Tim has 23 names for you to review as you contemplate your waiver wire moves. I am bummed that Kirby Yates is getting the saves in Texas as I had hoped it would David Robertson (sigh). Tommy Pham gets a mention…totally forgot about him. I love his call of Cade Povich, although he did walk four batters in his outing this week. That’s something that he had improved on in his three previous starts.
Enjoy!
Wilyer Abreu, OF, BOS (CBS: 11% rostered, ESPN: 1% rostered): Abreu is 5-for-17 in his past five games with a homer and 3 RBI. Ceddanne Rafaela has now slid into the shortstop role, lessening the competition for at-bats in the outfield. Abreu has an opportunity to play every day, and it could prove to be a very successful one.
Harrison Bader, OF, NYM (CBS: 16% rostered, ESPN: 2% rostered): In his past six games, Bader has gone 8-for-23 with a homer, 6 RBI, and a pair of stolen bases. As a #5 type OF that carries value.
Jonatan Clase, OF, SEA (CBS: 19% rostered, ESPN: 3% rostered): Dominic Calzone has been sent to the IL with a sprained AC joint, and there is no timetable for a return. The Mariners have turned to Jonatan Clase to fill the void. If your need is speed, he stole 78 bases between High-A and Double-A last year. He almost wasn’t void of power, hitting 19 bombs. A long run for Clase is a real possibility.
Bobby Dalbec, 1B/3B, BOS (CBS: 1% rostered, ESPN: not rostered): Triston Casas suffered a left rib strain yesterday and has been put on the 10-day IL. It looks like Bobby Dalbec will hold down the fort, but don’t rule out Niko Kavadas from potentially getting the call, as he is off to a good start at Triple-A Worcester. Dalbec slugged 25 homers in 417 at-bats in 2021, so there is some power potential. Just don’t expect any help in the BA category.
Mauricio Dubon, 2B/OF, HOU (CBS: 9% rostered, ESPN: 2% rostered): Jake Meyers’ slump continues, and he is losing at-bats to Mauricio Dubon. As we mentioned last week, Joey Loperfido could eventually enter the fray, but for now, Houston appears to be content with rolling out Dubon.
Erick Fedde, SP, CWS (CBS: 27% rostered, ESPN: 3% rostered): So far, the transition from the KBO has to be labeled a success, as Fedde has 1/3 of the White Sox victories this season. That is only one, but the 3.10 ERA and strikeout per inning potential shouldn’t be ignored.
Danny Jansen, C, TOR (CBS: 19% rostered, ESPN: 3% rostered): Jansen returns from the IL into a job share with Alejandro Kirk. He’s no Francisco Alvarez, but 17 homers in 268 at-bats should be an adequate second catcher option and/or injury replacement.
Orelvis Martinez, SS, TOR (CBS: 10% rostered, ESPN: not rostered): The Jays’ top offensive prospect is off to a great start at Triple-A Buffalo, with five homers, 18 runs scored, and an outstanding 1.041 OPS. It won’t be long before Orelvis Martinez arrives in Toronto.
Andy Pages, OF, LAD (CBS: 34% rostered, ESPN: 4% rostered): The future has arrived in LA, bringing a ton of power potential. He went 26-80 at Double-A Tulsa in 2022 before a torn labrum cost him most of the ’23 campaign. The question is, will he hit enough to stick? I’m betting he will, and I’m willing to invest a moderate-level FAAB bid to get the answer.
Blake Perkins, OF, MIL (CBS: 12% rostered, ESPN: 3% rostered): Perkins is “seizing the moment.” He’s off to a great start, slugging two homers with a pair of thefts, scoring 12 runs, and consistently putting bat-to-ball, hitting for a .356 BA. It’s time to take advantage of the fact that he has moved from a platoon to a full-time role until, at the very least, Christian Yelich returns.
Tommy Pham, OF, CWS (CBS: 4% rostered, ESPN: 1% rostered): Pham hit 16 home runs last year and stole 22 bases while posting a .328 OBP. That would make him an All-Star on the current White Sox roster. The White Sox have until April 25 to call him up, or he can walk. I don’t think they will let him.
