Points League Hitters: Waiver Wire Pickups for Fantasy Baseball for Week 23 (2024)

Welcome, RotoBallers, to the Week 23 edition of our fantasy baseball waiver wire pickups for hitters. These fantasy baseball waiver wire pickups are for the week of August 26 - September 1, looking at players below ~50% rostered on ESPN or Yahoo.

We'll be doing this points league roundup every week here at RotoBaller because we know points players get neglected and we're here to help. Player values can vary wildly from platform to platform, so we'll highlight where players are the best and worst fits, with waiver-wire targets being evaluated in terms of the different scoring systems on ESPN, Yahoo, CBS, Fantrax, and NFBC.

Position eligibility is taken from Fantrax and players are grouped by their most valuable fantasy position, using a hierarchy of C > 2B > OF > 3B > 1B > SS. Stats and rankings are calculated using games through Saturday, August 24.

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

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• Fantasy Baseball live scoreboard, daily leaderboards

 

Waiver Wire Caveats and APR Explanation

Roster% Thresholds

We use a combination of Roster% to assess who is in our target pool, relying mostly on Yahoo and ESPN. For some players, you'll notice a wide discrepancy between the two. This is because ESPN's Roster% is heavily weighted by points players, with guys who don't do well in their system (often because of an inflated K% but also sometimes, who really knows?) lagging behind the Yahoo Roster%.

For this reason, you'll sometimes see players (especially early) who might make you question my sanity in including them in a waiver-wire article but don't worry, it's just a necessary glitch for coverage purposes.

APR stands for "Average Platform Rank" and is the average hitter rank between the four major point platforms: ESPN, Yahoo, CBS, and Fantrax. All player data is from FanGraphs and Baseball Savant, with injury information pulled from the Roster Resource section on the former.

 

Fantasy Baseball First Base Waiver Wire Pickups

Best Choices

Michael Toglia, COL, 1B/OF (Yahoo: 32%, ESPN: 11%) - **Broken Record Alert**...Toglia has been one of our staples for seemingly months, as he's been one of fantasy's best assets since being recalled from the minors way back in Week 11. It hasn't just been Coors shenanigans, either; since he returned on June 6, Toglia has a .372 wOBA, .888 OPS, and 140 wRC+ in 146 PA on the road.

That's why he was still one of our Best Choices last week even while staring down a week-long road trip and he's rewarded us with a 68 APR headed into Sunday. With seven games at home (vs MIA, vs BAL) and no elite starters on the schedule, you can bet your sweet molassy that Toglia's our top choice for Week 23.

Spencer Horwitz, TOR, 1B/2B (Yahoo: 13%, ESPN: 5%) - Horwitz has been a solid option in basically every week since getting called up in early June, albeit with that high floor coming with a lower ceiling. Not in Week 22! Horwitz is the No. 24 hitter going into Sunday and has seven games in Week 23 (@BOS, @MIN), all scheduled with the RHP that he fares much, much better against.

Ryan O'Hearn, BAL, 1B/OF (Yahoo: 35%, ESPN: 37%) -O'Hearn doesn't play vs LHP - we know this - but Baltimore is only scheduled to face one in their six games, with that second series coming in Colorado.

Next Choices

Josh Bell, ARI, 1B (Yahoo: 46%, ESPN: 36%) - It may lack consistent sizzle but Bell's profile remains decidedly points-friendly so his recent run of success (82 APR over the last five weeks) shouldn't come as a surprise, as he's now up to an 85 APR for the year. Bell gets six games at home this week (vs. NYM, vs LAD) but will miss most of the elite options from his opponents.

Andrew Vaughn, CHW, 1B (Yahoo: 27%, ESPN: 7%) - Coming off of 249 APR in Week 22, you'd think a known Vaughn-hater like myself would be off of him (per the yuse) in Week 23. Not today, mon freres! Vaughn gets seven games (vs. DET, vs. TEX, vs. NYM) at his tiny home park and is scheduled against mostly average (at best) pitching outside of Nathan Eovaldi on Thursday.

