RADIO
BALLER MOVE: Add in 14+ Team Leagues
ROSTERED IN: 2% of Leagues
ANALYSIS: Boston Red Sox reliever Justin Slaten was drafted in 2019 and has had strong strikeout numbers at every stop in the minors. Between Double-A and Triple-A in 2023, he struck out 86 hitters over 59 2/3 IP. His MLB debut came in extra innings earlier this season with the winning run on third base, and the 26-year-old gave up a walk-off single to Julio Rodriguez. Since then, the righty has pitched five-and-two-thirds innings without allowing a hit, has struck out six batters, and recorded a save.
Justin Slaten's Filth
5Ks in 2 innings. pic.twitter.com/dWS2hl3wKK
— Rob Friedman (@PitchingNinja) April 7, 2024
Part of Slaten's appeal is closer Kenley Jansen's back, which has caused him problems in spring training and "tightened up" on him following his first save which made him unavailable to pitch the next day (Slaten's debut). Jansen was able to pitch three times in four days last week for the Sox, but his back issues still sound like they could linger all season.
If they do, then Slaten would be given an opportunity to save more games (veteran Chris Martin seemingly would be in the mix too). If it becomes an IL stint for the 36-year-old Jansen or if Jansen is traded, then there'd be even more opportunity. Based on his K numbers alone, Slaten is worth a speculative add in deep leagues and AL-only formats. Should the Sox's closer situation break in Slaten's favor then he'd be rosterable in all leagues. The former third-round draft pick is currently available in 98% of Yahoo leagues.
More Fantasy Baseball Waiver Wire Pickups
Joey Ortiz, Connor Norby, Michael Conforto - Fantasy Baseball Draft Values
If you need some fantasy baseball sleeper targets or you are looking to avoid busts in your upcoming drafts, then look no further! Joey Ortiz, Connor Norby, and Michael Conforto are all interesting fantasy targets this year, but which of these three are values or busts at their current ADP? Should you draft Ortiz, Norby, […]
Justin Steele, David Festa, Jesus Luzardo - Fantasy Baseball Draft Values
Finding value in fantasy drafts is the most important thing you can do to build a winning fantasy baseball team! Justin Steele, David Festa, and Jesus Luzardo are all interesting fantasy targets this year, but which of these three can be considered "sleepers" at their current ADP? Should you draft Steele, Festa, or Luzardo in […]
3 Fantasy Baseball Draft Values - Joe Ryan, Jeffrey Springs, Ryan Weathers Outlooks
Looking for some fantasy baseball sleeper targets? Then you've come to the right place! Finding value in fantasy drafts is the most important thing you can do to build a winning fantasy baseball team. Joe Ryan, Jeffrey Springs, and Ryan Weathers are all interesting fantasy targets this year, but which of these three are values […]
3 Fantasy Baseball Draft Values - Isaac Paredes, Michael Toglia, Parker Meadows Outlooks
If you need some fantasy baseball sleeper targets or you are looking to avoid busts, then you've come to the right place! Finding value in fantasy drafts is the most important thing you can do to build a winning fantasy baseball team. Isaac Paredes, Michael Toglia, and Parker Meadows are all interesting fantasy targets this […]
Jacob deGrom - Fantasy Baseball Waiver Wire Pickups (Week 25)
BALLER MOVE: Add in All Leagues ROSTERED IN: 75% of Leagues ANALYSIS: Texas Rangers starting pitcher Jacob deGrom is on the verge of returning to the major leagues and should be rostered in all formats. The former two-time Cy Young winner underwent Tommy John surgery last summer and began a rehab assignment in late August. Through […]
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!
Check out RotoBaller's entire fantasy baseball waiver wire pickups and sleepers list, updated daily!
