In the world of fantasy baseball, the waiver wire is a treasure trove of hidden gems, waiting to be discovered by savvy managers. It's a place where the next big breakout star could be lurking, just waiting for the right opportunity. This week, we're diving into the top players who are flying under the radar but deserve a spot on your roster. Get ready to discover some hidden gems and learn why these players are worth the add.
A.J. Ewing: The Do-It-All Hitter
A.J. Ewing is a player who has already made an impact in the majors, and his stock is only rising. With a .250/.438/.667 slash line over his first four games, Ewing has already been worth $2.4 million, per Fangraphs. What makes Ewing so attractive is his ability to do it all. He's a second baseman and outfielder with a high on-base percentage, speed, and extra-base hits. His limited strikeouts and exceptional ability to draw walks make him a dream pickup for fantasy managers. Ewing's performance is a testament to the fact that sometimes, the most valuable players are the ones who can provide upgrades in multiple categories.
Daylen Lile: The Rising Star
Daylen Lile is a 23-year-old phenom who has been on a tear since the start of May. With a .274/.335/.463 slash line and a 123 wRC+, Lile has been a priority add for many managers. His production has significantly increased since the start of May, with four home runs over his last four games. Lile is a legit stolen base threat with a sub-20% strikeout rate. His 1.051 OPS and 184 wRC+ this month make him a must-add for any fantasy lineup. Lile's performance is a reminder that sometimes, the best players are the ones who are flying under the radar, waiting for the right opportunity to shine.
Spencer Horwitz: The Utility Player
If you need a quick boost in your utility spot, look no further than Spencer Horwitz. The 28-year-old corner infielder is slashing .274/.387/.419 with a 131 wRC+ and has been one of the hottest hitters in baseball since the start of May. His 166 wRC+ since the calendar flipped is a testament to his hot streak. Horwitz has tallied hits in eight of his last nine games, making him a reliable option for your lineup. His performance is a reminder that sometimes, the best players are the ones who are overlooked, waiting for the right opportunity to shine.
River Ryan: The Comeback Kid
River Ryan is a priority add for any fantasy manager. The 27-year-old is poised to make his return to the Dodgers' pitching staff, and his performance at the Triple-A level is impressive. With a 2.41 FIP and 23% K-BB rate through 11 innings, Ryan is a player who could make a significant impact once he returns to the majors. His arsenal is casually up at least two ticks all-around, making him a player to watch. Ryan's performance is a reminder that sometimes, the best players are the ones who are coming back from injury, ready to make a comeback.
Kyle Leahy: The Underrated Arm
Kyle Leahy is one of the most underrated arms in baseball, and his performance this season is a testament to that. Paired with 7.2 feet of extension and a flat four-seamer, Leahy's curveball has the chance to be one of the best offspeed pitches in baseball. His performance over his past two starts, with just one earned run allowed and a sub-1 WHIP, is a reminder that sometimes, the best players are the ones who are flying under the radar, waiting for the right opportunity to shine.
J.J. Bleday: The Red-Hot Hitter
If by some miracle J.J. Bleday isn't rostered in your league, you're poised to make the waiver wire claim of a lifetime. The 28-year-old is slashing .345/.465/.776 with a 233 wRC+ and .470 xwOBA through 17 games with the Reds. His performance is a testament to the fact that sometimes, the best players are the ones who are on a hot streak, ready to make a significant impact. Bleday's performance is a reminder that sometimes, the best players are the ones who are flying under the radar, waiting for the right opportunity to shine.
Eduardo Rodriguez: The Holdover
Eduardo Rodriguez may not "wow" you with the stuff or swing-and-miss ability, but his performance this season is a testament to his reliability. With a 2.25 ERA through 48 innings, Rodriguez has been a solid pickup for managers who need a quick "hold me over" claim. While he may not be a breakout star, his performance is a reminder that sometimes, the best players are the ones who are consistent and reliable, ready to provide a steady stream of production.
Casey Mize: The Dynamic Pitcher
Casey Mize is a fantastic pickup for any fantasy manager, but only if he's available in your leagues. His performance this season has been fueled by a dynamic combo of secondaries. His splitter and slider have been lights out, with a 2.90 ERA/2.84 FIP and a 19% K-BB rate. Mize's performance is a reminder that sometimes, the best players are the ones who are flying under the radar, waiting for the right opportunity to shine. His performance is a testament to the fact that sometimes, the best players are the ones who are overlooked, ready to make a significant impact.
Streaming Pitchers: The Best of the Best
For streaming pitchers, our guy Nick Pollack does a fantastic job at highlighting and ranking starting pitcher streaming options. His list is a must-read for any fantasy manager looking to maximize their production. One player who stands out is Ryan Weathers, a left-handed pitcher who has posted a 3.00 ERA/3.30 FIP with a 23% K-BB rate. Weathers' performance is a reminder that sometimes, the best players are the ones who are flying under the radar, waiting for the right opportunity to shine. Another player to watch is Brayan Bello, a right-handed pitcher who has turned things around lately. His performance over his past two appearances is a testament to the fact that sometimes, the best players are the ones who are coming back from a slump, ready to make a comeback.
