Sometimes it doesn’t have to be exciting. There are roster holes to plug and production to be found. While an exciting minor leaguer will generate the buzz, there’s nothing wrong with the boring veteran. If this were a few years ago, people would be rushing to roster Javier Baez and Alex Verdugo, but now they are relegated to the waiver wire. However, based on their performance, that shouldn’t be the case.
In doing our weekly diligence, the criteria for inclusion will generally be any player rostered in less than 50% of Fantrax leagues (as of 4/23 ), 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
Javier Baez, 3B, SS, OF, Detroit Tigers
Let’s be clear, Javier Baez isn’t going to turn the clock back to 2021. That’s the last time Baez was a true fantasy asset, and it’s been rough going for him since. With just 15 home runs combined over the last two years, his tools seemingly vanished. Despite his success this season, Baez is no longer a power asset. However, that doesn’t mean he isn’t worthy of some attention.
For starters, Baez’s positional eligibility helps from a roster construction standpoint. After hitting his first home run of the season, a grand slam, on Wednesday, Baez is now hitting .296 for the season. His strikeout rate is modest, for him, at 25.6%, but it’s the batting average that has our attention. Baez has done a good job settling in as a centerfielder while adjusting to his new norm.
Heading into action on Wednesday, Baez only had one barrel, so the quality of contact is clearly not there. But as long as Baez is hitting, he can fill a useful depth role on your team.
Alex Verdugo, OF, Atlanta Braves
The Atlanta Braves outfield is a mess. Enter Alex Verdugo as the Braves look to tread water until Ronald Acuna returns.
Verdugo isn’t known for his power; he’s yet to have more than 13 home runs in a season, but he’s proven to be a solid accumulator. As part of a strong lineup, Verdugo’s in position to come through with both runs and RBI. Through his first 10 games, Verdugo is hitting .341 with six home runs and six RBI. That comes with a .328 xBA as Verdugo continues to do a good job of putting the bat on the ball. There isn’t a lot of pop behind that contact, but Verdugo is a productive hitter.
Jeff McNeil, 2B/OF, New York Mets
We’ve seen Jeff McNeil win a batting title, and we’ve seen him hit 23 home runs in a season. The problem last year, though, is that McNeil hit just .238 and only finished with 12 home runs. It was a delayed start to the season for McNeil due to injury, but he’s back and in the Mets’ lineup on a daily basis.
In four games since his return, McNeil is hitting 333. He figures to be part of a strong New York lineup on a daily basis, and that means he should be a solid source of counting stats. We know that McNeil can hit for a strong average while limiting the strikeouts. Being able to utilize him both in the middle infield and outfield helps here as well.
JP Crawford, SS, Seattle Mariners
Batting at the top of the order helps, but I do apologize for continuing the boring veteran portion. While it might not be exciting, there is something to be said for securing those counting stats.
Crawford is beginning the season hitting .289 with 16 runs scored and 14 RBI. He doesn’t bring much in the way of power or speed to the table, but it’s hard to argue with the batting average. The shortstop walks at a high rate, 17.7% so far this season, which makes him that much more of an asset in OBP leagues. While he’s benefiting from a .364 BABIP, there’s also nothing wrong with his .278 xBA entering play on Wednesday.
Tony Gonsolin, SP, Los Angeles Dodgers
After logging a 2.14 ERA in 2022, Tony Gonsolin struggled through a 2023 season in which he recorded a 4.98 ERA. Injuries kept Gonsolin sidelined, but you have never known it based on the results.
Between a strong bullpen and plenty of run support, that is one thing we won’t have to worry about here. The Dodgers were also aggressive as Gonsolin went six innings in his first start of the year. Not only that, but results were there as Gonsolin finished with a quality start, allowing three runs. The most important thing might be that he struck out nine batters. In the coming week it also helps that Gonsolin takes the mound. He has a great matchup in Miami against the Marlins before traveling to Arizona to take on the Diamondbacks.
Ryan Gusto, SP, Houston Astros
Where do they come from for the Houston Astros? Once again, another arm has emerged for the Astros. This time, it’s Ryan Gusto who has found his way into their rotation.
Last season, Gusto appeared in 29 games, 26 starts, at Triple-A and finished with a 3.70 ERA while striking out almost a batter per inning. He began 2025 pitching out of the bullpen, and he’s carried that success through with him into the rotation. Gusto has won two of his last three starts while recording a 3.00 ERA and striking out 14 batters against just three walks.
Houston’s bats are starting to come alive, which does boost the win potential for Gusto. With his FIP sitting at 3.15, at least for the short term, we can believe in Gusto. In the coming week, we get two starts out of Gusto, in Milwaukee and at home for the Reds. which only enhances his value.
Lance McCullers, SP, Houston Astros
If you have forgotten about Lance McCullers, it’s understandable. On Sunday though, the right-hander will be back on a major league field as he takes the mound for the first time since making eight starts in 2022.
Pitching on side fields, and even in the minor leagues, is going to be quite different than taking a major league mound. However, we are dealing with some real talent here, and it shouldn’t be ignored. Yes, there’s also some risk, but the exposure is well worth it.
Hunter Gaddis, RP, Cleveland Guardians
It simply doesn’t stop. This is why we can’t have nice things. Now, the closer carousel has stopped, at least temporarily, on Emmanuel Clase. That means the next in line, Hunter Gaddis, surges up our list.
Gaddis’ next career save will be his first, but Roster Resource has the right-hander at the top of the list. So far this year, he’s striking out over 15 batters per nine, and he’s proven that he can handle the eighth inning with ease. Now it’s time to chase those saves.
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