We cannot stop. While you don’t want churn your roster just for the sake of doing so, it is an ongoing quest to improve your team. Whether it be injury replacements, players getting hot or taking on new roles, there is always something to ponder. Targeting pitchers with favorable matchups along with those making two-starts in a week, sometimes both apply, is another way to gain an edge. Utilizing the waiver wire to your advantage plays a large role in being successful. To help in that endeavor, let’s take a look at some Fantasy Baseball Waiver Wire Adds for Week 6.
As we go through this process on a weekly basis, the criteria for inclusion will generally be any player rostered in less than 50% of Fantrax leagues (as of 5/01). 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
Joey Loperfido, Houston Astros, OF
This is the second time Joey Loperfido has been included in this space for 2024, and the hope is that you didn’t miss your chance. All Loperfido has done since his initial inclusion was continue to rake in Triple-A and then parlay that into a promotion to the major leagues.
The prospect made his debut on Tuesday and promptly drove in two runs with a single while also scoring a run. Chaz McCormick being banged up certainly helps, but following the struggles and demotion of Jose Abreu, there is available playing time for Loperfido. As he hit 13 home runs in 25 minor league games this year, Loperfido posted a .426 ISO. Strikeouts are a concern and they will likely land around 30%, but a double-digit walk rate does help for OBP leagues.
As the Astros begin to find their groove offensively, after all they have one of the best lineups in the league on paper, RBI opportunities should be a aplenty for Loperfido. Between the outfield and first base there is some versatility here, and he will find regular playing time as long as he hits. And that power potential is hard to ignore. The fact that Houston needs a spark cannot be overlooked.
Tyler Black, Milwaukee Brewers, 2B
While the initial intention might have been for Tyler Black to strictly face right-handed pitching, an injury forced him into making his major league debut against a southpaw. All Black did was promptly pick up two hits. On Wednesday he got a second straight start, against a right-hander.
Black doubled in his three at bats, but it was notable to see him batting cleanup. The fact that Black got the start at first base is also telling as the Brewers appear likely to move him around the diamond. Seeing him be pinch hit for later in the game isn’t ideal, but Black should be in the lineup most days for the Brewers.
While he did go deep 18 times last year in the minors, and five times in Triple-A to begin the season, power isn’t an overwhelming tool. However, he does have strong plate skills which should help with the overall adjustment. At a minimum, we are looking at a .260 hitter who has a double-digit walk rate. What is really intriguing though are the 55 bases he stole last year.
Jordan Beck, Colorado Rockies, OF
The Colorado Rockies do like to play with our emotions. Young players often don’t receive the opportunity they should, and that makes us hesitant. For now, we don’t have to worry about that with Jordan Beck as he has been in the lineup for both games since his promotion.
In his only exposure to Triple-A, Beck did earn his promotion this year. Over 25 games, Beck hit .307 with five home runs, five stolen bases, and 28 RBI. Last season, Beck went 25/20 in 126 games between High-A and Double-A. That is a desirable skill set and ultimately it’s the strikeouts we have to keep an eye on.
The stint in Triple-A this year was quick, but Beck did bring his strikeout rate down to 19.8%. Between Coors Field and the tools are there and worthy of some attention.
Jacob Young, Washington Nationals, OF
Give me those stolen bases. Batting ninth isn’t always ideal, but in the situation of Jacob Young, it serves as a second leadoff. And that means plenty of stolen base opportunities.
Last year, Young appeared in 33 games for Washington and hit .252 while stealing 13 bases. That gave him 52 stolen bases on the season, across three levels, for the second straight year. While Young doesn’t really walk with great proficiency, he does limit his strikeouts. Putting the ball in play is key here as Young can ultimately use his speed to get on base.
And then, he can steal bases. Through 22 games this year, Young has 12 stolen bases and 16 runs scored. He isn’t a batting average liability, and playing time hasn’t been an issue. As long as you aren’t looking for power, this is an intriguing situation.
