All of the above is a long-winded way of saying that the Rockies will be at home against pitchers who have struggled all year in an environment that enhances offense. That's your cue to insert Toglia into your lineups and watch him finish a successful breakout season where he's been a nice source of power.
Otto Lopez - 2B/SS Miami Marlins
22% owned
One of the few bright spots for the Marlins since the trade deadline has been the emergence of Otto Lopez, who has started to come into his own as of late. Playing like he has nothing to lose, the speedy and small-framed infielder is doing his part to show the Marlins that Miami should have a roster spot for him in 2025. He's been able to put the ball in play and come up with clutch hits when the team needed them most.
Otto Lopez since August 10th:
142 PA
.321 AVG
.373 OBP
.496 SLG
.869 OPSpic.twitter.com/d0I1jt8Ygw— Kirk Snyder (@dynastyinfo411) September 18, 2024
Lopez and the Marlins will finish the season on the road against the Twins and the Blue Jays. While the matchups aren't necessarily the greatest, Lopez has shown that it doesn't matter where he hits, because he will get on base. His .281 batting average at home in a pitcher's ballpark is evidence of that. If fantasy owners need a middle infielder, look no further than Lopez.
Jose Iglesias - 2B/3B New York Mets
8% owned
This recommendation comes with the news that Rafael Devers is likely to miss the rest of the season with shoulder soreness. As a result, fantasy owners may be scrambling to find a replacement for the final week of the season. There are a few low-owned options with third-base eligibility worth recommending.
Matt Vierling (25%) and Colt Keith (30%) have both been productive for long periods, and they should be counted on during the final week of the season. However, a player who has been on a hot streak as of late is Jose Iglesias, who has surprisingly taken the world by storm not just on the microphone, but also at the plate.
Otto Lopez since August 10th:
142 PA
.321 AVG
.373 OBP
.496 SLG
.869 OPSpic.twitter.com/d0I1jt8Ygw— Kirk Snyder (@dynastyinfo411) September 18, 2024
His fifteen-game hitting streak as of late has been unbelievable and it has carried the Mets down this road of belief that they can make the postseason. While their quest to make the playoffs may not come to fruition, they will be playing meaningful games next week and Iglesias will get his chance to shine.
Since September 1, he has hit close to .400 with one home run and one stolen base. While the counting stats are nothing to write home about, the hope is that his ability to get on base will keep your team afloat for this final week and give you a chance to win your league.
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