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Deep League Fantasy Baseball Waiver Wire Targets for Week 20

By Todd Hedberg
Parker Meadows Fantasy Baseball Waiver Wire and FAAB Report

Now into the final two months of the season fantasy managers are looking at their standings to see where they can make ground in key categories. Most often, saves is the category where critical points can be gained. Fortunately, this week offers several emerging relievers who are likely to start snagging saves down the stretch that could become must roster in all fantasy leagues by this time next week. That’s why we provide our weekly deep fantasy baseball league waiver wire targets to help get a first-mover advantage.

Check out our full fantasy baseball lineup: Dynasty Stock Watch | Rookie Report | MLB Injury Report | Weekly SP Rankings | Fantasy Baseball Bullpen Report | Rest of Season Rankings | Lineup Analysis | Two-Start Pitchers | Pitching Streamers | Fantasy Baseball Waiver Wire | Dynasty Buys and Sells | Fantasy Baseball Risers and Fallers | Prospect Rankings and Reports

Deep League Waiver Wire Targets for Week 20

15-Team Mixed League Targets

1. Parker Meadows, OF, Tigers

Entering the draft season this year Parker Meadows was a prominently named sleeper pick to have a breakout season. It seemed all the key signals were there to justify the hype given his strong debut in 2023 and that he was slated for an everyday role with the Tigers. Though, his start to 2024 was a complete flop and he was optioned the minors on May 7th after batting . 170. During his time in the minors Meadows reworked his approach and returned to form by batting .292. His power and speed skills shined as well with eight home runs and 19 steals in just 202 at bats. Since being recalled on August 3rd, he has carried the momentum into the majors with six hits in his first 14 at bats with a homer and steal. Act now to grab a potential late-season breakout for a fraction of the original draft cost.

2. Tyler Mahle, SP, Rangers

Over the last few weeks, there has been a wave of notable starting pitchers returning from prolonged injury absences. In deep leagues, many of those players were likely already stashed, so it’s been slim pickings. Yet, with Tyler Mahle’s return this week, there’s a very good chance that he’ll be available on the waiver wire in most leagues. Mahle has made his return from Tommy John surgery with hopes of returning to his peak form in 2020 and 2021 with a sub-4.00 ERA and high strikeout total. In his first outing, the results looked very promising, with only one earned run on five hits over five innings. If there’s one certainty with Mahle, it’s a return to a high strikeout rate as his velocity ramps back up over time.

AL-Only League Targets

1. Carson Fulmer, SP, Angels

It’s becoming evident that the Angels have become a landing spot for players looking for a second chance in their careers. Already we’ve seen Miguel Sano and Kevin Pillar rejuvenate their careers with the Angels this season and now we can add Carson Fulmer to the list. Over the early years of Fulmer’s career, he flashed immense upside both as a starter and a closer, only to fizzle out at times. Now, we’re seeing his resurgence as a reliable back-of-the-rotation starter with an ERA under 4.00 for the season and a decent WHIP of 1.20. Since moving to the rotation his numbers have been even stronger and he looks a lock to finish the season in that role.

2. Tyler Holton, RP, Tigers

No bullpen has been more of a carousel the last few years than the Tigers. Even this year we’ve seen the closer role changeover with Jason Foley emerging early on in the season. Now, Foley’s waning performance has opened the door for Tyler Holton to emerge for save chances. Holton has snagged four saves in the last month and done so with a 2.27 ERA and 0.85 WHIP during that stretch. The Tigers may not win the majority of their games but, when they do, it usually comes with a save situation. Folton just may take the reigns and run with the role for the rest of the season.

NL-Only League Targets

1. Justin Martinez, RP, Diamondbacks

A true dark horse saves candidate has recently emerged in the already crowded Diamondback’s bullpen with Justin Martinez. This is surprising considering the trade deadline acquisition of AJ Puk. Yet, it’s been Martinez who has proved a reliable and steady option in key moments over the last month. During that timeframe, he holds a 2.57 ERA with 42 strikeouts in 35 innings pitched. As a result, he’s been thrown into save situations over the last week and has performed strongly. There’s no guarantee he will take hold of a full-time closer role, but even a small handful of saves moving forward could prove pivotal for NL-only fantasy league managers.

2. Anthony Banda, RP, Dodgers

Yet another emerging reliever for save opportunities comes in the crowded but erratic Dodger’s bullpen with Anthony Banda. While regulars like Evan Phillips and Daniel Hudson have struggled as of late, new relievers are starting to get the call in key moments. Over the last 30 games, Banda has an ERA of 2.20 with 35 strikeouts in 24 innings. In his last seven games, his WHIP is an incredible 0.65. Banda can help improve key ratios while providing an occasional save or two down the stretch

Got a few deep league waiver wire targets of your own? Don’t be greedy! Drop some names in the comments below.

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