The dust has settled. Fantasy baseball trade deadlines are getting closer, and the time is coming. Now that we are a week past the MLB trade deadline, we now have a better idea of what rosters will look like for the next month and a half. This should help find some value to churn your roster in preparation for the stretch run. As you continue working to improve your team, let’s take a look at some Fantasy Baseball Waiver Wire Adds for Week 20.
In doing our weekly diligence, the criteria for inclusion will generally be any player rostered in less than 50% of Fantrax leagues (as of 8/06). The popularity of Dynasty leagues on Fantrax does sway some of these percentages compared to other platforms, but these are players who should be on your radar.
Fantasy Baseball Waiver Wire Recommendations
Coby Mayo, 3B, Baltimore Orioles
Through 15 plate appearances, Coby Mayo is still looking for his first major league hit, but we know it’s coming. He also isn’t going to carry on a strikeout rate of 53%. However, a strikeout rate of 25% to 30% wouldn’t be surprising, but Mayo can work through that. In the minor leagues he has historically carried a double-digit walk rate, so from an OBP perspective, we are in good shape.
While it’s not something I would bank on, Mayo was hitting .301 through 77 games in Triple-A prior to his promotion. The power skills are what we are after here, and that is where Mayo delivers. In those 341 plate appearances, Mayo hit 20 home runs with 61 RBI while posting a .285 ISO. In joining Baltimore’s loaded batting order, there is no pressure on Mayo. Once he gets his first hit out of the way, things should be jumpstarted for Mayo and he can put his power on display.
Zach Dezenzo, 3B, Houston Astros
As the Astros look to hang onto their championship window, they didn’t upgrade their offense at the trade deadline. With that being said, especially with Kyle Tucker still sidelined, the Astros do need another bat. While Jonathan Singleton has done a good job filling in at first base, that is an area that could use a little help.
That led to the promotion of Zach Dezenzo earlier in the week, and I would expect him to receive regular playing time. In his second game, on Wednesday, Dezenzo picked up his first two career hits (including a double) while walking and scoring two runs.
Injured earlier this season, Dezenzo played just 22 games in Double-A and 11 in Triple-A. While he doesn’t have overwhelming power, Dezenzo can hit for a solid batting average and have a walk rate in the low double-digits. This might not be a league-winning addition, but Dezenzo could get hot and compile strong counting stats.
Tommy Edman, 2B/SS/OF, Los Angeles Dodgers
Tommy Edman has yet to play a major league game this year, and the hope is that his third rehab stint will do the trick. Edman is heading out on his rehab assignment this weekend. If everything goes according to plan, Edman should make his debut with the Dodgers in about a week after that.
Historically, Edman has shown minimal power along with a solid batting average. In the last three seasons, Edman has stolen between 27 and 32 bases, and that is what we are after. At this point, or really any, in the season, finding that stolen base upside on the waiver wire simply doesn’t happen. The fact that Edman is joining a strong lineup and has massive positional flexibility also is quite valuable.
Ernie Clement, 3B/SS, Toronto Blue Jays
Since the All-Star break, Ernie Clement hasn’t missed a game for the Blue Jays. In that stretch, Clement has found success and is a hot hand worth riding. Over the past 14 games, Clement has 17 hits in 53 at-bats with eight RBI and four stolen bases.
On the season, Clement is hitting .271 with six home runs and 32 RBI while stealing eight bases. The good news is that Clement doesn’t strike out, so it gives him a good chance hit for a solid average. It’s unlikely that we can truly expect much power from Clement, but he is a solid placeholder who chips in a few stolen bases.
Joey Bart, C, Pittsburgh Pirates
A former top prospect with the San Francisco Giants, it’s possible Joey Bart is having a solid second act. Perhaps a change of scenery and more experience is all that Bart needed to become a serviceable catcher. Now that’s not to mean he’s truly going to be a stud, but if you are looking to improve at the catching position, Bart should not be overlooked.
In 47 games this season, Bart is hitting a solid .265 with eight home runs and 27 RBI. Bart has earned more playing time as of late and that trend should be ongoing. The catcher has a .213 ISO along with a career-high 11.7% barrel rate. It’s possible that Bart has finally found some comfort at the plate, and we should expect the production to continue to follow.
Tyler Mahle, SP, Texas Rangers
Talk about a strong return from Tommy John surgery for Tyler Mahle. In his first start, both for the season and with the Rangers, Mahle turned as good a start as can be expected. We would have liked to see more than two strikeouts, but Mahle only allowed one run while walking just one batter.
Mahle’s average fastball velocity of 92.7 miles per hour is about 1.5 slower than at his peak, but it was just one start. Despite that, Mahle made it through the Astros lineup with ease. In the coming week, we get two starts from Mahle which only heightens his value. If you are looking to make up innings, Mahle is an intriguing option.
Eduardo Rodriguez, SP, Arizona Diamondbacks
Thanks to a shoulder injury, Eduardo Rodriguez didn’t make his season debut until Wednesday. Rodriguez needed just 65 pitches to get through 5.2 innings as he picked up his first victory of the season. It wasn’t a truly smooth outing as the left-hander allowed three runs on four hits and two hits, but he was to navigate.
The good news is that Rodriguez was efficient and things should look up from here. If the left-hander is still floating around your waiver wire, don’t let it last. He is simply too good for that and the veteran could be a strong supplement to your rotation.
Justin Martinez, RP, Arizona Diamondbacks
With Paul Sewald moving into a lower-leverage role, Justin Martinez has moved into the closer’s role. With two saves in the past seven days, Martinez does appear to be up to the task. They were the first two saves of the year for Martinez who previously had eight holds.
Overall, it has been a strong season for Martinez in Arizona’s bullpen. In total, Martinez is striking out 61 batters in 50.1 innings while recording a 1.97 ERA. Martinez has done a great job of limiting the long ball at just 0.18 home runs per nine innings. When coupled when an elite 64.2% groundball rate, Martinez has found his way to pitching out of trouble. While it does hurt the WHIP, Martinez has been relatively unscathed by his 4.65 walks per nine innings.
Victor Vodnik, RP, Colorado Rockies
In what has been an ever-evolving situation, Victor Vodnik is the next option for saves in Colorado. After saving two games in the last seven days, Vodnik is up to six saves on the season.
With just over eight strikeouts per nine innings, Vodnik isn’t especially overpowering, but he isn’t a liability either. A 52% groundball rate helps Vodnik navigate potential trouble. He has a solid 4.05 ERA on the season, with a 3.85 FIP, and as you look to chase any stray saves you can find, we can do worse here.