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Welcome back to another edition of first base and third base fantasy baseball waiver wire pickups. We’re rolling right along here, it’s crazy to think the baseball season is already one month old.
For those who are not familiar, each week at RotoBaller, we publish a waiver wire article for each position. This article will look at corner infield options, at both 1B and 3B. You can also read our other articles for middle infield (2B and SS), outfield, starting pitchers, and more.
Here are some names to consider on the waiver wire for this upcoming week of the MLB and fantasy baseball season - May 2nd through May 8th. Let's get right to it!
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Joey Wendle, Miami Marlins
34% Rostered
Wendle was a guy I touched on two weeks ago as a potential waiver wire addition. Since then, he’s continued his red hot start to his first season with the Marlins. Wendle ripped his first home runs of the season this past week and has driven in eight runs.
His hard-hit percentage, exit velocity, and barrel percentage are all below average but Wendle has elite bat-to-ball skills. He’s been tremendous at putting the ball in play and getting on-base all over the Marlins lineup.
Wendle is hitting .304 and has a .371 OBP and .817 OPS over the first month of the season. He only has nine plate appearances against lefties but has performed well enough to be a valuable fantasy asset. Wendle is also already halfway to his 2021 stolen base total, swiping four bags.
Wendle was a really underrated addition for the Marlins this offseason, and is definitely someone fantasy owners should roster moving forward.
Wilmer Flores, San Francisco Giants
23% Rostered
Wilmer Flores has always been a relatively underrated bat at the big league level. Since joining the Giants in 2020, he’s actually carved out a nice role for himself in the middle of their lineup. Heading into 2022, Flores appeared to be headed for a more of a platoon role until Evan Longoria ended up hitting the injured list.
Flores was thrust into a starting spot, and thus far, he’s taken advantage of the opportunity. Through 17 games played, he’s driven in 12 runs and has a pair of homers while posting a 122 OPS+ and .757 OPS. Flores has also seen an increase in his barrel, hard hit, and sweep spot percentages thus far this season.
While he might eventually lose playing time to Longoria, the veteran third baseman is still without a timeline for his return. Flores should continue to play most days for the time being and is a solid option for fantasy owners to consider.
Sheldon Neuse, Oakland Athletics
13% Rostered
Neuse has been taking advantage of his first shot at everyday playing time thus far this season. He signed back with the rebuilding A’s this offseason and then Kevin Smith ended up on the injured list, thrusting him into a full-time role at the hot corner.
Neuse has two home runs while adding 13 RBI and stealing three bases. On top of that, he’s hitting .328 and has a .394 OBP and .863 OPS in 17 games played. While it is a small sample size, there is certainly potential that the breakout is legit.
Neuse hasn’t been able to find consistent success thus far at the big league level, but he does have a relatively strong minor league track record. In five seasons throughout the minor leagues, Neuse hit .294 and posted a .815 OPS.
He hasn’t shown much of that power thus far this season, but perhaps that could change if he starts hitting the ball in the air more. Neuse has produced a 60% ground ball rate and 15% fly-ball rate thus far this season.
Either way, the playing time is there and he’s taking full advantage of it, so fantasy owners should definitely take a look at the potential late bloomer.
Santiago Espinal, Toronto Blue Jays
12% Rostered
Espinal put together a strong 2021 season for the Blue Jays, but heading into this season, he was expected to platoon with Cavan Biggio at second. However, thus far, the utility infielder has carried over his success and taken the full-time role.
Espinal has appeared in 22 games this season and has two home runs and three stolen bases. In a very small sample size, he’s recorded career-highs in hard-hit (48.9%), barrel (10.6%), and sweet spot percentage (53.2%).
Espinal has quickly run away with the job and made himself a nice little piece in the Blue Jays lineup. As long as that connives to be the case, there’s no reason to believe Espinal won’t have a breakout campaign in one of the best lineups in baseball.
Others to Consider: Josh Rojas (19% Rostered), LaMonte Wade Jr (4% Rostered), Yandy Diaz (4% Rostered), Pavin Smith (4% Rostered), Franchy Cordero (1% Rostered)
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