Last week’s trade deadline opened up numerous new role on new teams for players either involved in trades or promoted to fill vacancies. For deep fantasy baseball league players these trades can have massive ramifications, especially for AL or NL-only players. With so many new options on the waiver wire this week we’ve prioritized the top waiver wire targets to help those playing in deep fantasy baseball leagues make the right player pickups.
Deep League Waiver Wire Targets for Week 19
15-Team Mixed League Targets
1. Addison Barger, 3B, SS, OF, Blue Jays
Going into the trade deadline there was a lot of chatter about potential big-name players on the Blue Jays being on the trade block. While those rumors never materialized last week, there was an unexpected player making noise in the lineup with Addison Barger. After a middling start to his rookie season, it seems he is finally catching his stride over the last couple of weeks. In his last seven games, Barger played a key role in winning close games by batting .316 with two home runs and seven RBI. Barger wasn’t known as a major power source in the minors, but he did hit enough to show 20-home-run potential in the majors. If Barger can continue to hit for modest power he will provide a viable middle infield option in deep leagues.
Addison Barger's first Major League homer! pic.twitter.com/cU5El9jsCl
— Toronto Blue Jays (@BlueJays) July 29, 2024
2. Alex Call, OF, Nationals
If you’ve played in deep fantasy baseball leagues the last couple of years you likely have seen Alex Call as a top mid-season waiver wire target before. Call is right on schedule again this season as he is taking advantage of newfound playing time and strong production. In fact, in his 24 at-bats so far he is hitting .375 with a .575 OBP. These numbers are far above his career averages from his first two seasons, but they reflect the translation of recent improvements made in the minor leagues to the majors. The one certainty with Alex Call is a decent power and speed combination, as he’s shown a 15-home-run and 15-steal pace so far in his first 500 major league at-bats. If he can maintain a decent batting average the rest of the season there may be much to be gained from Call in deep leagues.
Consistent preparation has always kept Alex Call ready to compete when his name is called. Like he did throughout his RF playing days, @ACAD_27 continues to "get after it" at the highest level in the world, as evident in this spot-on article. 👊🏻 https://t.co/bb2TiYkMxT
— RF Baseball (@RFHS_Baseball) August 1, 2024
AL-Only League Targets
1. Dylan Carlson, OF, Rays
Not too long ago Dylan Carlson was viewed as one of the most promising prospects in all of baseball. Yet, an ongoing series of injuries and strikeout problems at the plate has significantly depressed his value to make him largely non-rostered. As we’ve seen many times already this season, however, sometimes all it takes is a fresh start to resurrect potential. It’s still too early to tell how the new situation will play out for him in Tampa. Though, he’s shown enough of his upside potential at times with the Cardinals to warrant a speculative add in AL-only leagues.
Dylan Carlson. Rays outfielder. #ForTheLou pic.twitter.com/ZIQ7Yo4DlK
— redbirdhighlights (@bluesdeke12) July 31, 2024
2. Pedro Leon, OF, Astros
Very similar to Dylan Carlson’s fall from top prospect status, Pedro Leon also lost his luster over the last few seasons. However, all of the prospect rankings tend to go out the window once the player makes the big leagues. Fortunately for Leon, his long-anticipated debut will occur any day now. While the prospect hype has faded, there’s a renewed sense of hope from committed dynasty league managers based on his impressive AAA production this season. In 93 games at AAA this season Leon is batting .297 with a .377 OBP and a whopping 19 home runs. There are still flaws in Leon’s approach at the plate but he, like Dylan Carlson, also warrants a speculative add in AL-only leagues.
#Astros outfielder Pedro León talks about getting the call to the big leagues#Relentless pic.twitter.com/okFUiwO9de
— Lorenzo (@lorenzodelgad0) July 30, 2024
NL-Only League Targets
1. Michael McGreevy, SP, Cardinals
A far less heralded prospect who has recently made his debut is Michael McGreevy of the Cardinals. While the call-up was intended to be only a spot start, his dominant performance has likely changed the narrative. In his debut, McGreevy effectively limited hard contact by allowing only five hits in seven innings. While his minor league numbers haven’t been very impressive this season, with a 4.45 ERA and 1.34 WHIP, he could still play a factor in the future for the Cardinals. If he were to get even a few more starts this season they could be very productive as he’s getting first pass at new teams.
Michael McGreevy was awesome in his MLB debut pic.twitter.com/glzvGvtJ1k
— Talkin’ Baseball (@TalkinBaseball_) July 31, 2024
2. Kyle Stowers, OF, Marlins
With all the notable prospects in the Orioles farm system on display this spring training, it was Kyle Stowers who stole the show. However, he never carried the momentum into the regular season given his short-side platoon role. As a result, he was dealt at the trade deadline for pitching, creating a win-win situation for him and the Orioles. Now Stowers is finally able to get regular at-bats in the major leagues. Even though he’s gone hitless in his first two games for the Marlins, he’s capable of getting hot quickly.
The final home run that Kyle Stowers hit before the trade was a 3-run oppo taco off of Anthony Maldonado pic.twitter.com/ptSBoTgeD0
— Fish On First (@FishOnFirst) July 31, 2024
Got a few deep league waiver wire targets of your own? Don’t be greedy! Drop some names in the comments below.