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The season has nearly begun. It is vital that fantasy managers target the categories they need. To start the season the primary focus for second base and shortstop additions will be to maximize at-bats. Some names might cause a little twitch of your eye when you read their name. Don't be afraid. Just remember, in a short season the number of at-bats is very important. Make sure to put your team in the best position to accrue stats and win. No Fear, Just Fantasy.
Whether you need to fill a temporary void due to COVID or need to replace a guy long-term, there are a few different options. The issue is that you are not alone and others in your league might have intent on doing the same thing. Just make sure you make a decision and grab someone. You'll lose valuable counting stats if you leave a roster spot empty, even if only for one day. In this article, I’ll discuss waiver wire targets for the middle infield in week 1.
Even in the first few weeks, ownership can change quickly. Be quick to check your leagues for their availability. Key points - this list will focus on players who are owned in less than 50% of Yahoo leagues. When you want to chat it up, message me directly on Twitter @EllisCan2.
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Middle Infield Waiver Wire Options - 2B, SS
Shallow Leagues (50-30% Owned)
Cesar Hernandez (2B, CLE) — 43% Owned
The runs category is often overlooked. Slotting ahead of Jose Ramirez and Francisco Lindor, Hernandez has an opportunity to help you resolve this issue for your team. His 28.7 ft/sec sprint speed will be a sneaky advantage as well. Many might scoff at his nine stolen bases in 2019. However, minimal steals likely had more to do with team management at the time as he had double-digit steals for four years prior. Hernandez also benefits from facing two left-handed pitchers (career .290 AVG) in three games this week.
Howie Kendrick (1B/2B/3B, WAS) — 30% Owned
Kendrick is a lifetime .294 hitter. He impressed not only with a .344 batting average in 2019, but he also hit 17 home runs which is the most he's hit since 2011 (18). It's also only the third time in the last eight years he's hit double-digit homers. Kendrick may have benefitted from the newly aerodynamic ball, but if it doesn't do any changes overnight, he might have a chance to replicate a 91.7mph exit velocity.
With an open DH spot, Kendrick should be entrenched in the middle of the Nationals' lineup regularly. At 37 years of age, he shouldn't be utilized as a fire-and-forget option though. Consider his track record and build your roster accordingly. Kendrick will give you a very good batting average with plenty of RBI with Trea Turner, Adam Eaton, and Juan Soto batting ahead of him. Speed and power haven't been his schtick historically. But that multi-positional eligibility, though.
Deeper Leagues (30-10% Owned)
Robinson Cano (2B, NYM) — 10% Owned
Yes, Cano is still around and has made it to the team just in the nick of time. The season starts off favorably to give him a path to success. On paper, the Braves look intimidating but he is a lifetime .313 hitter versus right-handed pitchers. Two of the three starters he faces this week are righties. Of course, he's been in New York for the majority of his career and might be accustomed to the chaos. A quiet place of tranquility with an empty stadium might not be his cup of tea. Regardless, a hitter batting third is a very good option on the waiver wire.
Super Deep Leagues (< 10% Owned)
Jose Peraza (2B/SS/OF, BOS) — 5% Owned
While the Red Sox lineup isn't as potent as it once was, it is still advantageous to get a piece of the BoSox pie. From 2016 to 2018, Peraza had 21, 23, and 23 stolen bases, respectively. I know. His .272 wOBA isn't sexy but he also doesn't strike out a lot (14.4%). Now that he has the sage hitting advice of J.D. Martinez, he might even be an undervalued hidden gem. Oh, did I mention he faces the Orioles' pitching this week?
Tread in Cautious Waters
Jon Berti (SS/3B/OF, MIA) — 21% Owned
There are a few players on this list with some speed capability, but Berti is the best of the bunch. He cruises at a 29.8 ft/sec sprint speed. The unfortunate part is that even with the added DH in the National League, Berti will still be in a platoon role. If your league allows daily transactions, Berti would be the perfect player on your watch list to help with the stolen base category.
Shed Long Jr. (2B/OF, SEA) — 2% Owned
Long fulfills a kid's dream by starting the season on a major league team. It was promising to see him hit four long balls with a .289 AVG in September last year. The blessing and curse is that he gets to bat leadoff for the Mariners which has little offensive support around him to provide statistical assistance. It also won't be a very warm embrace to start the year as he will face the Astros' excellent staff in the first series.
Franklin Barreto ( 2B, OAK) — 1% Owned
Barreto has been given numerous chances to succeed and hasn't yet. I doubt we have to even bring up his statistics in 2019 for you. It is true he is only 24 and not every prospect turns into a rockstar immediately, if at all. It is also true that Barreto is having an excellent summer camp. Keep in mind that pressure busts an iron pipe. His performance in season is what matters. Watch this one closely to see how he performs in the first series against the Angels.
Brendan Rodgers (2B/SS) — 6% Owned
Keep an eye on Rodgers. Remember, at-bats is the name of the game. The many offensive players in Colorado combined with the general disdain of prospects make it difficult to see Rodgers get consistent playing time, let alone in the first week of the season. Set this iron on the outside of the fire for now.
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