With the first few weeks of the MLB season in the books we now have a big enough sample size to know what to expect. While some star players have underachieved based on their underlying peripherals there are other options that have overachieved to this point with strong starts to the year. You won’t want to cut star players that haven’t lived up to expectations. However, if you can find a way to add some quality waiver wire picks to your roster it could help you out until the studs round in to form. Injuries have also played a significant role early on this year and could be another reason you are looking to free agency for an addition Here is a look at the best MLB fantasy waiver wire picks for this week.
OF: Aaron Hicks, New York Yankees
The Yankees have been outstanding out of the gates this season. After sweeping the defending World Series champion Chicago Cubs, it will be hard to ignore New York’s start much longer. While Aaron Judge has dominated the spotlight early on the Yankees have some intriguing options that could still be on the waiver wire in your MLB fantasy league. Hicks is one of them as he has hit .417 with two home runs, six RBI, seven runs and three stolen bases over the last seven days alone. Hicks has been so good that he has forced his way in to the lineup on a consistent basis. If you need help in the outfield then consider Hicks as an excellent option this week.
OF: Scott Schebler, Cincinnati Reds
Speaking of outfield help, it’s hard to ignore what Schebler has done for Cincinnati over the last two weeks. Schebler has hit .357 with five home runs and 11 RBI over the past 14 days. The Reds will open the week against the Yankees at home before travelling to face the struggling San Francisco Giants. There is a good chance Schebler will stay hot as another outfield option worth considering in MLB fantasy leagues.
The Reds continue to play well and are even ahead of the Chicago Cubs in the standings – if you can believe that.
SP: Charlie Morton, Houston Astros
There is a long list of quality starting pitchers on the DL right now. If you need help at the position you might want to consider Morton. The Astros starter ranks fourth among all starters in standard leagues over the last two weeks. Morton has two wins with a 3.46 ERA, 0.92 WHIP and a 13.85 K/9 over that span. Houston will host the Atlanta Braves to open the week so Morton could be in line for another strong performance in his Tuesday start.
1B/3B: Yuri Gurriel, Houston Astros
Gurriel has earned a bigger role in the Astros lineup with a slash line that sits at .309/.343/.447 right now. As long as he continues to hit at such a high level he will be tough to take out of the Houston order. Gurriel has just two home runs but he does have 11 runs and eight RBI in 102 plate appearances so far this year. As long as he continues to produce, the opportunities for runs and RBI will come as part of that loaded Astros lineup. Gurriel’s dual-eligibility and first and third makes him even more valuable in fantasy baseball leagues. The Astros currently lead the American League West with a record of 21-11. They have been one of the biggest surprise teams so far this baseball season.
SP: Ariel Miranda, Seattle Mariners
Miranda is another quality starting pitcher that has been hot of late and could be in line for a strong start on Tuesday. Miranda is 2-0 with a 2.19 ERA, 0.79 WHIP and an 8.76 K/9 over the last 14 days. Miranda is slated to start against the Philadelphia Phillies on Tuesday so consider adding him in MLB fantasy leagues if you need help on the mound this week.
The Mariners are right in the middle of the standings in the American League West. They are just 15-17 so far this season and are six games out of first place.
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