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
Compare Any Players
Rookies & Call-Ups
24x7 News and Alerts

NL-Only and AL-Only Waiver Wire for Week 13

Wilmer Flores - Fantasy Baseball Rankings, Draft Sleepers, Waiver Wire Pickups

Matt Wallach outlines his favorite week 13 waiver wire pickups and adds for deep leagues, and AL-only or NL-only fantasy baseball leagues for the 2021 MLB season.

Welcome back to the NL-only and AL-only pickups column. Each week, I'll look at five players who are under 15% rostered in Yahoo! leagues and who can be considered as options to add in deep-league formats, such as 15-teamers or AL or NL-only leagues.

I'll also include a recommendation for what to do with each player on your roster. And lastly, I'll take a look at some of my picks from the previous week to see how they're performing.

Without further ado, let's get into it.

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

 

Abraham Toro - 3B, Astros

8% rostered
Recommended move: Add for a few weeks

With the recent injury to Alex Bregman (hamstring), it has been Toro getting the majority of playing time at third base for the Astros. Toro has done well in a limited sample of just 10 games, with a .348/.400/.478 slash line, and while it's unlikely to stick, Toro still does have a nice profile at the plate that could translate well to the fantasy game for a few weeks in Bregman's absence.

Toro was once one of the team's top prospects, and he's earned that with a strong minor league track record to go along with a solid scouting report. He was tearing it up in Triple-A this year and earned his call-up with such strong play. He features a good hit tool, with a low strikeout rate, to go along with about average power and plus speed. He has stolen a base already for the Astros and could generate a few more with the extra playing time. He should have little issue making contact--in fact, he's sporting just a 4% strikeout rate in the majors and had just an 11.8% strikeout rate at Triple-A. His early Statcast metrics show a slightly above-average 36.4% hard-hit rate, and while the expected stats show he likely hasn't been as good as his slash line suggests, his .319 xBA and .441 xSLG still offer promise.

Toro looks to be more of a player who will be solid and not exceptional in any category, but probably won't hurt in any category. He's playing well and often right now, and should be given consideration in deep fantasy leagues. He'll have time to play and show what he can do while Bregman is out, which should be for a few weeks at a minimum. Pick him up and see how he fares.

 

Wilmer Flores - 1B/2B/3B, Giants

6% rostered
Recommended move: Add for this week

After a slow start to the season, Flores has played much better in June, with a 159 wRC+ for the month, and since June 12, he's hitting .444/.467/.815, so he's definitely been hot lately.

The Giants do love to platoon though, and while he did start a few games against righty starters last week, he didn't start all of them, so he's not likely to be an everyday player going forward. However, with so many righties on the schedule last week, the Giants will face some lefties this week facing one during their series with the Angels and two during their weekend set with the Athletics. Flores should be in there for those matchups and should be expected to do well, as he has hit better against lefties for his career (117 wRC+ vs. 97 against righties). Combined with the fact that he's been swinging a hot stick as of late, and triple eligibility, Flores is a good streaming for this week.

He is more of an all-around type of player who doesn't hurt much in any category (except for steals), so a lot of power or a high batting average should probably not be expected, but rather just solid production across the board. It's a boring profile maybe, but it is still useful. Pick him up for the lefties this week, and keep him in mind should the Giants face another string of lefties going forward.

 

Kevin Pillar - OF, Mets

4% rostered
Recommended move: Add for a few weeks

Since coming of the injured list in late May after being hit in the face by a pitch, Pillar has played well, with a 112 wRC+ and four home runs in 59 plate appearances. The downside is that it has been pretty one-dimensional production, as he has been his usual high-power, low-batting average, and on-base percentage self, which makes him less of an attractive target for fantasy purposes.

He is still doing the power thing well, which does have fantasy use, as he should also post decent counting stats along with that. For the season, it's a .243/.285/.434 line, and just as it's been for the last few years with Pillar, there likely won't be much else coming in the other categories. It's pretty much a one-dimensional profile here, and he's not an easy player to roster, but if you're in need of some cheap power, Pillar could be a good option.

Keep in mind though that his playing time may start to be scaled back in the coming weeks as the Mets start to get healthier. Jeff McNeil (hamstring) came off the injured list recently and Michael Conforto (also a hamstring) is soon to follow. Pillar is probably still the team's best centerfielder until Brandon Nimmo (finger) also returns, and he is on a rehab assignment too. Basically, Pillar is probably only an everyday player for a little bit longer, so this is just a short-term recommendation for now.

