As we get into the groove of the 2024 fantasy baseball season, it is starting to become apparent which breakout players are for real and which are just early luck. For fantasy baseball managers competing in 15-team mixed, 12-team AL- or NL-only, or even deeper leagues than that, it’s critical to act decisively on the waiver wire to find potential long-term roster contributors. That’s why we’re providing several viable options to pursue on the waiver wire in week 4.
Deep League Waiver Targets for Week 4
15-Team Mixed League Targets
1. Blake Perkins, OF, Brewers
Blake Perkins had been buried in the minor leagues for years, before finally debuting last year at the age of 26. The recent influx of highly rated outfield prospects on the Brewers over the last few years has made his ability to earn a long-term role seemingly impossible. Yet, injuries in the outfield continue to clear the way for Perkins to get steady playing time. So far this year he’s made the most of his playing time early, netting eleven hits in his first 30 at-bats, including two home runs and two steals. While skeptics will point to inconsistency in the majors late last season, he’s worth a speculative add or a short-term deep league fill-in while swinging a hot bat.
Blake Perkins gives the @Brewers the lead in Baltimore! 👏 pic.twitter.com/hgXCCl3iyD
— MLB (@MLB) April 14, 2024
2. Jesse Winker, OF, Nationals
Everyone loves a good comeback story and one might be unfolding early this season with Jesse Winker’s strong start. In fact, he’s only a couple of seasons removed from his major breakout in 2021 in which he hit .305 with 24 home runs and steady contributions across all counting stats. Winker held significant value in OBP and points leagues, given his high walk rates. Durability, however, is his greatest weakness as he’s perpetually been injured much of his career, including the majority of the last two seasons. Now, finally fully healthy in Washington, Winker is showing flashes of his 2021 form by batting .354 with an OBP close to .500!
Jesse Winker's 1st HR as a Nat …
ties the game in the 9th. pic.twitter.com/im1Bho5slC
— Washington Nationals (@Nationals) April 13, 2024
3. Jonatan Clase, OF, Mariners
The recent injury to Dominic Canzone has opened the door for a quick promotion of the super-speedy Mariners prospect, Jonatan Clase. Initial reports from the Mariners state that he will get the bulk of starts in the outfield while in the big leagues. Clase presents an extremely exciting fantasy profile with 80-grade speed that has helped him steal 79 bases across AA and high A ball last year. Similarly appealing is the decent power contributions with 20 home runs hit last year. Clase presents a CJ Abrams type of potential and this opportunity could be the start of a great stretch of meaningful fantasy contributions.
Jonatan Clase checks off two firsts with one swing for the @Mariners:
Hit ✅
RBI ✅ pic.twitter.com/ww4xoQ151A— MLB Pipeline (@MLBPipeline) April 16, 2024
AL-Only League Targets
1. Simeon Woods Richardson, SP, Twins
Hopes have been high for Simeon Woods Richardson’s development the last few years as he was a key piece in the Jose Berrios trade, along with infielder Austin Martin. After an encouraging season at AA in 2022, where he held a 2.77 ERA on the season, things fell apart a bit in AAA for him as he ended the year with a dismal 4.91 ERA. Though with multiple solid outings this spring the Twins had enough confidence to give him an early spot start. In this recent start Woods Richardson showed flashes of the Berrios upside by holding the Tigers to just two hits across six innings while striking out five. While there are no immediate plans for his next appearance, it seems very likely he is on the cusp of a permanent promotion.
"Sim was actually pretty incredible today." #MNTwins manager Rocco Baldelli on a clutch start from Simeon Woods Richardson, the club's pitching leading the way and other topics after Minnesota won both its games against the Tigers. #WeBelieveInTC pic.twitter.com/rjMbOAWnbs
— Bally Sports North (@BallySportsNOR) April 14, 2024
2. Miguel Sano, 1B/3B, Angels
As an All-Star in 2017, Miguel Sano was on track to become one of the game’s next great power hitters. That progression was side-tracked by years of recurring leg injuries. Now with a fresh start with the Angels and a return to full health, Sano is thriving again. So far in his first 37 at-bats, Sano is hitting .270 and holds an impressive .370 OBP. While he hasn’t hit any home runs yet, he is mashing the ball with a league-leading exit velocity. It’s only a matter of time before the career 162 home run hitter starts putting balls back over the fence.
At 100.4 mph, Miguel Sano currently leads MLB in average Exit Velocity. #2 on the list is Bobby Witt, Jr. at 97.6 mph.
— Seth Stohs (@SethTweets) April 16, 2024
NL-Only League Targets
1. Tyrone Taylor, OF, Mets
In just the last few years Tyrone Taylor has gone from a promising prospect to fighting for a second chance in his career. After his failed tenure with the Brewers, he landed on the Mets and is off to a strong start to the season. More impressive than his steady hitting performance is his performance with runners in scoring position, where he is hitting .462 and has ten RBI in just 41 at-bats.
Tyrone Taylor this season:
.325 AVG
.814 OPS
1 HR
10 RBIHe’s had a massive impact.
pic.twitter.com/U0cqrjirbR— MetsMuse (@MetsMuse) April 17, 2024
2. Tyler Fitzgerald, OF, Giants
Never a notable prospect, Tyler Fitzgerald has relied on his hitting fundamentals and fielding intangibles to earn playing time in the big leagues. So far in 2024, he is making the most of his opportunities by hitting .316 with a .381 OBP. While the playing time hasn’t been consistent yet, his fielding versatility has slowly increased his appearances. With more playing opportunities on the horizon Tyler Fitzgerald could prove a reliable source of batting average.
Tyler Fitzgerald does it all 😳 pic.twitter.com/uXHJXUxJqw
— SF Giants on NBCS (@NBCSGiants) April 17, 2024
Winning the waiver wire is a critical aspect to fantasy baseball success. Whether it’s a disappointing performance or injury to a drafted player, finding a replacement can quickly change the trajectory of your team. And while you can’t grab every new player that emerges on the waiver, finding the right one to round out your team can make the difference between contending and winning.