In the ever-evolving landscape of fantasy baseball, the waiver wire is a treasure trove of hidden gems waiting to be discovered. It's a place where the most astute managers can find players who will become the backbone of their rosters, providing a competitive edge that can make or break their season. Today, I'm diving deep into the waiver wire, analyzing the top players to add, the speculative adds, and the deep league players to watch. But before we get started, let's take a step back and think about what makes a player truly stand out on the waiver wire. It's not just about their current stats; it's about their potential, their fit with your team, and their ability to adapt to the ever-changing dynamics of the fantasy baseball world. So, let's get started!
Top Priority Players to Add
Francisco Alvarez (NYM) – C
What makes Francisco Alvarez a top priority add is his ability to provide a consistent source of power and speed. With a .268/.379/.500 batting line through 68 plate appearances, Alvarez is showing the upside that made him a hotshot prospect not long ago. His PLV metrics, including a 122 Power, 112 Contact, and 129 Process, indicate a pretty exciting ceiling. And with Juan Soto's imminent return, Alvarez could benefit from a rising-tide-lifts-all-boats effect, making him an even more attractive addition to your roster.
Tanner Scott (LAD) – RP
Tanner Scott is another player who has emerged as a top priority add. With Edwin Díaz out for at least three months, Scott looks like the best bet in L.A.'s pen. He has converted 45 saves over the past two seasons combined, and his 5.54 PLV is tops among all pitchers with at least 100 pitches thrown. That's a pretty decent start, and it makes Scott a must-add for any manager looking to bolster their bullpen.
Moisés Ballesteros (CHC) – C
Moisés Ballesteros is a player who has long demonstrated exquisite hitting prowess in the minors. The only problem was his defense. But with a .378/.408/.600 batting line through 49 plate appearances, Ballesteros is off to a blistering start. While his path to playing time isn't crystal-clear, the sweet-swinging 22-year-old lefty could hit enough to force himself into the lineup as the Cubs' regular DH. His PLV metrics, including a 112 Power and 117 Process, lend credence to his impressive start.
Yahoo and ESPN Most Added Players
Colin Rea (CHC)
Colin Rea is a player who has been added to rosters across the major sites. With a 3.63 ERA and 0.98 WHIP through 17-plus innings, Rea doesn't bring strikeout upside to the table, but he has good control. He also entered behind an opener during his previous start against the Phillies, which can be a sneaky way to pick up a win. While he may not be a long-term solution, Rea is a short-term fix that could provide value for your team.
Luke Raley (SEA)
Luke Raley has been a God-send for Seattle, slashing .313/.370/.627 with a 186 wRC+. He has always been a productive righty-masher, and there's no reason not to pick him up if you've got room in a daily lineup league. Raley's bright-red Statcast page is an added bonus, making him a player who could provide value beyond the waiver wire.
Michael McGreevy (MIA)
Michael McGreevy owns one of the lowest strikeout rates in baseball at 14.9%, making him the antithesis of excitement. But he was a playable streamer against the Fish last night, and he should get another turn this weekend at home against Seattle. McGreevy's low strikeout rate makes him a player who could provide value in a pinch, making him a worthy addition to your roster.
Streaming Pitchers
Keider Montero (DET) – SP
Keider Montero is a player who may not be exciting, but he could provide value against a Brewers lineup that's a little watered down at the moment. While I'm not excited about Montero, he could be a viable option for your team.
Dustin May (STL) – SP
Dustin May's 5.9% swinging-strike rate is the stuff of nightmares, but he could be playable against the Marlins. May's low swinging-strike rate makes him a player who could provide value in a pinch, making him a worthy addition to your roster.
Speculative Adds
Carson Benge (NYM) – OF
Carson Benge is a player who has been promoted to leadoff despite floundering below the Mendoza line. While it would be extraordinarily wild to see Benge keep the leadoff spot after Juan Soto returns, it might not be the worst idea in the world to scoop him up on the off chance he can get going. Benge was one of the best batters the minors had to offer last year, and he has already swiped five bags. That makes him a player who could provide value beyond the waiver wire.
Enyel De Los Santos (HOU) – RP
Enyel De Los Santos entered the year with a 4.36 ERA and 1.30 WHIP across 314.1 innings. That doesn't exactly scream closer, but Bryan Abreu's struggles have opened the door, and De Los Santos has done well, converting each of Houston's last two save opportunities. While the situation isn't settled, De Los Santos is a player who could provide value in a pinch, making him a worthy addition to your roster.
Payton Tolle (BOS) – SP, RP
Payton Tolle is a player who excited everyone during his brief cup of coffee last year with a big-time fastball that can miss bats. With Sonny Gray landing on the IL, Tolle could be an option later this week. While he may not be a long-term solution, Tolle is a player who could provide value for your team.
Deep League Players to Watch
Gavin Collyer (TEX) – RP
Gavin Collyer is a player who has some pretty exciting stuff, including a high-octane fastball. Texas manager Skip Schumaker said Collyer can get swings and misses inside the zone better than most, making him a potential high-leverage weapon. While he may not be a long-term solution, Collyer is a player who could provide value in a pinch, making him a worthy addition to your roster.
