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

Points League Waiver Wire Pickups - Week 15

brandon nimmo fantasy baseball rankings waiver wire pickups draft sleepers - icon rotoballer

We'll be doing this roundup of points leagues every week here at RotoBaller, with waiver wire targets and streaming pitchers being evaluated in terms of the different scoring systems of ESPN, Yahoo!, CBS, and Fantrax.

Player values can vary wildly from platform to platform, so we'll make sure to highlight where players are the best and worst fits. We know points league players get neglected and we're here to help.

These waiver-wire adds are for the week of July 5 - July 11, looking at players below 50% rostered for ESPN and Yahoo! Stats and rankings are calculated using games through Saturday, July 3.

Be sure to check all of our fantasy baseball draft tools and resources:

 

Know Your System

If you've read me even a little, you likely know what I'm going to say...You must account for, as precisely as possible, how a player performs under your particular scoring system. Don't be fooled into believing you can just make rough adjustments in your head, bumping up guys with high on-base percentages and low strikeout rates. Every point, in every category, counts.

For example, ESPN and Fantrax are virtually identical in their scoring for hitters and roster size. The only difference is that stolen bases are worth one more point on Fantrax and ESPN subtracts one point per strikeout. That's the difference between Ronald Acuna Jr. being a top-five hitter versus top-20.

If your league uses standard settings, then great! Turn to page 94 and you can skip ahead to the leaderboards. If you play with custom settings, it'll still be fine. Go back to page 43 and look below at the scoring systems of the four major platforms. I bet there's a chance that you'll find that your league's scoring is very similar to one of the four (well, not Yahoo!'s), even if it's not the platform you actually play on.

For example, my home league started on a now-defunct platform before moving first to ESPN and is now at Fantrax. But our scoring is basically ESPN standard only with two points for stolen bases and a handful of other minor adjustments.

If you look above, you'll likely find a suitable mirror to your own system. While every point counts, as long as they aren't seismic changes you can get away with some "close enough" calls. IE. If everything is the same except for HBP (or something similar), you're probably fine.

 

Waiver Wire Leaderboards

In addition to our overall waiver wire leaderboards, we're deep enough into the season that we'll also start doing a 14-day leaderboard (21 days for pitchers), as well, giving us a window into recent production. The charts are updated prior to Saturday's games, on stats and ownerships. All leaderboards, overall and 14-day, are sorted according to the player's APR*, and clicking on a chart will open a new page with a magnified version.

*APR = Average Platform Ranking - the average platform ranking between ESPN, CBS, Yahoo, and Fantrax (standard point settings)

 

The Hansels

Let the recency bias wash over you because these players are just so hot, right now. So, just for fun, let's start making a chart of the players in the top-100 of APR over the last two weeks before diving into the position-by-position analysis.

 

First Base

Must Add

  • Joey Votto, CIN - Since returning from the IL on June 8, Votto has slashed .298/.379/.548 over 95 PA, with six home runs, 15 runs scored, and 20 RBI. He has a 51 APR over the last two weeks but has started to turn it back on over his last 10 games, collecting five two-hit games, with two home runs and a .376 wOBA, while slashing .308/.341/.538 over 41 PA. Widely available.
  • Bobby Bradley, CLE - Given his plate discipline (28.7% K%, 17.1% SwStr%) and .322 OBP, it remains to be seen how viable Bradley will be in points over the long term but he's remained hot enough that it might be time to give him a chance. Over his first 87 PA in 2021, Bradley is averaging more points per PA (on every platform) than every first baseman besides Vladimir Guerrero Jr. He needs to be picked up until he cools down.

Can Add

  • Garrett Cooper, MIA - Before hitting the IL in early June, Cooper was quietly turning into a solid source of production and since returning on June 25, he's gotten right back to it. In his 25 PA since then, Cooper has an 87 APR (180 APR for the year), collecting 10 hits and slashing .526/.640/.947, with two home runs and two doubles.
  • Christian Walker, ARI - Walker missed large chunks of April and May to injuries but has started going back to the boring (and valuable) compiler that he can be in most point formats. He has a 90 APR over the last two weeks, slashing .289/.360/.467 over 50 PA, with two home runs and eight runs scored.
  • Pavin Smith, SEA
  • Gavin Sheets, CHW

Desperate Adds

Notable IL

 

Second Base

Must Adds

Jonathan India has left the low-owned fold but second base remains really deep on most wires. Pick freely!

