Fantasy Baseball Waiver Wire Adds: Week 3
Welcome to baseball season, everyone! Fantasy baseball is back, and despite some hiccups along the way, we are finally here.
Each week, we will take a look at players who are less than 50% owned, according to Yahoo, and could help out your squads. Remember, if you aren’t scouring the waiver wire, you are falling behind your league-mates.
Donovan Solano, San Francisco Giants (2B/SS)
Ownership percentage: 22%
The San Francisco Giants have been a bit pluckier on offense than anticipated, and a big reason for that is middle infielder Donovan Solano, who has been good in the early going.
While he was solid in limited playing time a year ago, roasting opposing pitchers for a .330 batting average over only 215 plate appearances, Solano has sizzled once again for the Giants, recording a silly .448 batting average so far in 2020.
His .459 wOBA and 10.0% strikeout rate show that he's no slouch at the dish, and now is the time to get him on your squad if you need help up the middle.
Taylor Williams, Seattle Mariners (SP)
Ownership percentage: 10%
Just like we highlighted a week ago, the closer position in fantasy baseball has been an absolute trainwreck in 2020. The Cleveland Indians, New York Mets, Pittsburgh Pirates, and several others are all dealing with volatility in that role right now.
While many assumed that incumbent Yoshihisa Hirano would nab the closer job for the Seattle Mariners, Hirano has been injured, and Taylor Williams has actually been quite stellar in Hirano's place.
He already has two saves to his name, including faring very well against the juggernaut Houston Astros. If he's available on your waiver wire, grab him quickly as saves are going to be very tough to come by in 2020.
Merrill Kelly, Arizona Diamondbacks (SP)
Ownership percentage: 18%
Raise your hand if you have rostered right-handed starter Merrill Kelly of the Arizona Diamondbacks in the past and been burnt -- oh, you, too?
Well, it looks like this season may be a little different. He has a tough turn on Sunday against the Los Angeles Dodgers, but let's not forget his near no-hitter against Texas Rangers with seven strikeouts over 7 2/3 innings in his first turn.
Part of Kelly's staunch appeal is his upcoming slate -- he lines up for five divisional matchups in a row, including two against the San Diego Padres, one versus Colorado Rockies at home, and then two turns against the Giants. He could make for a streaming option who could lift your pitching staff to new heights during his upcoming run.
Kyle Seager, Seattle Mariners (3B)
Ownership percentage: 13%
It looks like the Seager brothers have rediscovered something as part of this 60-game sprint as each lefty masher is off to a dazzling start so far this season.
If you are unaware of Kyle Seager's exploits, he is definitely worth a long look. He owns a .294 batting average and .895 OPS heading into Sunday's games, including a stolen base (surprising) and 10 RBI as part of a stunningly potent Mariners lineup.
If you play in on-base percentage leagues, Seager actually owns a higher walk rate (10.0%) than he does strikeout rate (7.5%), and his .206 isolated power (ISO) ain't too shabby, either.
If you need help at third base or in deeper formats at corner infield, peep Seager.
Two-start arms worth your consideration for this week: Josh Lindblom (MIL) -- vs CWS, vs CIN (5%); Daniel Ponce de Leon (STL) -- at DET, vs CHI (3%); and Justus Sheffield (SEA) -- vs OAK, vs COL (6%).