More importantly, four of those seven games are scheduled vs. LHP, against whom Vaughn has a .294 AVG, .333 wOBA, and .772 OPS, compared to a .229 AVG, .293 wOBA, and .670 OPS vs. RHP.

Nolan Schanuel, LAA, 1B (Yahoo: 14%, ESPN: 9%) - Schanuel just keeps trucking along that high-floor highway, with a 137 APR in Week 22 representing his 12th-straight week in the top 150, finishing in the top-100 six times. The Angels have six games in Week 23 (@DET, vs. SEA) with only one scheduled vs the LHP that Schanuel struggles more against.

Desperate Choices

Jonah Bride, MIA, 1B/3B (Yahoo: 16%, ESPN: 4%) - Reality finally caught up to our runaway Bride, who came crashing back with a 203 APR in Week 22 after three straight weeks in the top-75(ish). It's a good week to bet on a dead-cat bounce, however, with Bride going to Colorado for four games, as well as getting four games v\s. LHP for the period.

LaMonte Wade Jr., SF, 1B/OF (Yahoo: 5%, ESPN: 4%) - Wade's 56 APR in Week 22 would be his best finish since April and he'll have a good chance to keep it going in Week 23, with all six games (@MIL, vs. MIA) scheduled vs. RHP.

Spencer Torkelson, DET, 1B (Yahoo: 39%, ESPN: 33%) -  He's...ALIVE??? Okay, let's not get carried away but Torkelson has an 81 APR in Week 22 and is slashing .296/.367/.556 in his 30 PA since being recalled, with a HR, four R, and three RBI. Baby steps, y'all; baby steps. There's nothing scary from his opponents in Week 23, with the Tigers getting the White Sox on the road and the Angels at home.

Carlos Santana, MIN, 1B (Yahoo: 18%, ESPN: 25%) - Why did our points god forsake us with a 290 APR in Week 22, his worst finish (if it holds through Sunday) since Week 8? One word, sinners...Blasphemy. So insulted by his ridiculous Roster%, his Pointyness opted to withdraw his favor for the week to teach us all a valuable lesson.

To be fair though, you might want to keep blaspheming this week, as Santana is set to face Max Fried, Chris Sale, Kevin Gausman, and Jose Berrios. AKA Not ideal.

On the IL

• Jeimer Candelario, CIN, 1B/3B (fractured toe - no timetable)
• Anthony Rizzo, NYY, 1B (fractured forearm - rehab assignment)
• Kris Bryant, COL, 1B/OF (strained back - no timetable)
• Tyler Soderstrom, OAK, 1B (wrist bruise - no timetable)
• Alex Kirilloff, MIN, 1B/OF (back discomfort - rehab assignment)

 

Fantasy Baseball Second Base Waiver Wire Pickups

Best Choices

Brendan Rodgers, COL, 2B (Yahoo: 24%, ESPN: 7%) - We've been successfully bobbing and weaving with Rodgers for the past month, making him one of our Best Choices for about a month and being rewarded with four straight top-75(ish) finishes before bailing last week as he was set for some horrible lefty-matchups on the road.

Rodgers didn't reverse our lack of trust and has a 261 APR headed into Sunday. You have to get back on that train in Week 23 though, as Rodgers gets seven games at home and with only one LHP on the schedule. After four games versus four non-scary Marlin starters, Baltimore comes to town but with the back of their rotation and no Corbin Burnes.

Spencer Horwitz, TOR, 1B/2B (Yahoo: 13%, ESPN: 5%) - Horwitz has been a solid option in basically every week since getting called up in early June, albeit with that high floor coming with a lower ceiling. Not in Week 22! Horwitz is the No. 24 hitter going into Sunday and has seven games in Week 23 (@BOS, @MIN), all scheduled with the RHP that he fairs much, much better against.

Colt Keith, DET, 2B/3B (Yahoo: 33%, ESPN: 13%) - Keith is coming off of a top-50 week and the left-hander is scheduled for all RHP this week against two of baseball's worst teams (@CHW, vs. LAA).

