X
Lost password?

Don't have an account?
Gain Access Now

X

Receive free daily analysis

NFL
NBA
NHL
NASCAR
CFB
MLB
MMA
PGA
ESPORTS
BETTING

Already have an account? Log In

X

Forgot Password


POPULAR FANTASY TOOLS

Expert Advice
Articles & Tools
Import Your Leagues
Daily Stats & Leaders
All Pitcher Matchups
Compare Any Players
Player Comparisons
Rookies & Call-Ups
24x7 News and Alerts

Deeper Waiver Wire Pickups For Week 17 (American League)

As the August 1st trade deadline approaches, the internet has been abuzz with all the rumors and whispers regarding which players could be on the move. These moves are particularly of interest to single-league owners, where trades potentially bring in new players to the waiver wire. Trades also create new opportunities for different players to receive the lion's share of playing time at a position suddenly empty.

Here are some players to consider claiming after the big ticket prizes are gone, all owned in 25% of Fleaflicker leagues or less.

Editor's Note: RotoBaller offers the best Premium MLB Subscription - only $1.99 per week. All the tools you need to help win your seasonal and daily leagues: Hitter & Pitcher Streamers, Matchup Ratings for every player, Under-the-Radar Surgers for AVG, HR, Ks, plus daily DFS Cheat Sheets, Lineup Picks, Expert Lineups, Stacks and Avoids. 

 

American League Waiver Wire Targets

Hitters

Justin Morneau (1B, CWS) - 1% Owned

In his first action since last year, first baseman Justin Morneau has been decent despite the time off. Back in the American League for the first time since 2013, he's hitting .233 with one home run and four RBI in 30 at-bats for the White Sox. That's not going to light the world on fire, but it's a start. Morneau revived his career in 2014 when he led the National League in batting average with a .319 mark, and was off to a .310 mark before injuries cut short his 2015. With him receiving starter's at-bats in the near future, he's a worthy bench stash investment at the very least.

Jake Smolinski (OF, OAK) - 4% Owned

Outfielder Jake Smolinski might be a bit long in the tooth to have a big breakthrough, but that could be what we are seeing. After failing to make any traction in the Majors in the years prior, he's hitting .317 with six home runs, 22 RBI and one stolen base in 120 at-bats this season. After hitting .248 with three home runs, 15 RBI and six stolen bases in 145 at-bats in Triple-A prior to his call-up, these results are a bit of a surprise. But with a .281 average, 21 home runs and 16 stolen bases in 620 career Triple-A at-bats, maybe Smolinski's just a late bloomer.

Jett Bandy (C, LAA) - 2% Owned

Rookie catcher Jett Bandy is making a case to be the Angels' starting catcher of the future. After following up a successful 2015 at Triple-A with more solid production there this year, he has continued to hit as a member of the big league club. Over 39 at-bats, he's hitting .308 with two home runs and six RBI as he splits time behind the plate with the .221-hitting Carlos Perez. With veteran Geovany Soto due back sometime in August, if Bandy can keep hitting, it won't be him who is shipped back to the minors, giving him serious two-catcher league appeal.

Delino DeShields (OF, TEX) - 13% Owned

After struggling out of the gate this season and getting himself demoted, outfielder Delino DeShields is back for a second try at sticking in the Rangers' outfield. In his first four games back, he's hitting .308 with one home run and one stolen base, which is a far cry from the .217 average he put up his first 30 games. DeShields was fairly useful as a fantasy player last season when he hit .261 with 10 triples, two home runs and 25 stolen bases, and that potential still exists. As one of the few speed options possibly still available to deep leaguers, he is a must-own to see if he returns to form.

Joey Gallo (3B/OF, TEX) - 23% Owned

Rookie Joey Gallo is getting his first taste of action with the Rangers this season as they look to fill the hole left by the recent injuries to Prince Fielder and Shin-Soo Choo. Though he continues to struggle to hit for average, his big-time power keeps showing up right on cue as he leaves Triple-A with a .246 average and 19 home runs in 244 at-bats. After hitting barely hitting above .200 anywhere outside of Double-A last season, the chances of Gallo turning into another Chris Carter or John Singleton is decent. Whether that has value to you or not is negligible, but as one of the name's top prospects, he should be owned in any deep league he's still available in.

