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Welcome back, RotoBallers, to our starting pitcher fantasy baseball waiver wire pickups for Week 21 (August 12 - August 18). In this weekly piece, we search for starting pitchers rostered in less than 50% of Yahoo! leagues. These are SP options to consider that might be good additions to your fantasy roster, both short- and long-term.
This week, I look at a guy in Nick Martinez who has changed roles. We also look at some unsung veterans like Colin Rea and Paul Blackburn. There is something for everyone on the waiver wire for the shrewd player. Acquiring players like these and adding to your pitcher mix for the second half could help you win your league.
Every player on my list has a flaw. It could be low strikeout rates; it could be a walk rate that is too high. Every player listed here can provide some level of benefit to your fantasy team. I look for guys who can contribute to my bottom lines; a win perhaps (although chasing them is foolish and tricky), maybe some strikeouts, while not destroying my carefully manicured ratios.
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Fantasy Baseball Waiver Wire Pickups for Shallow Leagues
Recommendations for leagues of any size rostered between 30-50% on Yahoo!
Colin Rea, Milwaukee Brewers (rostered in 49% of leagues)
Rea continues to be rostered in only half of the leagues, and it's mystifying to me. Look, I understand what people think he is: a potentially volatile starter who could explode at any time. Yet, look below: the ratios are good, and he's growing into a strikeout pitcher, too. He has had at least six strikeouts in four consecutive starts now, with 37 strikeouts over his last 35 innings. There are always pitchers who outpitch their peripherals, and Rea is doing that in 2024; his xERA is 4.75 and his real ERA is 3.38.
JP Sears, Oakland Athletics (rostered in 33% of leagues)
Sears has been downright impressive over the last month. He has five wins during that time, with 35 strikeouts in 36 innings. The knock here had been the lack of strikeouts, but Sears has been going well. The veteran lefty has nine wins, a 4.35 ERA, and a 1.21 WHIP. He has had one bad outing over the last month. Sears should be rostered in far more leagues.
Jose Soriano, Los Angeles Angels (rostered in 31% of leagues)
Is there a starting pitcher that gets less press than Soriano? He seemingly gets zero respect. He is posting a ridiculous ground-ball rate, as you can see below; the sinker is generating 71.4% ground balls over the last month and is 60% overall this season. Soriano has gone 12 innings in his last two starts, garnering 13 strikeouts while scattering nine hits and only one run. He is worth rostering in leagues where you may need help at the back of your rotation. 
Fantasy Baseball Waiver Wire Pickups for Deeper Leagues
Recommendations for leagues of any size rostered less than 30% on Yahoo!
Spencer Arrighetti, Houston Astros (rostered in 23% of leagues)
I have been quietly watching Arrighetti for a few weeks, and I like what I am seeing. Look at how he has changed his pitch mix over the last couple of months, focusing more on his curveball and less on his fastball. On Saturday night, Arrighetti went seven innings and struck out 13 batters despite also allowing two home runs. This follows his last start, in which he struck out 12 hitters. Grab him while you can this weekend before your league mates catch on to him.
Paul Blackburn, New York Mets (rostered in 19% of leagues)
Blackburn is a great example of an unsexy mid-rotations piece that can help you out right now. Since his trade to New York, Blackburn has gone six innings in both starts, striking out 12 hitters while surrendering only two runs. If you are looking for a consistent innings-eater at the back end of your rotation, you can do far worse than Blackburn. Give him some consideration this weekend.
Edward Cabrera, Miami Marlins (rostered in 18% of leagues)
Yes, we have reached the point in my weekly article where you become convinced that I have lost my mind and have no idea what I am talking about here. But hear my testimony on Cabrera. His last two starts have been excellent; yes, small sample size, but he's pitched 12 innings, scattered seven hits, and struck out 12, surrendering no runs. Yes, he is a roll of the dice because he is susceptible to walks and the home-run ball. But he also has ridiculous stuff and could have a great opportunity in front of him these next two months if he can stay healthy.
Nick Martinez, Cincinnati Reds (rostered in 15% of leagues)
Martinez quietly stepped into a starting role in Cincinnati, but he has been pitching well for weeks now. He's known for being in a swing role but he's in the rotation now. In his first start, Martinez went five innings, scattering four hits and striking out five hitters. If you are looking for a cheap back-end alternative for your rotation, you should consider Martinez.
David Festa, Minnesota Twins (rostered in 14% of leagues)
Festa is that hyped rookie who did not succeed in his first taste of MLB but looks primed to meet some expectations after earning his second chance in August. In his last three starts, it has been a different story for the talented rookie. Festa has gone 14 innings, surrendering only three runs in the process while generating an eye-catching 22 strikeouts in that time. It looks like Festa could get an extended run in the rotation as the Twins fight for their playoff lives.
Other Fantasy Baseball Waiver Wire Options
- Carson Spiers, Cincinnati Reds (rostered in 12% of leagues)
- DJ Herz, Washington Nationals (rostered in 6% of leagues)
- Osvaldo Bido, Oakland Athletics (rostered in 4% of leagues)
Happy hunting for starting pitchers this weekend! If you have questions, you can always message me on X @mdrc0508. You can even tell me you hate these picks. Remember that fantasy baseball is supposed to be FUN above everything. Enjoy it!
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