Fantasy Baseball Waiver Wire Adds: 7/19
In the world of fantasy baseball, the waiver wire is a treasure trove of hidden gems waiting to be discovered. It's a place where managers can find players who are under the radar but have the potential to become stars. This article delves into the top priority players to add, the most added players on Yahoo and ESPN, and some streaming pitcher options that could give your team the edge it needs.
Top Priority Players to Add
Blaze Alexander (BAL)
Blaze Alexander is a rising star in the American League. With a .312/.368/.439 slash line and a 128 wRC+ through 82 games, he's been a consistent performer. However, it's his recent production that has truly skyrocketed his fantasy stock. In July, Alexander has been on fire, slashing .375/.429/.531 with a 173 wRC+. The expected numbers indicate he's been even better, fueled by a 94.4 EV (2nd best in the American League since 7/1) and a 60% hard-hit rate. With a sub-10% roster rate, Alexander is a steal and his value is likely to soar by next week.
Esmerlyn Valdez (PIT)
Esmerlyn Valdez is a young talent to watch. Despite concerns about his whiff rate, Valdez's power is undeniable. Slashing .309/.371/.713 with a 186 wRC+ and 10 home runs through 105 plate appearances, he's a must-add in categories leagues. Valdez's ability to hit for both average and power makes him a valuable asset, and his low roster rate means he's still available for the taking.
Joshua Kuroda-Grauer (ATH)
Joshua Kuroda-Grauer, or JKG, is a pure hitting machine. Over a small sample size of 13 games, the 23-year-old is slashing .429/.440/.551 with a 179 wRC+. He's on a hit streak and has extra-base hits in three straight games. JKG is a buy-low option that could pay dividends, and his low roster rate means he's a potential steal for those who act quickly.
Yahoo and ESPN Most Added Players
Brandon Pfaadt (PITCHER)
Brandon Pfaadt is a reliable pitcher who has been a safe bet in recent starts. With a 1.72 ERA over his last three starts, he's a quality option for innings eater. His curveball/sweeper duo has been effective, posting sub-.200 xBAs and whiff rates north of 30%. Pfaadt's consistency and ability to go deep into games make him a valuable addition to any roster.
Tim Tawa (INF)
Tim Tawa is a player who thrives on small sample sizes. While he hasn't been good this year, his recent four-game hit streak with 9 total knocks, including 3 home runs, is intriguing. Tawa's ability to string together hits, even in a small sample, makes him a potential add for those who like to take risks.
Shane Drohan (PITCHER)
Shane Drohan is a fascinating pitcher with a unique skill set. The 27-year-old has the second-fastest arm to two-strikes this season and owns a 3.09 ERA/3.24 FIP through 70 innings. His recent performance has been stellar, with a 2.30 ERA and 5+ innings in four of his last five starts. Drohan's ability to strike out batters and his unique pitch selection make him a potential streaming option worth considering.
Jared Jones (PITCHER)
Jared Jones is a flamethrower who has returned to form. With a 2.55 ERA/2.31 FIP over his last four starts, his four-seamer sitting around 99 mph, and a 24.2% K-BB rate, Jones is an easy add. His ability to strike out batters and his high velocity make him a valuable asset for any team.
Curtis Mead (INF)
Curtis Mead is on a tear in July, slashing .439/.500/.829 with a 258 wRC+. His .390 ISO is impressive and makes him a must-add target in all leagues. Mead's ability to hit for power and average makes him a valuable asset, and his recent performance is a testament to his talent.
Streaming Pitchers
For streaming pitcher options, Nick Pollack's list is a go-to resource. Here are a couple of recommendations:
Sean Burke (CWS)
Sean Burke is a pitcher who has been dominant this month. With no walks and a 41.7% strikeout rate through 13 innings, he's been a force on the mound. His results over the last four starts are remarkable, with an ERA of 1.69, a WHIP of 0.97, and a BAA of .226. Burke's ability to strike out batters and keep the ball in the park makes him a streaming option worth considering.
Joey Cantillo (CLE)
Joey Cantillo has been a superb streaming option, effectively increasing his curveball usage over the past two months. His curveball has turned in a .124 xBA, .250 xwOBA, and 47% whiff rate. Additionally, his changeup and four-seamer have also been effective, with a 55% whiff rate and a .241 xwOBA. Cantillo's ability to keep batters off balance makes him a valuable addition to any streaming rotation.
