In the ever-evolving landscape of fantasy baseball, the waiver wire is a treasure trove of undervalued gems waiting to be discovered. Today, we delve into the realm of waiver wire picks, focusing on players who could potentially transform your fantasy roster. Let's explore some of the top players who are currently available and why they might be worth adding.
Unlocking the Potential: Ty France
Ty France, a first baseman for the San Diego Padres, is a prime example of a player who has found a second wind. After a stellar 2022 season, France was DFA'd by multiple teams, including the Seattle Mariners, Cincinnati Reds, Minnesota Twins, and Toronto Blue Jays. However, his resurgence in San Diego is nothing short of remarkable. With a career-high OPS of .878, France is on a power surge, hitting 16 home runs and slugging .547. His average EV is three miles per hour higher than last year, and he's barreling the ball at a 12.1% clip, a significant improvement from his previous high of 8.7%.
What's particularly fascinating is France's performance since the All-Star Break. He leads all of baseball with five homers and is hitting .297 in July with a 1.308 OPS. This turnaround is a testament to the power of finding the right fit. Sometimes, players need to land in an environment where they are believed in and given the opportunity to rediscover their potential, and that appears to be the case for France.
The Nuclear Heater: Joey Ortiz
Joey Ortiz, a shortstop and third baseman for the Milwaukee Brewers, is on an extraordinary heater. With a .412 batting average, a .941 SLG, and a 1.465 OPS, Ortiz has been a force to be reckoned with. In just 17 at-bats, he's managed four extra-base hits, walked four times, and has an OBP over .500. Possessing 91st-percentile sprint speed, Ortiz is also running again, with three steals in his last five games and a career-high of 14 swipes in sight.
While Ortiz may not be a first-round pick next year, his current form is undeniable. He's on an incredible, unlikely heater, and could be worth picking up to ride the wave while it lasts. However, it's essential to approach this with caution, as his success may not be sustainable.
The Light-Hitting Speedster: Chandler Simpson
Chandler Simpson, an outfielder for the Tampa Bay Rays, is another light-hitting speedster. With a .291 batting average, Simpson is more than pulling his weight in two categories and contributing to run production. Despite hitting a home run in Spring Training, Simpson might go his entire career without hitting another. However, he's starting to hit the ball harder, and his average on the month is up to .381.
Simpson's recent performance, including a week-long absence due to a finger injury, has been a rollercoaster. But he's more than found his timing since, and his speed could now top 50 steals on the season. While he may not be a home run hitter, Simpson's contributions in other categories make him a valuable addition to any roster.
The Power Hitter: Isaac Paredes
Isaac Paredes, a first baseman and third baseman for the Houston Astros, is a power hitter with a unique skill set. With a high pull rate and the Crawford boxes in left field of his home park, Paredes is a fantasy sleeper who has already shown his potential. He got to 20 homers last season, where he would have fared far worse in other stadiums. This season, he's repeating the same parlor trick, scraping homers just over the fence and barely inside the foul pole.
Paredes' performance has been heating up, with eight of his fourteen dingers coming since June 1. He's got a .900 OPS, is batting .300, and striking out just 17% of the time. With a .391 average after the break, Paredes is a sleeper worth considering, though his 56% ownership suggests that others are catching on to his potential.
The Solid Starter: Brady Singer
Brady Singer, a starting pitcher for the Cincinnati Reds, is a solid performer with a 4-ish ERA, 8.5 K/9, and a solid Ground-Ball rate. However, his performance over the last two months has been exceptional. His ERA since June 1 is under three, and he's got a 0.92 WHIP in July with a .187 average against and a .543 OPS. As the Reds decide their future, Singer could be a trade candidate to a better team and a better ballpark, potentially jumping in value.
Singer's performance has been a welcome surprise, and he's hitting the right notes. With a 52.1 IP, a 2.92 ERA, a 1.09 WHIP, an 8.9 K/9, and a 0.86 HR/9 since June 1, Singer is a player worth grabbing and monitoring for the upcoming month.
Yahoo and ESPN Most Added Players
Yahoo!
- Ian Seymour: With a devastating changeup and a fastball with life and movement, Seymour is a streamer worth considering. His 22% HR/FB rate could regress to a normal ratio, making him a 3.00-ERA type of pitcher.
- Shane Bieber: Bieber's recent performances have been impressive, with a WHIP and ERA down to 1.20 and 4.15 in July. His control has improved, and he's generating the weak contact needed for quality starts.
- Michael McGreevy and Brandon Pfaadt: These streamers have decent W/L records and are having success with ground ball outs. However, their K-rates are low, and all signs point to regression.
- Victor Mesa Jr.: While Mesa is seeing more playing time in platoon-happy Tampa, he's still just a .224 hitter with a 31% OBP. It's best to leave him alone.
ESPN
- Shane Drohan: Drohan, a 27-year-old lefty, has been steadily climbing in ownership as his numbers look less fluky. With a 27-year-old lefty, a first-place team, and an excellent matchup against the Rockies, Drohan is a borderline keeper.
- Andre Pallante: Pallante has a 98th-percentile Ground-Ball rate and an improved slider, making him a solid option against the Cubs.
In the world of fantasy baseball, the waiver wire is a treasure trove of potential. These players, each with their unique skills and strengths, could be the key to unlocking your league's championship. However, it's essential to approach each addition with a critical eye, considering their potential and the likelihood of sustained success.