 

Pitchers

Matt Boyd (SP, DET) - 3% Owned

Starting pitcher Matt Boyd was a disaster during his first three attempts at sticking with the Tigers this year, going 0-2 with a 6.44 ERA in 29.1 innings. Fourth time though, things have been quite different. Since returning July 9th, the results have been the exact opposite, with him going 1-0 with a 1.17 ERA in 15.1 innings. He's still working on building his pitching count above 80, but if he can keep himself closer to the pitcher who has a 2.25 ERA in 64 Triple-A innings this year, he could help fantasy teams.

Tyler Skaggs (SP, LAA) - 24% Owned

On Tuesday, starting pitcher Tyler Skaggs made his first start since 2014, and did he ever look like the pitcher the Angels were hoping for when they traded for him back then. He held the Royals scoreless over seven innings, allowing only three hits and one walk, striking out five. As great as this outing was, Skaggs hasn't pitched in the Majors in well over a year and was more potential than production when he was injured, so keep expectations tempered. That said, he should provide a boost to pitching-depleted teams as he looks to builds towards a full season next year.

Darren O'Day (RP, BAL) - 19% Owned

Elite relief pitcher Darren O'Day quietly returned from the disabled list Sunday, immediately returning to fantasy gold. He pitched a perfect inning, striking out all three batters he faced to pick up the win. Though his season stats are rather pedestrian for a pitcher who hasn't had an ERA north of 2.00 since 2013, there is little reason to think O'Day won't spend the next two plus months pushing that ERA as low as he can.

Cam Bedrosian (RP, LAA) - 7% Owned

With many a club looking towards the bottom-dwellers for relief help at the trade deadline, Angels' closer Hudson Street has found his name among those floating around in the rumor mill. With those rumblings picking up steam, so have those regarding who would inherit his closer role. While Joe Smith seems like a logical choice based on experience, there is absolutely no denying that reliever Cam Bedrosian is the most deserving based on stats alone. On a team going nowhere, the Angels should look to the future and pass the torch to Bedrosian and his 0.97 ERA and 10.5 K/9 in 37 innings this season.

Dylan Bundy (SP, BAL) - 13% Owned

After making this list recently as a reliever, Dylan Bundy is now in the starting rotation and it was worth the wait. After a rough first start, his second outing was much better, as he gave up zero earned runs on five hits and zero walks over five innings, striking out five as he picked up the win. On Wednesday, he was no-hitting the Rockies for five innings before finally ceding three ER on two hits, while striking out eight. Once a top-three prospect, he has had to overcome injuries and growing pains to get to this point. Though he still has much to prove when it comes to fantasy value, Bundy's current 3-2 record with a 3.30 ERA and 8.0 K/9 are a good start.

 

Live Expert Q&A Chats - Every Weekday @ 1 PM and 6 PM EST (DFS)

Fantasy Baseball Chat Room

[iflychat_embed id="c-55" hide_user_list="yes" hide_popup_chat="no" height="400px"]


Check out RotoBaller's entire fantasy baseball waiver wire pickups and sleepers list, updated daily!




POPULAR FANTASY TOOLS

Expert Advice
Articles & Tools
Import Your Leagues
Daily Stats & Leaders
All Pitcher Matchups
Compare Any Players
Player Comparisons
Rookies & Call-Ups
24x7 News and Alerts

REAL-TIME FANTASY NEWS

Harris English20 mins ago

Begins 2025 At The Sony Open
Alex Tuch24 mins ago

Scores Twice On Monday
Jared Spurgeon32 mins ago

Placed On Injured Reserve
Jiri Kulich39 mins ago

Exits Early On Monday
Corey Conners42 mins ago

In Good Form For The Sony Open
PGA51 mins ago

Byeong Hun An Strong To Contend Again At Sony Open
Nolan Arenado9 hours ago

Red Sox Emerge As Strong Candidate To Land Nolan Arenado
Christian Watson9 hours ago

