RADIO
We have completed another week of MLB action, making it time to make more waiver wire moves as we head into Week 17. With more and more injuries and players slumping, it is time to start changing our rosters. I want to emphasize that it is still not time to panic about your core players. Do not go dropping early picks that are just slumping out the gate. If they are still struggling in a few weeks, we can look at the underlying metrics to see if a drop is in play.
Early in the season, we are interested in players off to hot starts and, more importantly, showing sustainable improvements from last season. With the early injuries, we are also looking into players that may be receiving more playing time. Some of the lower rostered players, or some not mentioned here, are on the solid side of platoons, so make sure you are not adding them if they have a negative schedule. Lastly, the names in the article are in order of percentage rostered, not so much in my preference of adding to your roster. This article will discuss fantasy baseball waiver wire pickups for the outfield in Week 17, August 1 thru August 7.
In the first few weeks, rostered percentages can change quickly. So be quick to check your leagues for their availability. When you want to chat about outfielders, prospects, or dynasty leagues, message me directly on Twitter at @bdentrek. Key points - this list will focus on rostered players in less than 50% of Yahoo! leagues.
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Steven Kwan, Cleveland Guardians
49% Rostered
Kwan is hitting on another level these days. He brings a 13-game hitting streak into Sunday's action for a .367 batting average. Over the hit streak, Kwan has hit a home run, which is not his specialty, and stole three bases. He is leading off for the Guardians, which has come up clutch as he scored 13 runs. He has only struck out 8.3% of the time, which is outstanding, and he plays well with his .133 ISO, .887 OPS, and 154 wRC+.
Kwan started the season hitting for a high average but hit the skids. However, it appears that has changed as he is riding the hitting streak and hitting .319 in July. He will not be a powerful asset, but his ability to hit for an elite batting average, toss in some stolen bases, and score some runs is quite valuable. If your team is good at power, Kwan is an outstanding addition to your fantasy rosters.
Jorge Mateo, Baltimore Orioles
37% Rostered
Mateo had vital spring training, with many buying in for a strong 2022. Unfortunately, that did not work out so well, but it appears Mateo may have things finally clicking.
Since July 10, Mateo has been hitting .327 with nine extra-base hits. Two of those extra-base hits are home runs, but more importantly, Mateo is running and has three steals. Of course, the extra-base hits aren't a joke either, with a .327 ISO and .993 OPS.
Mateo is hitting for average, which may not sustain, but the power and the speed are legit right now. His 174 wRC+ is elite and proves he is fantasy viable for the time being. He also brings outstanding positional flexibility to your team, so add Mateo where you are looking for speed and a chance at some sneaky power.
Eddie Rosario, Atlanta Braves
18% Rostered
Rosario got a late start to the season due to a scary eye injury that required surgery and an extended stay in the IL. However, Eddie, the Eagle, is back and is starting to get comfortable at the plate.
Since the all-star break, Rosario has hit safely in four of seven games for a .300 batting average. He has four runs, three RBI, and even a stolen base since the break. The power is not entirely back yet for Rosario, as his .100 ISO shows, but we know the power and speed are there.
Last year, Rosario finished with 14 home runs and 11 steals; after a slow start to the season, I would expect another strong second half to this season that could see another ten home runs and five or so steals. Rosario will bring some excellent value to most 12-team and deeper leagues sooner than later, so get him before the rest of your league figures it out.
Eric Haase, Detroit Tigers
15% Rostered
Alright, this is kind of cheating as I would roster Haase as a catcher in most leagues, but he does have outfield eligibility, so I wanted to mention him. Haase has taken over as the Tigers' primary catcher, resulting in some outstanding offensive numbers.
Since July 1, Haasse has been hitting .300, which is just bonkers for a catcher (unless you are Carson Kelly). He has three home runs and 11 RBI this month with an excellent .217 ISO. In addition, Haase is walking close to 10% of the time with a .879 OPS and 146 wRC+ for July.
Last year Haase hit 22 home runs and regular playing time helped with that. We are back to that normal playing time so expect plenty of power and run production for Haase, which makes him very valuable at the catcher position and potentially in the outfield for deeper leagues.
Trayce Thompson, Los Angeles Dodgers
5% Rostered
I did not expect Trayce to see regular playing time when he was recently recalled for the Dodgers, but here we are. He has been very productive, hitting .344 with five extra-base hits since the all-star break.
Thompson has scored two home runs, six runs, and eight RBI since the break. He is striking out 34.2% of the time but is also walking 15.8% with a .313 ISO and a 207 wRC+.
Thompson is playing every day, not just a platoon, and has been extra-productive. His roster rate should begin rising quickly, and that should be partly to you adding him to your teams.
Deeper League Waiver Wire
You can check out my NFBC deeper league waiver wire article, which comes out every Saturday, and looks at deeper-league waiver wire options at various positions.
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