The season is underway and already there are some great waiver wire pickups at your disposal. Who are they? Read on!
1. DANSBY SWANSON, SS ATLANTA BRAVES
.366/.381/.585 is always a great reason to pick someone up. Especially when that someone is a recent top prospect who was expected to be an impact player just last season. Swanson is a great pick-up for your bench.
2. KEYNAN MIDDLETON, CP LOS ANGELES ANGELS
Middleton just became their new closer. In other words, pick him up if he’s still available in your league.
3. TIM ANDERSON, SS CHICAGO WHITE SOX
Is he still available in your league? If so pick up Anderson ASAP. He’s leading the Majors in stolen bases, improved his power and plate discipline, and could very well soon be batting at the top of Chicago’s batting order. He’s great for your bench or even starting lineup.
4. CESAR HERNANDEZ, 2B PHILADELPHIA PHILLIES
Hernandez is batting .306/.432/.444 and already has 3 stolen bases. He is in a contract year and has Scott Kingery breathing down his neck to motivate him. Pick him up for your bench or even starting lineup.
5. ERIC THAMES, 1B MILWAUKEE BREWERS
Thames improved his BB% from 13.6% in 2017 to 15.0% this year. He also lowered his K% from 29.6% in 2017 to 22.5% this year. Remember he hit 31 home runs last year. He’s a great cheap power source.
6. COLIN MORAN, 3B PITTSBURGH PIRATES
Moran is currently hitting .344/.400./.500. Is that sustainable? Doubtful, but he has upside.
7. HANLEY RAMIREZ, 1B BOSTON RED SOX
Ramirez is hitting .359/.395/.487 and already has 3 stolen bases. Oh and he’s also in his contract year. His average will go down, but he’s definitely useful on the bench or in a utility spot.
8. MATT CHAPMAN, 3B OAKLAND ATHLETICS
Chapman is hitting .349//.529/.628. That’s obviously unsustainable, but he had a .238 ISO last season and while his current .279 one will likely go down, he has legit power. If you need extra power from the bench or a utility spot, he’s a great pick-up.
9. DAVID PERALTA, LF ARIZONA DIAMONDBACKS
Peralta is hitting .316/.409/.500. His .384 BABIP suggests that it’s not entirely sustainable, but he did bat .293/.352/.444 last year and his .184 ISO seems legitimate. With him batting leadoff for Arizona, he’s a great option for both the outfield and a utility spot.