Waiver Wire Wonders

In some leagues, especially those that don’t have a dedicated Injured List available, it’s an accomplishment to even have choices on your bench. Important decisions have to be made, and no one said it would be easy. The problem is that you aren’t the only one. Some weeks will be more difficult than others. That’s also the case because decisions must be made about early-season disappointments. Some might be available on the waiver wire, but do you strike?

With the exception of players who are hot, emerging, or both, is the waiver wire option better than what’s currently on your roster? Let’s take a look at some players to consider.

Waiver Wire Wonders - Prospects LiveProspects LiveRay Kuhn

Please note that all statistics are entered on Saturday, 5/02.

Hitters – 12 Team Leagues

These players should be available in greater than 50% of most leagues.

Travis Bazzana**,** 2B, Cleveland Guardians (rostered in 82% of Fantrax leagues)

Photo Credit: Brynn Anderson

It was only a matter of time until Bazzana got the call to the big leagues. Cleveland wasn’t going to promote the first overall pick from 2024 if they didn’t have the intention of playing him every day. That’s now the case, and it also helps from a fantasy perspective that he plays second base. From a tool perspective, I wouldn’t say that Bazzana is a truly overpowering option, but he’s still an intriguing young player. In 85 minor league games last season, Bazzana hit nine home runs with 12 stolen bases and 39 RBI. While that production, especially over a full season, could be solid, it’s not going to necessarily jump off the page. However, that doesn’t mean we should ignore the second baseman.

Yes, he hit only .245 last season, but Bazzana posted a 17.6% walk rate, which certainly moves the needle in OBP leagues. With 71 runs scored, it also seemed as if he scored a run every time he reached base. That walk rate is nothing new for Bazzana, and prior to his promotion, he stole eight bases in 24 games. Even if he hasn’t shown it yet, Bazzana does have a solid power base. This isn’t going to be the league-winning addition we all search for, but Bazzana provides some pop.

Jorge Soler, OF, Los Angeles Angels (rostered in 80% of Fantrax leagues)

Photo Credit: clutchpoints.com

Power simply doesn’t grow on trees. That’s one thing you can never have enough of, and Soler certainly delivers in that area. Over the last seven days, Soler is hitting .308 with two home runs and six RBI. For the season, that only brings his average up to .236, but that’s not why we’re here. In 29 games, Soler has seven home runs and 25 RBI with a .245 ISO. We shouldn’t be surprised by Soler’s 30.4% strikeout rate, but that’s not the issue here either. Come for the power and run production, and know that as long as he’s in the lineup, it will be there.

Mauricio Dubon, 2B/3B/SS/OF, Atlanta Braves (rostered in 76% of Fantrax leagues)

Photo Credit: Mady Mertens

When it comes to roster construction and depth, Dubon is the magic elixir. He’s playing every day for the Braves, and you can plug him in just about anywhere in your lineup. Aside from the versatility, Dubon is also hitting .281 on the season. With just two home runs and no stolen bases, we aren’t getting power and speed, but Dubon has also been a product of Atlanta’s success. The utility player has 17 runs scored and 18 RBI while posting his best ISO since 2019 (.158). In fact, he also has the best barrel rate of his career at 6.4%. Injuries are all too common, and Dubon is a safe option to help mitigate that.

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