With the 2022 baseball season getting revved up, nailing the waiver wire and the players available are critical to beating out your league-mates in season-long formats.
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.
Andrew Heaney, SP, Los Angeles Dodgers
Roster Percentage: 50%
There's generally not a lot of star arms that we have an ability to add via the waiver wire, but Andrew Heaney of the Los Angeles Dodgers could finally be putting all of his massive talents together.
Just yesterday, Heaney showcased his immense upside. He fanned 11 batters and allowed only one hit versus the Cincinnati Reds in a Sunday matinee. Keep in mind that while Heaney has always showed a ton of strikeout upside, the 11 punchouts are the most he's recorded in a game in nearly three years.
Backed by a prolific Dodger offense, Heaney could be a breakout fantasy star in 2022.
Hector Neris, RP, Houston Astros
Roster Percentage: 29%
Coming over this offseason to the Houston Astros, Hector Neris was viewed by most as the seventh- or eight-inning guy, especially with incumbent closer Ryan Pressly inked to an extension.
But a bigger role might be in store for Neris.
Pressly's velocity is down, and hes headed to the Injured List. Neris worked the ninth with a four-run lead on Saturday. So far on the season, in 4 1/3 innings pitched, he has yet to allow a run and has permitted only two base runners, notching a win to boot.
Who knows how long Pressly will be out, but Neris is worth an add as a reliever who could be closing games for a good team.
Sean Murphy, C, Oakland Athletics
Roster Percentage: 40%
The catcher position in fantasy baseball is a lot like the tight end position in fantasy football -- it's hard to find a standout or even a backstop who sees consistent playing time. But it looks like Sean Murphy could be one to invest some equity in.
Murphy has already bopped two long balls this season, and he's logged seven runs and eight RBI. Only 13 catchers last year scored and batted in 50-plus runs.
After 10 games, the Athletics are playing .500 baseball, and Murphy is a big reason why. He could wind up being a very solid fantasy asset this campaign.
Jurickson Profar, 1B/2B/OF, San Diego Padres
Roster Percentage: 40%
The multi-positional Jurickson Profar was signed to the San Diego Padres prior to last season, and many folks (including fantasy owners) were left scratching their heads as to how Profar would find his way into the lineup.
And, honestly, it played out a bit like we thought it might. He was not a full-time player (412 plate appearances), and his .293 wOBA left a lot to be desired.
However, this season, thanks to an injury to superstar Fernando Tatis Jr., Porfar may have an everyday spot locked up for the time being. He's recorded 37 plate appearances already, socking three long balls and flashing his solid batting eye (13.5% walk rate).
If you need some flexibility in your lineup, Profar and his locked-in playing are worthy of consideration.