Top WHIP Waiver Wire Pickups - Fantasy Baseball Starting Pitcher Outlooks

At this point of the fantasy baseball season trade deadlines have come and gone but managers know their teams might still need something extra to seal a first-place finish. From here on out the waiver wire is the only place to turn to for a manager looking to climb the standings.

For those in leagues that use the Rotisserie (roto) scoring format, the WHIP category is an often neglected one. Managers looking to stabilize the WHIP category as the season winds down should focus on plucking under-the-radar starting pitchers off their waiver wires. 

Of course, every league's waiver wires look a bit different. For this article, we'll focus on starting pitchers below a 50% rostered rate in Yahoo! fantasy baseball leagues. 

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Top Fantasy Baseball Waiver Wire Candidates

Tarik Skubal - Detroit Tigers (46% rostered)

Since returning from injury on July 4, Tarik Skubal has quietly pitched some of the best baseball in the league. Despite relatively poor BABIP luck, the 26-year-old sports a 1.08 WHIP, 1.91 FIP, and a 4.5% walk rate through nine starts this season. Skubal is about as sure a bet as they come to produce fantastic pitching numbers in fantasy ROS. 

Cole Ragans - Kansas City Royals (39% rostered)

Possibly the most significant breakout of the second half, Kansas City's Cole Ragans is on a tear that isn't likely to be stopped anytime soon. In August, Ragans holds a 2.12 ERA, 1.55 FIP, 36.4% strikeout rate, 6.6% walk rate, and 1.18 WHIP through five starts. The 25-year-old is a hot commodity on waiver wires, so act quickly.

Cristopher Sanchez - Philadelphia Phillies (28% rostered)

One of the more unexpected breakouts of the season, Cristopher Sanchez has pitched lights-out this season, with a 1.01 WHIP and 3.33 ERA through 13 starts. His spot in Philadelphia's rotation is secured, so Sanchez is someone to consider adding in most league sizes ahead of the fantasy playoffs.

Brandon Pfaadt - Arizona Diamondbacks (15% rostered)

It has been a disappointing rookie year for Brandon Pfaadt, but he may finally be putting it all together. In August, Pfaadt holds a 2.96 ERA, 2.73 FIP, .202 opponent batting average, 107 Pitching+ grade, and a 1.07 WHIP through four starts. It's understandable to be antsy considering his previous struggles, but Pfaadt has undeniably improved as of late. 

Adrian Houser - Milwaukee Brewers (8% rostered)

While Adrian Houser has had a generally unspectacular career, he's delivering some impressive innings for the Milwaukee Brewers. In August, Houser carries a 3.80 ERA, 2.89 FIP, 4.5% walk rate, a 106 Location+ grade, and a 1.13 WHIP through four starts. He's a hidden gem for those in deeper leagues.

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