FAAB & Waiver Wire Report (Week 14)
In the article, I cover the players using CBS’s (about 40% or less initial roster rate) and Yahoo’s ADD/DROP rates. Both hosting sites have the option for daily and weekly waiver wire adds. CBS uses a weekly change while Yahoo looks at the last 24 hours. Yahoo is a great snapshot of right now while CBS ensures hot targets from early in the week aren’t missed. The players are ordered for redraft leagues by my rest-of-season preference grouped by starters, relievers, and hitters.
Batters
Jacob Young: Great source of speed (19 SB) and batting average (.272).
Carlos Santana: Providing power (12 HR) without being a batting average sink (.250 AVG).
Jake McCarthy: Only faced righties for a while, but has started against the last four lefties. Has 12 SB to go with 3 HR and a .280 AVG.
Harrison Bader: Might be getting full-time outfield at-bats with Tyrone Taylor having to play right field (Marte to IL). While batting ninth, Bader is hitting a respectable .270/.315/.414 with 6 HR and 11 SB.
Isiah Kiner-Falefa: Has cut his groundball rate by 10% points and has turned into a nice line drive hitter with a .286 AVG with 7 HR and 3 SB. Starts every game. Positional flexibility pushes him up the list.
Joey Loperfido: Six straight starts. While he is hitting .293/.349/.397, at some point his .485 BABIP will regress and his 38% K% will tank his batting average.
Tommy Pham: Still playing every game, but has cooled off in June (.200/.353/.273, 1 HR, 1 SB).
Jose Siri: Started in 16 of 17 games while hitting .275/.341/.575 with 6 HR and 0 SB in June.
Michael Toglia: Starting every game at first base while hitting .247/.300/.521 with 5 HR in June.
Jose Miranda: Sits about every fourth day with everyone healthy. Hitting .294 AVG with 8 HR and 2 SB.
Heston Kjerstad: Strong-side platoon bat who is hitting .364/.417/.727 since being recalled. It’s nice to see him take advantage of the playing time.
Spencer Horwitz: Never faces lefties and some righties. Since being promoted, he’s hitting .333/.477/.490 with 2 HR.
Mauricio Dubón: Started in 15 of the last 16 games. While he provides batting average (.293 AVG), it comes with no power (3 HR) or speed (2 SB).
Jesús Sánchez: Is starting some against lefties. Providing 7 HR and 6 SB but with a .236 AVG.
Daniel Schneemann: Eight starts in the last 10 games. In the last two games, he hit second. While he’s hitting a respectable .259/.354/.481, it’s only with 2 HR and 1 SB.
Brendan Rodgers: Batting cleanup with seven games next week in Colorado. Since coming off the IL, he is hitting .143/.182/.143.
Chas McCormick: Starts about two-thirds of the time with a .834 OPS in June.
Tyrone Taylor: With Marte on the IL, Taylor now is getting full-time plate appearances. In 162 PA, he has 4 HR, 6 SB, and a .240 AVG.
Colt Keith: Strong-side platoon bat who is not providing any above-average production. The hope is for more power.
Jhonkensy Noel: Just 6 PA in the majors (started in 1 of 3 games) but with 1 HR. In AAA, the 22-year-old was hitting .295/.359/.578 with 18 HR and 1 SB
Brett Wisely: Strong-side platoon bat who leads off when starting. He’s hitting .304/.333/.461 with 3 HR and 1 SB.
Dylan Moore: The Mariners are getting healthy so Moore’s playing time is drying up. One start in the last five games.
Will Brennan: On the IL.
Catchers
Patrick Bailey: Solid catcher option who is a net positive in batting average (.284 AVG).
Ben Rortvedt: Tampa’s main catcher provides some batting average help (.274 AVG) but not much else (3 HR).
Freddy Fermin: Five starts in the last 10 games. Another catcher who is helping with batting average (.288).
Korey Lee: One of the few catchers who can run (5 SB) to go with his 7 HR but a .234 AVG.
Hunter Goodman: Seven starts in the last ten games. Has 7 HR but a .198 AVG.
Kyle Higashioka: Getting a full-time run at catcher with Campusano on the IL. Hitting for power (9 HR) but nothing else.
Ben Rice: Seven starts in the 10 games since being promoted. The problem is that he’s not hitting (.231/.323/.231).
Bo Naylor: Can’t get any offense going (.597 OPS) and starting about every other game.
Hitting Prospects
Brooks Lee: In AAA, the 23-year-old is hitting .342/.412/.632 with 6 HR and 1 SB in 85 PA.
