It’s been said that the ABC acronym of fantasy baseball means to ‘Always Be Compiling’. This pertains to amassing as many category counting stats as possible to rise in the standings. The logical approach to maximizing the chances of compiling stats is by targeting players who get the most plate appearances. As a result, it diminishes the perceived value of back of the lineup or platoon players. Though, what if the right approach is actually to prioritize quality over quantity? In reality, there are part-time players that emerge that can equal or outpace the productivity of most everyday players. That’s what is playing out already this season and, as a result, is the common theme for deep league waiver wire targets selected this week.
Deep League Waiver Wire Targets for Week 5
15-Team Mixed League Targets
1. Alex Verdugo, OF, Braves (26% rostered)
It’s often projected that hitters will hit their prime production around their age-27 season. Though the opposite outcome resulted for Alex Verdugo last season when he turned 27. Long known as a reliable source of batting average for years, it all came apart in 2024 for Verdugo as he hit .233 in 559 at-bats. Yet, there’s the belief that the season may have been an anomaly as he was in his first year playing for his former team’s arch rival in the Yankees. No matter the reason, Verdugo has a fresh start in Atlanta this season and is quickly seizing the opportunity. Already, he’s been hitting more like his career norm with a .273 average and has worked his way into a lead-off role. If Verdugo can maintain a strong batting average, he could secure a regular spot atop the Braves’ lineup.
Alex Verdugo delivers a game-tying double! pic.twitter.com/1kwbrsPRN0
— Talkin' Baseball (@TalkinBaseball_) April 23, 2025
2. Jake Fraley, OF, Reds (26% rostered)
For several years now, Jake Fraley has been a staple name in waiver wire target articles. He’s just never maintained his peak production long enough to stay rostered in most league formats. The combination of prolonged slumps with a platoon role has made him a hard player to hold on rosters in his downturns. So it’s hard not to think we may just being getting sucked back in again by another hot streak. Yet, looking closer at his production, there are noticeable changes in his approach. Not only has his hard hit rate jumped to 28.2% over the last week, but his strikeout rate his fallen to an admirable 19.4%. This combination of increased plate discipline and quality contact could indicate a chance of the sustained success fantasy managers have been seeking from Fraley for years.
Getting cautiously optimistic about a Jake Fraley breakout soon pic.twitter.com/L57YzFY5Qs
— ATBBTTR (@ATBBTTR) April 17, 2025
AL-Only League Waiver Wire Target
Angel Martinez, SS/ OF, Guardians (12% rostered)
One of the most surprising deep league waiver wire finds last season was Angel Martinez of the Guardians. A relatively unheralded prospect turned into an impact rookie contributor for much of the season. This was particularly true during the first half of the season, where he hit .277 and had a .382 OBP. While his batting average cratered in July, he bounced back in August to provide an extra push for fantasy managers. Now, it seems he is doing the same all over again this season. He has 14 hits in his first 39 at-bats and has played into a near-everyday role. Martinez provides a high-floor option for fantasy managers seeking stability from the middle infield spot.
Cleveland #Guardians 23yr old OF Angel Martinez credited with an RBI base hit in the 6th inning to take the lead over the Yankees.
Martinez over first 10 games:
13-36 3R 3(2B) 1(3B) 4RBI 1SB
AVG .361
OPS .851#GuardsBall pic.twitter.com/0OCxaDyeZw— Guardians Prospective (@CleGuardPro) April 23, 2025
NL-Only League Waiver Wire Target
Jesus Tinoco, RP, Marlins (14%)
There’s a real chance that Jesus Tinoco’s ownership could quickly skyrocket to must-own status in all leagues over the next week. Having closed out the last two games for the Marlins, he may end up claiming the closer role. Or, if the pattern doesn’t hold, he could stay as just as sneaky waiver wire addition in NL-only leagues. There’s still much value in earning the occasional save along with decent ratio contributions. Either way, Tinoco should be a high-priority waiver target heading into the weekend as he’s clearly pitched his way into the mix for a closer role. While the Marlins don’t project to provide a high volume of save opportunities, no stone should be left unturned given the scarcity of reliable save sources in mono leagues.
MIA Bullpen
Jesus Tinoco has recorded two saves in a row. His FB is around 95 so he has some heat
Bender is putting out the fires in high leverage situations
Calvin Faucher hasn't gone b2b yet
Tinoco and Bender are worth roster spots#closers #Miami #MLB
— The Closer MRD (@GettheSave9th) April 22, 2025
Got a few deep league waiver wire targets of your own? Don’t be greedy! Drop some names in the comments below.