  • Kike Hernandez, BOS - When he's running well, Boston has let him have leadoff, which is where he's now been for seven straight games, after spending seven games near the bottom. Since the start of this last run at the top of the order, Hernandez is slashing .385/.515/.885 over 33 PA, with four home runs, an 18.2% BB% and just a 9.1% K%. That's points gold, baby.
  • Cesar Hernandez, CLE - He's dipped to a 127 APR over the last two weeks but Hernandez still has a 69 APR for the season among all hitters and, worst case, is a low-ceiling compiler who you can ride when hot, or use him to fill out the back your bench.
  • Ty France, SEA - France keeps trucking along, with an 83 APR on this season and a 93 APR over the last two weeks.

 

Can Adds

  • Jed Lowrie, OAK - Lowrie has gotten hot again and might be worth riding until he cools back off. He's collected two hits in five of his last 10 games, slashing .353/.389/.647, with three home runs and a .439 wOBA.
  • Wilmer Flores, SF - Flores continues to prove he can be a points monster when playing every day. He has a 39 APR over the last two weeks and should continue to play until Evan Longoria returns.
  • Starlin Castro, WSH - Castro is on a heater, slashing .367/.446/531 over the last two weeks, with a .419 wOBA and 165 wRC+.
  • Jace Peterson, MIL - With Kolten Wong and Daniel Vogelbach both on the IL, Peterson continues to play every day and just keeps hitting. He's collected multiple hits in three of his last six games and is slashing .292/.413/.462 over his 80 PA since returning to big league action on June 8. He'll probably turn back into Jace Peterson sooner than later but when you post a 10 APR over two weeks, you should probably be paid attention to.
  • Brendan Rodgers, COL
  • Luis Arraez, MIN 

Desperate Adds

Notable IL

 

Third Base

Must Adds

  • Times are still dire. Basically, all of the subpar options from the last few weeks are still available. You're much better off grabbing one of the third base-eligible second basemen from above.

Can Adds

Desperate Adds

Notable IL 

 

Shortstop

Must Adds

  • J.P. Crawford, SEA 
  • Willy Adames, MIL - Adames has stayed red hot, posting a 12 APR over the last two weeks, slashing .340/.444/.717, with five home runs and a .483 wOBA. He's also been moving on up the order, batting 2nd-4th in each of his last seven games.

Can Adds

  • Luis Urias, MIL
  • Paul DeJong, STL - DeJong has started to heat up over his last seven games, hitting two home runs and slashing .286/.444/.619, with a .451 wOBA and 192 wRC+.
  • Jose Iglesias, LAA - Iglesias has a 121 APR over the last two weeks and is currently on a five-game heater, collecting nine hits and slashing .474/.524/.842, with two home runs and a .573 wOBA.
  • Elvis Andrus, OAK - Andrus is most useful in leagues that penalize strikeouts, with his APR around 10-15 spots higher on ESPN and CBS than it is on Yahoo and Fantrax.

Desperate Adds

Notable IL

 

Outfielders

Must Adds

  • Brandon Nimmo, NYM - He's been out of action since May 2 but don't forget how good Nimmo was before a finger injury. Batting leadoff almost every game, Nimmo is slashing .333/.435/.444 for the season after returning on July 3 and going 3-for-6, with two runs scored. Please don't make me get upset about Brandon Nimmo every week like I do Joey Votto...Please? He's a good hitter that gets on base a ton and will compile tons of PAs from the leadoff spot. That's points gold, I promise.
  • Akil Baddoo, DET

