Welcome back to another edition of fantasy baseball waiver wire pickups by category. Last week, there were some big-time winners including Josh Jung, Casey Mize, and Seth Lugo. We’ll look to keep the good times rolling this week as we break down some more potential adds.
This weekly piece will cover players who can help in at least one specific category. For example, if your team is scoring plenty of runs and hitting for a strong average but struggling to steal bases, you can scroll directly to the stolen bases section for a targeted pickup.
While most of these players will contribute across multiple categories, their primary value comes from the category they’re listed under. I also rarely repeat players from week to week, so it’s not a bad idea to check back on previous articles to see if any of those players are still available.
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Fantasy Baseball Waiver Wire Pickups by Category
Without further delay, here are this week’s top fantasy baseball waiver wire pickups by category. All players listed are rostered in fewer than 55% of Yahoo leagues.
RBI
Moniak is looking like a legitimate power threat for the Rockies. Of all the balls he puts in play, nearly 33% are pulled fly balls, which has fueled his breakout. Pulled, hard-hit balls with a launch angle in the low 20s are a recipe for success, and that’s exactly what Moniak is doing.
His average may not stay above .300 without using the opposite field more, but the dreaded “shift” is a thing of the past, so a significant dip isn’t too likely. That said, we’re here for RBIs and homers. As long as Moniak continues to barrel balls to right field, plenty will reach the stands.
He’s a monster at home and is becoming a decent start even on the road, where his OPS is up to .731. He’s also a masher in day games, if you believe in those sorts of trends.
The former number one overall pick is up to eight dingers and 15 RBIs on the season in just 73 at-bats. He also crushed 24 homers and drove in 68 runs in limited playing time last year. He won’t do much against lefties, but as I said in week one, Moniak is a must-add while he’s still available.
Batting Average
Ildemaro Vargas (1B, 2B – ARZ): 36%
Ildemaro Vargas is a prime example of a professional hitter. He’s a 34-year-old veteran who consistently puts the ball in play (11.7% K-rate). He will continually grind out at-bats and is exactly the type of batter pitchers will tell you they hate to face.
Vargas has been a reserve utility player for most of his career, but now with all the injuries that have befallen Arizona, he’s finally getting an opportunity to start. Since taking over for his fallen comrades, Vargas has produced a steady .351 batting average. He’s collected a hit in every game he has played in this season and has an impressive 19-game hitting streak (22 if you count last year) going. He has also collected five home runs, 16 RBI, and 15 runs scored. He qualifies at 2B and 1B, and is an excellent add for the time being in fantasy leagues everywhere.
Home Runs
Carlos Cortes is somewhat of an afterthought when it comes to the baby A’s, but make no mistake, this guy can mash. A former third-round pick by the Mets, the now 28-year-old Cortes is currently batting third in the lineup versus right-handed pitching. In 64 plate appearances, he has four home runs, a batting average of .351, and an OPS of 1.062. Perhaps, even more impressive is that he’s only struck out four times. And while that incredibly low strikeout rate may be an outlier, this type of production has been close to his norm the past couple of years.
Cortes produced similar numbers last season, clubbing four home runs and nine doubles in less than 100 plate appearances while hitting .309. In Triple-A the past two seasons, he also crushed, averaging a home run every 16.6 at-bats (33 homers total). While in the Athletics system, he yielded another OPS above 1.000. The compact Cortes has been absolutely on fire at the plate and is a must-add in daily leagues.
Stolen Bases
Hyeseong Kim (2B, SS, OF – LAD): 7%
Hyeseong Kim is getting a chance to play and he’s literally running away with it. The Dodgers’ second baseman is now up to five steals in just 17 games played. He is also hitting for a robust .357 average.
The Dodgers lineup is stacked as we all know, so adding a guy like Kim who’s starting and currently hot at the dish while swiping bags is a no-brainer. He also qualifies at multiple positions furthering his value.
Runs
Miguel Vargas (1B, 3B – CHW): 45%
Miguel Vargas continues to score at a rapid pace. Despite a batting average near .200, Vargas continues to walk at an extremely high clip, reaching via the free pass nearly 17% of the time. His keen eye at the dish (17% chase rate) has helped push his OBP up to .353.
Getting on base for the slugging Colin Montgomery has paid massive dividends allowing Vargas to score 11 times over the last 11 days. Vargas has also been a revelation at the plate lately, smacking three home runs with a batting average above .300. He’s worth a look in the majority of leagues.
Wins
Payton Tolle looked every bit the part in his debut this season, striking out 11 Yankees over six innings of solid work. The young southpaw allowed just four base runners to reach and one run.
Tolle joined the big leagues last year with a massive amount of hype. He was a strikeout machine in the minor leagues but after an impressive beginning, the league quickly adjusted. This season is off to another pristine start, but with a little more experience, there is a better chance he keeps it going.
If Tolle has another game this week like he did against the Yankees, he’ll be gone before you know it. Now is likely your last chance to add him.
Strikeouts
Chase Dollander (SP, RP – COL): 20%
After starting the season in the bullpen, Chase Dollander was handed a pair of starts against the Astros and the Padres. The former top prospect allowed just one run in 11.1 innings while striking out 18. One of those games came at home where Dollinger struggled mightily last season. The fact that he was able to shut down the red-hot Padres there it’s notable.
There is a reason the Rockies made Dollander their first pick back in 2023 and now he’s beginning to show it. If he can reign in his struggles at Coors, he could be the much-needed ace they’ve been searching for.
WHIP
Davis Martin is coming off four quality starts in a row. Over those 26.1 innings, the third-year major leaguer has woven a WHIP below 1.00 and a 1.37 ERA.
Martin doesn’t possess the nastiest stuff like the previous two pitchers highlighted, but what he does do is mix his pitches effectively and rarely miss his spot. Martin has allowed just seven walks this year and two home runs. None of his six offerings is thrown more than a 25% off the time and even his lesser thrown curve ball he throws 12% of the time. Hitters are left guessing and without walking guys, he’s been able to consistently keep batters off base. Martin’s a fine addition in deeper leagues to help out your WHIP.
ERA
I’m a bit hesitant to put Warren in this position after last season’s up-and-down results. But while waiting for the other shoe to drop, there’s no denying what Warren has been able to accomplish this season so far. Through six starts, Warren has yet to give up more than two earned runs in any game. His ERA on the season is 2.59 which he pairs nicely with a 1.15 WHIP. He has also struck out 37 batters in 31.1 innings. He’s on top to face Texas next week where he could be in line up for his fourth victory of the season. He’s worth considering in most leagues.
SAVES
With Edwin Uceta suffering a setback in his rehab, Bryan Baker should hold on to the closer role for the foreseeable future. Outside of maybe Kevin Kelly, Baker’s been the only reliable arm out of the Rays’ pen. He just collected his fifth save on Friday and is up to 10 Ks in 10 appearances. Baker’s not an ideal closer, but as long as he’s getting the opportunity in Tampa, he belongs on all rosters where saves matter.
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Austin Lowell is a featured writer at FantasyPros. For more from Austin, check out his archive.
