MLB season is here! For this first brief waiver thread edit, let’s focus on the players who may not have been on the radar when you drafted.
Batters
Julio Rodriguez (DE) MER
Rodriguez, a top prospect, broke camp with the Mariners, a team that seems serious about battling in the AL West. He has great power and speed, slashing .347/.441/.560 with 13 homers and 21 stolen bases through A and AA in 2021. This spring he hasn’t slowed down with a batting average of . 419 and a 1.310 OPS – which included a home run inside the park last week.
Jeremy Pena (SS) HOU
Carlos Correa’s heir apparent might impress us with his glove, but he also showed some pop. In 20 spring training ABs, Pena hit .350 with two homers and nine RBIs. He will bat on the formation that has scored the most runs in baseball in 2021.
Josh Lowe (OF) CT
With Austin Meadows moving to Detroit, there’s room for Josh Lowe in Tampa Bay. It’s worth betting if he’s on your waiver wire. Sure, the Rays can field him, but he’s the number two prospect who hit .291 with 22 homers and 26 stolen bases at Triple-A Durham.
Randall Grichuk (OF) COL
Grichuk landed in the most batting-friendly ballpark for a team that added the DH. Consistently in the top 10% of the league in max exit speed, Grichuk could be in a great position. Last season, his 43.4 percent flyball rate was better than Jorge Soler and Pete Alonso, and Coors’ rarefied air should help boost his batting average.
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Jo Adell (DE) LAA
The 23-year-old outfielder finally looks ready for the big hits with .286 and .511 while slipping three sacks in 45 spring plate appearances. If Adell can finally put it all together, it’s a power/speed combo not to be missed.
Pitchers
Matt Brash (SP) MORE
In one of the first upsets of the season, the Mariners announced that rookie Matt Brash had secured fifth place in their rotation. Brash walks a few too many guys around, but his punching ability is off the charts. The Mariners seem to be competing this year, so it can also help you rack up some Ws.
Tylor Megill (SP) NYM
As Jacob DeGrom heads to IL for the next few months, Tylor Megill officially has his chance. If you think the Mets have a chance to give it a shot, it’s worth giving Megill a shot.
Emilio Pagan (RP) MIN
In a last-minute trade on Opening Day, the Padres sent Emilio Pagan and Chris Paddack to the Twins in exchange for Brent Rooker and Taylor Rogers. There’s an opening for a rapprochement in Minnesota, and Pagan looks like a prime candidate. If you’re speculating on saves, Pagan is a good addition.
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