Fantasy Baseball Waiver Wire: Jacob Misiorowski a hot commodity after impressive MLB debut
This week's list of fantasy baseball waiver wire targets includes two sluggers who recently returned from the IL. Keeping track of those who are returning from injury is an underrated pathway to improving a roster, as these players often become forgotten by fantasy managers. And this week's list is highlighted by a rookie starter who could make a massive impact, and a catcher who should be rostered in most leagues.
Fantasy Baseball Waiver Wire Targets
Jacob Misiorowski, SP, Milwaukee Brewers, 50%
Misiorowski was dynamite in his MLB debut, tossing five no-hit innings, while regularly reaching triple digits on the radar gun. The 23-year-old is among the best prospects in baseball, thrived in Triple-A this season (2.13 ERA, 1.09 WHIP, 11.4 K/9 rate) and could become Milwaukee's best starter in a hurry. Misiorowski in the rotation should be rostered in every league by the end of the weekend.
Jack Leiter, SP, Texas Rangers, 43%
Leiter has not pitched as well as is indicated by his 3.88 ERA and 1.24 WHIP. After all, his 45:28 K:BB ratio is below average, and he has greatly benefited from a .232 BABIP. So, why is Leiter in this article? Well, despite being due for regression at some point this season, the 25-year-old is the top two-start streamer candidate to grab off the waiver wire next week, when he will face the Royals (28th in runs scored) and the Pirates (29th in runs scored).
Grant Holmes, SP/RP, Atlanta Braves, 41%
Holmes joins Leiter as the most obvious two-start pitchers to stash for next week. The 29-year-old has been solid-but-unspectacular this year, posting a 4.07 ERA, 1.22 WHIP and 77:32 K:BB ratio. He will open next week at home against a Mets team that ranks seventh in runs scored and close it out by facing a weak Marlins offense (24th in runs scored). Managers who wait until Sunday to find streamers will find out that there aren't many to choose from next week. Holmes' RP eligibility makes him especially appealing in points leagues.
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Randy Rodriguez, RP, San Francisco Giants, 30%
If we omit two starters (Kris Bubic, Drew Rasmussen) who have relief eligibility, Rodriguez has been the eighth most productive fantasy reliever this season. The 25-year-old has the skills to back up his success (0.90 ERA, 0.73 WHIP), which includes a ridiculous 44:5 K:BB ratio. All of Rodriguez's ERA estimators are below 2.00, and he should be streamed in every league with daily roster moves and innings pitched limits.
Alejandro Kirk, C, Toronto Blue Jays, 33%
Kirk deserves much more fantasy attention after hitting .393 with a .958 OPS since May 1. His successful season is backed up by major skill improvements, which include a reduced 10.1% strikeout rate and an outstanding 92.8 mph average exit velocity. His .312 xBA is among the best in baseball, and although Kirk doesn't provide elite power numbers, his .502 xSLG is significantly higher than his actual mark. Blue Jays manager John Schneider raves about the work that Kirk does defensively, and the skipper has been regularly batting his catcher in the heart of the lineup. Kirk's slow speed will always lead to a poor runs scored total, but the rest of his numbers are quite appealing.
Christian Encarnacion-Strand, 1B, Cincinnati Reds, 38%
The first base position is far from loaded this year. In fact, there are just two first basemen who have produced more than 10 homers and a batting average over .260. With many teams needing an impact player at the position, Encarnacion-Strand should attract plenty of attention. The 25-year-old has plenty of upside, which he showed as a rookie in 2023 when he hit .270 with 13 home runs in 63 games. He recently returned from nearly two months on the IL and made his presence known right away by hitting .333 with three homers in six games. He's worth a roster spot for those who need a slugger.
Nick Kurtz, 1B, Athletics, 25%
The roller coaster ride of Kurtz perfectly shows the fickle nature of fantasy managers. The 22-year-old was a hot commodity when he arrived to the Majors on April 23. After all, Kurtz was one of baseball's best prospects and was joining a team with a hitter-friendly home park that had cleared a full-time role for him. Unfortunately, a few weeks later, Kurtz had returned to waivers in most leagues, as he was batting .208 with one homer on May 19. The youngster seemed to find his football on May 20, and he went deep four times over his next five games, briefly regaining the attention of fantasy managers, before he suddenly landed on the IL with a strained hip flexor. Kurtz is back in action, and still has the upside that made him such a big deal when he arrived earlier in the season.
Chase Meidroth, 2B/SS, Chicago White Sox, 23%
Managers who are looking for a speed source with solid plate skills should add Meidroth right away. The rookie has collected eight steals in 46 games, which puts him on a 28-steal pace over a full season. He is also hitting .287, and his most remarkable accomplishment so far is his lofty 23:24 BB:K ratio. We rarely see youngsters command the strike zone, and Meidroth will receive all the playing time he can handle this week. He also has made appearances at 3B and SS, which offers hope that he will soon be a fantasy option at three spots.
Evan Carter, OF, Texas Rangers, 25%
Injuries and ineffectiveness have made Carter, who was one of the best stories in baseball down the stretch in 2023, a post-hype sleeper. The youngster returned from the IL on June 3, and in eight games has hit .440 with three homers, two steals and a 1.380 OPS. He needs to show more before he becomes a roster fixture in standard Yahoo formats, but this is the perfect time to give the lefty swinger a chance. The Rangers will spend the weekend facing three manageable right-handed starters and a White Sox bullpen that lacks reliable options.
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