Finding Value on the Waiver Wire
As fantasy baseball managers put the finishing touches on their rosters, it is important to remember that the draft is only the beginning. The waiver wire remains a goldmine for savvy owners throughout the season. Following a busy Opening Day, here are five players who are currently undervalued and deserve a spot on your roster.
Jordan Romano (Los Angeles Angels)
It is a common scenario in fantasy baseball: a relief pitcher goes largely overlooked during drafts, only to secure the team's first save of the year. Jordan Romano fits this description perfectly after closing out the Angels' victory against the Astros.
While Romano has stepped into the role partly due to the injuries of Kirby Yates and Robert Stephenson, he is currently the primary option in the Angels' bullpen. Whether his tenure as closer proves long-term or temporary, he is a priority add for managers needing save opportunities.
Chase DeLauter (Cleveland Guardians)
It is surprising to see Chase DeLauter available in half of all leagues, especially after his breakout Opening Day performance. The rookie put on a show against Seattle, going 3-for-5 with a pair of home runs, including a solo shot against Seattle's ace, Logan Gilbert.
Given the relative lack of impact bats in the Cleveland lineup outside of José Ramírez, DeLauter has a clear path to significant playing time. Batting second between Steven Kwan and Ramírez, the former first-round pick is positioned to contribute across multiple categories. Fantasy managers should act quickly.
Victor Scott II (St. Louis Cardinals)
Part of the Cardinals' ongoing youth movement, Victor Scott II showcased his explosive potential during an Opening Day win over the Rays. Going 3-for-4 is impressive, but for fantasy purposes, his pair of stolen bases is the real headline.
«Scott’s speed has never been in question; he stole 34 bases last season, and just look at his sprint speed mark,» experts often note. While he may be best suited for category-based leagues where he can provide an immediate boost in steals, any development in his plate discipline could turn him into a must-start asset.
Francisco Alvarez (New York Mets)
Despite the position being deeper this year, Francisco Alvarez remains an intriguing prospect who is often overlooked. As a former top-tier talent, he possesses significant power, which was on full display when he crushed a 429-foot home run against the Pirates.
With Pete Alonso having moved on, the Mets are looking for consistent power producers. If Alvarez continues to produce at the bottom of the order, he could easily climb the lineup, making him a high-upside stash for those looking for catching production.
José Soriano (Los Angeles Angels)
José Soriano is a compelling option for managers who prefer streaming pitchers. His dominant Opening Day shutout against the Astros was a clear statement of intent. Known for having elite fastball velocity, the 27-year-old is finally showing signs of putting his skills together at the major league level.
While he may not need to be started immediately against tough matchups, he is well worth a speculative add. If he maintains this level of performance in his next outing, his availability on the waiver wire will likely evaporate quickly.