This is not time to give up. After all the work that you put into your fantasy baseball season, you have to finish strong. While the waiver wire may seem thin, it doesn’t mean it should be ignored. We want you to improve your team, so let’s take a look at some Fantasy Baseball Waiver Wire Adds for Week 24.
In doing our weekly diligence, the criteria for inclusion will generally be any player rostered in less than 50% of Fantrax leagues (as of 9/06), 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.
Fantasy Baseball Waiver Wire Recommendations
Randal Grichuk, OF, Arizona Diamondbacks
Initially, Randal Grichuk was a platoon option for Arizona. However, with Lourdes Gurriel heading to the Injured List, Grichuk should be in position for increased playing time. Even if that’s not the case though, Grichuk has become an interesting source of power.
In 25 at-bats over the past two weeks, Grichuk has four home runs and nine RBI while scoring eight runs. With a 10% barrel rate and 18.2-degree average launch angle, the home runs shouldn’t come as a surprise from the veteran. He does have five seasons of at least 22 home runs, so it wouldn’t be surprising to see him have a hot streak over the next few weeks.
Mike Yastrzemski, OF, San Francisco Giants
Every home run counts, especially at this time of the season. All it takes is one strong week to turn the tide. Mike Yastrzemski is another player who has seen produce in the past. Currently, he has four home runs in his last eight games while spending time atop the Giants’ batting order.
With 13 home runs and 45 at-bats in 400 plate appearances, it’s another typical season for the outfielder. He does make solid contact, and you will have to live with some strikeouts, but Yastrzemski can be a solid replacement option.
Ty France, 1B, Cincinnati Reds
You never where the season will take you. For all the depth the Reds initially had at the start of the season, no one expected to be seeing Ty France starting at first base down the stretch. The good news for the Reds though, is that France has produced as of late.
Even though he bats in the middle of the Reds lineup, no one will truly confuse France with being a power threat. But with 16 hits in his last 42 bats, France has become a productive option. France has six RBI and six runs scored in that stretch while solidifying his place in the lineup.
Victor Robles, OF, Seattle Mariners
We are going outfield-heavy here, but at this point in the season, it’s important to target specific categories. While Victor Robles is far past his top prospect status, he still retains the skills that put him in that class.
For now though, what truly matters is that Robles has stolen five bases over the past 14 days. No, he won’t keep up his pace of 14 hits in 33 at bats, but it’s also hard to argue with eight RBI and 10 runs scored. The outfielder is hitting a strong .284 on the season with 23 stolen bases in just 75 games. Robles has his strikeout rate just below 20% which helps as look to gain ground in the last few weeks of the season.
Adam Oller, SP, Miami Marlins
At this point in the season, we need stats. It’s truly a numbers game as there are simply not enough games left for those chasing strikeouts and victories. With Adam Oller taking the mound twice in the upcoming week, it makes sense that he would appear on our radar.
In facing the Pirates and Nationals, Oller has two solid matchups. Over his last three starts, Oller has a 2.65 ERA with 20 strikeouts in 17 innings of work. Walks continue to be an issue for Oller, so there is some concern about your WHIP, but the strikeouts could be worth the risk. At this point in the season, it’s a balancing act.
Ben Joyce, RP, Los Angeles Angels
Based on the insane velocity we see from Ben Joyce, we would expect to see him pick up more strikeouts. Joyce is striking out close to a batter per inning though and the overall package is pretty good.
With just 0.26 home runs per nine innings, Joyce has been able to minimize potential damage leading to a 2.08 ERA. A groundball rate of 58.9% speaks to a strong approach as hitters simply aren’t making good contact against Joyce. Opposing batters have a barrel rate of just 4.4% against Joyce which has played a role in his success. After picking up eight holds, Joyce is now up to four saves as he has become a strong late-inning option for the Angels.
Luke Weaver, RP, New York Yankees
With the closer’s role up for grabs in New York, Luke Weaver stepped in for the save on Friday. While he likely won’t receive every save, the veteran is certainly set up for more. Despite a two-out walk, Weaver picked the save up with ease as he continues to have a strong season.
Weaver is striking out 9.85 batters per nine innings while pitching to a 3.28 ERA. Beyond that, the results might be greater than the true statistical package, but overall, the right-hander has found success. There are worse choices out there as you chase saves.