As the All-Star break approaches, fantasy baseball managers need to evaluate their waiver wire options to decide between players who offer long-term value and those providing short-term assistance. This evaluation is crucial as managers aim to maximize their teams’ performance both before and after the break.
The list of recommended players includes those who can bolster a roster for the remainder of the season and others who can provide an immediate boost until the Midsummer Classic. Here’s a look at some notable options.
José Miranda of the Minnesota Twins is a standout pick for long-term value. Despite expectations that his playing time would diminish with the return of Royce Lewis, Miranda has maintained a strong presence in the lineup due to his impressive .312 batting average and .859 OPS.
His recent performance, including a 5-for-5 game with three RBIs and four runs, underscores his ability to contribute consistently. With Lewis back on the injured list, Miranda’s role appears secure, making him a reliable option for the rest of the season.
For middle infield help, Zach Neto of the Los Angeles Angels and Luis Garcia Jr. of the Washington Nationals are valuable additions. Both players offer balanced contributions across all categories, making them underappreciated assets.
Neto and Garcia are on track for potential 20-20 seasons, with notable home run and stolen base counts. Their steady production in RBIs also makes them attractive picks, especially for managers seeking dependable, all-around contributors rather than focusing on single-category specialists.
Heston Kjerstad of the Baltimore Orioles is a high-ceiling option worth considering. The former No. 2 overall draft pick has shown potential with a .998 OPS and 16 home runs in Triple-A. Since his recent return to the MLB lineup, Kjerstad has continued to impress, hitting .333 with two home runs in limited plate appearances.
While his short-term schedule is challenging, his long-term potential in a high-scoring Orioles lineup makes him a promising addition.
Pitching options include Christian Scott of the New York Mets and Andrew Abbott of the Cincinnati Reds, both of whom present favorable matchups in the coming days. Scott, despite a brief stint back in Triple-A, has shown promise with respectable ERA and WHIP figures.
He offers value with upcoming starts against the Pirates and Rockies. Similarly, Abbott’s upcoming home starts against struggling offenses like the Rockies and Marlins make him a strategic pickup, though managers should be cautious of his higher FIP and consider him a short-term option.
For relief pitching, Aroldis Chapman of the Pittsburgh Pirates and Bryan Hudson of the Milwaukee Brewers are notable mentions. Chapman, despite control issues, can provide immediate value as a temporary closer, while Hudson’s impressive ratios and heavy workload make him a strong candidate for daily leagues.
Hudson’s ability to lower ERA and WHIP while being a part of an effective Brewers bullpen adds to his appeal, although his long-term sustainability remains uncertain. These relievers can help managers stabilize their pitching stats as they navigate the final days before the All-Star break.
