We have completed one more week of baseball action and are ready for another fantasy baseball waiver wire free agent acquisition budget (FAAB) run. It’s too early to overreact to some studs who may have gotten off to slow starts, but it is also time to start taking chances on others who may have gotten off to fast starts. Early in the season, we’ll be taking chances on some players who need to be rostered in most formats.
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Fantasy Baseball Waiver Wire & FAAB Targets
Each week, I will highlight a few players to target in your weekly waiver wire FAAB process, but know there are many other players available and, more importantly, others that may be better fits for your teams. If you have any questions, please ask me on Twitter (@bdentrek).
Note: We use Yahoo for player percentages and recommend players rostered in no more than 60% of leagues.
Hitters
Rostered: 55%
Suggested Bid: 12%
Spencer Torkelson is in the midst of a major bounce-back season. He entered the weekend hitting safely in 10 out of 12 games for a .311 batting average. He has eight extra-base hits with three home runs, nine runs scored, seven RBI and a stolen base.
Torkelson is striking out 30.2% of the time but also has a 13.2% walk rate. His 13.8% barrel rate and 55.2% hard-hit rate are outstanding. Torkelson is showcasing that power hit tool we have come to expect, making him a must-start first baseman or corner infielder in 12-team and deeper leagues.
Rostered: 53%
Suggested Bid: 32%
Kyren Paris is off to an outstanding start to the season. Playing time was the major question for Paris, but that has been cleared up for now with Yoan Moncada on the injured list (IL). Paris has hit safely in eight out of 11 games and seven out of nine starts.
After Friday, Paris is hitting .419 with five home runs, 13 runs, eight RBI and four stolen bases. Paris is only 23 and may be finding his way at the big league level. He won’t be able to sustain this kind of success, but Paris can still provide plenty of power and speed to be a great option in all formats.
Rostered: 38%
Suggested Bid: 26%
Ben Rice started the season with the Yankees thanks to Giancarlo Stanton landing on the IL. He has taken full advantage of his opportunity. Rice entered the weekend hitting safely in nine out of 11 games. He has six extra-base hits, three of which are home runs, to go with two stolen bases.
Rice is locked in at the plate with a 28% barrel rate and a 72% hard-hit rate. His Statcast is glowing red with success. The Yankees trust Rice so much that he’s leading off versus right-handed pitchers and hitting second versus lefties. Rice should be started in all formats.
Pitchers
Rostered: 58%
Suggested Bid: 16%
There have been high hopes for Tylor Megill in recent seasons, but injuries and a lack of consistent production have limited those hopes. Megill entered this season with high hopes once again, and so far, he is backing it up.
Through three starts, Megill has thrown 14.1 innings while allowing three runs (one earned). He has struck out 17 over the 14.1 innings with a 16.1% K-BB and 12% SwStr%. Megill has a nice two-step next week versus the Twins and Cardinals. Barring a horrific week, Megill will be worth starting going forward.
Rostered: 50%
Suggested Bid: 12%
Casey Mize has battled injuries in recent seasons, but entered this year ready to roll. Through two starts this season, Mize has thrown 11.2 innings while allowing one earned run and striking out 12.
Mize has walked six and has a 12.4% SwStr% as he looks ready to showcase his skills this season. Mize faces the Royals next week. Barring a disastrous few starts, Mize should be fantasy-relevant most of the season.
Rostered: 17%
Suggested Bid: 6%
Mitchell Parker entered Friday night, allowing one earned run over his first two starts. He had seven strikeouts over 12.1 innings in those two starts with two wins. On Friday night, he threw six innings versus the Marlins, allowing three earned runs with three strikeouts.
That’s three quality starts for Parker to start the season with a nice ERA, but a shaky WHIP. Parker faces the Pirates next week with a two-step to follow. He’s worth a stream in most formats next week with some upside in deeper leagues throughout the season.
Closers
Rostered: 33%
Suggested Bid: 11%
The Dodgers’ bullpen is a sticky situation. Tanner Scott appears to be the primary closer, but some pitchers will get save chances throughout the season. Blake Treinen is the first option to get those extra chances. He entered the weekend making six appearances this season, allowing zero runs in five of the six appearances.
Treinen has two saves and two holds over the six outings. He may be suitable for a save every week or two with solid strikeouts and ratios. The Dodgers reliever is a nice option if you need saves and are OK not having the only option in a bullpen.
Rostered: 9%
Suggested Bid: 9%
The Marlins have not officially announced a closer with the struggles of Calvin Faucher, but it appears Anthony Bender may be the leading candidate. Bender entered the weekend making five appearances on the season. He has not allowed a run with a save, a hold and a win. Bender only has two saves, but he appears ready to get the late-innings opportunities whenever they arise for the Marlins.
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