We have arrived at the final week of the regular season. With that comes the fantasy baseball championships. Many weren’t sure we would make it this far in such a unique year. If you were lucky (or skilled) enough to push through all the hurdles this season and make it to your championship, there are some crucial players still available on waivers. All of the following players suggested are available in over 50% of ESPN Fantasy Leagues.
Key Fantasy Baseball Players on Waivers for Championships
Two-Start Pitchers
Having two-start pitchers this week is the biggest edge you can have on your opponents. Last week’s suggested pitchers were Deivi Garcia and Ryan Yarbrough. Garcia’s first performance earned him a win, but he struggled against the Boston Red Sox. In contrast, the risk taken on Yarbrough paid off as he was lights out in both performances. He had 13 Ks in 12 2/3 innings while allowing only three earned runs.
Brady Singer
This week’s target includes the rookie Brady Singer of the Kansas City Royals. Singer had a slow start to the season but has recently produced multiple solid outings. In his last two starts, Singer has 14 innings pitched, 16 strikeouts, and two wins with no runs allowed. The 24-year-old has outings against the St. Louis Cardinals and Detroit Tigers this week.
Dane Dunning
Another youngster, this time for the Chicago White Sox, is a prime target this week. Dane Dunning has a very impressive 2.33 ERA and 0.91 WHIP. He should be owned in every league at this point, but somehow is still owned in just less than half. He has two starts this week against the Cleveland Indians and the Chicago Cubs. The 25-year-old has good strikeout potential with just over one strikeout per inning on average.
Favorable Matchups
Atlanta Braves
The Atlanta Braves have a favorable full slate this week. They kick the week off with four games against the Miami Marlins and finish the weekend with three games with the Red Sox. Miami has a mediocre team ERA of 4.74. In addition, Boston has a league-worst team ERA of 5.80.
If any of the everyday starters on the Braves are available in your league, it is worth the add for the week. The most common player available is likely Austin Riley. Riley does have at least one hit in seven of his last nine games. Also, Riley has power upside to provide a couple of home runs.
Houston Astros
The Houston Astros have a great week ahead of them with three games against the Seattle Mariners and four games against the Texas Rangers. Both teams rank in the bottom 10 in team ERA — Seattle with 5.30 and Texas with 4.96.
Both Astros pitchers and hitters are bargains this week as their opponents are lackluster on both sides. Depending on the size of your league, there may not be many Astros left on waivers. Free agents may include pitchers Cristian Javier and Jose Urquidy who will be in favorable matchups and should be great contributors for fantasy championship matches. In deeper leagues, Martin Maldonado and Josh Reddick are available and should have better chances of producing hits and runs after having a mediocre week last week.
Hot Hitters
Brandon Belt
Brandon Belt is continuing to be a staple in the San Fransisco Giants offense that is keeping them in playoff contention. He has mentioned his knees have never felt better in over three years. Batting in the middle of the lineup, he will continue to have opportunities to knock in some runs.
DJ Stewart
After mentioning him last week, DJ Stewart had a slower week but remains a hot pickup for the Baltimore Orioles. He is a risky play as last week he batted sub .120, but the week before he hit over .300 with five home runs. He has a wide range of outcomes but could pay off if you need an extra outfielder.
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