After the end of week 18, the Red Sox have pushed their lead to 3.0 games over the Yankees in the American League East thanks to a six-game winning streak. The Indians continue to maintain a slight lead of 2.5 games over the Royals in the AL Central. Over in the NL Central, the Cubs’ lead over the Brewers has shrunk to just 0.5 games. The Astros, Nationals, and Dodgers continue to dominate their respective divisions. With a recap of the standings after week 18, here’s a look at the best week 19 waiver wire pickups.
Jhoulys Chacin, SP, San Diego Padres
So far this year, Jhoulys Chacin has compiled a 11–7 record with a 3.99 ERA, 4.25 FIP, and 1.26 WHIP while holding opponents to a slash line of .241/.314/.387. While these statistics are decent at best, Chacin has been spectacular over the two weeks, winning both his starts while posting a 1.46 ERA and 0.97 WHIP. Furthermore, Chacin has won five of his last six starts while posting quality starts in nine of his last 11 starts. However, one caveat is that although Chacin has been pitching like an ace at home, his road starts leave much to be desired. He’s been absolutely terrible in away games, so only start him at home.
Jason Hammel, SP, Kansas City Royals
Jason Hammel’s 2017 campaign has been quite rough to date, with a 5–9 record, 4.73 ERA, 4.22 FIP, and 1.38 WHIP while allowing opponents to slash .271/.326/.406. However, when you dive deeper into Hammel’s game logs, his performance has been much better. Over his last 12 starts, Hammel has given up three runs or less in all but one start. Furthermore, he has also recorded a quality start in three of his last four starts. The Royals appear to be making one final push to win the AL Central and Hammel should continue to see his fair share of starts.
Steve Pearce, 1B/2B/OF, Toronto Blue Jays
Steve Pearce has been on all of the highlight reels this week, with good reason, after crushing two walk-off grand slams in the same week! Since Pearce has steadily seen his playing time go up, he has produced good results as well. So far this year, Pearce owns a slash line of .261/.331/.460 with 11 home runs. Additionally, over the past month, Peace has slashed .263/.349/.513 with five home runs in just 76 at-bats. Peace’s versatility to play multiple positions also makes him attractive and should be a sound pickup.
Blake Treinen, RP, Oakland Athletics
Treinen is a familiar name to MLB fantasy general managers. He was supposed to be one of the main men in the competition for the Washington Nationals closer role at the beginning of the year. However, he wasn’t able to lock down that role and he ended up getting moved to the Oakland Athletics recently.
Since making the move to Oakland, Treinen has been lights out, though. He has an incredible 0.89 WHIP and has averaged more than a strikeout per inning. By all recent accounts, it looks like he’s on the way to being the A’s closer. Four of his last five outings have come in the ninth inning. That means he should be on the cusp of getting some save opportunities. He’s hardly owned in leagues across the board, so now is a decent time to pick him up and use him.
Gerardo Parra, 1B/OF, Colorado Rockies
In only 71 games played and 58 games started, Gerardo Parra has posted a solid slash line of .355/.380/.532 with eight home runs, 50 RBIs, and a .385 BABIP. Additionally, Parra has been on an absolute roll over the last month, compiling a slash line of .414/.436/.614 with two home runs and 18 RBIs. While there are obvious advantages for hitters playing in Coors Field, Parra’s .414 batting average over the past month makes him a solid option in any game at home. Furthermore, Parra has also been able to hit righties and lefties equally well so far, making him matchup proof, while showing versatility at first base and in the outfield. With hits in nine of his last 10 games, Parra is clearly looking to end off the season with a bang, especially with the Rockies right in the thick of things for the wild-card spot.
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