Next Choices

Ramon Urias, BAL, 2B/3B (Yahoo: 18%, ESPN: 25%) - Urias has been on (relative) fire for a month now and is the No. 42 hitter in Week 22 coming into Sunday's action. The Orioles get six games in Week 23, starting at the Dodgers before traveling to the moon (COL) for a three-game set.

Whit Merrifield, ATL, 2B/3B/OF (Yahoo: 13%, ESPN: 5%) - Merrifield has been a staple of the column since returning to a starting role following his trade to Atlanta (and the subsequent optioning of his playing time competition, Nacho Alvarez Jr.). He has a 70 APR in Week 22 after the same rank in Week 21 and a 94 APR in the week prior. Atlanta has seven games in Week 23 (@MIN, @PHI) and will only face one LHP.

Geraldo Perdomo, ARI, 2B/SS (Yahoo: 23%, ESPN: 5%) - Perdomo is the No. 11 hitter for the week heading into Sunday's game, which would be his second top-20 finish in the last four periods, along with a good 67 and a horrible 257.

As long as he's playing every day (he's started 16 games straight), Perdomo and his high-average/elite-discipline profile will continue to compile points.  Arizona has six games in Week 23 (vs. NYM, vs. LAD), with two LHP scheduled to face them.

Michael Massey, KC, 2B (Yahoo: 3%, ESPN: 2%) - Massey is coming off of another good week (No. 129) but his inconsistent playing time vs. LHP remains a hindrance to his fantasy value. However, it has been on the upswing lately, with Massey getting the start in three of Kansas City's last five matchups with LHP, and has been leading off when facing an RHP.

The Royals do have three LHP on the Week 23 schedule but are also fully stuffed with eight games total (@CIN, @TEX).

Thairo Estrada, SF, 2B/SS (Yahoo: 34%, ESPN: 20%) - Believe it or not, there was once a (recent) time when Estrada would never be on any waiver wire but a season full of injuries and disappointing performance have put him back out on the heap. He returned from his most recent IL trip to post a 124 APR and gets six games against shaky pitching (@MIL, vs. MIA) in Week 23.

Desperate Choices

Connor Norby, MIA, 2B (Yahoo: 4%, ESPN: 1%) - Wait, how'd (insert random Marlin) get in here? Answer: four games at Coors. However, in Norby's case, it's also some talent. Following his trade to Miami, Norby was mostly ho-hum at Triple-A before being called up to the Marlins but now has three home runs in 53 PA for the big club, starting every game since coming in.

Joey Ortiz, MIL, 2B/3B (Yahoo: 14%, ESPN: 7%) - Sweet lord, Ortiz has been mostly a trainwreck in the second half but now has two top-75 finishes in the past three weeks. Unfortunately, the Brewers are only scheduled to face one LHP in their seven games this week (vs. SF, @CIN)

Zack Gelof, OAK, 2B (Yahoo: 34%, ESPN: 11%) - We've been a big fan of Gelof for most of the summer and he does have two top-100 weeks in the last three periods but a 35% K% makes him virtually unplayable in leagues with a K-penalty.

Even if your league doesn't have a penalty, this still isn't a great week to get your Gelof on though. The A's have LHP scheduled in three of their six games, against whom he's slashing .150/.266/.263, with a .245 wOBA.

Isiah Kiner-Falefa, PIT, 2B/3B/SS/OF (Yahoo: 26%, ESPN: 10%) - The ceiling is low but IKF pairs everyday PAs with elite discipline, a formula we've seen work time and time again when you're looking for a band-aid. The Pirates have six games in Week 23 (vs. CHC, @CLE), with two scheduled vs. LHP.

Otto Lopez, MIA, 2B/OF (Yahoo: 1%, ESPN: 1%) - Wait, how'd (insert: Otto Lopez) get in here? Answer: An 18% K% and four games in Colorado. Any questions?*

*I'm David Pumpkins, man.

On the IL

• Nick Gonzales, PIT, 2B (strained groin - rehab assignment)
• Richie Palacios, TB, 2B/OF (sprained knee - no timetable)

 

Fantasy Baseball Third Base Waiver Wire Pickups

Best Choices

Colt Keith, DET, 2B/3B (Yahoo: 33%, ESPN: 13%) - Keith is coming off of a top-50 week and the left-hander is scheduled for all RHP this week against two of baseball's worst teams (@CHW, vs. LAA).

