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
Nick Kurtz (1B – ATH)
Rostered: 51%
Suggested Bid: 22%
After a slow start to his big league career, Nick Kurtz has become one of the most feared hitters in the game. Since June 1st, he’s hitting .248 with 10 home runs and 25 RBI. He’s barreling the ball 19% of the time to go with a 50.8% hard-hit rate.
Sure, Kurtz is still striking out 33.3% of the time since June 1st, and that is not ideal, but you can live with the high strikeout rate with the power he’s bringing to the plate. Kurtz should be rostered in all formats.
Alec Burleson (OF – STL)
Rostered: 48%
Suggested Bid: 16%
Alec Burleson had a slow start to the season, resulting in limited playing time. That has come to an end as Barrel SZN is back on. Since June 1st, Burleson is hitting .302 with seven home runs and 26 RBI. He’s barreling the ball 12.8% of the time to go with a 43.6% hard-hit rate.
The plate discipline is excellent, as Burleson is striking out only 11.3% of the time since June 1st. Burleson is playing daily, even versus lefties, making him a must-start in most formats.
Chandler Simpson (OF – TB)
Rostered: 35%
Suggested Bid: 12%
Chandler Simpson was recalled from Triple-A on June 24th, and he’s been outstanding. He’s hitting .364 with six runs scored and seven stolen bases. He’s only walking 6.8% of the time, with a 90.8% contact rate.
On Friday night, Simpson extended his hit streak to 15 games. Simpson won’t supply any power, but brings an excellent batting average and all the steals you can dream of. He’s a great target in most formats.
Pitchers
Charlie Morton (SP – BAL)
Rostered: 24%
Suggested Bid: 9%
Charlie Morton struggled to start the season, and that led to a demotion to the bullpen. He rejoined the rotation on May 26th and looks like a brand-new man. He’s showcasing increased velocity, and the results have followed.
Over eight starts, Morton has allowed three earned runs or fewer in seven starts for a 2.76 ERA and 3.54 SIERA. He has 48 strikeouts and 14 walks over 42.1 innings pitched for an 18.3% K-BB rate. While Morton is throwing this well, he should be rostered or at least streamed in most formats.
Cam Schlittler (SP – NYY)
Rostered: 21%
Suggested Bid: 12%
Cam Schlittler got the call this past week and made his MLB debut versus the Mariners. He allowed three runs over 5.1 innings with seven strikeouts. Over 14 starts between Double-A and Triple-A, Schlittler had a 2.82 ERA with 99 strikeouts over 76.2 innings pitched for a 23.5% K-BB rate.
Schlittler should get a couple of more starts with the Yankees, and if he continues to throw well, he could stick in the rotation for a while. He’s worth a pickup as long as he’s in the rotation.
Slade Cecconi (SP – CLE)
Rostered: 12%
Suggested Bid: 4%
Slade Cecconi joined the Guardians’ rotation on May 17th, and he’s been quite the pleasant surprise. He’s allowed three earned runs or fewer in nine of his 10 starts for a 3.44 ERA and 3.82 SIERA.
Cecconi has been quite the strikeout machine as well, with 56 strikeouts over 55 innings pitched for a 16.4% K-BB rate, and a 10.7% SwStr supports it. Cecconi should continue to be a popular streaming option in most matchups.
Closers
Daniel Palencia (RP – CHC)
Rostered: 48%
Suggested Bid: 22%
Daniel Palencia took over closing duties when Porter Hodge went on the injured list (IL), and he hasn’t looked back. Since May 21st, Palencia has 10 saves over 17 outings. Fifteen of the 17 appearances were scoreless outings for Palencia, and he has a 1.06 ERA since May 21st.
Palencia has 16.7% SwStr to go with a 32.3% strikeout rate and 26.2% K-BB rate. He is locked in and should be rostered in all formats.
Grant Taylor (RP – CWS)
Rostered: 12%
Suggested Bid: 9%
The White Sox called up their flame-throwing prospect, and it’s been a mixed bag since he’s been on the team. Since June 10th, Grant Taylor has made 11 appearances. He has three saves and five holds to go with a 4.05 ERA and 2.44 SIERA.
Taylor has a 14% SwStr% to go with 15 strikeouts and three walks over 13.1 innings pitched for a 23.5% K-BB rate. Taylor is the man getting saves for the White Sox and adds plenty of strikeout upside, which is viable for most 12-team and deeper leagues.
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