Here’s the thing about playing in deep leagues that often gets forgotten. It requires persistence on the waiver wire to continuously find the next strong stretch of above average performance from generally below average players. Contending teams typically have a few fungible bench spots that allow for a constant rotation of players. This allows for down trending players to be quickly replaced by up trending waiver wire additions. That’s why we provide our weekly top waiver wire targets for deep fantasy baseball leagues.
Deep League Waiver Wire Targets for Week 24
15-Team Mixed League Targets
1. Otto Lopez, 2B/OF, Marlins
A frequent name on the shortlist of waiver options for deep leagues this season, but not yet included is Otto Lopez. While his stolen base contributions have been noteworthy, the downside of his low batting average has hindered his appeal. Though, over the last couple of weeks that issue has been negated by batting .286 in his previous 15 games. While he doesn’t offer much for power, his can bring value to deep league managers seeking runs and steals down the stretch without tanking batting ratios.
Otto Lopez adding some insurance.
It's 2-0 @Marlins. pic.twitter.com/bDz2C23QAN
— Marlins Radio Network (@MarlinsRadio) September 5, 2024
2. Jose Tena, 3B/SS, Nationals
There was much excitement in the prospect community that National top prospect, Brady House, would get the call to fill the open third base spot. Instead, an unlikely standout has emerged in that role with Jose Tena. While it’s unlikely he has passed House as the long term solution at that position, he is quickly making himself indispensable on the roster. So far this season he is batting .307 in his first 19 games with 16 RBI in that time span. Tena combines his consistent hitting approach with clutch production with runners on base, making him an appealing option for deep league managers.
Jose Tena gives the Nats an early lead with his first-career homer! pic.twitter.com/FaESfKiwJr
— Talkin’ Baseball (@TalkinBaseball_) August 24, 2024
AL-Only League Targets
1. Emmanuel Rivera, 1B/3B, Orioles
Despite the excess of hitting talent in the Orioles system there’s still been opportunities for new names to get into the lineup. After Coby Mayo’s recent demotion back to the minors and the Ramon Urias injury it was Emmanuel Rivera who got the call. Since then he has provided some big moments for the Orioles with two key home runs. While only batting .235, he already has four runs and five RBI in just his first 17 at-bats. If Rivera can keep his place in the potent Orioles lineup, he should continue to compile key counting stats.
Emmanuel Rivera hit his first home run as an Oriole to help lift Baltimore to victory.
The newly acquired O after the win. pic.twitter.com/woFjZEW6If
— Orioles on MASN (@masnOrioles) August 31, 2024
2. Jake Cousins, RP, Yankees
In all formats of fantasy baseball strikeouts hold a significant level of importance. One of the slyest ways to gain ground in that category in deep leagues is through high-volume relievers. Jake Cousins of the Yankees fits that profile perfectly. Not only has he pitched 31 innings over the last 30 games, but he also has 41 strikeouts during that time span. In addition to his stellar strikeout rate Cousins has put up dominant pitching ratios with a 2.73 ERA and 1.03 WHIP. He even recently notched his first save and could be in line for more chances with Clay Holmes faltering down the stretch.
Jake Cousins, Vicious Sliders. 😤 pic.twitter.com/fLxM7O3cqN
— Rob Friedman (@PitchingNinja) August 21, 2024
NL-Only League Targets
1. Jared Triolo, 2B/3B, Pirates
Last season’s surprise player performance for the Pirates came from Jared Triolo, who hit .298 across his first 54 games. Though, his follow up campaign this season has been anything but spectacular as he has hit a lowly .204 on the season. There have been signs of renewed hope emerging as of late, however, as Triolo has .261 with a .370 OBP over the last seven games. More importantly, he has ramped up his counting stat production over the last 30 games with 13 runs and 13 RBI. Triolo is far from a fantasy lineup regular, but he’s shown the ability to get hot in short stints. Keen NL-only manager can act quickly to tap into this increased production
Three Run HR by 3B Jared Triolo @Pirates
Exit Velocity: 104.1 mph
Distance: 371 ft
Launch Angle: 21 deg#LetsGoBucs pic.twitter.com/kyTcQKRw8H— Pittsburgh Pirates Player Development Report (@PGHplayerDev) September 4, 2024
2. Phil Maton, RP, Mets
The Mets have a large investment in their bullpen arms, particularly with superstar Edwin Diaz. Yet, the most dominant reliever arm as of late might actually be the recently Phil Maton. Despite his dismal 4.58 ERA with the Rays earlier this season, Maton has a 1.74 ERA in his time with the Mets. Driving this low ERA is his miniscule WHIP of 0.82. In fact, he’s only allowed one home run in his 20.2 innings with the Mets. In a recent appearance Maton even filled in for a successful save conversion, though that should not be an expectation. Nonetheless, Maton can help shrink critical pitching ratios for NL-only managers down the final stretch.
Phil Maton has been rock solid for the Mets since being acquired from the Rays for cash considerations on July 9
He recorded his first save with the team last night pic.twitter.com/MZiEPK1bWq
— SNY Mets (@SNY_Mets) September 3, 2024
Got a few deep league waiver wire targets of your own? Don’t be greedy! Drop some names in the comments below.