Just like that, we are halfway through June and deep in the 2023 fantasy baseball season. Staying on top of the waiver wire all season long is vital to the success of your fantasy baseball teams. Today, I’ll dig into the top hitters and pitchers to target on the waiver wire.
Furthermore, we are one week post-Elly De La Cruz being promoted. Now, we are eagerly awaiting the promotion of Christian Encarnacion-Stand of the Reds. This is a point in the season where you want to get aggressive with trade offers and free agency. If you play in a roto league, this is the time to acquire pieces to win.
Now, this is the time when you need to be aggressive and get your targets. Don’t hesitate to send some trade offers out! Additionally, there are several buy-low opportunities out there. Let’s get right into it with the top options off the waiver wire in fantasy baseball right now.
Waiver Wire Hitters
Luis Matos, OF, San Francisco Giants
Last week, Luis Matos was called up on Wednesday by the San Francisco Giants. This occurred as a result of Mitch Haniger being placed on the injured list. Matos batted for a high average of .350 in the minor leagues and brings a power-speed combo to the majors. Unfortunately, he hasn’t produced many counting stats yet in the majors. However, it is expected he has a chance to earn everyday playing time in SF. He went 1-3 in his debut with a run scored.
Jake Burger, 3B, Chicago White Sox
Personally, I don’t know how Jake Burger isn’t more universally rostered. He has been on a tear this season. Additionally, he has 16 home runs to 36 RBIs and is batting .248. Now, with Yoan Moncada going on the injured list, Burger should see more playing time. Moncada has played 2B in his career, so I would hope the White Sox allow Burger to be an everyday player and move Moncada across the diamond.
Gary Sanchez, C, San Diego Padres
Recently, Gary Sanchez has been absolutely crushing it for the San Diego Padres. In the two weeks since joining the Padres, he has hit six home runs. His average is only .228, but if you play in two catcher formats, Sanchez provides everyday playing time and produces counting stats. It’s almost like former Yankees play better when they leave (see Aaron Hicks).
Kerry Carpenter, OF, Detroit Tigers
Let’s do a deep dive here. Kerry Carpenter just recently came off the injured list for the Tigers and has been on a tear. He is 10-25 since coming back on June 9th with three runs scored. If you play in a deep five outfield league or an American-only league, Carpenter is a sneaky addition to your fantasy baseball teams.
Leody Taveras, OF, Texas Rangers
Leody Taveras started the regular season on the injured list. However, he certainly has been heating up of late. For the season, he has six home runs to 28 RBIs, 7 stolen bases, and is batting .298 while seeing regular at-bats for the Rangers. In the end, Taveras could finish the season with 20 or more stolen bases, and double-digit home runs.
Waiver Wire Pitchers
Tarik Skubal, SP, Detroit Tigers
Tarik Skubal is close to making his debut this season coming off the injured list. In his AAA rehab appearance, he pitched three innings, allowing no runs and striking out five batters. Skubal last season before he went down, pitched in 21 games posting a 3.52 ERA and striking out 117 batters in 117.2 innings. Additionally, he pitched 10 quality starts as well. Skubal should be a must-add right now before he comes back to the majors.
Garrett Whitlock, SP, Boston Red Sox
Garrett Whitlock’s last two starts have been very promising for his long-term outlook. His last two starts were at the Yankees and home for the Rockies. On top of that, he combined for 13.1 innings pitched, three earned runs, and 13 strikeouts, averaging nearly a strikeout per inning. Coming up, his next two starts are lined up against the Twins and White Sox.
Griffin Canning, SP, Los Angeles Angels
Rightfully so, Griffin Canning is a weekly spot on here. In his most recent start last Sunday against the Mariners, he pitched five innings, allowing three earned runs while striking out seven batters. He has struck out 20 batters in his last 17 innings pitched. Canning’s ERA is higher (4.56) because of a rough start, but he has settled down and is looking like a consistent pitcher right now. Next, he lines up on the road to face the Royals and Rockies.
Ranger Suarez, SP, Philadelphia Phillies
Ranger Suarez has pitched in seven games this season. He has a 3.82 ERA, 1.33 WHIP, and 35 strikeouts in 37.2 innings, nearly a strikeout per inning. His next two matchups are the Braves and Mets at home. His most recent two starts were against the Diamondbacks and Dodgers. Additionally, he pitched 13 innings and only allowed one run while striking out 15 batters. Needless to say, Ranger is on a hot streak and worth grabbing off the waiver wire as long as he keeps it up.
Julio Teheran, SP, Milwaukee Brewers
Julio Teheran is a name we haven’t heard for a while on a waiver wire article. However, when he is pitching the way he is, he needs to be picked up. Teheran has started four games this season and has a 1.48 ERA and a 0.95 WHIP. He has three quality starts at the moment. His next three matchups are the Pirates, Diamondbacks, and the Mets. How long can he keep up this hot streak? We don’t know. But, he’s worth the flier for streaming while he’s pitching this well.
Bonus – Minor League Stash
One of my favorite things to do in fantasy baseball leagues is to stash these Minor League prospects. Previously, I mentioned stashing Elly De La Cruz. If you were lucky enough to grab him, his debut was certainly an exciting one. Needless to say, there are always fun players to stash and the payoffs can be huge for your fantasy leagues.
This week with numerous call-ups happening, Christian Encarnacion-Strand is a must-add. They just tried him out in the outfield, which opens the possibility of him making the majors as an outfielder. On another note, Grayson Rodriguez likely is rostered in your league, but he has been lights out in his AAA appearances. I believe it is only a matter of time before he gets called back up. Finally, Emmet Sheehan was also called up by the Dodgers on Friday and will get a start. He posted great numbers in the minors and is worth a look in deeper formats of fantasy baseball leagues.
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