Over the course of the season I’ll be giving you two players at second base and shortstop per week who I think can help your team. These players are usually widely available in any format, and should turn nice profits in the weeks to come.
Today we're taking a look at waiver wire options for Week 22. As always, feel free to reach out to me directly @Roto_Dubs with any questions about the middle infield or fantasy baseball in general.
Editor’s Note: to read about even more waiver wire options for second base and shortstop, be sure to check out our famous waiver wire pickups list which is a running list that is updated daily.
Second Base (2B) Waiver Wire Pickups
Andres Blanco (2B / 3B, PHI) - Owned in 6.6% of Fleaflicker leagues
Blanco has emerged as the semi-regular third baseman for the Phillies, but he’s eligible for second base on almost every platform. He’s been particularly hot of late, hitting .341 over his last 15 games. In that same time frame, he’s scored eight runs and knocked in four. He should continue to have opportunities to drive in runs hitting behind the Phillies' boppers (such as they are). He’s not completely without power, and his multi-positional eligibility makes him worthy of consideration in any format, particularly if you’re struggling with injuries.
Baller Move: Add in points leagues with 10+ teams/add in roto leagues with 10+ teams
Jedd Gyorko (2B, SD) - Owned in 5.5%% of Fleaflicker leagues
Ughhhhh, Jedd Gyorko. I have to address him here because he has regained control over the starting second base job and has actually been fairly useful of late. In his last 30 games, he’s hitting .298 with five homers and a very solid 19 RBIs. That’s what you’re going to get with Gyorko—power, power, and more power. The batting average is a pleasant surprise, although I don’t expect it to stay this high. His high K-rate makes him a little less valuable in points league versus roto. If you’re desperate for middle infield help you could do much worse.
Baller Move: Add in points leagues with 10+ leagues/ add in roto leagues with 10+ teams
Shortstop (SS) Waiver Wire Pickups
Eduardo Escobar (SS / 2B / 3B / OF, MIN) - Owned in 4.7% of Fleaflicker leagues
Boy howdy is Escobar thriving atop the Twins lineup. In his last 15 games, he’s slugging an absurd .732 while hitting .341 over that span with seven RBIs, 13 runs scored, and four big flies. Another well-rounded player eligible at multiple positions (SS, 3B, and OF), Escobar has quietly put up a pretty decent campaign for Minnesota. On the season he’s hitting .256 with 40 RBIs and 32 runs scored. While those numbers aren’t particularly impressive, much of his production has come in the last month. He’s red-hot right now, and given that he can fill in at four positions, he’s worth rostering in any format.
Baller Move: Add in all points leagues/add in all roto leagues
Ketel Marte (SS / 2B, SEA) - Owned in 6.1% of Fleaflicker leagues
Ketel Marte has been a revelation for the Mariners in a mostly lost season, as he is hitting .307 in the 88 at-bats he’s had with the big club. He doesn’t have a homer yet, but that’s to be expected from a light-hitting middle infielder. He has been racking up extra-base hits lately, and he has exceptional plate discipline for a rookie. I trust he can maintain a high batting average and on-base percentage for the rest of the season and in years to come. Marte is the shortstop of the future for Seattle, and from the looks of things, the future is now.
Baller Move: Add in points leagues with 10+ teams/add in roto leagues with 10+ teams
MLB & Fantasy Baseball Chat Room
[iflychat_embed id="c-12" hide_user_list="yes" hide_popup_chat="no" height="400px"]