Points League Hitters: Waiver Wire Pickups for Fantasy Baseball - Week 3

April 9, 2023

Nicklaus Gaut's fantasy baseball H2H points league waiver wire hitters to pick up for Week 3 of the 2023 MLB season, identifying free agents batters to add.

Welcome to Week 3 and our fantasy baseball waiver wire hitters. We'll be doing this roundup of points leagues every week here at RotoBaller, with waiver wire targets 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 fantasy baseball waiver wire pickups are for the week of April 10th - April 16th, looking at players below ~50% rostered for ESPN, Yahoo!, or Fantrax. 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 for charts are calculated using games through Saturday, April 8.

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Know Your Scoring System

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

Week 3: Waiver Wire Leaderboards

All charts are updated prior to Sunday's games, on stats and ownerships, and clicking on a chart will open a new page with a magnified version. Players on overall leaderboards are ordered according to their current Roster% on Yahoo. All injury information is sourced from RosterResource at FanGraphs.com.

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

Overall Leaderboards

We'll be adding more charts with more stats and info in the weeks to come but let's keep it simple starting out, looking at just the platform ranks and per-PA scoring rates after the first week(+) of games:

First Base Waiver Wire Pickups

Best Choices

Seth Brown, OAK, 1B/OF (Yahoo: 47%, ESPN: 17%) - Brown hasn't started off doing anything special (1 HR - 2 R - 2 RBI - 1 SB - .214 AVG) but the most important question about his season-long value has been answered in the early going, as he's started every game - including three vs LHP. Given his previous rates vs RHP, Brown doesn't have to be a superstar when facing lefties, he just needs to be in the lineup. In Week 3, Oakland has seven games, with only one scheduled vs an LHP (David Peterson).*

* Brown was a late scratch from Sunday's game and isn't available off of the bench after feeling something pull near his rib cage on a check-swing during Saturday's loss to Tampa Bay.

Joey Gallo, MIN, 1B/OF (Yahoo: 28%, ESPN: 14%) - The big whiffer is doing his best to get the hype (hope) train going again, starting off 2023 with a .435 wOBA,.522 xwOBA, and a (small-sample insanity), 46% Brl%. However, Minnesota has also only faced one LHP, which he, of course, sat. Gallo did get lifted from Saturday's game with side tightness and is considered day-to-day but if the health is good to go, it's worth trying to ride him another week, as the Twins are only scheduled to face one LHP in Week 3.

Next Choices

Isaac Paredes, TB, 1B/2B/3B (Yahoo: 10%, ESPN: 17%) - We've seen what Paredes can do when playing and he's already started 2023 strong, slashing .320/.370/.560 over 27 PA. More important to his long-term value, though, is that the right-hander has started 6-of-8 games so far, including two against RHP. But an everyday role, splits be damned, is a dangerous bet to make whenever dealing with the Rays, even if Paredes has gotten more chances vs RHP so far. In Week 3, Tampa Bay is only set to face two LHP, making starting Paredes for the week a dicey proposition. But hey - one of them is Chris Sale, so that'll probably be at least one dong.

Garrett Cooper, MIA, 1B (Yahoo: 7%, ESPN: 5%) - Is it already Garrett Cooper SZN? Alright! We've (okay I've) implored you to recognize his greatness in the past, convinced his fantasy success was only being held back by his eggshell-like body. But Cooper is currently healthy and has started 2023 strong, slashing .310/.355/.586 in the young season, with 2 HR. However, it is a tough slate of starters in Week 3, with the Marlins set to face Aaron Nola, Zach Wheeler, and Zac Gallen.

Carlos Santana, PIT, 1B (Yahoo: 3%, ESPN: 18%) - As long as there are point leagues, Carlos Santana will probably be worth using, especially in leagues with a strikeout penalty. Yes, it's the Pirates but batting cleanup every day with great plate discipline is a surefire way to compile points, even if it's unexciting.

Desperate Choices

Patrick Wisdom, CHC, 1B/3B/OF (Yahoo: 28%, ESPN: 4%) - It wasn't that long ago that Wisdom was a viable fantasy asset and he could be again - IF he can keep up the early plate-discipline improvements he's shown, posting 28% K% and 11% SwStr%. Granted, that's still not super impressive but it is relative to his career rates of 37% K% and 17% SwStr%. Wisdom has run posted a 65 APR but even at the level of his current strikeout rate, even the best version of him will likely still really hard to play in leagues with a strikeout penalty.

Elehuris Montero, COL, 1B/3B (Yahoo: 17%, ESPN: 3%) - Montero mostly has the third base job to himself but will likely settle into a classic Rockies fantasy asset - streamable at home, droppable for the rest. The Rockies have a split week coming up, finishing out with three games in the homestand before going on the road to Seattle.

