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Welcome back to another edition of first base and third base fantasy baseball waiver wire pickups. 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.
Over the past few weeks, we’ve enjoyed some success here with a handful of our suggestions staying hot and keeping up their strong starts to the 2022 season.
With that being said, let’s keep the good times rolling with some names to consider as fantasy baseball waiver wire pickups for this upcoming week of the MLB and fantasy baseball season – May 16 through May 22.
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Luis Arraez, Minnesota Twins
26% Rostered
The Twins activated Arraez from the COVID list this week and he was thrust right back into action. Prior to being sidelined, he was having a pretty strong start to the 2022 campaign.
Arraez has always been a strong and reliable contributor in the batting average department. He’s outstanding at putting the ball in play and just finding his way on base. Over the first stretch of the season, he found himself above the .300 mark.
In 121 games last season, he hit .294 and scored 59 runs while also picking up 42 RBI of his own. He won’t offer much in the power department, but if you need a boost when it comes to BA and runs, Arraez could be your guy.
Josh Naylor, Cleveland Guardians
11% Rostered
The Josh Naylor breakout may finally be here! The 25-year-old has been outstanding for the Guardians this season. This week alone three of his seven hits left the yard and he picked up 11 RBI.
Overall, he’s hitting .347 and has a .988 OPS and 192 OPS+ over 20 games. He has four doubles, five home runs, and 22 RBI on the season. While he hasn’t drawn many walks (3.9%), he’s also not striking out (13.0%) much and his power numbers are through the roof.
The potential has always been there. If he can just stay on the field Naylor could be putting together a monster season at the plate. If he’s still out there in your league go get him before it’s too late.
LaMonte Wade Jr., San Francisco Giants
5% Rostered
I mentioned Wade as a potential pickup last week as he finally made his return from the injured list. So far, he’s gotten off to a relatively strong start to the 2022 season, popping a homer, driving in five, and adding a stolen base.
Wade was one of the biggest surprises in San Fran last season. He had a career year, posting a 116 OPS+, 17 doubles, 18 home runs, and six stolen bases. While he didn't draw many walks (8.7%) and his strikeout percentage was a bit high (23.4%), Wade recorded a strong .328 on-base percentage.
While it’s still a small sample size, Wade seems to have picked up right where he left off last season. He still isn’t playing against lefties, but when he has been out there Wade is leading things off for the Giants. He’s definitely a guy to keep an eye on moving forward.
Brandon Drury, Cincinnati Reds
3% Rostered
Who would’ve thought in 2022 Brandon Drury would have any sort of fantasy value? Well, start believing it. Drury has been receiving everyday playing time with the rebuilding Reds and has completely taken advantage of the opportunity.
Drury has been outstanding at the plate, ripping seven homers and eight doubles while driving in 22 runs and posting a .902 OPS. In a small sample size, both his barrel (17.2%) and hard-hit (51.6%) percentages rank in the 90th percentile or better.
While both of those numbers seem extremely unsustainable, why not ride the hot hand for the time being, especially in the Great American Bambox.
Others Waiver Wire Options to Consider
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