The 2023 MLB season is finally here. With that, we are entering the first weekend of the waiver wire run for your fantasy baseball leagues. I’ll be touching on some of the best hitters and pitchers who might be available on the waiver wire as we wrap up the first week of the 2023 fantasy baseball season.

Whether you’re in a 10 or 12-team league, a deep 15-team league, or a competitive league on NFC, there are a lot of shallow and deep options for hitting and pitching here. Continue reading to check out which players I’m prioritizing on the waiver wire this week.

Waiver Wire Hitters

Blake Sabol, C/OF San Francisco Giants

Blake Sabol has a catching option in fantasy leagues. Double-check your league settings. Sabol started opening day for the Giants in left field. Right now, it seems like he may get an everyday look in the outfield and be able to fill your catching spot.

In 20 Spring Training games, his average was .348 with three home runs and added two steals. Unfortunately, he is batting at the bottom of the order, but once again seems like a near-everyday player. All in all, Sabol is a must-add in two catcher formats and someone you need to take a look at on the waiver wire this week.

Yainer Diaz, C/OF Houston Astros

Yainer Diaz made the Opening Day roster for the Astros. Now, with Michael Brantley on the injured list, Diaz may be able to work his way into everyday at-bats for the Astros. Diaz has the ability to not only catch but can play in the outfield and first base. Similar to Sabol, if Diaz can get every day at bats while holding down a catching spot, this is a must-add, especially in two catcher formats.

Michael Massey, 2B, Kansas City Royals

Michael Massey is an option in deeper leagues that require middle infield spots. The second base position is really shallow this year for fantasy baseball, especially after Jose Altuve and Jorge Polanco hit the injured list. Massey is going to be the starter at second base for the Royals. This Spring, Massey has hit multiple home runs and has speed as well. Overall, he could potentially go for 20 home runs and 10 stolen bases this season, which would be great value at any position.

Darick Hall, 1B, Philadelphia Phillies

Rhys Hoskins was the starter for the Phillies before he tore his ACL. Insert Darick Hall, who is now the everyday starter for the reigning NL champions. Hall this spring hit multiple home runs and batted over .300. Additionally, the left-handed batter should find himself in the lineup regularly. That being said, Hall is a deep league option at corner infield and could be a good boost for power.

James Outman, OF, Los Angeles Dodgers

James Outman made the opening-day roster for the Dodgers and is expected to platoon while he is up in the big leagues. On opening day, Outman went 2-3 with a two-run home run, and a walk, and scored three runs. Outman has a lot of upsides this season despite the platoon. Furthermore, he hit over 30 home runs in the minors last season and stole double-digit bases.

Esteury Ruiz, OF, Oakland Athletics

If you need speed and Esteury Ruiz is on your waiver wire, this is a must-add. The rookie made the team and started on opening day. Additionally, he is set for everyday playing time. He stole 85 bases last year in the minors. 85!  An unheard-of amount. If any of this translates to the big leagues, Ruiz could top 40 stolen bases or more. While that is a high ceiling to get to, Ruiz certainly has the upside to do so.

Waiver Wire Pitchers

Hayden Wesneski, SP, Chicago Cubs

Hayden Wesneski won the fifth starting pitching slot in the Chicago Cubs rotation. Wesneski has a lot of upside. Additionally, in 10 or 12-team fantasy baseball leagues, he just might be on your waiver wire this weekend. Last year, he made four MLB starts and posted a 2.18 ERA, 0.94 WHIP, and 33 strikeouts in 33 innings. That’s a strikeout per inning. Furthermore, Wesneski posted a low 2.00 ERA this spring and has a chance to run away with the job. Pick up Wesneski if he is somehow on your waiver wire in your fantasy baseball leagues.

Edward Cabrera, SP, Miami Marlins

Edward Cabrera won a spot in the Marlins rotation this spring and looks primed for a breakout season. Cabrera last season posted a 3.01 ERA, 1.07 WHIP, and 75 strikeouts in 71.2 innings pitched. Cabrera has high strikeout potential and has shown to be able to post a low 3.00 ERA. Now, he lines up to face the Mets in his first two starts, one at home, and one on the road. Cabrera had a solid spring as well and could be one of the top breakout candidates this season.

Josiah Gray, SP, Washington Nationals

Josiah Gray has begun to be a popular pick on the waiver wire so far. Last season he threw over a 5.00 ERA but had 154 strikeouts in 148.2 innings pitched. Last week against the Cardinals in spring training, he threw six scoreless innings and struck out five without walking anyone. Gray has had a good spring training so far and is a good bounce-back candidate this season.

Clarke Schmidt, SP, New York Yankees

The New York Yankees rotation looked like a top-five rotation this winter. Injuries have had a huge impact on them. Carlos Rodon, Frankie Montas, and Luis Severino all have landed on the injured list, and now Clarke Schmidt is acting as the SP2 in New York. Clarke has enjoyed a dominating spring and has high strikeout potential. Last season, the Yankees used Schmidt as a reliever and he posted a 3.12 ERA, 1.20 WHIP, and 56 strikeouts in 57.2 innings. Schmidt has the chance to stick long-term in the rotation. That being said, he was the favored 5th starter before the Luis Severino news.

Graham Ashcraft, SP, Cincinnati Reds

Graham Ashcraft is becoming a waiver wire add as he is trending up. Ashcraft has worked on his slider and is now hitting triple digits on the radar. Additionally, he has high strikeout potential as he had a dominant spring on that front. Last season he posted a 4.89 ERA, 1.42 WHIP, and 71 strikeouts in 105 innings pitched. Those numbers scream undrafted, but with a sharp spring behind him. Overall, Ashcraft is worth an add to see if he continues that success.

Brusdar Graterol, RP, Los Angeles Dodgers

If you are looking for a high-upside closer option, Brusdar Graterol is one. The Los Angeles Dodgers have not committed to a closer this season and seem to be looking to go in a committee. Graterol has the chance to run away with this job and is essentially available in almost all formats. Last season he posted a 3.26 ERA, 0.99 WHIP, and 43 strikeouts in 49 innings. While the job is a committee, Graterol is the pitcher I am targeting on the waiver wire in fantasy baseball leagues right now.

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