The waiver wire. Free agent budgets (FAB). It's back, it's real and it's glorious.
With the 2021 baseball season in full swing, nailing the waiver wire and the players available are critical to beating out your league-mates in season-long leagues.
Each week we will take a look at players who are rostered in fewer than 50% of Yahoo leagues and can help out your season-long squads. Remember, if you aren’t scouring the waiver wire, you are falling behind.
Adam Duvall, OF, Miami Marlins
Roster Percentage: 41%
Maybe it's a function of all the reduction in the sticky stuff, but it's worth noting that hitters are certainly striking out less often lately while hammering the ball more. Adam Duvall of the Miami Marlins belongs in that group, too.
The streaky right-handed bat slugged 4 home runs last week and now owns 16 this season with a .252 ISO. And while he can be a drag on your average, he has driven in 52 runs this season.
If you can stomach some of the batting average risk, the power and RBI may well make up for it.
Michael Fulmer, RP, Detroit Tigers
Roster Percentage: 25%
Bullpens are a unique circumstance to manage, and 2021 has made that no exception. One closer job that appears clearer is on the Detroit Tigers, as Michael Fulmer appears to have taken the reins.
After nabbing his sixth save in extra innings, he looks to be the official stopper in that 'pen. He's got a decent 3.55 ERA backed by a 3.58 SIERA, and with better than a strikeout an inning, he's been solid there, too.
Consider Fulmer to shore up your bullpen.
Steven Duggar, OF, San Francisco Giants
Roster Percentage: 15%
Power-speed combos are a bit of a fantasy unicorn, and uncovering them is the task for all. Steven Duggar may have won a job officially for the San Francisco Giants, and he's showcasing some very nice skills.
Duggar has been ripping the cover off of the baseball recently, and nothing showcased Duggar's prowess like last Thursday. He went a perfect three-for-three at the dish, only missing a home run, and he tallied a few runs and RBIs with a stolen base.
On the season, Duggar holds a .316/.380/.573 slash line, including six homers and four steals. If you need outfield help, peep Duggar.
Ross Stripling, SP, Toronto Blue Jays
Roster Percentage: 16%
We all know how unbelievable this Toronto Blue Jays offense has been -- that needs no reminding. And while a trade seems likely and on the horizon, the pitching has been markedly improved as of late.
One of those dudes who's been straight up ballin' recently is Ross Stripling -- but it's not just a short-term thing. In the last month, Stripling has fired 29 2/3 innings, recording a 2.45 ERA and 0.92 WHIP with a strikeout per inning.
Stripling should be primed for a big week and could become a fantasy mainstay.
Notable Two-Start Pitchers to Consider This Week
Adbert Alzolay (CHC) -- vs CLE, at LAD
Tarik Skubal (DET) -- vs STL, vs HOU
Ryan Yarbrough (TB) -- vs BOS, vs LAA
Games in Coors Field This Week
None