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As the calendar turns to August, let's look at more first base and third base fantasy baseball waiver wire pickups for Week 20 — August 5 through August 11.
August is a crucial month for fantasy baseball managers, as it often determines who will make the playoffs in their leagues. With the MLB season entering its final stretch, fantasy teams must carefully strategize to maximize their rosters' performance. Key player acquisitions can make or break a team's championship aspirations, whether through trades or free-agent pickups.
Injuries, hot streaks, and cold spells play significant roles, requiring managers to stay vigilant and adaptable. As MLB teams vie for postseason berths, fantasy managers must navigate the same intensity and pressure, making critical decisions that could lead to fantasy glory.
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Waiver Wire Pickups for Shallow Leagues (30-50% rostered)
Ben Rice, C/1B, New York Yankees (31% rostered)
Ben Rice hasn't been great at the dish since the All-Star break, but he hit a solo shot during the series sweep against the Phillies. He had seven home runs during July, and although the rest of the Yankees lineup has been picking up the slack amid his slump, New York hopes the rookie can continue to contribute offensively.
Uncle Ben’s 🍚 pic.twitter.com/vUFaN8chn4
— New York Yankees (@Yankees) July 29, 2024
Rice is still making solid contact on the baseball, but they aren't dropping for hits. The Los Angeles Angels await the Yankees for a three-game set at home, hopefully getting the 25-year-old going again. Additionally, with Anthony Rizzo still having a "ways to go" in his injury rehab, it looks like Rice will get regular reps at first base.
Juan Yepez, 1B/OF, Washington Nationals (43% rostered)
Juan Yepez continues to excel offensively, earning him a spot on this list for the third consecutive week as his rostered percentage steadily rises. He hit .345 with 10 hits, five runs scored, six RBI, and two walks last week.
not getting tired of juan yepez being CLUTCH and GOOD pic.twitter.com/xICGphZYAJ
— Washington Nationals (@Nationals) July 28, 2024
After dealing Lane Thomas to the Guardians at the deadline, the Nationals hope Yepez can help fill the gap left by the slugging outfielder. He may not possess as much power as Thomas, but Yepez has certainly provided for Washington in the clutch and been somewhat of a sparkplug to their lineup.
Waiver Wire for Deeper Leagues (10-30% rostered)
Hunter Renfroe, 1B/OF, Kansas City Royals (10% rostered)
Since the All-Star break, veteran Hunter Renfroe has been swinging a hot bat for the Royals. He owns a .977 OPS with three doubles, three home runs, 13 RBI, and eight walks in 14 games. Since June 2, the 32-year-old has batted .313 and added seven homers and 24 RBI across a 41-game span.
Hunter Renfroe does it again!
Watch on Bally Sports, https://t.co/4FtfJsLRIh and the Bally Sports app. pic.twitter.com/JJgW9HXEiB— Bally Sports Kansas City (@BallySportsKC) July 28, 2024
In addition to Bobby Witt Jr. and Salvador Perez, Renfroe has helped keep Kansas City firmly in the American League wild-card race. They're still six games back of the Guardians for the AL Central division lead but are 10-5 since the All-Star break.
Nolan Schanuel, 1B, Los Angeles Angels (18% rostered)
Another player who's been on a tear since the break is Nolan Schanuel. His OPS is even better than Renfroe's at 1.123, and he's contributed a double, three home runs, six RBI, and 10 walks across 14 games. The 22-year-old has been a bright spot for the bleak franchise.
Despite getting off to an ice cold start in 2024 Nolan Schanuel has posted a 139 WRC+ since June 1, hitting .285 with 6 HR and 20 RBI
Think he’s turned a page on his young career, with plus swing decisions, he’ll be around a long time
pic.twitter.com/oMx5fTL0tS— Overdue Sports (@OverdueSports) August 2, 2024
With the news of Mike Trout being sidelined for the remainder of the year and his future in baseball in question, Angels fans are grasping at straws for an ounce of positivity. The former first-round pick Schanuel has provided that of late.
Deeper Waiver Wire Options to Consider (Under 10%)
Whit Merrifield, 2B/3B/OF, Atlanta Braves (7% rostered)
Considering how poorly Whit Merrifield performed offensively while with the Phillies, it may be surprising to see his name on a list of players you should add. Since his release from Philadelphia and joining the Braves, things have begun to look up for the veteran former All-Star.
Former Gamecock star Whit Merrifield had a triple, sac bunt, and walk last night and appears to be showing he’s still got plenty left in the tank now that he’s getting consistent playing time over the last wk with the Braves after struggling this year as a utility with Phillies.
— Wes Mitchell (@WesMitchellGC) August 3, 2024
Albeit a small sample size, the 35-year-old is slashing .273/.385/.455 with a triple, two walks, and two stolen bases through three games with Atlanta. Oddly, the Phillies seemed to have played better with him on the roster despite Merrifield not directly contributing to that success. Since his first game with the Braves, they are 3-1.
More Waiver Wire Pickups to Consider
- Santiago Espinal, 2B/3B/SS, Cincinnati Reds (1% rostered)
- Addison Barger, 3B/SS/OF, Toronto Blue Jays (2% rostered)
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