Packers Confirm Torn ACL For Christian Watson
Ezekiel Elliott10 hours ago

Signing With Chargers
Jalen Johnson10 hours ago

Ruled Out For Tuesday
Bilal Coulibaly11 hours ago

Could Be Ready To Return Against Houston
Malcolm Brogdon11 hours ago

Will Not Play Tuesday
Jordan Poole11 hours ago

Uncertain Against Houston
Bub Carrington11 hours ago

Listed As Questionable For Tuesday
Jalen Green11 hours ago

Questionable Against Washington
Tari Eason11 hours ago

Doubtful Tuesday Against The Wizards
Josh Richardson11 hours ago

Downgraded To Out
Lauri Markkanen11 hours ago

Could Return Tuesday Against Atlanta
Keyonte George12 hours ago

Ruled Out For Tuesday
John Collins12 hours ago

Out Tuesday Against Atlanta
Jordan Clarkson12 hours ago

Will Miss At Least Two Weeks
Yuki Kawamura12 hours ago

Available To Play Monday Against The Mavericks
Luke Kennard12 hours ago

Available To Play Monday
Desmond Bane12 hours ago

Downgraded To Out Against Dallas
Jalen Brunson12 hours ago

Cleared To Face Orlando
Karl-Anthony Towns13 hours ago

Won't Play On Monday
Michael Lorenzen13 hours ago

Signs One-Year Deal With Kansas City
Luke Kennard13 hours ago

Available For Monday's Game
Andre Drummond13 hours ago

Unavailable Against Suns
Gavin Lux13 hours ago

Traded To Cincinnati
Deandre Ayton13 hours ago

Available On Monday
Ben Simmons13 hours ago

Won't Play On Monday
Kyler Murray13 hours ago

"100 Percent" Chance That Kyler Murray Will Start For Cardinals In 2025
Brock Purdy14 hours ago

Wants Contract Done Sooner Than Later
Christian McCaffrey14 hours ago

"Definitely Close" To Being Fully Recovered
Jayden Daniels14 hours ago

Commanders "Not Concerned" With Jayden Daniels' Leg Soreness
Amari Cooper14 hours ago

Bills Hopeful Amari Cooper Will Be Available In Wild-Card Round
Erik Haula14 hours ago

Expected To Miss "A Few Weeks"
Patrik Laine14 hours ago

Misses Third Consecutive Game
Adam Larsson14 hours ago

Available Monday
Dakota Joshua15 hours ago

Out Week-To-Week
Elias Pettersson15 hours ago

Remains Out On Monday
Quinn Hughes15 hours ago

A Game-Time Decision For Monday
Aaron Ekblad15 hours ago

Unlikely To Play On Monday
Chicago Bears16 hours ago

Bears Seek Permission To Interview Mike McCarthy For Head-Coaching Job
Jalen Hurts16 hours ago

Still In The Concussion Protocol
Anthony Richardson16 hours ago

Will Be Colts Starter In 2025
Luis Arraez17 hours ago

Yankees Talking With Padres About Luis Arraez
Las Vegas Raiders17 hours ago

Antonio Pierce Expects To Return As Raiders Head Coach
Chicago Bears18 hours ago

Chicago Requests Interview With Mike Kafka For Head-Coaching Job
Geno Smith19 hours ago

Expected To Return To Seattle
Christian Watson19 hours ago

Believed To Have Suffered A Torn ACL
Seattle Seahawks19 hours ago

Seahawks Fire Offensive Coordinator Ryan Grubb
Chicago Bears19 hours ago

Bears Formally Request To Interview Ben Johnson, Aaron Glenn For Head-Coaching Job
Zay Flowers20 hours ago

Considered Day-To-Day
Michael Pittman Jr.20 hours ago

Dealing With Fracture In His Back
Brian Thomas Jr.20 hours ago

Tops Century Mark In Loss To Colts
New England Patriots21 hours ago

Patriots Request To Interview Ben Johnson
New York Jets21 hours ago

Jets Request Interviews With Arthur Smith, Bobby Slowik, Joe Brady
Frank Vatrano1 day ago

Nets Two Goals On Sunday Evening
Sebastian Aho1 day ago

Leads Carolina To Victory With Three-Point Night
Bo Horvat1 day ago

Scores Game-Winner On Sunday
Filip Chytil1 day ago

Scores Twice On Sunday
Jake McCabe1 day ago

Exits Early On Sunday
Philip Tomasino1 day ago

Placed On Injured Reserve
Kris Letang2 days ago

Returns To Penguins Lineup
William Carrier2 days ago

Misses Sunday's Game With A Lower-Body Injury
Aaron Ekblad2 days ago

Sits Out Sunday's Practice
Travis Hamonic2 days ago

To Miss Up To Four Weeks
Linus Ullmark2 days ago

Out Week-To-Week
Clayton Kershaw3 days ago

Intends To Pitch In 2025, Expected To Return To Los Angeles
Charlie Morton4 days ago

