Three weeks in to the MLB fantasy league season and already some fantasy managers are pressing the panic button. A slow start could create a lot of anxiety. However, it’s important to look at the overall numbers in head-to-head leagues in order to understand how closely a team’s production mirrors its overall record. While it doesn’t make sense to give up on star players that are off to slow starts, there are some instances where it will make sense to move on from a player you drafted in order to grab somebody off the wire. Here is a look at the top waiver wire options in fantasy baseball leagues this week.
SP: Brandon McCarthy, Los Angeles Dodgers
Countless starting pitchers ranked in the top-100 before the season have struggled early on. If you own one of them, you might want to consider McCarthy as an alternative option. McCarthy has turned in three solid outings for Los Angeles, posting a 2.25 ERA with a 1.08 WHIP and an 8.25 K/9. McCarthy has settled in nicely with the Dodgers this season and their offense has provided some quality run support early on. McCarthy is slated to pitch against the Philadelphia Phillies in his next start so you might want to consider grabbing him now if he is still available in your MLB fantasy league.
OF: Michael Conforto, New York Mets
Playing time has been an issue for Conforto but Yoenis Cespedes is injured and that could lead to more opportunities this week. Conforto had hit .361 with four home runs and eight RBI though his first 36 plate appearances. With those numbers, the Mets would be smart to get him more opportunities at the plate. New York will be in position to give him more chances with Cespedes out this week so Conforto is worth considering as a waiver wire option.
The Mets haven’t had a great start to the season as they are just 8-11 on the year. Entering Tuesday, they have lost four straight. Their offense has really let them down but Conforto is one player that is worth monitoring for MLB fantasy purposes.
OF: Kevin Kiermaier, Tampa Bay Rays
The Rays improved offense features at least a couple of options that you might want to consider adding off the waiver wire. Kiermaier is one of them following his hot start to the year. Kiermaier has hit .278 with 13 runs and he has already swiped four stolen bases. Kiermaier just hit his first home run of the season this past week as well. After hitting 11 home runs with 21 stolen bases in just 414 plate appearances last season, Kiermaier could be in line to improve those numbers over the course of a full season in 2017.
SP: Lance Lynn, St. Louis Cardinals
The Cardinals are still searching for consistency early on this season. However, they seem to have a little bit of momentum on their side as they’ve won three straight games. They are now 9-10 and just two games out of first place in the National League Central.
One pitcher they have been able to rely on is Lynn. The veteran righty has produced a 2.70 ERA with a 1.03 WHIP through his first three starts of the season. While his 7.71 K/0 isn’t spectacular, it isn’t bad either. Lynn has also earned the win in two of his three starts. With a home date against the Cincinnati Reds later this week it might be a good time to grab Lynn off the wire.
OF: Aaron Hicks, New York Yankees
Hicks is another player that could use a little more playing time. However, based on the numbers he has put up over the last 14 days the Yankees will want to get him in their lineup. Hicks has hit .304 with four home runs and two stolen bases over that span. He has scored at least one run in five of his last seven games. New York might give Hicks a little more playing time this week. If he continues his torrid pace then he could provide a short-term boost for your MLB fantasy team.
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