Can Adds

  • AJ Pollock, LAD - He's most valuable in daily leagues but Pollack has heated up over the last two weeks, slashing .278/.333/.639 over 39 PA, with three home runs and nine RBI.
  • Eli White, TEX - White continues to get full-time PAs following the injury to Willie Calhoun and has been hot enough to be worth taking a look at, posting a 52 APR over the last two week. Since returning to the big leagues on June 8, White is slashing .273/.349/.481, with a .360 wOBA and four home runs.
  • Andrew Vaughn, CHW
  • Robbie Grossman, DET
  • Odubel Herrera, PHI
  • Austin Hays, BAL
  • Manuel Margot, TB
  • Joc Pederson, CHC
  • Trevor Larnach, MIN
  • Alex Kirilloff, MIN
  • Jake Fraley, SEA - Fraley is a much better pickup in daily leagues, with excellent scoring rates across platforms, but his biggest value drag remains the playing time, even if he is still on the strong side of things.
  • Victor Robles, WSH
  • Taylor Ward, LAA - Ward's a more viable option in daily moves leagues, as his pts/PA rates have stayed steadily above-average.
  • Anthony Santander, BAL
  • LaMonte Wade Jr. - He's been sitting against lefties but crushes when he actually starts. Comparing him, for example, to Bryan Reynolds (22 APR), Wade scores .65 pts/PA on ESPN (Reynolds: .67 pts/PA) .78 pts/PA on CBS (Reynolds: .79 pts/PA), and 2.05 pts/PA on Yahoo (Reynolds: 2.11 pts/PA). Wade Jr. is an excellent fill-in for daily leagues but remains heavily schedule-dependant.

Desperate Adds

Notable IL

 

Catchers

Must Adds

  • Omar Narvaez, MIL - Narvaez stays steady and boring, with a 139 APR on the season and an 89 APR over the last two weeks, slashing .275/.375/.375, with a .336 wOBA. Nothing exciting but he plays most every day, which is more than you can say for most available catchers.

Can Adds

  • Tyler Stephenson, CIN - Going by per-PA scoring rates, Stephenson is roughly the same type of scorer as Narvaez but his value continues to be hampered by the timeshare with Tucker Barnhart, as he's on the short side of the platoon. He's slashing .286/.342/.457 over the last two weeks, with a 152 APR. But he's also another player with a big value gap across the platforms, depending on strikeout penalties. He has a 138 and 148 APR on ESPN and CBS over the last two weeks but just a 162 and 158 APR on Yahoo and Fantrax.
  • Jacob Stallings, PIT
  • Mike Zunino, TB

Desperate Adds

  • All catcher adds are desperate adds.

Notable IL

 

Starting Pitchers

 

Two Start Weeks

Player Team Start One Start Two
Kwang Hyun Kim STL @SF @CHC
Mike Minor KC CIN @CLE
Zach Davies CHC PHI STL
Kolby Allard TEX DET OAK
Vladimir Gutierrez CIN @KC @MIL
Martin Perez BOS @LAA PHI
Bailey Ober MIN CWS DET
Logan Allen CLE @TB KC
Chad Kuhl PIT ATL @NYM
Matt Moore PHI @CHC @BOS
Jon Lester WSH @SD @SF
Jose Urena DET @TEX @MIN
Jameson Taillon NYY @SEA @HOU
Steven Matz TOR @BAL @TB
Jon Gray COL @ARI @SD
Ryan Weathers SD WSH COL
Riley Smith ARI COL @LAD
Michael Wacha TB CLE TOR
Justus Sheffield SEA NYY LAA
Jake Arrieta CHC PHI STL
Wily Peralta DET @TEX @MIN
Matt Harvey BAL TOR CWS

 

Must Add

  • Drew Smyly, ATL (@ PIT) - Smyly has been on fire, coming in with a 5 APR over the last three weeks. In his last four starts, Smyly has a 1.21 ERA over 22.1 IP, collecting four wins and 21 strikeouts. He faces a  Pittsburgh offense that is sneaky-tough at the top but has mostly black holes in the second half. The Pirates only have a 22.1% K% vs LHP in 2021 but their .286 wOBA against them is the worst in baseball.
  • Ross Stripling, TOR (@ TB) - The Rays offense is pretty mediocre against right-handers, posting a .314 wOBA and 26.4% K% against them for the year, with a .295 wOBA and 27.8% K% since June 1. Stripling has rolled over his last four starts, with a 2.31 ERA, including his last start when he allowed just one run in 5.2 innings to these same Rays, striking out five.
  • Patrick Sandoval, LAA (@ SEA) - Sandoval and his 31.7% CSW take on a Seattle team that has a 27.2% K% vs LHP, with a .295 wOBA.

