It seems every week there are more worthy candidates for the deep league waiver wire target list than the prior week. That’s definitely the case this week as several fast-rising players are featured on this list, most of whom are still widely available in the deepest of leagues, but they won’t last long. That’s why it’s so important for fantasy baseball managers to act decisively on the waiver wire. Especially those competing in 15-team mixed, 12-team AL- or NL-only, or even deeper leagues.
Deep League Waiver Wire Targets for Week 5
15-Team Mixed League Targets
1. Wenceel Perez, SS, Tigers
Entering this season there were big expectations for a young Tigers infield prospect, Colt Keith, to produce consistently at the plate. However, it’s been the much less proven prospect of Wenceel Perez that has been delivering on those lofty expectations so far. Now playing nearly every day, Perez has maintained a batting average of around .300 and a .350+ OBP rate. In addition, he’s turned on the power as of late with three home runs just this week.
THIS KID.
Wenceel Pérez goes yard for the second time tonight! pic.twitter.com/4mcmAau2Qp
— Detroit Tigers (@tigers) May 1, 2024
2. Tyler Nevin, 3B, Athletics
Some players seem to fly under the radar no matter how well they can produce at times. For much of his minor league career, that has been the case for Tyler Nevin. Now finally having reached the major leagues with Oakland this season he is starting to get noticed for his surprising performance. After a strong spring training with the Orioles this year, the roster logjam lead to Nevin’s release where he was quickly scooped up by the Athletics. He’s carried that spring training momentum into the season where he is batting .316 with three home runs and a steal across his first 76 at-bats. A noteworthy hitting streak only helps give notice to Nevin’s stellar start to the season.
TYLER NEVIN EXTENDS HIS NINE-GAME HITTING STREAK WITH A DINGER. STAY HOT! 🔥#Athletics pic.twitter.com/2nW5ULwVWx
— Uprooted (@uprootedoakland) May 1, 2024
3. Ben Rortvedt, C, Rays
Likely already rostered in AL-only leagues but still overlooked in deep mixed leagues is the Rays’ unexpected steady-performing catcher, Ben Rortvedt. Going into the season Rortvedt was below Renee Pinto on the roster depth chart but his early strong performance, on both sides of the plate, has quickly led to an increase in playing time. To date, he has a .340 batting average and an impressive .431 OBP in his first 50 at-bats. While it’s unlikely he will maintain that level of production, even 70% moving forward should make him a viable catcher in deep two-catcher leagues.
This was initially ruled a go-ahead home run, but it turned out to be a long single for Ben Rortvedt pic.twitter.com/19AqJVb8pi
— Talkin’ Baseball (@TalkinBaseball_) April 28, 2024
AL-Only League Targets
1. Lucas Erceg, RP, Athletics
Right now no reliever in baseball is garnering more attention than the Athletics breakout second-year pitcher, Mason Miller. Though there’s another second-year relief pitcher that is quietly break out on his own in Lucas Erceg. Already in the first month of this season, he has 17 strikeouts in his first 12.2 innings with only two earned runs allowed. While Erceg won’t see many save opportunities, he is an emerging force in hold leagues and provides a key ratio boost in all leagues.
Lucas Erceg, K'ing the Side. ⛽️
Part of 6 consecutive Ks for the A's Bullpen. pic.twitter.com/pOTriX3W5l— Rob Friedman (@PitchingNinja) May 1, 2024
2. Dylan Moore, 2B, Mariners
Most veteran fantasy baseball players know very well who Dylan Moore is by now after occasionally emerging as a waiver target at times seemingly every season. While he has provided nice boosts for fantasy teams in the past for short periods of time, he ultimately fizzles out and his batting average regresses to his career .207 average. So why are we recommending him for AL-only leagues? Well, he steals bases and can get hot at the plate. In the deepest of leagues, finding these short-term surge contributors is often an important route to stat accumulation. Grab Moore while he’s adding value and replace him once he fades.
#Mariners notebook: Utility man Dylan Moore once again showed his value in last night's win.
Also, is Jorge Polanco starting to turn a corner?https://t.co/fVMtJb6FTG
— Seattle Sports (@SeattleSports) May 1, 2024
NL-Only League Targets
1. Dane Myers, OF, Dodgers
Probably the most intriguing player on this week’s list is Dane Myers of the Marlins. Another second-year player who is quickly improving upon a strong rookie campaign. Now just five games into this season for the Marlins he is making quite the splash, batting .455 with five RBI and a steal. After hitting .299 in his rookie stint it’s clear Myers knows how to make consistent contact at the plate.
Dane Myers already with 5 RBI in 8 PA since being called up pic.twitter.com/0uJfEbnYUc
— Fish On First (@FishOnFirst) May 2, 2024
2. Enyel De Los Santos, RP, Padres
Admittedly the track record for new Padres reliever Enyel De Los Santos makes him a risky long-term play. Entering his sixth season in the majors he’s slowly been working to get his inflated ERA down around the 4.00 mark the last couple of years. After ending last season with a decent 3.29 ERA De Los Santos has started this year out on a strong note with just three earned runs across 12.2 innings. Consider his 17 strikeouts in that span and he is flashing near identical numbers to aforementioned Athletics breakout pitcher Lucas Erceg.
Unreal outing by Padres reliever Enyel De Los Santos.
In 1 1/3 Innings generated:
4 K’s & 8 Whiffs/ 80% Whiff%.
In 2024 he owns a 1.70 FIP, 0.84 ERA, & a K% > 25% pic.twitter.com/t6Xsul505t
— Clark Fahrenthold (@CFahrenthold11) April 25, 2024