This point of the season is a rough one for reinforcements on the waiver wire. Pretty much everyone is still trying to win, and with early breakouts long since snapped up and injuries taking their toll as usual, it can be tough to find help that doesn't require a trade partner.
Tough - but not impossible. As always, we're here to help.
As a reminder, our focus is on players who are below 50% owned in Yahoo leagues, and standard 5x5 scoring. Your mileage may vary, in terms of availability or league settings. Using that cutoff point for ownership rate, however, these are your corner infield waiver wire targets and adds for Week 10 of the 2019 fantasy baseball season.
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Pickups for Shallow Leagues
David Fletcher (2B/3B/SS/OF, LAA) — 43% Owned
Fletcher has hit safely in each of his last 12 games, and 24 of his last 26. He has 13 multi-hit games in the latter span, bringing his season line up to .323/.379/.463 with four home runs and five stolen bases, with more walks (18) than strikeouts (13). The 25-year-old's high contact approach has paid significant dividends all year long for both the Angels and his fantasy owners.
Howie Kendrick (1B/2B/3B/OF, WAS) — 42% Owned
Typically more useful in real life than fantasy baseball throughout his career, Kendrick has been a revelation in his age-35 season. He's currently slashing an absurd .324/.362/.581 with nine homers (already halfway to his career best of 18) and has been one of the few bright spots in a difficult season for the Nationals. The power isn't likely to persist at this level, but Kendrick has always been good for a high batting average and should continue to put up solid run production in the heart of the order.
Yandy Diaz (1B/3B, TAM) — 33% Owned
Though Diaz had cooled off prior to hitting the injured list with a left hand injury, the 27-year-old is again worth considering in many formats now that he's healthy again. Even with the pre-injury slump, Diaz is currently hitting .252/.341/.491 with nine homers and 48 R+BI in 42 games. He still hits too many balls on the ground to take full advantage of his raw strength, but with a regular role in the top half of the Rays' lineup, you can expect viable production.
Scott Kingery (3B/SS/OF, PHI) — 28% Owned
Kingery has benefited in recent days from the struggles of Maikel Franco and Odubel Herrera, and the latter's off-field issues may have the Phillies looking to move on from him. He's slashed .329/.369/.544 thus far, with three home runs and two steals in just 84 plate appearances.
Pickups for Deeper Leagues
Christian Walker (1B, ARI) — 24% Owned
Walker's extended slump in May had most fantasy owners jumping ship, but the last few days have given those who have hung on some reason for hope. He's hit safely in four of his last five games, logging multiple hits in three of those contests, including two homers. Overall, his line stands at .257/.329/.490 with 10 homers, which seems a reasonable expectation moving forward.
Jay Bruce (1B/OF, PHI) — 20% Owned
The news on Sunday that Bruce had been traded to Philadelphia came as a surprise and has some potentially interesting fantasy fallout. As mentioned above, it may be a sign that the front office is preparing to move forward without Odubel Herrera. Andrew McCutchen would slide over into center field (with Scott Kingery as another viable option), allowing Bruce to receive the majority of playing time in left. With a better supporting cast and home ballpark, as well as protection from southpaws, Bruce could be a sneaky source of value for fantasy owners.
Logan Forsythe (1B/2B/3B/SS, TEX) — 13% Owned
Forsythe continues to be a pleasant surprise for the Rangers, hitting .302/.406/.475 with three homers and 46 R+BI in 42 games. The veteran's positional flexibility - he qualifies at every infield spot except catcher - makes him an excellent plug-and-play in deeper formats.
For Your Radar
Albert Pujols (1B, LAA) — 8% Owned
Pujols long ago entered the twilight of his impressive career, but the future Hall of Famer still has a little life in his bat. A home run on Sunday gave him 11 on the year, including three in his last five games. He's managed to stay healthy enough to suit up for 50 of the team's 59 games to this point, hitting .233/.309/.461 in those contests. The Angels continue to slot him into the heart of the order, so respectable counting stats should follow.
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