Jordan Beck, OF, COL (CBS: 20% rostered, ESPN: 6% rostered)
Here we go again. I was very bullish on Jordan Beck heading into this season and brought it to everyone’s attention with mentions in both Week #1 and Week #2 of the Waiver Wire. He responded by struggling badly and was demoted for his efforts. He has hit five home runs in the six games since being recalled on April 20. He’s not as bad as he was or as good as what we’re currently witnessing, but the middle ground would be fine.
Bubba Chandler, SP, PIT (CBS: 66% rostered, ESPN: 6% rostered)
How can you not like a player sporting the first name ‘Bubba’, especially when he can bring the fastball just shy of triple digits with a great change? In five starts at Triple-A Indianapolis, he has posted a minuscule 1.33 ERA and an impressive 27/6 K/BB ratio. The clock is ticking, and a much-deserved promotion should be just around the corner.
Logan Evans, SP, SEA (CBS: 3% rostered, ESPN: 1% rostered)
Logan Gilbert is out indefinitely with a forearm strain, forcing the M’s to look into their farm system for respite. The options are getting lean, but don’t forget about Logan Evans. He’s getting the call and will be starting today against the Marlins. A 23/4 K/BB ratio in 25 2/3 innings at Triple-A Tacoma deserves our attention.
Tony Gonsolin, SP, LAD (CBS: 25% rostered, ESPN: 2% rostered)
It seems that Tony Gonsolin is ready to roll, and what better way to start than with a matchup against the Marlins? Even better, his second game back is also scheduled against the Fish. Does it get any better than that?
Ryan Gusto, SP, HOU (CBS: 14% rostered, ESPN: 1% rostered)
Gusto has secured a pair of victories in his last two outings, allowing three earned runs. He has permitted only one free pass in those starts and a total of four walks, along with 23 strikeouts this year in 22 2/3 IP. The 2440 mph spin rate on his 94 mph fastball is getting the job done. It’s time to go for the Gusto!
Trevor Larnach, OF, MIN (CBS: 20% rostered, ESPN: 3% rostered)
He’s heating up with three homers in his last five games. Take advantage of the current streak and get him rostered and active in all formats.
Jordan Lawlar, SS, ARZ (CBS: 39% rostered, ESPN: 2% rostered)
I don’t know where he’ll fit into the stacked D-backs lineup, but when you’ve hit five homers, driven in 24 runs, swiped 11 bases, and have a 1.099 OPS in your first 99 at-bats at Triple-A, Arizona will eventually be forced to find him at-bats on the big league squad. Pay a penny now, or a heck of a lot more once he arrives.
Noelvi Marte, 3B, CIN (CBS: 46% rostered, ESPN: 12% rostered)
Back on the April 13 Waiver Wire (14% rostered), the question was whether Marte would get the opportunity for regular playing time. Since then, he has gone 12-for-27 with three homers and 12 RBI, along with a stolen base tossed in for good measure. He won’t come cheap, but he could prove worth every penny of the investment.
Andy Pages, OF, LAD (CBS: 12% rostered, ESPN: 1% rostered)
Pages has the job in centerfield in a stacked lineup and has gone 9-for-15 with a pair of solo home runs and a stolen base in his past four outings. I’m surprised he’s available in 88% of the leagues playing at CBS and would take steps to rectify the situation.
Augustin Ramirez, C, MIA (CBS: 43% rostered, ESPN: 11% rostered)
This kid can hit and is quickly proving that point, going 7-for-14 with five extra-base hits since his call-up. The potential is there to see Ramirez as a top 10 catcher…this year. Let’s see what Rich has to say about his 2025 #3 ranked Marlins prospect. “He’s always made excellent contact, but in 2024, we are starting to see his power emerge. He’s more athletic than you think, provides an excellent target behind home, and will even steal the odd base.”
The upside is a starting catcher in the league who should produce 20+ home runs while hitting .260 plus. He’s better than people think and should be owned in all Dynasty Leagues now.” Spend big or go home will be the only approach to take come Sunday when looking at Augustin Ramirez.
