We have completed another week of baseball action and are ready for our next 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 some 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 others available and, more importantly, others that may be better fitting 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: 52%
Suggested Bid: 22%
Masyn Winn was off to a slow start to the season, but since returning from the injured list (IL), he’s been swinging it well. Over his 20 games since returning from the IL, Winn is hitting .319 with four home runs and two stolen bases. He has scored 15 runs while driving in 12 and hitting second for the Cardinals.
Winn also walks 12.3% of the time while barreling the ball 7.4% with a 46.3% hard-hit rate. Winn is starting to produce like the player that many pushed up draft boards, so don’t wait much longer to add Winn as he looks poised for a breakout season.
Rostered: 43%
Suggested Bid: 15%
After a horrible start to the season, Jake Burger was sent to AAA to figure things out, and it appears he has done just that. Burger hit two home runs over his week in AAA. Since returning, Burger has hit safely in all five games with a home run. He’s barreling the ball over 10% of the time with a hard-hit rate over 70%.
Burger has 30-home run power and has been a second-half player throughout his career. He should be rostered in most formats as Burger appears to have figured things out at the plate.
Rostered: 24%
Suggested Bid: 11%
Austin Hays has had an injury-riddled season for the Reds, but when he’s in the lineup, he’s hitting .306 with five home runs. Since his latest stint on the IL, Hays hit safely in four out of seven games with a home run. He’s barreling the ball over 17% of the time with a hard-hit rate over 45% this season.
Hays has a great week ahead with three games at Pittsburgh and then three games in Great American Ball Park, making Hays an excellent streamer with plenty of upside after that.
Pitchers
Rostered: 58%
Suggested Bid: 16%
AJ Smith-Shawver struggled to start the season, but he’s been outstanding since returning from AAA. In his four starts since his return, Smith-Shawver has allowed three earned runs over 25 innings pitched with 23 strikeouts. He has a 1.08 ERA, 3,94 SIERA and 14.6% K-BB ratio.
Smith-Shawver faces the Nats this week with a two-step the following week. Smith-Shawver is showcasing skills that make him a streamer in 12-team and deeper leagues most weeks.
Rostered: 21%
Suggested Bid: 15%
Logan Henderson was recalled this last week to make his second start of the season, and it was another strong start. Through two starts with the Brewers, Henderson has allowed three earned runs over 11 innings with 16 strikeouts and two walks.
Henderson has an outstanding 35% K-BB ratio in the two starts, with an 11% SwStr rate. He has a scheduled start next week and could stick around with a multitude of injuries in the Brewers’ rotation.
Rostered: 19%
Suggested Bid: 22%
Ryan Weathers was a riser in draft season before suffering an injury in late spring. Weathers returned from the IL this past week and threw five strong innings versus the Cubs. He allowed one earned run with five strikeouts.
Weathers has showcased improved velocity and pitch mix this spring, making him a must-add waiver wire pickup while healthy.
Closers
Rostered: 28%
Suggested Bid: 9%
Will Vest continues to share closing duties with Tommy Kahnle, but even while sharing the role, he’s been very viable for most fantasy lineups. Over his last 10 appearances, Vest has allowed zero earned runs in nine appearances for a 2.19 ERA.
Vest has four saves, two wins and 14 strikeouts across 12.1 innings. Even while sharing the role, Vest could collect 20+ saves this season, making him viable in 12-team and deeper leagues.
Rostered: 27%
Suggested Bid: 9%
With Justin Martinez on the IL, Shelby Miller has become the closer for the Diamondbacks. Since May 1st, Miller has made six appearances and has not allowed a run in four.
Miller has three saves and a win with six strikeouts. He should be the closer while Martinez remains out. Just know that Martinez may be back in the next 1-2 weeks.
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