 

Chas McCormick - OF, Astros

3% rostered
Recommended move: Add for a few weeks 

The second Astro to be recommended this week, McCormick has seen himself be shifted up the pecking order for the team lately, again due to the latest batch of Astros injuries. The rookie outfielder has found himself batting second on occasion for the team recently, and it's not unjustified, as he's been playing well this year with a 114 wRC+ on the year, while also hitting extremely well since June 12 with a .300/.323/.633 slash line.

He does strike out a lot (29.5%), which probably will limit his batting average potential going forward, but he does have a lot of pop in his bat. He has strong hard-hit (44.6%) and barrel (10.8%) rates--both of which rank well above the league average, and he keeps the ball off the ground, with a minuscule 33.8% ground ball rate (league average is 45.2%). Those factors usually are a good recipe for power, and that has been the case for McCormick so far, with an outstanding 23.5% HR/FB rate, and .264 isolated power. It is once again, a rather one-dimensional profile as it looks right now, but he does have a good foundation to provide some strong power numbers.

As long as McCormick continues to hit the ball well, he should remain a part of the Astros lineup. The team seems to like him, by playing every day and occasionally hitting him second in the order, but again, things may dry up a little when Kyle Tucker returns. Based on how they've used McCormick lately, I have a feeling he'll be getting more playing time over someone such as Myles Straw, for instance. He's worthy of a pickup for a few weeks.

 

Brian Goodwin - OF, White Sox

1% rostered
Recommended move: Add for a few weeks. 

Speaking of injuries, the White Sox have dealt with their fair share of injuries this season, specifically in the outfield, which has led to extended playing time for Goodwin. It has been just 10 games for Goodwin, but he has done well so far for the team with a .259/.355/.519 slash line. While it's not likely to stay at such a high level, Goodwin can still be a useful fantasy option.

He has started a few times against lefty pitchers, but he should be used only in a platoon role, so he has more fantasy value in leagues that allow for daily lineup changes. Even then, Goodwin should provide something close to league-average production, which he has done in the recent past, with a 103 wRC+ in the last two seasons. It's not a perfect profile, as due to an elevated strikeout rate (29.4% the last two years, 28.1% in the limited time this year), he won't provide much on the batting average side, but rather, he could be a decent power option, with his .206 ISO in 2019 and 2020 combined being pretty solid. There's also maybe some stolen base potential here too, and he has twelve stolen bases in those same two years combined, so it's not unreasonable to expect him to add a few here and there with the newfound playing time. In what looks like a recurring theme with this week's recommendations, Goodwin is probably another hitter here who will contribute a little bit everywhere, but nothing spectacular in any one particular category.

Keep in mind though that as a first-place team, the White Sox will likely be active at the deadline, with them certainly looking to upgrade in the outfield, so Goodwin may only be the starter here for a couple of more weeks, so this likely isn't a long-term situation. Still, he should be productive in the meantime.

 

Reviewing Last Week's Picks

At the end of each week's post, I'll review what happened with last week's picks and offer a suggestion for them in the future.

Luis Urias (2B/3B/SS, MIL) 

Last week: 9% rostered. This week: 18% rostered. 

Urias continued his hot hitting last week, hitting for a 201 wRC+ while contributing a home run and a stolen base as his roster rate has shot up. While he's not hitting leadoff anymore, he's still one of the team's most important hitters right now. Keep him around on your fantasy teams.

Current recommendation: Hold. 

Taylor Trammell (OF, SEA)

Last week: 5% rostered. This week: 3% rostered. 

Trammell failed to record a single hit last week in 15 plate appearances, and it's hard for him to maintain that power-speed reputation when he's not hitting the ball or getting on base. He's still an interesting young player with upside, but there's really not much of a reason to keep him around right now for fantasy purposes while hoping he starts to put it together.

Current recommendation: Drop. 

Nick Gordon (2B/SS, MIN)

Last week: 3% rostered. This week: 2% rostered. 

Gordon just isn't getting the playing time right now to make him worthy of a fantasy spot. He started just four games last week and had a 48 wRC+. It's similar to Trammell, where it's hard for him to live up to his prospect reputation when he's not getting on-base, and definitely so when he's not playing much. This is a clear drop.

Current recommendation: Drop. 

