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It's hard to believe we're over a third of the way through the season, but it's true. By the time Week 12 is over, it will be July. With a decent sample size of 2022 data to work with, the waiver wire is getting thin quickly as most of the available players in the traditional rostered percentage range are on waivers for good reason.
With that in mind, we'll look deeper down the rostered percentage list as there are several names in the 10-30 percent range that have more upside than retreads such as J.P. Crawford (49% rostered) or Wilmer Flores (46% rostered), who have long track records of being middling-at-best fantasy options. This week, the line between "Deeper League" and "Shallow League" is negligible, all players mentioned below are worth a flier if you need help at the Middle Infield positions.
As a reminder, we'll be looking at pickups for shallow leagues (30-49% rostered) and deeper formats (10-29%), as well as highlighting players in the single-digits who deserve a spot on your watch list at the very least. These are your second base and shortstop fantasy baseball waiver wire pickups for Week 12 – June 27th through July 3rd.
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Waiver Wire Pickups for Shallow Leagues
Luis Garcia, 2B/SS, Washington Nationals (18% rostered)
There hasn't been a lot to cheer about in D.C. recently, but 22-year-old prospect Luis Garcia has given the fans a glimpse into the future as the Nationals focus on developing younger talent. Garcia has gotten off to a hot start since getting the call from Triple-A as he's slashing an impressive .329/.341/.463 with nine runs and 10 RBI through 21 Big League games this season. Better yet, Garcia was given the vote of confidence from manager Davey Martinez who announced the rookie would remain the team's starting shortstop, despite Alcedes Escobar coming off the injured list.
Nico Hoerner, 2B/SS Chicago Cubs (12% rostered)
Nico Hoerner is a Statcast darling who isn't getting the respect he deserves from the fantasy baseball community. On Thursday against the Pirates, Hoerner put five balls in play over 95 MPH as he raised his xBA to .313, which ranks in the 96th percentile. Part of the reason for his high xBA is the fact Hoerner rarely strikes out (9.5% K-rate) and he ranks in the 92nd percentile in sprint speed. Hoerner's overall stats look more pedestrian, but he plays half his games in the friendly confines of Wrigley Field which has some of the most extreme hot/cold weather splits of any MLB park. Hoerner is in line for a massive summer as the starting shortstop for the Cubs.
Waiver Wire Pickups for Deeper Leagues
Orlando Arcia, 2B/OF, Atlanta Braves (21% rostered)
Orlando Arcia started at second base in nine of the 10 games since the Braves lost Ozzie Albies to a fractured foot. With a clear path to everyday at-bats, Arcia looks like an intriguing fantasy option as he's impressed in a small sample so far this year. He's only got 90 plate appearances, but in that time, he's slashing a healthy .329/.389/.506 with three homers and 13 RBI. He should get plenty of RBI chances in a stacked Atlanta lineup and is worth starting in fantasy as long as he's filling in for Albies.
Isaac Paredes, 2B/3B, Tampa Bay Rays (6% rostered)
The Rays have been ravaged by injuries this season, but that's opened the door for Isaac Paredes to get everyday at-bats and he's made the most of his opportunity. Paredes has 10 homers through 33 games this season including a three-homer game versus the Yankees last week. He's got some prospect pedigree as he was the main player Tampa received when they traded Austin Meadows to Detroit, and we all know the Rays have a way of getting the most out of their prospects. Keep an eye on his playing time as Tampa gets healthy, but for now, Paredes is worth a shot as a hot-hand play in fantasy.
Waiver Wire Watch List
Ezequiel Duran, 2B/SS/3B, Texas Rangers (28% Rostered)
Editor's Note: On Saturday Duran was optioned to Triple-A Round Rock so he was moved down to the Watch List section.
Speaking of top prospects getting off to hot starts, Ezequiel Duran has injected life into the Rangers' batting order through his first 15 MLB games. The number four prospect in the Rangers system was batting a hearty .317 in Double-A and that was apparently enough for Texas as Duran skipped Triple-A and is now sharing an infield with stalwarts Corey Seager and Marcus Semien. Duran has power and speed as he produced 14 homers and 14 steals between High-A and Double-A over the last calendar year. With Triple-eligibility on most sites, Duran is worth a look in fantasy leagues.
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