The home run production has ramped up early on in the 2017 MLB season. It will be interesting to see whether or not hitters can continue to put up monster home run numbers as the season continues. Meanwhile, it hasn’t been all good news for fantasy owners as a number of top players have suffered significant injuries early on. Adam Eaton and Noah Syndergaard are the latest big names to hit the DL, joining Josh Donaldson, Miguel Cabrera and Ryan Braun. Those looking to plug the holes they are forced to deal with as a result of injuries will be looking on the waiver wire for some capable free agent pickups. Here is a look at the best MLB fantasy waiver wire picks for this week.
1B/OF: Josh Bell, Pittsburgh Pirates
The Pirates have won three of their last four and Bell’s production has been a big reason for their hot streak. Bell has hit safely in four straight games, going 6-for-14 with two home runs and five runs scored. The veteran hitter is eligible at both the first base and outfield positions and that flexibility could make him even more valuable this week. Pittsburgh will visit the Cincinnati Reds before returning home for a series with the Milwaukee Brewers so the MLB fantasy matchups should be favorable for Bell this week.
OF: Kevin Pillar, Toronto Blue Jays
Toronto is coming off back-to-back wins but still sits at the bottom of the American League East with an 8-17 record. Josh Donaldson’s injury hurts but the Blue Jays still have some quality pieces that are capable of producing. Pillar is one bat that has heated up of late as he has hit .316 with three home runs, 11 runs scored and two steaks over the last 14 days. Toronto is banking on players like Pillar stepping up. The veteran outfielder might be worth picking up off the MLB fantasy waiver wire.
The Blue Jays are currently the only team in the American League East with a negative run differential (-21). That’s not a good sign for their prospects of turning things around.
SP: Hector Santiago, Minnesota Twins
Santiago will return from the bereavement list in time for his start against the Oakland Athletics on Tuesday. We are banking on an inspired performance from him against one of the worst offenses in the majors. Santiago has been solid so far this season with a 2.43 ERA, 1.15 WHIP and a respectable 6.98 K.9. Santiago should be at his best versus Oakland on Tuesday and as long as he holds his own he should be in line to pick up a win.
The Twins have had a surprisingly decent start to the season. They enter Monday’s action at 12-11, which puts them in third place in the American League Central. They are just 1.5 games out of first place. While there is still a lot of baseball to be played, they’ve performed better than advertised. That makes some of their parts more valuable for MLB fantasy than originally perceived.
1B/2B/SS: Tim Beckham, Tampa Bay Rays
Beckham’s eligibility at multiple positions makes him an intriguing waiver wire option as one of the hotter hitters in baseball right now. Beckham has hit .333 with three home runs and nine runs scored over the last 14 days. Tampa Bay will look to get him as many opportunities as possible as long as he stays hot. Beckham might be worth picking up for a home-and-home series with the Miami Marlins this week.
OF: Ender Inciarte, Atlanta Braves
Inciarte’s .230 average isn’t attractive by any means. However, if you are looking for runs and stolen bases, he could provide a boost for your team. Inciarte has scored eight runs over his last five games alone. He also has five stolen bases over that span. Inciarte could limit your potential from a batting average perspective. On the flip side, if you are looking for help with runs and stolen bases, he is definitely the best bet for this week’s MLB fantasy league action. The Braves enter Monday’s action at 10-13.
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