Can Add

  • Tarik Skubal, DET (@ MIN) - He's a must-add for the season but Skubal has a tough matchup in his last start before the break, as Minnesota has a .340 wOBA against left-handers since June 1, with just a 20.1% K%.
  • Shane McClanahan, TB (vs TOR) - He's in a similar position as Skubal, in that he should be rostered but is faced with a terrible last matchup before the All-Star Break.
  • Zach Thompson, MIA (vs LAD) - Ditto one more time for Thompson, who has a tough matchup with the Dodgers.
  • Alex Cobb, LAA (@ SEA) - Seattle only has .298 wOBA vs RHP in 2021 but have been much better since June 1, posting a .332 wOBA. However, they do still have a very friendly 26.2% K% (28.0% since June 1).
  • Cole Irvin, OAK (@ TEX)
  • Mike Minor, KC (vs CIN, at CLE)
  • Merril Kelly, ARI (vs COL)
  • Chris Flexen, SEA (vs LAA)
  • Jon Gray, COL (@ ARI, @ SD)
  • Johnny Cueto, SF (vs STL) - The Cardinals don't strike out very much against right-handers (21.8% K% vs RHP) but they don't do much of anything else, either. St. Louis has a .291 wOBA vs RHP this season and a .282 wOBA since June 1. Cueto got roughed up in his last start but facing St. Louis is always a good tonic for a right-hander to get back on track.
  • Tyler Anderson, PIT (@ NYM)
  • Kwang-Hyun Kim, STL (@ SF, @ CHC) - Only if you can sit him against the Giants.
  • Ryan Weathers, SD (vs WSH, vs COL)
  • Logan Gilbert, SEA (vs NYY)

Desperate Adds

  • Steven Matz, NYM (@ BAL, @ TB) - You probably shouldn't be this desperate and definitely do not start Matz versus the lefty-crushing, Baltimore Orioles.
  • Joe Ross, WSH (@ SF) - Ross has been really good over his last five starts, posting a 1.95 ERA over 32.1 IP, with 33 strikeouts and only six walks. But I'm being really careful with a road start versus the Giants, who have been tough on right-handers all season (.331 wOBA, 23.1% K%) but especially so lately. Since June 1, San Francisco has .364 wOBA vs RHP, with just a 22.0% K%.
  • Ryan Yarbrough, TB (vs TOR) - I'm currently in "don't go out of my way to stream against Toronto" - mode.
  • JT Brubaker, PIT (vs ATL) - You're basically banking on the fact that Atlanta loves striking out versus RHP, posting a 26.9% K% against them since June 1.
  • Adrian Houser, MIL (@ NYM)
  • Adbert Alzolay, CHC (vs PHI)
  • Zach Davies, CHC (vs PHI)
  • Kolby Allard, TEX (vs DET, vs OAK)
  • Eric Lauer, MIL (vs CIN)
  • Jameson Taillon, NYY (@ SEA, @ HOU)

Notable IL

 

Relief Pitchers

Keep in mind that with relievers, points scored can be deceiving. Most scoring systems make it pretty difficult for even the best non-closers to score elite points, making them very reliant on unpredictable wins. You simply need the save points to really do damage. AKA, when you see totally random names hit the leaderboard (particularly the 14-Day one), it's probably because they happened to get a few wins and/or a lot of usage. If a reliever doesn't have an established role, tread carefully.

One note about ownership; because ESPN uses nine open pitching slots, as opposed to dedicated slots for RP/SP, relievers tend to be lighter owned than on other sites.

 

Must Adds

  • Daniel Bard, COL - Let's not get crazy and claim he's Coors-proof but Daniel Bard just keeps on moving, now with a 20 APR for the year and a 16 APR over the last two weeks. Even better, he's getting ready to go on the road.

