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
Player Comparisons
Rookies & Call-Ups
24x7 News and Alerts

Week 1 Waiver Wire Pickups: Catcher

Kyle Schwarber owners? It's a tough blow, for all of us, as we already have to say goodbye to an exciting young player for the entire 2016 season. But it's still early, and we are here to help. It's time to take a peek down that hole known as the waiver wire for catching depth. It's a really deep hole, since there's a pretty big drop off after you pick the first five catchers. Not quite as deep as the Marianas Trench, but close. Not having good catching depth can crush you like the water pressure down there.

With that said, it's not hopeless. There's some talent to be found on that waiver wire and it could help both those in one- or two-catcher leagues. Let's go take a look. My metric is those who are owned by less than 50% of Fleaflicker fantasy owners.

Editor’s Note: to read about even more waiver wire options, be sure to check out our famous waiver wire pickups list which is a running list that is updated daily. Prefer using your phone? Our free waiver wire app is available for download in the Apple & Android Stores.

 

Week 1 Waiver Wire Catchers

Yasmani Grandal (LAD) 28% - Yes, he's hurt, but it's still astounding that has that low ownership in the Yahoo leagues right now. He has a right forearm strain, but he's already playing in simulated games and the Dodgers think that he'll be back for their home opener next week. He's capable of hitting over 20 homers and if he gets his average up over .250 or higher, he could be a waiver wire steal, especially since we have him ranked at No. 7 among catchers.

Miguel Montero (CHC) 23% - Who wouldn't want a catcher who can hit at least 15 or more homers a season? Especially given that this is a position that has a steep drop off in talent after several picks, Montero shortcomings can be forgiven. His ownership should go up now that Kyle Schwarber is out for the year after colliding with Dexter Fowler in the outfield on Thursday and tearing both his left ACL and LCL.

Wilson Ramos (WAS) 30% - He's got solid power, hitting 15 homers in 2015, though he struck out way too many times. If he can get his average back up to the .260s range, he'll be picked up by more fantasy owners. He might be worth it as a second catcher.

Yadier Molina (STL) 45% - Yadi's power numbers have declined since that 22 homer season in 2012. Part of it is probably the wear and tear on his body. He's been in the Majors since he was 21 and 13 years of catching will take its toll on anyone. That said, he's still capable of a pretty decent average and his RBI totals are generally in the respectable range. He's in the higher percentage of ownership, but it should be even more. He's worth picking up as a second catcher or insurance on the bench.

J.T. Realmuto (MIA) 41% - Otherwise known as the Running Catcher, Realmuto swiped 8 bases in '15 and he could break the double-digit mark this season. Fans should enjoy it while they can because years of catching tends to slow down the best of them. People are on the steals train, but he's still up for grabs in the majority of leagues. Hitting more than 10 homers in '16 will also be a nice bonus.

Jason Castro (HOU) 4% - Whoa. Talk about a deep plunge. From the 20-40% picks to 4%. It's puzzling. Castro can hit ten home runs though, and he'd be great for two-catcher leagues. Yes, his power numbers have gone down, but Houston has a really good lineup so he might benefit from those who around him. He's worth taking a shot on.

Derek Norris (SDP) 44% -  He's  got double-digit power, which is always a good thing when it comes to picking catchers. Yes, the Padres are likely to be terrible this season, but he's especially able to help those who are in two-catcher leagues.  Plus who doesn't love his awesome beard? It's not in Dallas Keuchel's league, but it's pretty darn impressive. Taking him automatically gives you a great team name involving beards.

Nick Hundley (COL) 30%  - It wasn't just the Coors Field effect in '15 when he hit 10 homers - he hit 13 when he was playing for San Diego in the cavernous Petco Park. Right now nearly one-third of Yahoo owners have wised up that he could be a pretty good pick-up in either single- or double-catcher leagues.

James McCann (DET) 10%  -  Some may think of him as the Poorer McCann Brother to Brian  - they aren't really related, though. It's not like the whole Molina clan. Both just happen to be McCanns who play catcher. He has nowhere near Brian's power, but he can hit for decent average. There's plenty of lineup protection around him in the form of hitters like Miggy Cabrera, Victor Martinez, J.D. Martinez, Ian Kinsler and Justin Upton. A .265 average and 10 homers would not be out of the realm of possibility. He would be better for two-catcher leagues.

Robinson Chirinos (TEX) 2%  He's another potential double-digit homer guy and you always have to like it when you see one of those on the waiver wire. Especially when he's been given the keys to the starting job and only a small fraction of Yahoo owners seem to know who the heck he is. Be better than that and grab him.