Colin Rea, SP/RP, CHC (CBS: 8% rostered, ESPN: 2% rostered)
Rea started the season in a long relief role and, with the season-ending injury suffered by Justin Steele, has moved into the starting five. In both roles, we’ve seen success. Walking only three batters in his first 18 2/3 innings pitched is a recipe for success. He managed to win twelve games while posting a decent 4.29 ERA as a member of the Brew Crew in 2024, and as a #5 type starter, he could prove to be a ray of sunshine!
Jose Tena, 3B, WAS (CBS: 2% rostered, ESPN: not rostered)
Paul DeJong is undergoing surgery this coming week to repair the damage suffered from a plunking mid-month. He is expected to return at some point this year, but it will be a lengthy stay on the IL. This opens an opportunity for Jose Tena to play every day at the ‘hot corner’ in Washington. He has gone 9-for-24 with 5 RBI in his past six games as he settles into his full-time role.
Michael Toglia, 1B/OF, COL (CBS: 42% rostered, ESPN: 4% rostered)
We finally have a Michael Toglia sighting. In the past three games, he has gone 6-for-13 with a homer (his second) and five RBI. If you’re searching for power numbers (and a ton of swing and miss) a small bid could allow you to enjoy what appears to be the start of a hot streak.
The Closer Report
David Bednar, RP, PIT (CBS: 34% rostered, ESPN: 28% rostered)
Bednar had thrown three consecutive scoreless outings since being recalled, and the Pirates gave him the save opportunity last night. His scoreless streak has now extended to four straight outings, marking his first save since being recalled. In those four appearances, he struck out seven while allowing only one walk and is back in the driver’s seat for saves in Steel Town.
Garrett Cleavinger, RP, TBR (CBS: 1% rostered, ESPN: not rostered)
Cleavinger is off to a great start, amassing 16 strikeouts in his first 10 innings pitched with a 2.53 ERA and an outstanding .66 WHIP. On Friday, he earned his first save of the year against the Padres when the Rays gave the incumbent closer Peter Fairbanks the night off. He’s moved into the setup role, and in leagues using holds, he should have our attention, at least a lot more than the current 1% of leagues where he’s rostered at CBS.
Camilo Doval, RP, SFG (CBS: 34% rostered, ESPN: 9% rostered)
Back-to-back poor outings by Ryan Walker on April 20 and 23 have prompted the Giants to turn to Camilo Doval for the ninth inning. Doval has now converted three consecutive save opportunities. Ryan Walker hasn’t been removed from the closer role, but until he rights the ship, Doval is proving to be a reliable option.
Shelby Miller, RP, ARZ (CBS: 4% rostered, ESPN: 1% rostered)
The injury to co-closer A.J. Puk is long-term at best and season-ending at worst. Shelby Miller will move into the setup role, one step closer to the ninth inning. In 10 2/3 innings this year, he has allowed only two hits and has yet to allow an earned run. A sneaky low bid has the potential to earn huge rewards, especially if the DBacks continue with what has been a very successful shared closer role.
Cade Smith, RP, CLE (CBS: 42% rostered, ESPN: 27% rostered)
Emmanuel Clase is dealing with shoulder discomfort and has struggled significantly to start the season. If healthy, he will handle the ninth inning, but in the meantime, Cade Smith has recorded three consecutive saves and is proving to be a very capable replacement. Adding Cade Smith would be a wise and profitable move if Clase continues to struggle with his shoulder issues.
Will Vest, RP, DET (CBS: 12% rostered, ESPN: 3% rostered)
Just when it seemed that Tommy Kahnle was settling into the ninth inning in Tiger Town, along comes Will Vest, who reels off a string of three saves in four appearances. He’s having a fantastic year, posting a .75 ERA in 12 appearances, and is currently, at worst, in a job-sharing situation.
Luke Weaver, RP, NYY (CBS: 54% rostered, ESPN: 42% rostered)
Devin Williams has struggled, allowing six earned runs in his last two outings, and has been removed ‘for now’ from the closer role. According to Yankee Manager Aaron Boone, Luke Weaver did a commendable job down the stretch last year and is set to get many save opportunities. Fernando Cruz (CBS: 9% rostered) could also find himself in the mix for save opportunities in the revamped Yankee bullpen.
