Fantasy Baseball Waiver Wire Pickups for Stolen Bases

This is the first of a weekly column where I scour the waiver wire and find you top waiver wire pickups for different roto categories each week.  Today, we will take a look at fantasy baseball waiver wire pickups for steals (SB). Whether I see power hitters that need to be added, base stealers, or pitchers that can help you with your WHIP or strikeouts, this is the place to look for your specific category needs.  The players highlighted below will add to your stat totals in these specific categories.  I do all the research so you don’t have to.  If you’re in a head-to-head league and you are in need of that extra 1 or 2 more R, SB, or HR to win the category, I will find that gem for you.

Here is how I will rate each player - Glossary:

++++= Player will get you the stats you need, guarenteed!

+++=Really good chance player helps you in the category

++=Upcoming matchup looks good to get you the numbers you’re seeking

+-Going out on a limb-Don’t doubt the gut feeling!

Editor’s Note: be sure to check out our famous Waiver Wire Pickups List, updated daily with waiver wire options for different positions. Our Waiver Wire Pickups iPhone app is also free, and available for download in the Apple Store.

Fantasy Baseball Waiver Wire Pickups for Stolen Bases

1. Emilio Bonifacio (2B, OF) - TOR

Ownership: Yahoo 63%, ESPN 54% - It would be surprising if Bonifacio is still on your waiver wire with the hot start he has had unless you’re in a shallow league. This hot streak will cool down and there will be owners who drop him when he cools off.  That is the time you grab him if you need steals.  Bonifacio will play almost every day for the Cubs (2B, OF) and will bat leadoff even if he struggles a bit because there is no competition for that role on the Cubs.  He has averaged 33 steals the last three years and Cubs manager Ricky Renteria wants to be aggressive on the base paths (4 SB in first 3 games).  Don’t expect his .688 AVG and .706 OBP to last but if you need steals, add him now.  McCloy’s take= ++++

2.  Angel Pagan (OF) - SF

Ownership: Yahoo 42%, ESPN 23% - After an injury plagued 2013, Pagan looks to get back to form where he is a terror on the base paths.  In his last 3 full healthy seasons, Pagan has averaged 33 SB.  He is 32 now so we can expect his speed to decrease a little bit, but Pagan is batting leadoff, where he posts a career .333 OBP.  Through 5 games, Pagan has 1 SB, 1 HR, 7 RBI and is hitting ~.400.  Pagan is fully healthy, and if he's on waivers he could be a good pickup for the full year - get him while you can.  McCloy’s take= ++++

3. Chris Owings (SS) - ARI

Ownership: Yahoo 17%, ESPN 6% - Owings won the starting SS spot over Didi Gregorious in Spring Training and has started off well in 2014.  Owings hasn’t had a season with more than 20 SB (2013) but he has the speed to reach that total and Kirk Gibson likes to be aggressive.  Owings already has 2 steals in 6 games and is locked in as the starting SS.  Need a little more speed from your middle infield?  Look no further than Owings and reap the benefits as he looks for a breakout rookie year. McCloy’s take=+++

It’s early, and managers are still trying to figure out their rosters and how they are going to use them.  Be patient.  Stolen bases will be there especially as the weather gets warmer and the players aren’t  shivering on their leadoffs.