Dylan Crews: In AAA, the 22-year-old is hitting .273/.304/.477 with 2 HR and 2 SB in 46 PA.
Coby Mayo: In AAA, the 22-year-old is hitting .314/.384/.647 with 17 HR and 3 SB in 232 PA.
Deyvison De Los Santos: In AAA, the 21-year-old is hitting .308/.355/.615 with 9 HR and 0 SB in 141 PA.
| Name | Previous Roster% | Current Roster% | Change |
|---|---|---|---|
| Jacob Young CF WAS | 36% | 37% | 1% |
| Carlos Santana 1B MIN | 35% | 50% | 15% |
| Patrick Bailey C SF | 35% | 42% | 7% |
| Dylan Crews OF WAS | 34% | 36% | 2% |
| Coby Mayo 3B BAL | 33% | 36% | 3% |
| Colt Keith 2B DET | 32% | 36% | 4% |
| Ben Rice 1B NYY | 29% | 34% | 5% |
| Dylan Moore SS SEA | 28% | 31% | 3% |
| Chas McCormick LF HOU | 25% | 27% | 2% |
| Bo Naylor C CLE | 25% | 27% | 2% |
| Heston Kjerstad LF BAL | 22% | 39% | 17% |
| Jose Miranda 3B MIN | 21% | 39% | 18% |
| Joey Loperfido LF HOU | 21% | 27% | 6% |
| Tommy Pham CF CHW | 20% | 22% | 2% |
| Jake McCarthy RF ARI | 18% | 23% | 5% |
| Harrison Bader CF NYM | 17% | 23% | 6% |
| Brooks Lee SS MIN | 17% | 22% | 5% |
| Isiah Kiner-Falefa 2B TOR | 16% | 28% | 12% |
| Brendan Rodgers 2B COL | 16% | 19% | 3% |
| Jose Siri CF TB | 15% | 20% | 5% |
| Mauricio Dubon LF HOU | 13% | 16% | 3% |
| Spencer Horwitz 2B TOR | 12% | 24% | 12% |
| Korey Lee C CHW | 10% | 12% | 2% |
| Michael Toglia 1B COL | 9% | 15% | 6% |
| Hunter Goodman RF COL | 8% | 19% | 11% |
| Brett Wisely SS SF | 8% | 12% | 4% |
| Will Brennan RF CLE | 7% | 11% | 4% |
| Jesus Sanchez RF MIA | 6% | 9% | 3% |
| Freddy Fermin C KC | 6% | 9% | 3% |
| Deyvison De Los Santos 3B ARI | 6% | 8% | 2% |
| Jhonkensy Noel 1B CLE | 3% | 19% | 16% |
| Daniel Schneemann CF CLE | 3% | 7% | 4% |
| Ben Rortvedt C TB | 2% | 7% | 5% |
| Kyle Higashioka C SD | 1% | 5% | 4% |
| Tyrone Taylor OF NYM | 1% | 1% | 0% |
Starting Pitchers
Andrew Heaney: While he still allows home runs (1.4 HR/9), his overall numbers are decent (1.31 WHIP, 4.17 ERA, 4.15 xFIP). He’s shown improvement as the season has gone on with his K%-BB% going from 13% to 16% to 18% (3.49 xFIP). He’s made the change by cutting down on his fastball usage.
Hayden Wesneski : As a starter, he has a 3.10 ERA, 3.53 xFIP, 1.08 WHIP, and 9.3 K/9. Worth a gamble versus the Phillies and Angels next week.
Carson Spiers: In three starts (five relief appearances), he has 14 K and 3 BB in 18 IP. So far, his 4.00 ERA matches his 4.10 xFIP to go with his 1.11 WHIP. His 14.7 K%-BB% is comparable to Aaron Civale, Reese Olson, and Cristopher Sánchez.
Landon Knack: Knack’s 2.08 ERA will regress upward but he’s been acceptable (4.21 xFIP, 0.96 WHIP). With the Dodgers offense backing him, I’m confident starting him against the Diamondbacks next week.
Simeon Woods Richardson: Having an acceptable season (3.41 ERA, 4.31 xFIP, 1.14 WHIP) with two starts next week against Detroit and Houston.
Mitch Spence: A solid (4.35 ERA, 3.78 xFIP, 1.24 WHIP, 7.4 K/9, 49% GB%) arm with two starts next week (vs LAA, vs BAL).