Jhonkensy Noel, CLE, 3B/OF (Yahoo: 18%, ESPN: 3%) - In case you haven't heard, Noel can hit bo-ombs. The rookie has two home runs in his last three games and five in his last 10, finishing No. 34 in Week 21 and currently sits at No. 10 in Week 22.

The Guardians have seven games in Week 23 and three are scheduled against the LHPs that Noel has been smashing. He's still widely available but it won't stay that way if those bombs keep dropping.

Ernie Clement, TOR, 3B/SS (Yahoo: 20%, ESPN: 5%) - Rumors continue to swirl that Ernie Clement is apparently the truth...Well, not so fast; we are talking about Ernie Clement, after all. However, his combination of piles of PAs from an everyday job and a ridiculous 9% K% is allowing him to continue compiling up points.

Clement is the No. 14 hitter for Week 22 heading into Sunday and has an 83 APR over the last four periods.

Next Choices

Ramon Urias, BAL, 2B/3B (Yahoo: 18%, ESPN: 25%) - Urias has been on (relative) fire for a month now and is the No. 42 hitter in Week 22 coming into Sunday's action. The Orioles get six games in Week 23, starting at the Dodgers before traveling to the moon (COL) for a three-game set.

Whit Merrifield, ATL, 2B/3B/OF (Yahoo: 13%, ESPN: 5%) - Merrifield has been a staple of the column since returning to a starting role following his trade to Atlanta (and the subsequent optioning of his playing time competition, Nacho Alvarez Jr.). He has a 70 APR in Week 22 after the same rank in Week 21 and a 94 APR in the week prior. Atlanta has seven games in Week 23 (@MIN, @PHI) and will only face one LHP.

Noelvi Marte, CIN, 3B (Yahoo: 13%, ESPN: 3%) - Marte is finally showing some of that pre-suspension hype, with two top-75 finishes in the last three weeks. Not amazing but it's a start for the former top prospect. The Reds get seven games at home in Week 23 (vs. OAK, vs. MIL) and against most inferior starters.

Matt Vierling, DET, 3B/OF (Yahoo: 23%, ESPN: 9%) - In the past nine scoring periods, Vierling has only put up one truly rotten week (240 in Week 19), with three finishes in the top-50 and every other week being good enough to not hurt you.

Unfortunately, the Tigers won't see any of the LHP in their seven games (@CHW, vs. LAA) that Vierling tends to feast on but the good news is that their opponents are equally as terrible as they are.

Desperate Choices

Jonah Bride, MIA, 1B/3B (Yahoo: 16%, ESPN: 4%) - Reality finally caught up to our runaway Bride, who came crashing back with a 203 APR in Week 22 after three straight weeks in the top-75(ish). It's a good week to bet on a dead-cat bounce, however, with Bride going to Colorado for four games, as well as getting four games vs. LHP for the period.

Joey Ortiz, MIL, 2B/3B (Yahoo: 14%, ESPN: 7%) - Sweet lord, Ortiz has been mostly a trainwreck in the second half but now has two top-75 finishes in the past three weeks. Unfortunately, the Brewers are only scheduled to face one LHP in their seven games this week (vs. SF, @CIN)

Isiah Kiner-Falefa, PIT, 2B/3B/SS/OF (Yahoo: 26%, ESPN: 10%) - The ceiling is low but IKF pairs everyday PAs with elite discipline, a formula we've seen work time and time again when you're looking for a band-aid. The Pirates have six games in Week 23 (vs. CHC, @CLE), with two scheduled vs. LHP.