LaMonte Wade Jr. (1B/OF, SF)

Last week: 2% rostered. This week: 2% rostered. 

Wade was recommended last week due to the Giants facing a heavy dose of right-handed starters, which meant a lot of playing time for Wade. That game plan did work out, as Wade performed well, hitting .259/.310/.519 (126 wRC+) with one home run and even a stolen base. He could've been a drop this week though due to the team facing a few lefties this week, but the Giants made the decision easier with them sending him down to Triple-A on Monday. It's maybe a curious move considering he's been playing well, but the important thing for fantasy purposes is that it's a clear drop, as it's tough to roster a minor league player with precious roster spots. Thanks for the strong performance last week, though.

Current recommendation: Drop. 

Rowdy Tellez (1B, TOR) 

Last week: 2% rostered. This week: 2% rostered. 

Tellez was recommended last week to maybe try and take advantage of some favorable matchups and get some cheap counting stats. He responded by going hitless in nine plate appearances. Teoscar Hernandez returned from his stint on the paternity list, and George Springer (quad) is due back any day now, so Tellez's playing time is likely going to dry up, which makes this a clear drop.

Current recommendation: Drop. 



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 Fantasy Baseball Advice




POPULAR FANTASY TOOLS

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

REAL-TIME FANTASY NEWS

Griffin Conine

To Have Shoulder Surgery On Tuesday
Luke Keaschall

Twins Prospect Luke Keaschall Suffers Broken Forearm
Logan Gilbert

Leaves Friday's Start With Forearm Tightness

Vikings Select Tai Felton To Finish Day 2

Seahawks Select Quarterback Jalen Milroe With The 92nd Pick Overall

Browns Select Dillon Gabriel 94th Overall

Packers Pick Savion Williams At No. 87 overall

Steelers Snag Kaleb Johnson In Round 3

Broncos Select Wide Receiver Pat Bryant With The 74th Overall Pick

Texans Select Jaylin Noel With 79th Pick

Lions Select Wide Receiver Isaac TeSlaa With The 70th Overall Pick
Jack Leiter

To Start On Sunday

Patriots Add Wide Receiver Kyle Williams In Round 3

Browns Draft Harold Fannin Jr. With 67th Pick
Garrett Mitchell

Makes Early Exit
Luke Keaschall

Removed Early On Friday
Blake Snell

Likely Avoids Major Injury
Cole Ragans

Dealing With Mild Groin Strain

Broncos Add RJ Harvey To Backfield With 60th Pick

Raiders Select Jack Bech With 58th Pick

Chargers Add Wide Receiver Tre Harris In Round 2
Detroit Lions

Lions Acquire 57th Pick From Broncos

Seahawks Draft Elijah Arroyo 50th Overall
Carolina Panthers

Panthers Acquire 51st Pick From Broncos
Arizona Cardinals

Cardinals Snag Will Johnson At No. 47

Jets Add A Pass-Catcher With Mason Taylor At No. 42

Rams Select Terrance Ferguson With 46th Pick
Houston Texans

Texans Acquire 48th Pick From Raiders, Draft Aireontae Ersery

Saints Snag Tyler Shough At No. 40
Brenton Doyle

Out For Personal Reasons On Friday
Brandin Podziemski

Not On Injury Report For Game 3
Jimmy Butler III

Warriors Optimistic About Jimmy Butler III Playing Saturday
Jae'Sean Tate

To Remain Out Saturday
Jock Landale

Unavailable For Game 3
Terry Rozier

Out On Saturday
Jrue Holiday

Ruled Out For Friday Night's Game 3 Against Orlando
Kevin Love

To Miss Saturday's Game
Jaylen Brown

Available For Friday Night's Game 3 Against Magic
Gary Payton II

Iffy For Saturday's Action
Jayson Tatum

Officially Available On Friday For Game 3 Against Magic
Will Smith

Back From Injury On Friday
Luke Kennard

Questionable For Game 4 On Saturday
Darius Garland

Listed As Questionable For Game 3
Ja Morant

To Miss Game 4 On Saturday
