In the ever-evolving landscape of fantasy baseball, the waiver wire is a treasure trove of hidden gems waiting to be discovered. It's a place where the most astute managers can find players who are under-rostered or overlooked, offering a strategic advantage that can make or break your season. Today, we delve into the waiver wire adds for July 19th, exploring the players who could be the next big breakout stars or reliable contributors to your roster. From blazing hot hitters to streaming pitchers, this article will guide you through the essential adds to keep your team competitive. But remember, in the world of fantasy baseball, the waiver wire is a fickle beast. What's hot today might be cold tomorrow, so be prepared to adapt and make bold moves. Now, let's dive into the players who could be the next big addition to your fantasy baseball dynasty.
The Hot Hitters
Blaze Alexander: The Rising Star
Blaze Alexander, an infielder for the Baltimore Orioles, is on fire. With a .312/.368/.439 slash line and a 128 wRC+ through 82 games, Alexander has been a consistent performer. But it's his recent production that has truly skyrocketed his fantasy stock. In July, Alexander is slashing an incredible .375/.429/.531 with a 173 wRC+, fueled by a 94.4 EV and a 60% hard-hit rate. The expected numbers indicate that he's been even better, with a .395 xBA, .607 xSLG, and .454 xwOBA. A sub-10% roster rate is an insult to Alexander's talent. I expect that number to skyrocket by this time next week, making him a must-add for any manager looking to boost their offensive production.
Esmerlyn Valdez: The Slugger
Esmerlyn Valdez, an outfielder for the Pittsburgh Pirates, is a slugger with a .309/.371/.713 slash line and a 186 wRC+ through 105 plate appearances. With 10 home runs, Valdez is a force to be reckoned with. While whiff% concerns are significant, they don't matter in a categories league. Valdez is a pure hitting machine, and his performance speaks for itself. If he's available in your league, you should capitalize on the opportunity immediately. Valdez is a player who can provide consistent power and should be on every manager's radar.
Joshua Kuroda-Grauer: The Pure Hitter
Joshua Kuroda-Grauer, an infielder for the Atlanta Braves, is a pure hitting machine. Over 13 games, JKG is slashing .429/.440/.551 with a 179 wRC+. He's tallied hits in four consecutive games and even has extra-base hits in three straight. With a 9% roster rate, JKG is a buy-low option that every manager should consider. His performance is intriguing, and he could be the next big breakout star in the majors. Don't miss out on the opportunity to add him to your roster.
The Reliable Arms
Brandon Pfaadt: The Quality Inning Eater
Brandon Pfaadt, a pitcher for the Arizona Diamondbacks, is a reliable option for any manager. With a 1.72 ERA over his last three starts, Pfaadt is a safe bet to eat innings. While he may not light up the box score in terms of run prevention or big whiff totals, his curveball/sweeper duo has posted sub-.200 xBAs and whiff rates north of 30% this season. Pfaadt is a quality option for any manager looking for a reliable arm to keep the game close.
Tim Tawa: The Ultra-Small Sample Size Speculation
Tim Tawa, a pitcher for the San Diego Padres, is an intriguing add for managers who like to look into ultra-small sample sizes. While he hasn't been good this year and I don't expect him to turn things around instantly, Tawa is entering play today boasting a four-game hit streak where he's racked up 9 total knocks, including 3 home runs. Tawa is a risk-reward proposition, but for managers who are willing to take a chance, he could be a valuable addition to the roster.
Shane Drohan: The Fascinating Add
Shane Drohan, a pitcher for the Chicago Cubs, is a fascinating add for any manager. The 27-year-old is the second-fastest arm to two-strikes this season, and he owns a 3.09 ERA/3.24 FIP through 70 innings. Drohan has looked stellar over his last month of action, turning in a 2.30 ERA while going 5+ innings in four of his last five starts. His ability to consistently pitch deep into games makes him a valuable asset for any roster.
The Streaming Pitchers
Sean Burke: The Strikeout Machine
Sean Burke, a right-handed pitcher for the Chicago White Sox, is a streaming option that every manager should consider. Burke has yet to walk a batter this month while sporting an incredible 41.7% strikeout rate through 13 innings. His results over his last four starts have been remarkable, with an ERA of 1.69, a WHIP of 0.97, a K-BB% of 30.3%, a BAA of .226, and a SIERA of 2.38. Burke is a strikeout machine and a must-add for any manager looking for a reliable streaming option.
Joey Cantillo: The Effective Curveball User
Joey Cantillo, a left-handed pitcher for the Cleveland Guardians, has been a superb streaming option since he's effectively increased his curveball usage over the past two months. As the lead offering this month (38% usage), his curveball has turned in a .124 xBA, .250 xwOBA, and 47% whiff rate. His changeup (55% whiff rate) is still disgusting, and the four-seamer has also seen an increased in effectiveness (.241 xwOBA compared to a .410 mark last month). Cantillo is a reliable streaming option for any manager looking for a consistent performer.
In the world of fantasy baseball, the waiver wire is a dynamic and ever-changing landscape. The players mentioned above are just a few of the gems that could be available on the wire. As a manager, it's essential to stay informed and be prepared to make bold moves. The waiver wire is a place where the most astute managers can find players who are under-rostered or overlooked, offering a strategic advantage that can make or break your season. So, keep an eye on the wire, and don't miss out on the opportunity to add the next big breakout star or reliable contributor to your roster.