On the IL

• Darick Hall, 1B, PHI (Torn UCL in thumb - no timetable)

Second Base Waiver Wire Pickups

Best Choices

Brice Turang, MIL, 2B/SS (Yahoo: 27%, ESPN: 13%) - The rookie made the team and has started off hot, slashing .316/.435/.526, with 1 HR - 5 R - 5 RBI - 2 SB. Unfortunately, he's also been on the strong side of a second base platoon with Owen Miller, sitting for each of Milwaukee's three matchups vs LHP. But in Week 3, the Brewers are only scheduled to face one LHP in seven games on the road in Arizona and San Diego.

Next Choices

Bryson Stott, PHI, 2B/SS (Yahoo: 45%, ESPN: 14%) - Stott has a .419 AVG for the year but that also comes with a .255xBA and .520 BABIP, so I wouldn't yet get your hopes up. Oh, and he's also posted near a Roto-Zero thus far - 0 HR - 0 R- 1 RBI - 0 SB. But he is matriculating his way up the lineup by sheer attrition and at the rate starting Phillies are dropping, he might be up to the top in no time.

Tony Kemp, OAK, 2B/OF (Yahoo: 3%, ESPN: 5%) - More likely, than not, Kemp will eventually turn back into a pumpkin. But for now, he's doing what he does; batting leadoff most every day on a bad team and compiling unnoticed points. Kemp has posted a 105 APR so far and is set to play seven games in Week 3, only one of which is scheduled to come against an LHP.

Desperate Choices

CJ Abrams, WSH, 2B/SS (Yahoo: 28%, ESPN: 16%) - Abrams has a 121 APR but is also dragged down by the #193 on NFBC. The scoring profile is fine but his value could sure use a move up the lineup, unfortunately, the Nationals currently think Alex Call is the better option. But Abrams's case should be helped by him (finally) showing a desire to occasionally take a walk, with a 10% BB% that is a far cry from the 1.7% he ran in 2022.

Orlando Arcia, ATL, 2B/SS (Yahoo: 27%, ESPN: 9%) - Arcia is certainly worth an add as long as he's playing every day, and has opened the season with a 72 APR, slashing .286/.324/.514 with 2 HR - 7 R - 4 RBI - 0 SB. The upcoming slate of pitchers isn't great (CIN/@ KC) but he will have to face Hunter Greene and Graham Ashcraft - that's right, I'm counting Ashcraft as a reason for hitters to be scared.

On the IL

• Luis Urias, MIL (strained hamstring - 6 to 8 weeks)
• Joey Wendle, MIA (strained intercostal - no timetable)

Third Base Waiver Wire Pickups

Best Choices - Luis Rengifo, LAA, 2B/3B/SS (Yahoo: 27%, ESPN: 3%) - Rengifo has posted a 93 APR but the Angels infield situation remains very crowded, alleviated shortly only by Anthony Rendon's suspension. His scoring profile should remain good (as it was last season) but I worry about playing time being vampired away.

Next Choices - Isaac Paredes, TB, 1B/2B/3B (Yahoo: 10%, ESPN: 17%) - covered at 1B

Desperate Choices:

Patrick Wisdom, CHC, 1B/3B/OF (Yahoo: 28%, ESPN: 4%) - covered at 1B
Elehuris Montero, COL, 1B/3B (Yahoo: 17%, ESPN: 3%) - covered at 1B

On the IL

• Josh Donaldson, NYY (strained hamstring - no timetable)

Shortstop Waiver Wire Pickups

Best Choices - Brice Turang, MIL, 2B/SS (Yahoo: 27%, ESPN: 13%) - covered at 2B

Next Choices - Bryson Stott, PHI, 2B/SS (Yahoo: 45%, ESPN: 14%) - covered at 2B

Desperate Choices:

CJ Abrams, WSH, 2B/SS (Yahoo: 28%, ESPN: 16%) - covered at 2B
Orlando Arcia, ATL, 2B/SS (Yahoo: 27%, ESPN: 9%) - covered at 2B

On the IL

• Luis Urias, MIL (strained hamstring - 6 to 8 weeks)
• Joey Wendle, MIA (strained intercostal - no timetable)

Catcher Waiver Wire Pickups

Best Choices

Logan O'Hoppe (Yahoo: 22%, ESPN: 17%) - O'Hoppe is o'hitting, slashing .250/.304/.600 with 2 HR - 3 R - 8 RBI - o SB, even with a .214 BABIP. But the problem going in wasn't whether he could hit; it was about whether he'd be in the majors. And whenever Max Stassi returns from the IL, O'Hoppe might get shipped back down. But he's worth a ride until then.

Next Choices

Gabriel Moreno, ARI, C (Yahoo: 28%, ESPN: 13%) - Moreno hasn't done anything to start (229 APR, .240/.231/.360, .248 wOBA) but has a hit-tool and athleticism not often seen at catcher. At Triple-A in 2022, Moreno ran a line to make point players drool - .315/.386/.420, 17% K%, 9% BB%.

Desperate Choices

Yasmani Grandal, CHW, C (Yahoo: 23%, ESPN: 7%) - Grandal might have an early 133 APR but a .280 AVG and .388 wOBA are backed by a .237 xBA and .318 xwOBA.