Rui Hachimura

Available For Game 3 In Minnesota
Aaron Ekblad

Available To Return Saturday
Erik Swanson

Ryan Burr Progressing
Daulton Varsho

To Return On Tuesday At The Latest
Max Scherzer

Takes Positive Step On Friday
Aleksander Barkov

Questionable For Saturday
Gabriel Landeskog

Set For Larger Role In Game 4
Calvin Pickard

To Start Game 3 For Oilers
Randy Arozarena

Resting For First Time This Year
Jonas Siegenthaler

To Play Limited Minutes In Game 3
MLB

Red Sox-Guardians Game Postponed On Friday
Luke Hughes

Remains Out On Friday
MLB

Tigers-Orioles Postponed On Friday
Patrik Laine

A Game-Time Decision Friday
Yainer Diaz

Out On Friday Against Royals
Iván Herrera

Ivan Herrera Hopes To Start Rehab Assignment Next Week
Salvador Perez

Sitting Out For First Time This Season
Jaylen Brown

Questionable For Game 3 On Friday
Brendan Donovan

Back In Action On Friday
Jimmy Butler III

Could Miss Game 3 On Saturday
Coby Mayo

Getting On A Roll At Triple-A
Carlos Prates

Looks To Remain Undefeated In The UFC
Ian Machado Garry

Set For UFC Kansas City Main Event
Cade Cunningham

Collects Double-Double In Loss
Jalen Brunson

Drops 30 Points In Game 3
Karl-Anthony Towns

Leads All Scorers In Game 3 Victory
Zhang Mingyang

Scheduled For Co-Main Event
Anthony Smith

Set For His Final UFC Bout
David Onama

Set For Featherweight Bout
Giga Chikadze

Looks To Bounce Back
Abus Magomedov

Looks For His Third Consecutive Win
Michel Pereira

Returns To Action At UFC Kansas City
Nicolas Dalby

An Underdog At UFC Kansas City
Randy Brown

A Favorite At UFC Kansas City
Andre Muniz

Set To Open Up UFC Kansas City Main Card
Ikram Aliskerov

Looks To Get Back In The Win Column
Sergei Bobrovsky

Shuts Out Lightning In Game 2
Cam Fowler

Finishes Thursday's Win With Five Points
Robert Thomas

Posts Four Assists In Game 3 Win
Pavel Buchnevich

Celebrates Hat Trick During Four-Point Performance
Dylan DeMelo

Battling An Illness
Marcus Johansson

Exits Early Thursday
Aleksander Barkov

Hurt In Game 2
Jrue Holiday

Tagged As Questionable For Friday
Jayson Tatum

Likely Out Again On Friday
Anthony Cirelli

Good To Go Thursday
Andrei Vasilevskiy

Looks To Bounce Back In Game 2
Rasmus Ristolainen

To Miss Training Camp
Jonas Siegenthaler

Returns To Practice
Aliaksei Protas

Traveling With Capitals
Gabriel Vilardi

Still Out On Thursday
Max Pacioretty

Set To Join Maple Leafs Lineup For Game 3
Cam Davis

Looking For Better Fortunes At TPC Louisiana
Adam Svensson

Making Third Apperence At Zurich Classic
Max Greyserman

Aiming For Similar Success At TPC Louisiana
Lee Hodges

A High-Upside Player In New Orleans
PGA

Nico Echavarria Looks To Ride Off Of Elite Putting In New Orleans
Gary Woodland

A Player Worth Watching In New Orleans
Max McGreevy

Returns To The Zurich Classic Of New Orleans
Rasmus Hojgaard

In Search Of Consistency Ahead Of Zurich Classic
Sam Stevens

A Boom-Or-Bust Candidate In New Orleans
Nicolai Hojgaard

Looking To Turn Season Around At Zurich Classic
Christiaan Bezuidenhout

Looks To Sway A Hot Putter In Teams Favor At Zurich Classic
Akshay Bhatia

Looking To Bounce Back At TPC Louisiana
Carson Young

Looks To Turn Things Around At TPC Louisiana
Erik Van Rooyen

Looking For Momentum In Louisiana
Andrew Novak

Making Start At TPC Louisiana After Near Miss At Harbour Town
Ben Griffin

Making Third Career Start At Zurich Classic
Taylor Moore

Competing With A New Teammate In New Orleans
Wyndham Clark

Making Return To New Orleans
Kurt Kitayama

Teeing It Up Again In New Orleans
Collin Morikawa

Back At Zurich Classic For Fifth Time
Thomas Detry

Making Third Appearance At New Orleans Team Event
RANKINGS
C
1B
2B
3B
SS
OF
SP
RP

RANKINGS

QB
RB
WR
TE
K
DEF