Every Tuesday during this MLB season I’ll take a look at some of the best player options that are generally owned in less than 50 per cent of fantasy leagues. Plus a bonus Blue Jays player.
This week, a red-hot utility infielder you need to acquire and a discarded starter worth a second chance highlight my waiver wire pickups. Enjoy!
SP – Antonio Senzatela, Colorado Rockies
Sportsnet Fantasy Baseball Pool Cost – 1 point
Yahoo! Leagues – 42% owned
Every pitcher has a rough trip to the mound once in a while, and that was certainly the case for Antonio Senzatela on Sunday. The righty was stung for six runs, including four long balls, over 5.1 innings. That outcome resulted in the second most drops of any pitcher across Yahoo! leagues during the last two days.
However, I like what I’ve seen overall this season from Senzatela and would advise giving him a look before his next start Friday versus the Padres. Over his previous five starts he averaged six-plus innings and nearly five strikeouts per outing — quality numbers for a mid-rotation arm. This is the time to take advantage of other owners releasing the Venezuelan out of frustration.
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RP – Matt Barnes, Boston Red Sox
Sportsnet Fantasy Baseball Pool Cost – 1 point
Yahoo! Leagues – 29% owned
Taylor Williams of the Mariners was going to be my choice here, but his ownership just struck the 50 per cent mark and that disqualifies him from this article. Check the waiver wire though and get him if you can!
Since Williams is gone, Boston’s Matt Barnes is my next best option if you’re looking for saves. The Brandon Workman trade to Philadelphia thrust Barnes into the lead closer role, making him an appealing target. Boston’s 2011 first-round draft pick can stack up the Ks, but his control issues will always make fantasy players nervous.
SS / 1B / 2B – Jake Cronenworth, San Diego Padres
Sportsnet Fantasy Baseball Pool Cost – 1 point
Yahoo! Leagues – 38% owned
Somehow Jake Cronenworth’s stellar campaign has largely flown under the radar in the fantasy baseball world. Generally owned in less than 42 per cent of leagues and a bargain Draft Kings salary hovering around $3,000, San Diego’s utility man provides reliable infield versatility for your lineup.
Cronenworth is on absolute tear. He’s hit safely in every game since Aug. 16th with a .347-batting average, three homers and 12-RBIs throughout 2020. Grab the Padre while you can.
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C / 1B / 2B – Austin Nola, Seattle Mariners
Sportsnet Fantasy Baseball Pool Cost – 1 point
Yahoo! Leagues – 49% owned
Competent catcher help is hard to come by at this point in the season so don’t hesitate to nab Austin Nola. The Mariner adds rare triple-position eligibility for a backstop, which can provide flexibility behind the plate and possible trade bait.
Hitting just under .300, Nola’s power and consistent multi-category production has been impressive. With seven runs-batted-in, two dingers, and eight hits over his past five outings it’s easy to see why the 30-year old’s one of the most added players off of waivers recently.
Blue Jays Player to Add
RP – Jordan Romano
Jordan Romano puts the Blue Jays and fantasy baseball players in a conundrum. On the one hand, he is clearly a rising bullpen star with a miniscule ERA, strong strikeout rate and two saves already. However, Anthony Bass in still in the mix for saves and Ken Giles is working back from injury.
Does Romano get more closer opportunities or does manager Charlie Montoyo turn this into a full-blown committee with Bass and others in the mix? The right hander is a nice add in leagues that count holds, but offers little value elsewhere until this muddy situation reveals itself in Toronto.
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