Just like that, the MLB Trade Deadline is coming. With Josh Naylor heading to Seattle and Ryan McMahon joining the New York Yankees, some of the action has already begun. Each transaction has a domino effect on both teams involved. That will be interesting to watch from a fantasy perspective over the last two months of the season.
In doing our weekly diligence, the criteria for inclusion in our waiver wire recommendations will generally be any player rostered in less than 50% of Fantrax leagues (as of 7/26), with some exceptions. 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.
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Fantasy Baseball Waiver Wire
Tristin English, 1B, Arizona Diamondbacks
While the Arizona Diamondbacks have more work to do, they got off to a good start by trading Josh Naylor and Randal Grichuk. With Naylor now in Seattle, first base is open for the Diamondbacks. At this point, it’s unclear what other moves are coming, but we know that an opportunity has presented.
After Naylor was dealt to Seattle, that opened up first base. That’s good news for Tristin English, who had been asking himself what else he had to do at Triple-A. Through 66 games, English was hitting .340 with 13 home runs and 67 RBI.
The biggest thing for English this season has been the reduction in strikeouts. Granted he’s at an age that is past the prospect stage at 28, but that doesn’t mean he can’t be fantasy relevant. English is only striking out 14.3% of the time and has a .239 ISO. Previously, he was a highly regarded prospect who will now receive regular playing time in the big leagues. From a fantasy perspective, English is worth a look.
Adrian Del Castillo, C, Arizona Diamondbacks
Heading back to Arizona, Adrian Del Castillo is now expected to receive the majority of the playing time at DH. The good news is that you can take advantage of his catcher eligibility. And that is a huge advantage on the waiver wire.
In 87 plate appearances last season, Del Castillo generated excitement by hitting .313 with four home runs and 19 RBI. That success continued this season in 28 minor league games as he hit .299 with seven home runs and 27 RBI.
Last season, Del Castillo had a strong 11.5% barrel rate after hitting 24 home runs in Triple-A prior to his promotion. If you need help behind the plate, there won’t be a better option remaining on the waiver wire.
Seranthony Dominguez, RP, Baltimore Orioles
There’s a solid chance that the Baltimore Orioles move some pieces ahead of the Trade Deadline. One name that was mentioned as a potential option was Felix Bautista. That would have opened up the closer’s role in Baltimore, but instead, an injury did. Bautista now finds himself on the Injured List. That means Seranthony Dominguez is firmly on our radar in the quest for saves.
When it comes to the waiver wire, we can’t avoid the quest for saves. The good news is that Dominguez does have experience in the role from previous seasons. That part of the equation won’t be an issue as Dominguez is comfortable pitching in the ninth inning. He’s striking out over a batter per inning with ease.
We do have to keep an eye on the walks, though, at 5.31 BB/9, as that could cause issues for Dominguez. Overall, though, there’s not enough here to keep me away.
Dennis Santana, RP, Pittsburgh Pirates
Nothing has happened yet in Pittsburgh, but the expectation is that David Bednar will be moved. After all, the Pirates aren’t going anywhere, so why not get something for their closer.
One way to attack the waiver wire is to be preemptive. In this situation, that would be grabbing and holding Dennis Santana for a week. When Bednar struggled earlier this season, Santana picked up five saves. That helps, as we have the potential for a smooth transition. Overall, it’s been a strong year for Santana. The right-hander’s ERA sits at 1.45 for the season with a 2.40 FIP. Santana has benefited from keeping the ball in the park (0.21 home runs per nine innings) and limiting the walks (1.87 per nine innings). Santana isn’t overpowering from a strikeout perspective (7.27 per nine innings), but it’s the saves we are after.
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