Wenceel Perez, Detroit Tigers SS/OF
The struggles of Parker Meadows play a factor here, but there are at-bats up for grabs in Detroit. This very well could be the case of riding the hot hand, but Perez is playing everyday and found himself batting third on Wednesday.
Perez has had an up and down minor league career, but he has posted a career high ISO since his promotion. We are just 52 plate appearances into his stint, but .298 ISO certainly is noteworthy. Batting third for Detroit doesn’t make the same impact as with other teams, but he is hitting .298 with three home runs, eight RBI, and eight runs scored. Never truly considered a top prospect, Perez could steal 20 bases with regular playing time. The Tigers have no reason not to continue with Perez’s playing time and he has been a solid minor league hitter the last two seasons.
Emerson Hancock, Seattle Mariners, SP
Injuries brought Emerson Hancock into the Opening Day rotation, and he has done an adequate job to this point. He did run into some trouble on Wednesday against Atlanta as he allowed five runs in 3.2 innings, but only one run was earned. That brought his ERA down to 4.75 on the season.
Similar to last year, Hancock is averaging just five innings in his six starts to this point. With 23 strikeouts in 30.1 innings we aren’t looking at tremendous upside, but he is taking the mound twice this week. After facing the Minnesota Twins, Hancock takes the mound against the Oakland A’s. It’s that second start that really catches our attention. Despite the lack of depth to his starts, Hancock has a 3-3 record and has factored into every decision. If you can exit the week with a victory, eight strikeouts and decent rations, the right-hander becomes a solid streaming option.
Landon Knack, Los Angeles Dodgers, SP
There are multiple things working to the advantage of Landon Knack. The Dodgers have one of the best offenses in the league and a strong bullpen also provides support. Two starts this week, against the Marlins and Padres, also provide upside.
With Walker Buehler nearing his return, it’s possible Knack’s time in the rotation is coming to an end, but it would make sense for the Dodgers to be cautious. While Knack can generate fastball velocity, he dialed things down to the 93-94 mile per hour range last season and found his success. Between Double-A and Triple-A, he struck out a batter per inning while posting a 2.51 ERA.
Through three starts this year, Knack has a 2.81 ERA, and this is a solid opportunity to chase innings and victories.
Simeon Woods-Richardson, Minnesota Twins, SP
Simeon Woods-Richardson has floated around prospect lists for the last few years. After some struggles though, he did fade from the radar prior to the 2024 season. In three starts this season, Woods-Richardson has had to content with a .348 BABIP while pitching to a 2.45 ERA (2.21 FIP).
Hitters have only barreled two balls against Woods-Richardson to this point which has helped him to be successful. For those looking to stream a pitcher with upside this week, the right-hander is worthy of our attention. This week, he takes the mound against Seattle and Toronto which provides two opportunities for victory. As Woods-Richardson finds his footing, it’s possible his stay on your roster isn’t temporary.
Jason Adam, Tampa Bay Rays, RP
After chasing wins, let’s move onto saves. To say that this is an ever week endeavor would be an understatement. Before heading to the Injured List, Pete Fairbanks struggled in the ninth inning. That led to Garrett Cleavinger picking up two saves. However, it was Adam who saved 12 games last year and also has Tampa Bay’s only save this week.
While there might be some frustration, Adam is in line for some more saves in the immediate future. With 12 strikeouts in 14 innings along with a 1.29 ERA and 0.64 WHIP, Adam can be a solid addition to your staff.
Danny Coulombe, Baltimore Orioles, RP
There is still doubt as it relates to Craig Kimbrel’s status due to a back injury. In the interim, Danny Coulombe will be in line for some ninth inning work.
In many leagues, Yennier Cano is likely already rostered. Cano has found success in a high leverage role over the past year-plus, and Baltimore opted to keep him there on Tuesday. That led to Coulombe picking up the save and this scenario should play out again. Through 11.2 innings, Coulombe has 14 strikeouts along with a 3.18 ERA and 0.64 WHIP. If you are looking to speculate on saves in Baltimore’s bullpen, Coulombe is easier to acquire. And even if he isn’t immediately picking up saves, Kimbrel’s back issues could potentially linger.