One of the biggest changes in baseball in the last decade is the increase of platoon hitters functioning in timeshare roles. As a result of these lineup optimization efforts, there’s been a newfound abundance of viable waiver wire targets each week for deep league fantasy baseball players. Add in the increased use of closer carousels and the new challenge is determining who not to pick up versus who is worth picking up each week. This week is no different as we provide more strong waiver wire options to prioritize for deep league free agent roster additions.
Deep League Waiver Wire Targets for Week 13
15-Team Mixed League Targets
1. Daniel Schneemann, SS/3B, Guardians
It seems there is no end to the depth of quality roster additions in the Guardians system. So far in this weekly series this year, we’ve featured multiple players from their roster that have gone on to become lasting fantasy roster additions, like David Fry, Brayan Rocchio, and Tyler Freeman. Now another quality hitter has emerged on the Guardians roster with Daniel Schneemann. Much like Fry, there’s little public knowledge of Schneemann in the baseball community but his impact is quickly garnering attention. In his first 33 at-bats, he’s hitting .303 with a .439 OBP and an impressive .954 OPS. While the .409 BABIP indicates some likely regression, it’s safe to say his great plate discipline will keep his ceiling high and his bat in the lineup for the foreseeable future.
First Major League homer for Daniel Schneemann 👏#ForTheLand | @CleGuardians pic.twitter.com/6Saexi4Kv1
— Bally Sports Cleveland (@BallySportsCLE) June 16, 2024
2. Jacob Stallings, C, Rockies
Co-incidentally there’s another emerging hitter who is also batting .303 so far this season with Rockies catcher, Jacob Stallings. What’s most impressive about Stallings’ strong start to the season is that the high batting average has been sustained for over 100 at-bats already and it’s coupled with a decent on-base percentage of .379. While Stallings doesn’t play every day, he’s made an impact with four home runs to go along with 18 RBI. In two-catcher leagues, Stallings is worth a definite add to capture the great batting average contributions and some bonus counting stat production, too.
pic.twitter.com/XS7cI4F5SR
Jacob Stallings hits a solo shot (4) to cut the Dodgers lead down to 3-1.— MLB Updates (@MLBNews1234) June 18, 2024
AL-Only League Targets
1. Ben Rice, C, Yankees
The recent loss of Anthony Rizzo due to injury has opened the door to another exciting prospect in the Yankees system, Ben Rice. Not only does he bring a polished plate approach and high power potential to the potent Yankees lineup, but he seems likely to stick around for a while. As a 25-year-old with 769 minor league at-bats, he seems ready for his shot and so far he is fitting in well with hits in his first two games. While just a small sample size of eight at-bats, it’s encouraging to see no strikeouts and three walks already against tough major league pitching. This is reflective of his great plate discipline in the minors where he held a career .397 OBP. Given the strength of the Yankees lineup Rice should be an immediate add in all AL-only leagues and a speculative add in many mixed leagues.
“I’m in there trying to do damage and put some runs on the board.”
Spencer Horwitz on batting leadoff after going 2-4 with a walk and an RBI in the Blue Jays 3-0 win over the Brewers. pic.twitter.com/dYyeOwvfgs
— Sportsnet (@Sportsnet) June 12, 2024
2. Chris Flexen, SP, White Sox
Longtime AL-only fantasy managers are likely quite familiar with Chris Flexen as a recurring mid-season waiver wire addition. It seems every season things start to click for Flexen and he strings together a strong run of starts. Right on schedule, it appears the same scenario is unfolding again as he has allowed two or fewer runs in four of his five last starts. Most notable is his strong outing against the Astros in his most recent start where he allowed one earned run while striking out six across six innings. As he’s been used primarily in the past for fantasy purposes, Flexen should be a decent streaming pitcher target for Al-only fantasy teams.
Chris Flexen’s good start went for naught. The White Sox bullpen – and infield – dropped the ball, losing 5-3 to the Astros. It marked the 15th time they’ve fallen after leading in the seventh inning. https://t.co/2SLxy8FmMy
— Sun-Times Sports (@suntimes_sports) June 20, 2024
NL-Only League Targets
1. Colin Rea, SP, Brewers
Much like Chris Flexen, we’ve seen flashes of Colin Rea’s talent in small doses over the years in between bouts of rough outings. His career ERA of 4.43 reflects those struggles. However, over the last month, we’ve started to see consistency for the first time. Since May 25, he’s only given up six earned runs across 28 innings pitched for a 1.59 ERA while capturing three wins in the process. This could be the start of a promising run if Rea is able to build on the momentum. We’d advise targeting Colin Rea on the waiver wire while he’s on a run that looks like it could hold for a while longer.
after today's outing, colin rea stands at 6-2 with a 3.29 ERA.
that's good enough for #32 ERA among all qualified starting pitchers.
— HONEY NUT CHOURIOS (44-30) (@jeremywick) June 16, 2024
2. DJ Herz, SP, Nationals
Probably the biggest surprise starting pitcher outing in June has been from Nationals rookie DJ Herz. In six innings against the Marlins last week, Herz allowed only one hit and struck out 13 batters! While the Marlins have been prone to poor offensive showings this season, they are actually in the bottom third of the league for total team strikeouts. Herz has demonstrated a good strikeout rate in his minor league career but has often been undone by walks. In his 36 innings at AAA to start this season he had an impressive 42 strikeouts but an alarming 29 walks. Time will tell how long he can hold his gains in K:B ratio at the majors but he’s worth an add in NL-only leagues to capture the strikeout potential.
all
13
DJ Herz
Ks pic.twitter.com/7VmBVTV3OB— Washington Nationals (@Nationals) June 15, 2024
Got a few deep league waiver wire targets of your own? Don’t be greedy! Drop some names in the comments below.
Austin Martin and Landon knack
Great calls on those players, too. Knack was on my shortlist but I went with the pitchers with a more certain future in the rotation. Of course, after the article was written he had a great start.