Can Adds

  • Anyone else...Joakim Soria, I guess? Actually, no. Don't do that to yourself. I'm sticking with my original answer of, "anyone else".

Notable IL



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!



More Points Leagues Analysis




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

Ja'Marr Chase3 hours ago

Extension A Priority For Bengals This Offseason
Matthew Stafford3 hours ago

Plans To Play In 2025
Dallas Goedert3 hours ago

Sits Out With Ankle Injury
DeVonta Smith3 hours ago

Dealing With Hamstring Injury
NFL23 hours ago

Mike McCarthy Won't Coach In The NFL In 2025
New Orleans Saints1 day ago

Kellen Moore In "Strong Position" To Become Saints Head Coach
Detroit Lions1 day ago

Lions Hire John Morton As New Offensive Coordinator
Washington Commanders1 day ago

Kliff Kingsbury To Stay With Commanders
Cleveland Browns1 day ago

Browns Not Interested In Trading Myles Garrett
Russell Wilson2 days ago

Steelers Unlikely To Re-Sign Both Russell Wilson, Justin Fields
Josh Allen2 days ago

Picks Up Wrist Injury In AFC Championship Loss
A.J. Brown3 days ago

Finds The End Zone In Strong Outing
Saquon Barkley3 days ago

Posts Three-Touchdown Performance
Jalen Hurts3 days ago

Leads Explosive Offense To Super Bowl Berth
James Cook3 days ago

Scores Two Touchdowns In Loss To Chiefs
Xavier Worthy3 days ago

Leads Receivers In AFC Championship Win
Chicago Bears3 days ago

Bears Hire Dennis Allen, Declan Doyle For Coordinator Roles
Seattle Seahawks3 days ago

Seahawks Hiring Klint Kubiak As Offensive Coordinator
Zach Ertz3 days ago

Eclipses 100 Yards In NFC Title Game
Tennesse Titans3 days ago

Titans Hire Dave Ziegler As Assistant GM
Dallas Cowboys3 days ago

Mike Zimmer Likely Retiring From NFL

RANKINGS

QB
RB
WR
TE
K
DEF
RANKINGS
C
1B
2B
3B
SS
OF
SP
RP
10
10
11
11
12
18
13
27
14
28
15
29
16
33
17
34
18
38
19
41

MORE RECENT ARTICLES

 
Will Howard - College Football Rankings, NCAA CFB DFS Lineup Picks

Five Fantasy Football Sleepers To Target In Dynasty Rookie Drafts

With just one football game left in the season, fans of 30 of the 32 teams in the NFL have already turned their attention to the 2025 NFL Draft. Dynasty fantasy football sickos have already been focused on the draft since midseason, but it is just about time for everyone else to start paying attention. […]


Justin Jefferson - Fantasy Football rankings, NFL DFS, Injury News

Very Early 2025 Fantasy Football Rankings with Rookies and Tiers - Top 230 for Redraft Leagues

The 2024 NFL regular season just ended, but that doesn’t mean fantasy football has to. At least not totally. If you play in a dynasty or keeper league, or maybe you’re just consumed by fantasy football and cannot get enough, these 2025 fantasy football rankings should get you thinking about next season. Anytime you’re doing […]


Tyreek Hill - Fantasy Football Rankings, NFL Injury News, DFS Lineup Picks

Who is the Best NFL Wide Receiver Since 1990?

With the increased popularity of receivers in fantasy football and the advancement of data and film study (colossal shout-out to Reception Perception), the average football fan or fantasy football manager has more data and information at their fingertips than ever. That increased knowledge leads to more intense debates. Who is the best receiver? We could […]


Tyler Warren - College Football Rankings - NCAA CFB DFS Lineup Picks - NFL Draft

Early 2025 NFL Draft Rankings – Top 5 Tight End Prospects

The 2024 NFL Draft class had arguably the best tight end prospect in decades, if not ever. While Brock Bowers was a superstar as a rookie, the rest of the tight end class failed to make an impact. However, there is still hope for the rest of the class. Thankfully, the 2025 NFL Draft class […]


Marvin Harrison Jr. - Fantasy Football Rankings, WR, Waiver Wire, NFL DFS, Rookies

Should I Buy or Sell Marvin Harrison Jr. in Dynasty Fantasy Football Leagues?

