Fantasy Baseball Waiver Wire Wishlist (Week 5)

By: @MKBFantasy

1. Matt Mervis, 1B, Chicago Cubs – This kid has nothing left to prove down in Triple-A. For the year, Matt Mervis is hitting .262 with 5 HR, 18 RBI and .397 OBP with a .954 OPS. Compare this to the guys playing ahead of him current in Chicago:

 - Matt Mervis: .262 AVG, 5 HR, 18 RBI, 397 OBP, and .954 OPS

- Eric Hosmer: .250 AVG, 1 HR, 11 RBI, .316 OBP, and .681 OPS

 - Trey Mancini: .232 AVG, 2 HR, 12 RBI, .250 OBP, and .583 OPS

If I’m the Cubs, I’m pushing all of my chips in the middle. The Cubs are playing great baseball and Mervis gives them their best chance to win. Not sure how or why the Cubs would make a case for leaving him down in Triple-A. For fantasy purposes, he’s a stash candidate because when he does get the call, there will be a massive rush to add the first baseman. Get in early – he is forcing the Cubs hand. I see him up within the next couple of weeks.

2. Josh Lowe, OF, Tampa Bay Rays – Currently rostered in 70% of Yahoo leagues - which is insane to me. Let’s play a game.

- Player A: 70 AB, .314 AVG, 14 R, 7 HR, 19 RBI, 2 SB, .407 OBP, 1.121 OPS (81% owned)

- Player B: 55 AB, .345 AVG, 12 R, 4 HR, 15 RBI, 4 SB, .390 OBP, 1.081 OPS (70% owned)

Who is who? Well – player A is James Outman and player B is Josh Lowe. With 15 less at bats, their stat lines are very similar. So if you missed out on James Outman, Josh Lowe is a very good alternative. Both of them need to be rostered. Yes – Lowe is currently sitting against most lefties and the Rays are going to “Ray” but at some point – the Rays will need to let him figure it out and get his bat in the lineup. He has been that good. Similar to what Outman did to the Dodgers, Lowe will be a staple in the Tampa Bay lineup sooner rather than later.

3. Jose Alvarado, RP, Philadelphia Phillies – Last call. Jose Alvarado has three saves in the past four games and appears to be the favorite for saves on a good Phillies' team. If you play in a saves only league, may I ask just what in the hell you are waiting for or your hesitations? Literally mention me on Twitter and tell me why you won’t add him to your team. Let’s stick to the theme of this article and compare some players:

- Player A: 9.1 IP, 7 saves, 3.86 ERA, 12 Ks, 1.50 WHIP, 11.57 K/9, 4 walks, .263 OPP BA

- Player B: 10.0 IP, 7 saves, 0.90 ERA, 15 Ks, 0.70 WHIP. 13.50 K/9, 4 walks, 0.91 OPP BA

- Player C: 10.0 IP, 7 saves, 0.90 ERA, 12 Ks, 0.80 WHIP, 10.80 K/9, 1 walk, .179 OPP BA

- Player D: 9.1 IP, 3 saves, 0.96 ERA, 18 Ks, 0.43 WHIP, 17.36 K/9, ZERO WALKS, .125 OPP

BA

Players A, B, and C – in order – are Jordan Romano, Josh Hader and David Bednar. These three lead the league in saves with seven each. Player D is Jose Alvarado. Please, go add him now.

4. Joey Gallo, 1B/OF, Minnesota Twins – Coming back from intercostal injury, Gallo has not missed a beat. For the year, Gallo is hitting .258 with 5 HRs and 11 RBIs while sporting a .774 SLG and 1.135 OPS. That will play for a guy who qualifies at first base and the outfield – both seem to be very scarce positions this year. While league context and settings matter here, I’m intrigued adding him as a bench bat. We all know that Gallo has been struggling the past few seasons but he looks to be swinging freely and more confident at the plate. He will never be a guy to help you out in the average department, but the man can hit some home runs and knock guys in hitting in the middle of that Twins' lineup. Worth an add in 12-plus team leagues.

5. Brandon Pfaadt, SP, Arizona Diamondbacks – I think we all can agree that we’re happy about the news of the Diamondbacks DFA’ing Madison Bumgarner. That leaves a rotation spot open in a very talented and surprising Diamondbacks' team. The team will be calling up Tommy Henry to slot into Bumgarner’s next turn but I expect this to be a one-time start and the team will then call up Pfaadt. I heard a great player comparison for him over the weekend: Tyler Mahle. I think that’s spot on but I believe Pfaadt’s upside is slightly higher than Mahle’s. I’m certainly adding in leagues where he is available and he should be the next big pitching prospect to get the call – which should be sometime next week.

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