David Festa: A disappointing debut with 5 ER, 7 H, 1 BB, and 2 K in 5 IP. His 96-mph fastball got destroyed (vs 1.071 OPS) and didn’t generate one swing-and-miss. The STUPH models like the fastball (63 bot Stuff, 107 Stuff+) with the break balls grading out average or better. If Festa shoved, he would have a huge demand. As it stands, he might be added on the cheap.
Kyle Hendricks: I can’t get behind Hendricks, but he does have his xFIP down to 4.07 (6.87 ERA). In June, he lowered his walk rate to 1.7 BB/9 and has a 3.50 xFIP. He is now in the streamer discussion and at the Angels next week.
Yonny Chirinos: He’s been decent in two starts (vs STL, @ KC) with 11 K, 3 BB, and 3 ER in 10 IP. He’s not throwing his sinker as much and leaning into his slider and four-seamer. So many worse choices.
Davis Daniel: In his 2024 MLB debut, Daniel went 8 IP with 8 K, 0 BB, and 0 ER. In AAA this season, he posted a 5.33 ERA (4.65 xFIP), 1.50 WHIP, and 9.7 K/9. Stash only.
Cade Povich: He seems to have issues throwing strikes with a 4.2 BB/9 but his 37% Ball% points to a 3.2 BB/9. He’s not getting many strikeouts with just a 92-mph fastball and none of his secondaries are getting above-average results. So far he has limited base hits (0.8 HR/9, .242 BABIP) to keep with his 4.15 ERA while his ERA estimators are well above those numbers.
Spencer Arrighetti: A two-step bump with games at Toronto and at Minnesota. His underlying skills point to a low-4.00’s ERA pitcher but his 4.9 BB/9 (1.60 WHIP) is nearly unrosterable in roto leagues. Strikeout only play.
David Peterson: While the 3.67 ERA is tolerable (4.84 xFIP), his 4.3 BB/9 leading to 1.48 WHIP is unrosterable. The walks per game have increased (1 to 2 to 2 to 3 to 5) with each start. Spaghetti clone.
Drew Thorpe: In four starts so far, Thorpe has almost as many walks (12) as strikeouts (13). He has a 4.43 ERA with ERA estimators near 5.00. Starters with a 91-mph fastball and a changeup as their best secondary are unsuccessful major pitchers. Thorpe needs to take a step forward to not go down the same route.
Michael Mercado: Possibly joining the Phillies rotation. In AAA, the 25-year-old posted a 1.71 ERA (5.35 xFIP), 1.14 WHIP, and 8.4 K/9. I’m not rushing to add him because he’s struggled with walks at all minor-league levels. A gamble.
Hayden Birdsong: I’m sure Birdsong will make another start (wasn’t demoted), but I’m not sure when. The 22-year-old struggled in his debut going only 4.2 IP with 3 ER, 5 K, 6 H, and 3 BB. In AA this year, he posted an 11.4 K/9, 1.10 WHIP, and 2.05 ERA. He seems to be another high-strikeout, high-walk arm who won’t be rosterable because of his high WHIP (1.93).
Colin Rea: I continue to igmore the 3.61 ERA with his ERA estimators hovering around 5.00. His 80% LOB% will likely regress to his career 71% LOB% thereby bumping his ERA up.
Griffin Canning: Finished his two-start week against Oakland and Detroit. Overall, he threw 13 IP with 9 K, a 3.46 ERA, and 1.08 WHIP. A nice week for a consistently high 4.00’s ERA arm.
Jose Quintana: I have no idea why a guy with a 4.57 ERA (4.44 xFIP). Maybe it’s the game against the Nats next week.
Logan Allen: Currently in a two-step and allowed 6 ER and 9 H in 3 IP in the first game. He faces Kansas City on Sunday. All signs point to him being a high-4.00’s ERA talent.
Bryse Wilson: I’m sure someone can make a case why Wilson should be rostered, but next week he’s on the road to face Rockies and Dodgers. Huge pass.
Trevor Rogers: Again, I have no idea why a high-4.00’s ERA talent is being added. His 4.87 ERA comes with a 1.56 WHIP. Ignore.
Spencer Turnbull: Out six to eight weeks with a lat issue.
Starting Pitcher Stashes
Robbie Ray: Went 3.2 IP in his last rehab start with 4 K and 0 BB.
Jeffrey Springs: Went 3.0 in his last AAA rehab start. In 11.1 IP, he has 18 K and 2 BB.