When the Arizona Cardinals drafted wide receiver Marvin Harrison Jr. with the fourth overall pick in the 2024 NFL Draft, all fantasy managers believed Harrison was going to put up elite numbers right away. He was tabbed as a generational prospect and landed in one of the best situations. However, Harrison had his ups and […]


Video: Bold First-Round Predictions for 2025 - Way-Too-Early Fantasy Football Draft Preview

With the matchup for the Super Bowl set and the biggest game of the year just over a week away, it's a fun time to start putting together thoughts on 2025 fantasy football drafts! RotoBaller's LaQuan Jones breaks down his thoughts on 2025 in this Way-Too-Early Draft Preview. What are his bold predictions for the […]


Brian Thomas Jr - Fantasy Football Rankings, Draft Sleepers, NFL Injury News

Top Buys For Dynasty Fantasy Football – Offseason Trade Targets

The 2025 fantasy football season is still months away for redraft players. However, the game never stops for dynasty fantasy players, as the offseason is anything but slow. Now is the perfect time for fantasy players to explore the trade block and make deals ahead of free agency and dynasty rookie drafts. Everyone loves acquiring […]


Kenneth Gainwell - Fantasy Football Rankings, Draft Sleepers, Waiver Wire Pickups

Fantasy Football Injury Reports: Super Bowl LIX Updates for Jalen Hurts, Rashee Rice, Kenneth Gainwell, Mecole Hardman

It feels like yesterday when we watched Patrick Mahomes and the Kansas City Chiefs start their quest for a three-peat with a close win against the Baltimore Ravens on opening night. But now, the season is almost over, and just one game remains. The Chiefs beat Josh Allen and the Bills once again, and will […]


Jeremiah Smith - College Football Rankings, NCAA CFB DFS Lineup Picks

Fantasy Football Dynasty Watch: Top College Fantasy Football Players 2024 Bowl Games

The biggest stars usually shine brightest on the biggest stages. That used to be bowl games. Some of the college stars still strutted their stuff in the postseason, but many opted out to avoid injury. That opened the door for some others who weren't noticed during the regular season because they were backups. We will […]


Tom Brady - NFL QB Passing Leaders, Fantasy Football All Time Greats

Every NFL Team's Greatest Quarterback Of All Time (2025 Update)

The world of sports is centered around the NFL, with the quarterback position being the most important in the game. Some teams have had multiple Hall of Fame passers in their franchise history, with a few having only 2-3 starting quarterbacks in 50 years. So, let’s look at the top quarterback in franchise history for […]


Titans Defense D/ST Streamers, Rankings, Waiver Wire - Harold Landry Fantasy Football IDP

Updated 2025 NFL Draft Order: First-Round Picks For Every Team Ahead of Super Bowl LIX

Only the Philadelphia Eagles and Kansas City Chiefs remain in the fight for the Lombardi Trophy. That means the 30 other NFL franchises are looking ahead to the 2025 NFL Draft. Luckily, all 30 of those teams know where they will be picking in the upcoming draft. The 18 teams that did not make the […]


Saquon Barkley - Fantasy Football Rankings, NFL Injury News, DFS Lineup Picks

Fantasy Football Sunday Injury Report: Updates for Saquon Barkley, Kenneth Gainwell

Just like that, our Super Bowl LIX match is set. The Kansas City Chiefs will take on the Philadelphia Eagles in a Super Bowl LVII rematch. With only two games this weekend, the injury report is very light. Still, there were a few players who got dinged up. Let’s catch you up on who went […]


Kaleb Johnson - College Football Rankings, NCAA CFB DFS Lineup Picks - NFL Draft

Early 2025 NFL Draft Rankings – Top 10 Running Back Prospects

The 2024 NFL Draft class had a lackluster running back unit. Jonathon Brooks was the only running back taken in the first two rounds despite coming off a torn ACL he suffered at Texas. Furthermore, only four running backs were drafted in the first 100 picks. However, the 2025 NFL Draft class is loaded with […]