On the IL

• Jeimer Candelario, CIN, 1B/3B (fractured toe - no timetable)
• Ke'Bryan Hayes, PIT, 3B (lower back - no timetable)
• Brooks Lee, MIN, 3B/SS (biceps tendinitis - rehab assignment)
• Jon Berti, NYY, 3B/SS (strained calf - rehab assignment)
• Yoan Moncada, CHW, 3B (strained groin - rehab assignment)

 

Fantasy Baseball Shortstop Waiver Wire Pickups

Best Choices

Masyn Winn, STL, SS (Yahoo: 36%, ESPN: 16%) - I'm not gonna DO...what you all THINK I'm gonna do...Which is -- FREAK OUT! Nope, not doing it. All I'll say is that Winn is No. 106 in Week 22 -- which would represent his worst finish since Week 14 and the first time since that he'd finish outside of the top-100. Sure, let's keep him available in a third of leagues.

Next Choices

Geraldo Perdomo, ARI, 2B/SS (Yahoo: 23%, ESPN: 5%) -Perdomo is the No. 11 hitter for the week heading into Sunday's game, which would be his second top-20 finish in the last four periods, along with a good 67 and a horrible 257.

As long as he's playing every day (he's started 16 games straight), Perdomo and his high-average/elite-discipline profile will continue to compile points. Arizona has six games in Week 23 (vs. NYM, vs. LAD), with two LHP scheduled to face them.

Thairo Estrada, SF, 2B/SS (Yahoo: 34%, ESPN: 20%) - Believe it or not, there was once a (recent) time when Estrada would never be on any waiver wire but a season full of injuries and disappointing performance have put him back out on the heap. He returned from his most recent IL trip to post a 124 APR and gets six games against shaky pitching (@MIL, vs. MIA) in Week 23.

Desperate Choices

Isiah Kiner-Falefa, PIT, 2B/3B/SS/OF (Yahoo: 26%, ESPN: 10%) - The ceiling is low but IKF pairs everyday PAs with elite discipline, a formula we've seen work time and time again when you're looking for a band-aid. The Pirates have six games in Week 23 (vs. CHC, @CLE), with two scheduled vs. LHP.

Orlando Arcia, ATL, SS (Yahoo: 10%, ESPN: 8%) -Arcia's value is hard to pin down from week to week as he's usually not a solid option but is still capable of throwing up a top-50 week occasionally. Like this week (52) and three weeks ago (16). Atlanta has seven games this week on the road (@MIN, @PHI) with only one scheduled vs the left-handers that Arcia struggles most against.

On the IL

• J.P. Crawford, SEA, SS (fractured pinkie - rehab assignment)
• Brooks Lee, MIN, 3B/SS (biceps tendinitis - no timetable)
• Jacob Wilson, OAK, SS (strained hamstring - rehab assignment)
• Javier Baez, DET, SS (spine/hip - no timetable)
• Wenceel Perez, DET, SS/OF (strained oblique - no timetable)
• Jon Berti, NYY, 3B/SS (strained calf - rehab assignment)
• Jorge Mateo, BAL, 2B/SS (elbow sprain - no timetable)

 

Fantasy Baseball Outfielder Waiver Wire Pickups

Best Choices

Michael Toglia, COL, 1B/OF (Yahoo: 32%, ESPN: 11%) - **Broken Record Alert**...Toglia has been one of our staples for seemingly months, as he's been one of fantasy's best assets since being recalled from the minors way back in Week 11. It hasn't just been Coors shenanigans, either; since he returned on June 6, Toglia has a .372 wOBA, .888 OPS, and 140 wRC+ in 146 PA on the road.

That's why he was still one of our Best Choices last week even while staring down a week-long road trip and he's rewarded us with a 68 APR headed into Sunday. With seven games at home (vs. MIA, vs. BAL) and no elite starters on the schedule, you can bet your sweet molassy that Toglia's our top choice for Week 23.

TJ Friedl, CIN, OF (Yahoo: 41%, ESPN: 31%) - File this under: "No good reason Friedl should still be available in your league." Friedl has averaged a 78 APR over the last four periods and gets seven games at home in Week 23 (vs. OAK, vs. MIL) against back-of-the-r0tation starters, only one of whom is left-handed. Last call, y'all.

Daulton Varsho, TOR, OF (Yahoo: 44%, ESPN: 36%) - I guess people are still mad? Varsho shouldn't be available in your league but correct that mistake if he still is especially since Toronto gets seven games in Week 23 (@BOS, @MIN) with none scheduled vs. LHP.