On the IL

• Max Stassi, LAA (hip discomfort - no timetable)
• Joey Bart, SF (strained back - on rehab assignment)
• Omar Narvaez, NYM (strained calf - no timetable)

Outfielder Waiver Wire Pickups

Best Choices

Myles Straw, CLE, OF (Yahoo: 34%, ESPN: 11%) - Straw's numbers may come with all the small-sample caveats necessary but they're still fairly ridiculous, helping him pull a 7 APR in the young season. Over 37 PA, he is slashing .370/.528/.444, with a .445 wOBA and 189 wRC+. No home runs, obviously, but Straw is tearing up the basepaths already, with 6 SB in his first nine games - the burners have already shown us they're going to take advantage of the new rules that favor more stolen bases and Straw is one of the burniest.

Straw may bat ninth, but I wouldn't discount him getting more runs than you might expect given how tough of a run the Cleveland lineup rolls over to. Along with the stolen bases and the everyday role that his elite defense provides, Straw should continue to be a good points asset.

Trevor Larnach, MIN, OF (Yahoo: 15%, ESPN: 7%) - Larnach has hit the ground running in Minnesota, starting each of the Twins first nine games and batting in the middle of the order. He's slashing .355/.459/.516 over 37 PA, with a .429 wOBA but those silly numbers also come with a .339 xwOBA, .251 xBA, and .476 BABIP. But while regression lurks to level out his hot start, role, and lineup spot are still important barometers of future success in points, as we ideally need the pile of PAs that come with an everyday spot.

Jesse Winker, MIL, OF (Yahoo: 38%, ESPN: 27%) - Winker has started off with a 96 APR but the key to his ultimate value will lie in his playing time. IE. How much will he play vs LHP? So far, he's sat in 2-of-3 opportunities but Milwaukee is only set to face one leftie (and it's Madison Bumgarner) in Week 3, so I'd expect him to get a lot of run.

Next Choices

TJ Friedl, CIN, OF (Yahoo: 10%, ESPN: 2%) - Friedl has started very average on every platform but NFBC (whose scoring system was made to most closely mimic roto value). But most importantly, the left-handed Friedl has seemingly shaken his previous platoon shackles, starting all seven of the Reds games, including three vs LHP

Andrew McCutchen, PIT, OF (Yahoo: 20%, ESPN: 13%) - McCutchen has always been an excellent points asset, even in these last years of decline. But he was still a top-50 OF last year (higher in leagues with a strikeout penalty) and has started off 2023 with a 42 APR. I'm sure he'll remain on the wire and under-appreciated but McCutchen in points likely represents an upgradde for many rosters.

Ramon Laureano, OAK, OF (Yahoo: 43%, ESPN: 8%) - The 36% K% is ugly but Laureano is an easy pickup if available in your league. He plays every day in the middle-ish of the order and has well-rounded contributions that will help him compile an above-average number of points. The ceiling might be limited but like McCutchen, this is a strong points asset to upgrade your bench with, at minimum, or even as a starter if needed.

Oscar Colas, CHW, OF (Yahoo: 24%, ESPN: 12%) - Colas has started off with some points-league fire (70 APR) but dangers are in the shadows. His .300 AVG and .342 wOBA are backed by a .229 xBA and .300 xwOBA, while a 19% K% comes with a 15% SwStr% and 3% BB%.

Jorge Soler, MIA, OF (Yahoo: 14%, ESPN: 6%) - Soler is reminding us early of how he can crush lasers, with 3 HR and a .421 xwOBA in 36 PA. But it's hard to forget how much he loves to whiff; he's posted a .206 AVG and 14% SwStr%.

Joey Wiemer, MIL, OF (Yahoo: 10%, ESPN: 3%) - Wiemer has started every game since being called up, slashing .333/.407/.542 over his first 27 PA, with 1 HR - 2 R - 3 RBI - 1 SB, and posting a 107 APR. He's also shown a level of patience never really seen, with just a 9% SwStr% and 11% K%. It's lovely to hope that level of discipline continues, as Wiemer has a juicy power/speed profile. But do temper expectations - in 2022, he ran a 20% SwStr% at Double-A and a 17% SwStr% at Triple-A.

Desperate Choices

Trent Grisham, SD, OF (Yahoo: 9%, ESPN: 6%) - He's batting ninth vs LHP but leading off vs RHP but only until Fernando Tatis Jr. returns in a couple of weeks. Expect that pattern to continue this week with the Padres scheduled to face three LHP.

Esteury Ruiz, OAK, OF (Yahoo: 46%, ESPN: 12%) - Ruiz hasn't yet shown off his speedy carrying tool (85 SB across the minors last season) but is getting on base better than expected, with a .355 OBP and 9% BB%.

Austin Hays, BAL, OF (Yahoo: 30%, ESPN: 28%) - Hays has started every game but one and will face three LHP in Week 3, against whom he carries a 75-point OPS advantage for his career.

On the IL

• Austin Meadows, DET (anxiety - no timetable)
• Max Kepler, MIN (knee tendinitis - no timetable)

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