 

MLB & Fantasy Baseball Chat Room

[iflychat_embed id="c-12" hide_user_list="yes" hide_popup_chat="no" height="400px"]


Check out RotoBaller's entire fantasy baseball waiver wire pickups and sleepers list, updated daily!




POPULAR FANTASY TOOLS

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

REAL-TIME FANTASY NEWS

Jake Matthews11 mins ago

Opens Up UFC 312 Main Card
Bradley Beal12 mins ago

Could Miss Friday's Game
Rodolfo Bellato16 mins ago

Looks To Extend Win Streak At UFC 312
Jimmy Crute18 mins ago

Ends Layoff At UFC 312
Aaron Gordon19 mins ago

Available On Thursday
Jamal Murray20 mins ago

Ruled Out Versus Orlando
Sean Strickland21 mins ago

Looks To Reclaim Middleweight Title At UFC 312
Dricus Du Plessis25 mins ago

Puts Middleweight Title On The Line At UFC 312
Chet Holmgren48 mins ago

Off The Injury Report For Friday
Jalen Suggs1 hour ago

Won't Play Versus Denver
Kentavious Caldwell-Pope1 hour ago

Available On Thursday
Josh Richardson1 hour ago

Waived By Jazz
Jonas Valanciunas1 hour ago

Available For Team Debut On Thursday
Anthony Davis1 hour ago

To Remain Sidelined On Thursday
Steven Adams2 hours ago

Ruled Out For Thursday
Ben Simmons2 hours ago

Discussing Buyout With Nets
Alexandre Texier2 hours ago

Out On Thursday
Shane Pinto2 hours ago

Will Not Play On Thursday
Matias Maccelli3 hours ago

Sits Out Thursday's Action
Jrue Holiday3 hours ago

 Jrue Holiday Sidelined On Thursday
Tanner Pearson3 hours ago

Placed On Injured Reserve
Jason Dickinson3 hours ago

Expected To Miss A "Couple Of Games"
Moses Moody3 hours ago

Questionable Against Lakers
Anthony Stolarz3 hours ago

Returns From Knee Injury Thursday
Mitchell Marner3 hours ago

Available Thursday
Golden State Warriors3 hours ago

Draymond Green Probable For Thursday's Matchup With Lakers
Adam Thielen4 hours ago