Ryan O'Hearn, BAL, 1B/OF (Yahoo: 35%, ESPN: 37%) -O'Hearn doesn't play vs LHP -- we know this -- but Baltimore is only scheduled to face one in their six games, with that second series coming in Colorado.

Next Choices

Wilyer Abreu, BOS, OF (Yahoo: 38%, ESPN: 10%) - Abreu only has a disappointing 183 APR in Week 22 but has been on a solid run in the second half and will only have to see one left-handed starter in Boston's seven games this week (vs. TOR, @DET). For reference, Abreu is slashing just .178/.245/.258 vs LHP, with a 33% K% and .232 wOBA.

Parker Meadows, DET, OF (Yahoo: 9%, ESPN: 3%) - Meadows has quietly been pretty decent since returning to the Tigers' lineup, posting an 89 APR in Week 22 after finishing 124 in Week 21 and 39 in Week 20. The left-hander is set up for more success in Week 23, getting seven games against terrible teams (@CHW, vs. LAA) and zero LHP.

Charlie Blackmon, COL, OF (Yahoo: 6%, ESPN: 6%) - Old man Blackmon has looked like he's on his last legs for weeks now, averaging a 252 APR over the last four periods but nothing gets an old heart pumping like seven games at home (vs. MIA, vs. BAL).

Jesus Sanchez, MIA, OF (Yahoo: 4%, ESPN: 2%) - We were off the Jesus last week after a run of success because he had so many LHP staring him in the face and a 239 APR in Week 22 justified our hesitancy. Granted, the Marlins once again are scheduled to face LHP in four of their seven games but Sanchez is still very viable as long as your rules allow for some switchery trickery.

The Marlins first go to Colorado for four games, with only one LHP (Kyle Freeland) on the books before heading to San Francisco for three games and three lefties (Blake Snell, Robbie Ray, Kyle Harrison). If your league allows daily moves or even just a Friday swap-out for hitters, Sanchez is an excellent play, as you can just bench him for what will likely be a disaster by the bay.

JJ Bleday, OAK, OF (Yahoo: 27%, ESPN: 20%) - It's looking like just another top-50 week for Bleday, his second in a row and sixth of the year. It's a mostly bad team but Bleday has a pile of PAs by playing every day and a points-friendly 19% K% and 10% BB%. Temper expectations this week, though, as Bleday is set to face three LHP in his six games (@CIN, @TEX).

Desperate Choices

Nolan Jones, COL, OF (Yahoo: 18%, ESPN: 25%) - Jones has nothing to count on a comeback in Week 23 after a year of ineptitude but if desperate you could do a lot worse than a top-50 bust getting seven games at Coors Field.

Lars Nootbaar, STL, OF (Yahoo: 22%, ESPN: 12%) - Hey, look; Noot's alive! Well, I mean, 94 isn't exactly crushing it in Week 22 but it's a hell of a lot better than the 285 APR he'd averaged in the four periods prior. There are some tough pitching matchups in their seven games (vs. SD, @NYY) but at least he'll only have to face one left-handed starter.

Pete Crow-Amstrong, CHC, OF (Yahoo: 6%, ESPN: 3%) - Hyphenated fever...Activate. PCA has a 15 APR in Week 22 after three straight top-100(ish) periods but will see LHP in two of his six games in Week 23 (@PIT, @WSH), and with one of the four RHP represented by Paul Skenes.

LaMonte Wade Jr., SF, 1B/OF (Yahoo: 5%, ESPN: 4%) - Wade's 56 APR in Week 22 would be his best finish since April and he'll have a good chance to keep it going in Week 23, with all six games (@MIL, vs. MIA) scheduled vs. RHP.

Isiah Kiner-Falefa, PIT, 2B/3B/SS/OF (Yahoo: 26%, ESPN: 10%) - The ceiling is low but IKF pairs everyday PAs with elite discipline, a formula we've seen work time and time again when you're looking for a band-aid. The Pirates have six games in Week 23 (vs. CHC, @CLE), with two scheduled vs. LHP.

