Fantasy Baseball FAAB Recommendations for MLB Week 13

We would all love to win our league on Draft Day, but that’s simply not possible. The fantasy baseball waiver wire is a necessary tool for fortifying your roster. How much FAAB should you be willing to spend on some of the hot adds? Here’s a look at some of the players, generally owned in 50% or less of leagues, who may be worth considering.

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Fantasy Baseball FAAB Recommendations

Infielders – Waiver Wire/FAAB Options:

• Michael Busch – Los Angeles Dodgers (FAAB – $0) – Known for his bat, if Busch hits Los Angeles will find a spot for him.  In his first 12 games he hasn’t figured it out (.194).  He does have hits in two of his past four games.  Chris Taylor’s absence from the lineup isn’t expected to be long, and once he’s ready Busch could find himself back at Triple-A.  Unless you are in a long-term keeper league, move on.
• Yainer Diaz – Houston Astros (FAAB – 5%) – A player with catcher eligibility who is getting regular AB at DH?  That’s a home run for those in two-catcher formats.  In 119 AB he’s hitting .277 with 7 HR and 15 RBI.  His 16.7% HR/FB isn’t unreasonable and his 91.1 mph Exit Velocity helps support him in maintaining his power (he had 16 HR in 201 AB at Triple-A last season).  The FAAB shown is for those in two-catcher formats.  While he’s getting regular AB, he has value in all formats.
• Ryan O’Hearn – Baltimore Orioles (FAAB – $0) – O’Hearn is riding a nine-game hitting streak.  He’s gone 15-32 over that span, including 3 HR.  He’s going to continue sitting against southpaws, and that will limit his overall appeal.  He’s always had pop, though, and he’s showing a better approach (9.8% SwStr%, 28.3% O-Swing%).  That comes together for a valuable low-cost pickup.
• Samad Taylor – Kansas City Royals (FAAB – 1%) – Taylor isn’t going to provide much power.  The question is if he’ll get on base enough to utilize his speed.  It’s a small sample size, but he’s swinging and missing too much (15.6% SwStr%).  His numbers were better at Triple-A, but for a speed-first player, his 10.0% from Triple-A is still high.  If you are looking towards the future bid more, otherwise he’s a FAAB flyer.

Outfielders – Waiver Wire/FAAB Options:

• TJ Friedl – Cincinnati Reds (FAAB – 1%) – This is a matchup play for the coming week, but one that could pay dividends.  The Cincinnati Reds have a slew of right-handed pitchers on the schedule.  That should lead to ample opportunities for Friedl.  The left-handed hitter is slashing .314/.379/.491 against right-handed pitchers this year.  With half the games at home (where all of his home runs have come) and the other half in Baltimore, this is a good opportunity if you need a one-week stopgap.
• Tommy Pham – New York Mets (FAAB – 2-3%) – Pham has taken advantage of his opportunity, hitting .321 with 4 HR and 3 SB in 56 June AB.  As long as he’s hitting the at-bats will be there, and likely in the middle of the Mets’ lineup.  There has been some luck (.378 BABIP), but he’s shown a good approach (8.7% SwStr%, 20.3% O-Swing%) and he’s consistently hit the ball hard all season long (94.0 mph Exit Velocity).  While others may look at him like a stop-gap, don’t be afraid to bid on him like he’ll make an impact the rest of the way.
• Alek Thomas – Arizona Diamondbacks (FAAB – 2-3%) – Welcome back to the Majors Mr. Thomas!  He’s scored a run in all four games he’s played, going 6-17 with 1 HR, 2 RBI, and 5 R.  He needs to prove he can draw walks at the highest level (5.7% in ’23, compared to 9.4% at Triple-A).  He also may be a little too pull-happy (47.1%).  There’s no arguing the upside.  Be careful, because there’s no guarantee he sticks around.  If he does, however, he could make an impact.

Pitchers – Waiver Wire/FAAB Options:

• Jordan Hicks – St. Louis Cardinals (FAAB – 10-15%) – Will Hicks relinquish the closer’s role?  He won’t if he can keep throwing like he currently is.  He has saves in three straight appearances, allowing 0 R on 2 H and 0 BB, striking out 4.  Hicks has a history of closing, with 14 saves in 2019.  His stuff has always been electric, and if he can continue avoiding the walks he will continue to thrive.  Ryan Helsley is good, but there is no guarantee St. Louis hands him back the job.  If you are searching for saves, don’t be afraid to spend your FAAB on Hicks.
• Scott McGough – Arizona Diamondbacks (FAAB – 5-10%) – McGough has five saves on the season to go with a 2.50 ERA.  Considering his 10.66 K/9, 2.72 BB/9, and 53.9% GB%, he is showing all of the skills we look for from a pitcher.  He had been closing in Japan, so he does have experience in the role.  If he’s still available, grab him immediately.

Sources – CBS Sports, Fangraphs