Plans To Play In 2025
Jimmy Butler4 hours ago

Will Not Make His Warriors Debut Thursday
Aaron Gordon4 hours ago

Questionable For Thursday
P.J. Tucker4 hours ago

Traded Back To Toronto
Jamal Murray4 hours ago

Questionable On Thursday
Davion Mitchell4 hours ago

Takes His Talents To South Beach
Terance Mann4 hours ago

Headed To The Hawks
Bogdan Bogdanovic4 hours ago

Traded To Clippers
Radko Gudas6 hours ago

Does Not Practice On Thursday
Owen Tippett6 hours ago

Will Remain Sidelined On Thursday
NJ7 hours ago

Simon Nemec Promoted To NHL Roster
Zach Werenski7 hours ago

Could Return On Thursday To Face Utah
Anthony Cirelli7 hours ago

Will Not Play On Thursday
Sidney Crosby7 hours ago

Resumes Skating, Remains Uncertain For Friday's Contest
Tommy Pham11 hours ago

Signs One-Year Deal With Pittsburgh
Quinton Byfield13 hours ago

Tallies Three Helpers In Victory
Kevin Fiala13 hours ago

Scores Twice On Wednesday
Teuvo Teravainen13 hours ago

Tallies Two Assists In Overtime Loss
Leon Draisaitl13 hours ago

Tallies Goal, Assist In Victory
Mika Zibanejad13 hours ago

Tallies Two Helpers On Wednesday
Jason Dickinson14 hours ago

Exits Early On Wednesday
Pete Alonso23 hours ago

Returning To Mets On Two-Year Deal
Darcy Kuemper1 day ago

Aims To Continue Home Success Wednesday
Mattias Samuelsson1 day ago

Ruled Out For The Rest Of The Week
Alex Bregman1 day ago

Cubs Offer Four-Year Deal To Alex Bregman
Sandy Alcantara1 day ago

Expected To Be Ready For Opening Day
Brandon Woodruff1 day ago

Not Expected To Be Ready For Start Of Spring Training
Christian Yelich1 day ago

Not Expected To Be 100% For Start Of Spring Training
Eric Cole1 day ago

Faces Challenges At WM Phoenix Open
Gary Woodland1 day ago

A Strong Value Play At WM Phoenix Open
Lee Hodges1 day ago

Looks To Build On Strong Start At WM Phoenix Open
Ben Griffin1 day ago

Still Searching For Consistency At Scottsdale
Rashee Rice1 day ago

Doing Well In His Injury Recovery
Denny McCarthy1 day ago

A Volatile Option At WM Phoenix Open
Lucas Glover1 day ago

Looks To Build On Strong Pebble Beach Finish
Andrew Novak1 day ago

In Good Form Ahead Of WM Phoenix Open
Keith Mitchell1 day ago

A Sleeper Pick At WM Phoenix Open
Sam Stevens1 day ago

Looking To Stay Hot At WM Phoenix Open
Matt Fitzpatrick1 day ago

Worth Considering At WM Phoenix Open
J.J. Spaun1 day ago

In Great Form Ahead Of WM Phoenix Open
Davis Thompson1 day ago

Is Riding The Struggle Bus To Scottsdale
PGA1 day ago

J.T. Poston Looks To Overcome Putting Woes At WM Phoenix Open
Akshay Bhatia1 day ago

Looks To Stay Consistent At WM Phoenix Open
Robert MacIntyre1 day ago

A Solid Option At WM Phoenix Open
Corey Conners1 day ago

A Boom-Or-Bust Option At WM Phoenix Open
Matthieu Pavon1 day ago

Should Be Avoided At All Costs At TPC Scottsdale
Nicolai Hojgaard1 day ago

Will Be Hard To Trust At WM Phoenix Open Debut
PGA1 day ago

Sungjae Im Searching For Consistency At WM Phoenix Open
Justin Thomas1 day ago

Looks To Rebound At WM Phoenix Open
Max Greyserman2 days ago

A Scary Play At WM Phoenix Open
Shane Bieber2 days ago

Not Expected To Rejoin Rotation Until Midway Through The Season
Nolan Arenado2 days ago

Red Sox Discussing Nolan Arenado Trade
Jose Altuve2 days ago

Has Been Working In Left Field
Kansas City Chiefs2 days ago

Andy Reid Won't Retire After Super Bowl LIX
Travis Kelce2 days ago

Doesn't Appear To Be Eyeing Retirement
Cooper Kupp3 days ago

Rams Seeking Trade Partner For Cooper Kupp
Nassourdine Imavov3 days ago

Picks Up Second-Round Knockout Win At UFC Saudi Arabia
Israel Adesanya3 days ago

Gets Knocked Out At UFC Saudi Arabia
Said Nurmagomedov3 days ago

Drops Decision At UFC Saudi Arabia
Vinicius Oliveira3 days ago

Remains Undefeated In The UFC
Mike Davis3 days ago

Loses Decision At UFC Saudi Arabia
Farés Ziam3 days ago

Fares Ziam Extends His Win Streak To Five
Cleveland Browns3 days ago

Myles Garrett Requests Trade, Browns Sticking To Their Stance
Jack Flaherty4 days ago

Returning To Detroit On Two-Year Contract
Las Vegas Raiders4 days ago

Raiders Hire Chip Kelly As Offensive Coordinator
Shohei Ohtani4 days ago

Expected To Pitch In May
Freddie Freeman4 days ago

Starts Swinging, Not Running
Tyler Glasnow4 days ago

Throwing Bullpens, Feels Good Heading Into Spring Training
Kaan Ofli5 days ago

Suffers Second Straight Loss At UFC Saudi Arabia
Muhammad Naimov5 days ago

Gets Decision Win At UFC Saudi Arabia
Jairzinho Rozenstruik5 days ago

Loses Lackluster Decision At UFC Saudi Arabia
Sergei Pavlovich5 days ago

Snaps Losing Streak At UFC Saudi Arabia
Shara Magomedov5 days ago

Suffers First Career Loss At UFC Saudi Arabia
Michael Page5 days ago

Pulls Off Upset At UFC Saudi Arabia
Chris Godwin5 days ago

Tampa Bay Expected To Attempt To Re-Sign Chris Godwin
Justin Tucker5 days ago

Facing More Sexual-Assault Allegations
Alex Bregman5 days ago

Tigers And Red Sox Emerge As "Co-Favorites" To Land Alex Bregman
Nolan Arenado5 days ago

Cardinals Unable To Find Trade Partner For Nolan Arenado
Dallas Goedert6 days ago

Will Be Good To Go Against Chiefs
DeVonta Smith6 days ago

Expected To Play In Super Bowl
Tampa Bay Buccaneers6 days ago

Josh Grizzard Promoted To Offensive Coordinator

RANKINGS

QB
RB
WR
TE
K
DEF
RANKINGS
C
1B
2B
3B
SS
OF
SP
RP