We are on to week 2 of our Waiver Wire Watch for the 2018 MLB Season. Here are some players that could be of value. These players are getting more playing time due to injury or performance. All data and research are based on transaction trends using standard Yahoo leagues.
2B/SS/OF Chris Owings ARI
The current owner of a 7 game hit streak, Owings has the capability to steal double-digit bases and has dual position eligibility. If he can reach 400 at-bats (which he has in 2 of his five full seasons) those stolen bases should surpass 10.
C Russell Martin TOR
Martin’s best years are perhaps behind him but you could do worse especially in a two-catcher league. At 35 years of age the batting average has continued to dip for the veteran, but if he can keep the ball elevated, 15-20 homers is very possible. A few games at different positions such as DH or 3B wouldn’t hurt either.
OF Shin-soo Choo TEX
The Texas Rangers still have a pretty potent offense. Featured in the leadoff, spot Choo could prove to still be a viable option in his now 15th official season. His career .378 on-base percentage tells us that he is still very effective and efficient. This can be a very good and useful player to fill out your outfield that won’t cost you too much. 2017 final numbers are very good, in 544 at-bats Choo batted .261 with 22 homers and 78 RBI along with a very good 96 runs scored.
2B Jed Lowrie OAK
Just another player that quietly gets things done. If the A’s are out of playoff contention a trade could be in order for the pending free agent. The Athletics will want to take a look at prospect Franklin Barreto as well which makes this scenario even more likely. This could actually hinder Lowrie’s value as playing time could be reduced. For now, helpbattingaveragebating you can feel comfortable in addinhelp batting average.
OF Kevin Kiermaier TB
Ownership is low right now given the very slow start but double-digit steals and homers can be hard to come by. If Kiermaier can avoid injury and get over 400 at bats this is a distinct possibility for the gold glove center fielder.
2B/SS Franklin Barreto OAK
An injury to Chad Pinder will open things up for Barreto who can play all over the infield. This will be very telling if Barreto can hit at the big level where he struggled in 2017, hitting .197 in only 71 at bats. The A’s are expected to give him a good look at some point this season.
OF Manuel Margot SD
Margot is off to a very rough start for the Padres hitting well below .200 to start the season. Margot is still a good option, he plays on a very weak hitting team so we don’t have to worry about other players taking away playing time. If he can stay with the big league team double-digit steals and maybe even homers is possible.
SP Ian Kennedy KC
Last years 5.38 ERA is so far all but forgotten. 13 strikeouts over his first 2 starts has made the former first round pick a viable option as a starting pitcher. This pace is probably not possible but feel good if he is your number 4 or 5 starter.
P Bud Norris STL
Norris isn’t the outright closer in St.Louis but he is off to a great start striking out 7 in 4 innings without giving up a run. Tyler Lyons, Dominic Leone and Luke Gregerson are all in the mix to get save opportunities. Ideally, snag a couple of these guys once the situation gets clarified.
P Kenyon Middleton LAA
Middleton is gaining momentum as the closer over Blake Parker for the Angels. Jim Johnson and Cam Bedrosian could also find their way into the mix so make sure to monitor.
P Lucas Giolito CHW
If you are able to stash this could pay off as the season goes on. The White Sox are a young team and are committed to giving an opportunity to all of the young players on their roster.
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SP Eduardo Rodriguez BOS
It could be a slow build to a good season for the lefty. He will no doubt be on a lower pitch count to begin the season after recovering from last years right knee surgery. We are still waiting for that breakout type season from the three-year pro.
SP Andrew Triggs OAK
Triggs joins Sean Manaea as two very compelling starting pitchers on a very interesting Oakland Athletics ball club that has players that will no doubt be featured on waiver wire columns all season long.
SP Mike Foltynewicz ATL
“Folty ” and the Braves are off to a hot start. Odds are that this is just temporary and the Braves will regress. Still, there is a lot to like on this team, if they can play at this level(or close to it) for most of the season, Foltynewicz is actually a player to target for adequate pitching stats.
SP Matt Harvey NYM
Much like the Braves, the Mets are off to a good start. Comparing the two teams it would seem like New York is more likely to keep up the good play, therefore Harvey is perhaps the player to target. He has the higher upside but there is some risk giving the injury history.
P Josh Hader/Brewer relievers MIL
Closing pitcher Corey Knebel has landed himself on the 10 day d.l. with a strained left hamstring. This will open up save opportunities for other Brewer relievers. Jacob Barnes and Matt Albers are expected to get looks in closing out games as well.
SP Miles Mikolas STL
The Cardinals invested in Mikolas so hopefully, the best is yet to come. This may be a good stash if you have room on your roster. The Cardinals will give him a good number of looks and want a good return on their investment.
SP Tyler Skaggs LAA
With all the attention centered around Shohei Ohtani, other Angel starters are being forgotten, Skaggs has looked very solid and should be owned in most leagues.
SP Kyle Freeland COL
It’s hard to trust any pitchers from Colorado but Freeland could be a sneaky play if he limits the home runs against which has hindered him early on this season.
As the season goes on we will try to highlight players that are worthy of possible additions to your roster. These players aren’t necessarily locks but at the very least good enough for consideration. Keep checking every week for players that are trending upwards to make changes for your fantasy baseball team.
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