Otto Lopez, MIA, 2B/OF (Yahoo: 1%, ESPN: 1%) - Wait, how'd (insert: Otto Lopez) get in here? Answer: An 18% K% and four games in Colorado. Any questions?*

*I'm David Pumpkins, man.

Derek Hill, MIA, OF (Yahoo: 1%, ESPN: 0%) - (insert: Derek Hill) getting "recommended" as a pick-up??? Must be a Coors week!

On the IL:

• • • Esteury Ruiz, OAK, OF (strained wrist - no timetable)
    • Alex Call, WSH, OF (foot - no timetable)
    • Jake Fraley, CIN, OF (sprained knee - no timetable)
    • Heston Kjerstad, BAL, OF (concussion - no timetable)
    • Kris Bryant, COL, 1B/OF (strained back - no timetable)
    • Wenceel Perez, DET, SS/OF (strained oblique - no timetable)
    • Alex Kirilloff, MIN, 1B/OF (back discomfort - rehab assignment)
    • Richie Palacios, TB, 2B/OF (sprained knee - no timetable)

 

Fantasy Baseball Catcher Waiver Wire Pickups

Best Choices

Tyler Stephenson, CIN, C (Yahoo: 47%, ESPN: 30%) - Listen, I know he's going to just break my heart again but after four years I just have too much love invested to not allow him into my heart again. Stephenson has averaged a 78 APR over the last seven weeks but that number is also dragged way down by the #250 in Week 18 -- the next worst two are a 113 and 72, along with three top-25 finishes.

My boy's on fire and I'm happy to bet on him staying that way with a seven-game homestand against some really shaky pitching from Oakland and Milwaukee.

Joey Bart, PIT, C (Yahoo: 37%, ESPN: 11%) - Bart hasn't disappointed as one of our best options for a few weeks now but still remains available in about a third of leagues. A 127 APR so far in Week 22 would actually be his worst week in a month if it holds but still represents a pretty good ranking for his position.

His Pittsburgh renaissance has continued mostly unabated and with one more solid week I suspect he won't be eligible to hang around this space any longer.

Next Choices

Freddy Fermin, KC, C (Yahoo: 7%, ESPN: 2%) - Fermin's been on a good week/bad week pattern for the past month and has seen his recent playing time dip but will have the advantage of the Royals having eight games this week, with three scheduled vs. LHP. In 90 PA vs. LHP this season, Fermin is slashing .367/.438/.481, with a .403 wOBA and .919 OPS.

Alejandro Kirk, TOR, C (Yahoo: 5%, ESPN: 4%) - His elite plate discipline (13% K%, 10% BB%) will always give him a decent floor in most point leagues as long as he's hitting enough to play most games. With the exit of Danny Jansen, he's been getting those necessary PAs.

Kirk has rewarded streamers with a top-75 APR in two of the last three weeks, but also with a 302 ranking sandwiched between them. It's called the Alejandro Kirk experience. The Blue Jays have seven games this week (@BOS, @MIN) but none are scheduled vs. LHP.

Desperate Choices

Keibert Ruiz, WSH, C (Yahoo: 29%, ESPN: 48%) - It's no surprise that Ruiz is nearly above our Roster% threshold on ESPN, as his 10% K% significantly ups his value in leagues with a full-K penalty. He's still a solid, replacement-level type in leagues without a penalty but you need to be aware of the value gaps between systems before pulling for a stream.

Korey Lee, CHW, C (Yahoo: 1%, ESPN: 0%) - Good strategy doesn't generally involve streaming a catcher with a lifetime .194 AVG and .240 wOBA playing for an all-time terrible team but Lee might be worth a dart for the desperate. The right-hander will face four LHP in seven games this week, with all coming at his home bandbox and none against elite starters.

On the IL

• • • Gabriel Moreno, ARI, C (strained groin - no timetable)
    • Patrick Bailey, SF, C (strained oblique - no timetable)
    • Austin Wynns, CIN, C (strained lat - no timetable)
    • Tom Murphy, SF, C (sprained knee - no timetable)

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