Scouring the waiver wire is like walking around the beach with a metal detector — most of the time you’ll find junk that will be tossed, but every once in a while you’ll discover something of value.
Fantasy owners who picked up (and continue to run with) Yangervis Solarte have struck it rich thus far. The Yankees rookie went from a no-name utility player who owners were willing to take a flier on when his bat was hot, to an in-demand fantasy option who is now owned in 100 percent of ESPN leagues.
Going into Friday night’s action, the 26-year-old was batting .310 (tied for seventh best in the AL) with five homers, 24 RBIs, 20 runs scored and an .870 OPS. This is way beyond anything ever expected of him, and anything he does from here on out is an added bonus for fantasy owners.
And Solarte is not the only waiver wire gem. Look at Colorado’s Charlie Blackmon, whose average draft position, according to Fantasypros.com (which averages a players’ draft position from Yahoo, ESPN, CBS and MockDraftCentral), was 409. He was the 113th ranked outfielder (or 461st overall), yet he’s batting .329 (fifth in the NL) with nine homers, 32 RBIs, nine stolen bases and .918 OPS heading into Friday.
How about veteran Mark Buehrle (360.3 ADP)? Through 10 starts, the 35-year-old hurler is 8-1 with a 2.16 ERA and 1.22 WHIP. This is a four-time All-Star and his numbers are better than they have been, well, ever. From 2000-13, Buehrle had a 3.84 ERA and 1.278 WHIP. He has always been a solid starter, just not always a solid fantasy starter. Now, he’s pitching like a top-of-the-line option.
Like Forrest Gump once said, “Life is like a box of chocolates, you never know what you’re gonna get,” and that’s the beauty of the waiver wire: Anyone can strike it rich at any given time by taking a chance. Here’s a look at some other potential waiver wire finds:
Dallas Keuchel, SP, Astros: Yes, even a lowly Astro can provide some assistance. Since losing his first start, Keuchel (the most added starting pitcher this week) has gone 5-1 (his win total is almost one-third of the Astros’ win total for the season) with a 2.54 ERA and 50 strikeouts. Amazingly, he’s still available in more than 50 percent of ESPN leagues.
Casey McGehee, 1B/3B, Marlins: On April 25, Roto Files recommended fantasy owners take a look at the 31-year-old. Since then, he is hitting .304 with a homer, 15 RBIs and a .775 OPS. He’s still available in 45 percent of ESPN leagues.
David Murphy, OF, Indians: Steady numbers like Murphy’s (.284, five homers, 31 RBIs, two stolen bases) will help any squad. He’s available in 60 percent of ESPN leagues.
Tyson Ross, SP, Padres: The 6-foot-5 right-hander was decent in April (3-3, 3.68 ERA), but has looked like a Cy Young candidate in May, going 2-1 in four starts with a 1.29 ERA, 29 strikeouts. He has held opponents to a .173 batting average and is still available in 35 percent of ESPN leagues.
Dellin Betances, RP, Yankees: Here’s why the 6-foot-8 reliever is valuable: 45 strikeouts in 26 innings, a 1.73 ERA and 0.88 WHIP. He’s available in 90 percent of ESPN leagues.
Danny Duffy, SP, Royals: Since rejoining the Royals’ rotation on May 3, the 25-year-old has an unimpressive 1-2 record. What is impressive, however, is in those three starts, opponents are hitting .111 against him and he has a 1.06 ERA. He’s available in 97 percent of ESPN leagues, so keep an eye on him.
Summer lovin’
Gregory Polanco, OF, Pirates: He won’t be up until mid-June, but he is already owned in 14 percent of ESPN leagues. Why? In 45 Triple-A games before Friday, Polanco was 66-for-177 with five homers, 40 RBIs, 10 stolen bases and a 1.030 OPS. If you have the ability to be patient with a roster spot, and you think your outfield needs help, pick him up!
Oscar Taveras, OF, Cardinals: Another stellar prospect who’s hitting .322 with six homers, 35 RBIs and an .888 OPS. Expect an early June call up. He is available in about 94 percent of ESPN leagues.
Fantasy Team Name of the Week: Sweet & Mauer Sauce