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I promise this was unintentional, but this week's deeper league waiver wire for the National League is Mets themed. As in, all three players I suggest scooping up play their home games in Queens. A year ago - or any of the last five seasons, even - I would have laughed just at the idea of suggesting such moves. This Mets lineup, however, is a much better than the 2014 club that finished 26th in batting average (.239), 21st in runs scored (629), and 20th in home runs (125).
This 2015 club is 11th in the MLB with a respectable .251 team batting average, 10th in runs scored with 67, and they just so happen to be tied for second in run differential at +21. Kudos to you if you've held on to or drafted one of their young pitching studs, as they're equal (if not more) contributors in that run differential statistic. They've won 10 straight but also fell victim to the injury bug a few times in the past week.
Editor’s Note: for other waiver wire options, check out RotoBaller’s fantasy baseball waiver wire pickups list. It's updated every single day. Our awesome writers bring you analysis on hot or emerging NL-only options, and also all other fantasy positions. You can also download our waiver wire iPhone app for free, and easily stay updated.
Kevin Plawecki - C, New York Mets
One of those injuries gives rise to former 2012 first round draft pick. I don't have a lot of stats to throw at you pertaining to Plawecki's on-field performance in 2015 since he's just played only two games (2-for-7 at the plate), but there are a few reasons why you might want to roster this kid.
For starters, Mets starting catcher Travis d'Arnaud is on the disabled list with a broken finger that should sideline him for three or four weeks, if not more. Plawecki is expected to receive the majority of the starts in his place. Scouts grade him as an above average bat. In the minors, he was able keep his strikeouts incredibly low with a high contact rate and good eye. He's got a good feel for the game and as a solid defensive player, he shouldn't have any issues with playing time for the next month plus.
So far, he's batted sixth in the order once and seventh in his other appearance. Plawecki is definitely worth an add if you need a backstop and he's owned in less than 7% of ESPN leagues.
Juan Lagares - OF, New York Mets
The centerfielder is off to a solid start in 2015, and with his defensive prowess, Lagares is almost guaranteed to play five or six games a week. He's currently hitting .270, and while the .288 on-base percentage leaves a bit to be desired, I'm fairly confident we'll see that number tick closer to .300. What you see is what you get in regards to his bat - he's a lifetime .263 hitter in 871 at-bats and he's not going to hit for any power.
Lagares' BB:K ratio is definitely sub-par, but at least history suggests his current .330 BABIP is likely sustainable. On a positive note, Lagares is finding himself slotted at or near the top of the order, is a threat to steal a base here and there and happens to be sandwiched in a lineup that's producing a lot of runs. He might be worth a flier if you are in need of definite at-bats and he's currently owned in roughly 6.5% of ESPN leagues.
Wilmer Flores - 2B/SS, New York Mets
Flores was a guy I was touting back when I wrote about three shortstops who should outperform their average draft position, and he's beginning to make me feel pretty good about including him in that piece. Like Flores, the season is still young and he is sure to have some growing pains. The big framed shortstop is swinging a big stick over the last few days.
For the season, he's hitting a respectable .271 in 48 at-bats. Since April 16th, though, he's been on a power tear, hitting three home runs and driving in seven runs with at least a hit in each contest. Scouts still have mixed opinions on his overall potential, but I do think 20-25 home runs this season is in reach. Shortstops are hard to come by, and ones with power (save for Tulo) are nearly extinct. He's only 2% owned in ESPN leagues, and frankly, I'm shocked more people are jumping on the everyday shortstop with pop.
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