Signs One-Year Deal With Baltimore
Pete Alonso4 days ago

Angels "Looking At" Pete Alonso
Xander Schauffele6 days ago

Hoping To Find Success Again At Majors In 2025
Chris Kirk6 days ago

Starts 2025 Defending The Sentry Title
Max Homa6 days ago

Hopes To Rebound After Disappointing 2024 Season
Nick Dunlap6 days ago

Looks To Build On Impressive Rookie Season
Collin Morikawa6 days ago

Heads To The Sentry After Excellent 2024 Season
PGA6 days ago

Sungjae Im Hoping To Start 2025 Season Strongly At The Sentry
Russell Henley6 days ago

Closes Out 2024 Season Strong
Jason Day6 days ago

Looks Ahead To 2025 Season At The Sentry
Akshay Bhatia6 days ago

To Repeat Last Year’s Sentry Performance?
Ludvig Aberg6 days ago

Returns To The Sentry
Jesús Luzardo6 days ago

Jesus Luzardo Feeling 100 Percent
Maverick McNealy6 days ago

Making First Career Start At Kapalua
Corey Conners6 days ago

Making Third Consecutive Start At Kapalua
Viktor Hovland6 days ago

A Gametime Decision For Year's First Event
Tony Finau6 days ago

Making Sixth Start At Kapalua After Rumor-Filled Offseason
Justin Thomas6 days ago

Looks To Get Off To Fast Start In 2025 At Kapalua

RANKINGS

QB
RB
WR
TE
K
DEF
RANKINGS
C
1B
2B
3B
SS
OF
SP
RP

MORE RECENT ARTICLES

 
Zay Flowers - Fantasy Football Rankings, Draft Sleepers, NFL Injury News

Fantasy Football Injury Reports: Wild Card Round Updates for Jordan Love, Zay Flowers, Jalen Hurts, Blake Corum, Christian Watson, Isaac Guerendo, Geno Smith

And just like that, the 2024 NFL regular season has come to an end. This was a very exciting regular season, and I hope you managed to win a fantasy championship this year. As great as the regular season was, the playoffs have the potential to be even better. Anything can happen, and injuries to […]


Mike Evans - Fantasy Football Rankings, Draft Sleepers, NFL Injury News

NFL Playoff League Rankings for Fantasy Football: Saquon Barkley, Jahmyr Gibbs, Mike Evans, Kyren Williams, Joe Mixon, Puka Nacua, Terry McLaurin

While the traditional fantasy football season is over, the start of the NFL playoffs brings various types of fantasy football contests geared toward the playoffs. Fantasy football is not over yet, so let's get to the action! Below are our 2025 fantasy football playoff league rankings to help you make the best decisions for your playoff […]


Nico Collins - Fantasy Football Rankings, Draft Sleepers, NFL Injury News

Fantasy Football Start 'Em, Sit 'Em - Wild Card Weekend Matchups Analysis

Welcome back, RotoBallers, to another start'em and sit'em piece as we look ahead to Wild Card Weekend! If you are new here, this matchups analysis and Start 'Em, Sit 'Em article will look at the best and worst matchups of the week.  Whether you are looking for some DFS plays this weekend or are playing in a fantasy […]


Terry McLaurin - Fantasy Football Rankings, NFL Injury News, DFS Lineup Picks

Wild Card Weekend PPR Rankings for Fantasy Football: Puka Nacua, Saquon Barkley, Derrick Henry, A.J. Brown, Nico Collins, Terry McLaurin, Mike Evans

You might think fantasy football leagues are done until next September, but that is not the case! All sorts of new playoff league contests are kicking off this week, along with DFS contests, and our coverage will continue as always through the Super Bowl. If there's a fantasy or DFS contest to win, we'll have […]


Quentin Johnston - Fantasy Football Rankings, Draft Sleepers, NFL DFS Lineup Picks

Wild Card Weekend PPR FLEX Rankings for Fantasy Football: Jalen McMillan, DeVonta Smith, Quentin Johnston, Jaylen Warren, Jayden Reed, Amari Cooper

Traditional fantasy football leagues have come to an end, but there are still ways to win with playoff league and DFS contests starting this weekend. Our coverage at RotoBaller will continue as always through the Super Bowl. Like in the regular season, we're here to help you crush any contest or tournament you're interested in […]


