The key to winning your fantasy baseball league is not how well you draft, but the players you add off waivers. This is extremely important because securing hidden talent and call-ups could replace those late-round selections, even mid-rounders, that aren’t having the best season. Here at NFS, we provide the best picks for players you should grab off waivers now before it is too late. As always, both opportunity and performance are taken into consideration for these players. All players listed are rostered below 40 percent on ESPN. Learn to think like a NERD!
Hitters
J.P. Crawford, SS, Seattle Mariners
A former top prospect for the Philadelphia Phillies, J.P. Crawford’s move to Seattle has allowed him to reset his career. With winning in Seattle’s sights as well, he’s been playing a meaningful role for the franchise. As of late, he’s picked up the power-hitting, his weakest tool. In his last 10 games, Crawford has hit .341/.426/.537 along with two homers, seven RBIs, and 11 runs scored. He’s had a massive 14 hits in those same games. He’s a must-add player with still high upside.
Brandon Belt, 1B, San Fransisco Giants
The “captain” of the San Fransisco Giants has been defying father time at 33 years old. He still continues to hit homers and win games for the Giants. In his last 10 games, Belt has hit .317/.429/.683 and a high 1.111 OPS. He’s also hit four homers, eight RBIs, and 11 runs scored. Belt has also done a great job at earning walks, having seven in those same games. But he does need to cut the strikeouts, having 13. Nonetheless, Belt is a perfect pickup while his bat stays hot for the red hot Giants.
Nathaniel Lowe, 1B, Texas Rangers
After a hot start at the beginning of the season, Nathaniel Lowe has cooled off his production. With occasional hot streaks, he has failed to show true and elite consistency throughout the season. Though in his last 10 games, Lowe has hit .314/.415/.514 and a .929 OPS. He’s also hit a homer, five RBIs, and nine runs scored. He’s also done a great job keeping a 1:1 strikeout-to-walk ratio. He’s a quality pickup in dynasty leagues with a potential breakout year next season as Lowe continues to make advances.
DJ Peters, OF, Texas Rangers
After being claimed by the Rangers, DJ Peters has found new life with power hitting down south. His results as of late have actually given the Rangers a winning record over the last10 games. But in those games, he’s hit .233/.250/.465. While those numbers aren’t crazy appealing, he’s still hit three homers and eight RBIs in those games. Peters does need to seriously work on drawing walks, as he only has one and 13 strikeouts in those same games. For now, he’s worth keeping on radars.
Pitchers
Carlos Hernandez, RP/SP, Kansas City Royals
As Mentioned a few weeks ago, Carlos Hernandez has been pitching well consistently over his last handful of starts. Over his last eight games, Hernandez has pitched a 1.68 ERA. Not only that but he’s earned five wins and no losses in those games. He is showing elite upside for next season and could be a gamechanger in fantasy playoffs this season. His only improvement could be limiting walks as he gave up 13 to only 32 strikeouts during those games. For now, he’s a must-add off the waiver wire.
Adrian Houser, SP, Milwaukee Bucks
After a disappointing 2020 season, the team success of the brewers has given a major boost to Houser’s stock. His more recent starts have shown great production from the back end of an elite rotation. In his last two starts, Houser has managed to give up no runs and earn two wins against the Cardinals and Indians. His production will be important for a potential World Series run. But for now, he a quality pitcher to add for fantasy baseball playoff implications.
Jose Suarez, RP/SP, Los Angeles Angels
Outside of Shohei Ohtani, the Los Angeles Angels have struggled to find consistent high end pitching for years now in order to build a solid rotation. Jose Suarez as of later has looked like a pitcher that could stick around for awhile. In his last two starts, he’s maintained a 1.23 ERA and winning both starts. His numbers are amazing compared to his 2020 season where he finished with a 38 ERA. He could be a steal for the playoffs based on his next starts and a sleeper for drafts next season.
Giovanny Gallegos, RP, St. Louis Cardinals
At the beginning of the season, the St. Louis Cardinals started the season with a committee of closers. But as the regular season starts to wind down, they’ve relayed on Giovanny Gallegos for more closing opportunities. He’s earned saves in his last three appearneces while surrendering no runs to the opposing team. With the Cardinals barely having a chance to make the postseason, this could be a discouragement for his opportunities going forward. But his pitching still gives hope for the Cardinals, making him a decent pickup for playoffs.
Ethan Hartley 