Max Meyer: Struggling with walks in AAA (4.2 BB/9, 1.59 WHIP, 6.00 ERA) but is supposed to join the major league soon.
| Name | Previous Roster% | Current Roster% | Change |
|---|---|---|---|
| Max Meyer SP MIA | 40% | 42% | 2% |
| Logan Allen SP CLE | 38% | 41% | 3% |
| Robbie Ray SP SF | 36% | 40% | 4% |
| Jeffrey Springs SP TB | 36% | 39% | 3% |
| Simeon Woods Richardson SP MIN | 32% | 41% | 9% |
| Colin Rea SP MIL | 31% | 33% | 2% |
| Drew Thorpe SP CHW | 31% | 33% | 2% |
| Cade Povich SP BAL | 30% | 33% | 3% |
| Spencer Turnbull RP PHI | 24% | 36% | 12% |
| Griffin Canning SP LAA | 23% | 28% | 5% |
| Jose Quintana SP NYM | 20% | 26% | 6% |
| Spencer Arrighetti SP HOU | 19% | 27% | 8% |
| Andrew Heaney SP TEX | 19% | 22% | 3% |
| David Peterson SP NYM | 18% | 30% | 12% |
| Ryan Walker RP SF | 13% | 15% | 2% |
| Trevor Rogers SP MIA | 12% | 16% | 4% |
| Carson Spiers RP CIN | 12% | 16% | 4% |
| Cade Smith RP CLE | 12% | 14% | 2% |
| Landon Knack SP LAD | 11% | 19% | 8% |
| Kyle Hendricks SP CHC | 8% | 15% | 7% |
| Bryse Wilson RP MIL | 8% | 10% | 2% |
| David Festa SP MIN | 7% | 20% | 13% |
| Mitch Spence RP OAK | 7% | 9% | 2% |
| Hayden Wesneski RP CHC | 4% | 6% | 2% |
| Hayden Birdsong SP SF | 3% | 10% | 7% |
| Yonny Chirinos SP MIA | 1% | 3% | 2% |
| Michael Mercado RP PHI | 0% | 5% | 5% |
| Davis Daniel SP LAA | 0% | 6% | 6% |
Relievers
Chad Green: OK reliever who is the closer.
Aroldis Chapman: Good reliever who is temporarily the closer.
Ryne Stanek: OK reliever who is sharing the closer’s role.
Alex Vesia: Good reliever who is getting a few Saves when facing several lefties.
Griffin Jax: Great reliever who is the backup closer.
Bryan Abreu: Good reliever who is the backup closer.
Reed Garrett: Great reliever who might be the closer.
Colin Holderman: Good reliever who is a step away from closing.
Cade Smith: Good reliever who may be the backup closer.
Bryan Hudson: Good reliever who may be the backup closer.
Ryan Walker: Good reliever who is a few steps away from closing.
Zack Kelly: Decent reliever who is a few steps away from closing.
| Name | Previous Roster% | Current Roster% | Change |
|---|---|---|---|
| Reed Garrett RP NYM | 34% | 37% | 3% |
| Griffin Jax RP MIN | 31% | 33% | 2% |
| Bryan Hudson RP MIL | 22% | 26% | 4% |
| Ryne Stanek RP SEA | 20% | 23% | 3% |
| Andrew Heaney SP TEX | 19% | 22% | 3% |
| Chad Green RP TOR | 17% | 25% | 8% |
| Bryan Abreu RP HOU | 15% | 17% | 2% |
| Ryan Walker RP SF | 13% | 15% | 2% |
| Cade Smith RP CLE | 12% | 14% | 2% |
| Aroldis Chapman RP PIT | 11% | 31% | 20% |
| Bryse Wilson RP MIL | 8% | 10% | 2% |
| Alex Vesia RP LAD | 7% | 10% | 3% |
| Colin Holderman RP PIT | 6% | 9% | 3% |
| Zack Kelly RP BOS | 1% | 3% | 2% |
Jeff, one of the authors of the fantasy baseball guide,The Process, writes for RotoGraphs, The Hardball Times, Rotowire, Baseball America, and BaseballHQ. He has been nominated for two SABR Analytics Research Award for Contemporary Analysis and won it in 2013 in tandem with Bill Petti. He has won four FSWA Awards including on for his Mining the News series. He's won Tout Wars three times, LABR twice, and got his first NFBC Main Event win in 2021. Follow him on Twitter @jeffwzimmerman.
Sometimes one just wants pitchers to throw a good 6+ innings most weeks, win or lose. Jose Quintana, dull as he is, fits the bill.
I am doing my best to encourage other owners in all my leagues to pick him up. “Quintana? Yeah, he’s excellent! Solid, steady worker! Patrick Corbin? Sure seems like he’s turned a corner!”