James Cook - Fantasy Football Rankings, NFL Injury News, DFS Lineup Picks

Wild Card Weekend PPR Running Back Rankings for Fantasy Football: Bucky Irving, James Cook, J.K. Dobbins, Joe Mixon, Aaron Jones, Jaylen Warren

Hopefully, you captured a fantasy football championship or had big DFS wins during the 2024 NFL regular season. However, whether you had plenty of success or struggled, there are more ways to compete during the NFL postseason! With Playoff league contests starting this week and DFS contests, our coverage will continue as always through the Super […]


Jordan Addison - Fantasy Football Rankings, NFL Injury News, DFS Lineup Picks

Wild Card Weekend PPR Wide Receiver Rankings for Fantasy Football: A.J. Brown, Nico Collins, Jordan Addison, Ladd McConkey, Cooper Kupp, Khalil Shakir

Running backs stole the show during the 2024 fantasy football season, but there were several wideouts who exceeded expectations and could make a difference in fantasy football playoff leagues. Our coverage for playoff leagues and DFS contests will continue throughout the Super Bowl. Let's kick things off with our Wild Card fantasy football PPR wide receiver […]


Pat Freiermuth - Fantasy Football Rankings, Draft Sleepers, NFL Injury News

Wild Card Weekend PPR Tight End Rankings for Fantasy Football: T.J. Hockenson, Zach Ertz, Cade Otton, Tucker Kraft, Dallas Goedert, Will Dissly

The NFL regular season and traditional fantasy football season might be over, but there are still ways to compete. Whether you have joined a playoff league over at the FFPC or are navigating rankings for DFS purposes, we have you covered. Like regular fantasy leagues, tight ends are always difficult to navigate. We've got you […]


Baker Mayfield - Fantasy Football Rankings, Waiver Wire Pickups, Draft Sleepers

Wild Card Weekend Quarterback Rankings for Fantasy Football: Jayden Daniels, Jalen Hurts, Jordan Love, Baker Mayfield, Sam Darnold, Justin Herbert

It's NFL playoff time for 14 franchises, and it's fantasy football playoff league time for fantasy managers still looking to compete! Whether you're scanning Wild Card rankings ahead of your playoff-league draft or are just looking for another source to build your DFS lineups, we have you covered. Let's dig into the Wild Card QB […]


Justin Tucker - Fantasy Football Rankings, Draft Sleepers, Kicker Streamers

Wild Card Weekend Kicker Rankings for Fantasy Football: Justin Tucker, Chase McLaughlin, Tyler Bass, Jake Elliott, Will Reichard, Cameron Dicker

Sadly, the fantasy football regular season is over. However, if you're still itching to compete, RotoBaller will provide coverage for playoff leagues through the Super Bowl. To get things kicked off, find out where kickers such as Justin Tucker, Chase McLaughlin, Tyler Bass, Jake Elliott, Will Reichard, and Cameron Dicker are ranked for the Wild Card […]


Bills Defense - Von Miller IDP Rankings, D/ST Streamers, Fantasy Football Team Defense

Wild Card Weekend Team Defense Rankings for Fantasy Football: Ravens D/ST, Chargers D/ST, Bills D/ST, Eagles D/ST, Buccaneers D/ST, Rams D/ST

The 2024 fantasy football season flew by in a hurry, and as always, there were plenty of surprise breakouts and duds. With those leagues in the rearview mirror, it's time to turn our attention to fantasy football playoff leagues. RotoBaller will cover these setups through the Super Bowl with a special focus on FFPC leagues. […]


Will Levis - Fantasy Football Rankings, Draft Sleepers, Waiver Wire Pickups

2025 NFL Draft Order: Where Every Team Picks in the 1st Round

While fans of 14 NFL franchises are looking forward to competing for the Super Bowl, the other 18 are set to begin grinding mock drafts to see who their team could take in the first round of the 2025 NFL Draft. It's never fun to miss the playoffs, but the idea of adding a high-end […]


Jordan Love - Fantasy Football Rankings, NFL Injury News, DFS Lineup Picks

Fantasy Football Sunday Injury Report: Updates for Jordan Love, Zay Flowers, Christian Watson, More

Well, the 2024 fantasy football season is officially in the books. It feels like just yesterday we were discussing sleepers, breakouts, and busts as we eagerly awaited the start of the year. I’m always amazed at how fast the season goes. The injury report from this weekend was relatively small, but the injuries that occurred […]