RADIO
Happy Sunday, Rotoballers, and welcome back to another edition of first base and third base fantasy baseball waiver wire pickups for Week 22 — August 19 through August 25.
The third week of August in fantasy baseball is a pivotal stretch for managers, as it often marks the final push before playoff positions are solidified. With trade deadlines looming or just passed, roster moves become more critical, and every start or at-bat can swing the standings.
This period sees an increased focus on matchups, player hot streaks, and injury management as fantasy teams either gear up for a playoff run or fight to stay in contention. As the season nears its climax, savvy decision-making can be the difference between a championship bid and an early exit.
Be sure to check all of our fantasy baseball lineup tools and weekly lineup resources:- Fantasy baseball injury reports
- Fantasy baseball trade analyzer
- Daily MLB starting lineups for fantasy baseball
- Fantasy baseball BvP matchups data (Batter vs. Pitcher)
- Fantasy baseball PvB matchups data (Pitcher vs. Batter)
- Who should I start? Fantasy baseball player comparisons
- Fantasy baseball closer depth charts, bullpens, saves
- Fantasy Baseball live scoreboard, daily leaderboards
Waiver Wire Pickups for Shallow Leagues (30-50% rostered)
Ryan O'Hearn, 1B/OF, Baltimore Orioles (39% rostered)
Ryan O'Hearn continues to be an unsung hero for the Orioles. The 31-year-old has logged six hits over his last seven games, good for a .500 average, and added two RBI, two walks, and two runs scored. He owns a .859 OPS in August but has yet to hit a home run this month.
The only downside to O'Hearn is that he doesn't play every day -- making 88 starts in 105 games -- but it's hard to argue against a serviceable .279/.356/.452 slash line on the year and that occasional burst of power. The veteran doesn't strike out a lot either, going down just 47 times in 374 plate appearances.
Colt Keith, 2B/3B, Detroit Tigers (35% rostered)
Thankfully for the Tigers, Colt Keith -- considered day-to-day Friday with hamstring soreness -- was in the lineup on Saturday against the Yankees. The rookie promptly collected an RBI single out of the clean-up spot to give Detroit the early lead.
The way Colt Keith has started to hit lefties is awesome. Going to be an absolute stud for years to come pic.twitter.com/yv19YpHz6w
— SBR (@SBR_bets) August 17, 2024
Keith has batted .296 with eight hits and two RBI in his last seven games. The 23-year-old former top prospect has come into his own at the MLB level. After starting the year off cold at the plate, he's improved in nearly every aspect of his game. Keith looks to be a large part of the Tigers' future.
Waiver Wire for Deeper Leagues (10-30% rostered)
Jorge Polanco, 2B/3B, Seattle Mariners (26% rostered)
Since being acquired from the Twins, Jorge Polanco hasn't had a great first year with the Mariners. However, Seattle's offensive dynamic has changed since the trade deadline with the additions of Victor Robles, Randy Arozarena, and Justin Turner, providing a bit of a spark to a lowly M's lineup.
Jorge Polanco - Seattle Mariners (12) pic.twitter.com/ohwuyvuwxh
— MLB HR Videos (@MLBHRVideos) August 17, 2024
Polanco mashed another home run on Friday night off of Pirates closer David Bednar to cut Seattle's deficit to two runs. Unfortunately, Seattle lost 5-3, but it was Polanco's second homer this week and 12th of the year. He's looked much better at the plate since the All-Star break, putting up a .923 OPS in 22 games.
Jhonkensy Noel, 1B/3B/OF, Cleveland Guardians (11% rostered)
"Big Christmas," also known as Guardians' 23-year-old outfielder Jhonkensy Noel, took the baseball world by storm this week by hitting three homers in two games. The rookie absolutely demolishes the baseball, with his dinger off of Drew Smyly leaving the bat at 111.3 mph and traveling 430 feet.
BIG CHRISTMAS DOES IT AGAIN. 🔥🔥🔥#ForTheLand | @CleGuardians pic.twitter.com/tbtLQ0gQO7
— Bally Sports Cleveland (@BallySportsCLE) August 14, 2024
He's slugged a ridiculous .682 in his last seven games, adding five RBI and a walk. Additionally, he owns a 1.056 OPS against lefties, with five of his nine HRs and 12 of his 17 RBI coming against southpaws. Noel's power surge has been a big part of Cleveland's offense recently, helping them to one of the best records in MLB.
Deeper Waiver Wire Options to Consider (Under 10%)
Gavin Sheets, 1B/OF, Chicago White Sox (3% rostered)
The White Sox easily had their best game of the season the other day against...the New York Yankees. On Monday, they crushed New York 12-2, with Gavin Sheets playing a significant role in that offensive explosion. The 28-year-old slashed .464/.483/.750 with 13 hits, including a home run and six RBI last week.
Gavin Sheets sent that one to the seats! pic.twitter.com/UBycnQs9Mc
— Chicago White Sox (@whitesox) August 15, 2024
Sheets had an abysmal July but has posted an OPS over .900 in 11 games in August. Now entering the stretch of the MLB season in which non-contending teams look to evaluate the talent they have, Chicago has a lot to consider after another lost season. Sheets will likely be a player to watch down the stretch, as it could affect his future on the Southside.
More Waiver Wire Pickups to Consider
- Enrique Hernandez, 1B/2B/3B/SS/OF, Los Angeles Dodgers (7% rostered)
- Jonah Bride, 1B/3B, Miami Marlins (11% rostered)
- Carlos Santana, 1B, Minnesota Twins (18% rostered)
Download Our Free News & Alerts Mobile App
Like what you see? Download our updated fantasy baseball app for iPhone and Android with 24x7 player news, injury alerts, sleepers, prospects & more. All free!