Cade Povich, SP, BAL (CBS: 7% rostered, ESPN: not rostered): The internal options in Baltimore are lean….Cade Povich lean. Despite the strong start Wednesday against the Twins, Albert Suarez is not the long-term answer. In 4 starts totaling 21 2/3 innings, Povich has allowed seven hits, nine walks, and only two earned runs. He has also contributed 33 strikeouts. The clock is ticking, and it is not a question of if but when. I’m betting sooner rather than later.
Yariel Rodriguez, SP, TOR (CBS: 39% rostered, ESPN: 5% rostered): We mentioned Rodriguez last week, and Friday night, he didn’t disappoint in his second start. He tossed 83 pitches and will continue to work later in games as his arm strength improves. It’s time for a reminder that he’s still in the Free Agent pool in 95% of Leagues playing at ESPN.
Amed Rosario, 2B/SS/OF, TBR (CBS: 34% rostered, ESPN: 18% rostered): The 28-year-old Rosario’s part-time role is quickly turning into a full-time gig. With two homers, 10 RBI, three stolen bases, and a .343 BA, he has been a spark in what has been an anemic Rays O overall.
Daulton Varsho, OF, TOR (CBS: 52% rostered, ESPN: 36% rostered): It’s incredible how quickly things change in our game. Varsho has gone from a struggling afterthought to a must-start in a week. When you slug five homers and steal two bases in the past eight games, it’s easy to understand.
LaMonte Wade Jr., 1B/OF, SFG (CBS: 12% rostered, ESPN: 5% rostered): LaMonte Wade Jr. has been on fire. During the season, he has 1 HR, 6 RBI, 10 runs scored, and an impressive .483 OBP. That works exceptionally well when filling one’s corner-infield slot.
The Closer Report
Jason Adam, RP, TBR (CBS: 19% rostered, ESPN: 14% rostered): Pete Fairbanks has struggled in the early going and, as we witnessed last week, isn’t shy about owning it. It might be time for the Rays to give him a break until he sorts through what is currently ailing him, and they do have options. Jason Adam is off to a strong start and has succeeded in the role in the past, saving 8 and 12 games over the past two seasons. A small bid this week has the potential to reap solid rewards.
Aroldis Chapman, RP, PIT (CBS: 29% rostered, ESPN: 16% rostered): David Bednar is off to a terrible start to the ’24 season, posting a 13.50 ERA after his first seven appearances. Maybe it’s time for a break, and although Aroldis Chapman hasn’t been lights out, he could provide a temporary respite until Bednar rights the ship.
Hunter Gaddis, RP, CLE (CBS: 5% rostered, ESPN: 2% rostered): Gaddis is off to a great start, with five holds and 15 strikeouts in his first 10 2/3 IP. Thus far, he hasn’t allowed an earned run. It’s time he got a bit more love, especially in Leagues that count holds.
Reed Garrett, RP, NYM (CBS: 5% rostered, ESPN: 2% rostered): Garrett is off to a great start with three wins, a save, and a fantastic 21/3 K/BB ratio. He also hasn’t allowed an earned run. There will also be plenty of opportunities in New York this season to pitch in his current middle-relief role. It’s time we took advantage of that fact.
Mark Leiter Jr., RP, CHC (CBS: 4% rostered, ESPN: 3% rostered): Adbert Alzolay has now blown four save opps in seven attempts and his leash on the ninth inning has to be growing shorter. Hector Neris is an option, but his ongoing struggles to throw strikes (7 walks in 7 IP this year) isn’t a long-term recipe for success. Leiter Jr. is coming off a strong 2023 in which he recorded four saves, 28 holds, and posted a solid 3.50 ERA. He has four holds in ten appearances this year and has yet to allow an earned run. I think I’ll put my money on Leiter Jr.
Joel Payamps, RP, MIL (CBS: 29% rostered, ESPN: 10% rostered): Abner Uribe had the job and struggled. Joel Payamps seems to be getting the nod…for now. Run with it, but at the end of the day, don’t be surprised if Payamps, Uribe, and Trevor Megill all get save opportunities until Devin Williams returns.
Kirby Yates, RP, TEX (CBS: 52% rostered, ESPN: 13% rostered): It appears that David Robertson isn’t the current answer closing out games for the Rangers, and with Kirby Yates posting two wins, two saves, and yet to allow an earned run in 8 appearances, can you blame Texas for heading in that direction? He did save 41 games for the Padres back in 2019.
