If you have the space, it’s a good idea to constantly be thinking about stashing prospects who could be called up soon, injured players, middle relievers who could soon inherit a closer’s job, or guys ticketed for more playing time when/if a trade is made. There aren’t that many impact prospects on the radar right now, and the list of injured players is fairly limited (Homer Bailey, Alex Wood, Alex Gordon, Josh Reddick, Alex Cobb, and Mark Teixeira are a few possibilities), so we’ll focus on a few other potential stashes this week and hopefully get more as we move closer to the trade deadline.
MORE: Full waiver wire list | Top 50 prospects
If you’re not content with this week’s full waiver wire list, you can always check out last week’s for more potential pickups.
Week 12 fantasy baseball top waiver wire pickups
Raisel Iglesias, P, Reds. This pickup would be a pure speculation move, but with Iglesias (shoulder) off the DL and pitching out of the bullpen, it’s possible (maybe even probable) that he’ll take over as the Reds closer at some point this season. Tony Cingrani has been better in the ninth-inning role lately, but he hasn’t exactly been “lights out.” Iglesias has nastier stuff, plus has the added benefit of being a righthander, which would allow the Reds to use Cingrani in high-leverage matchups against lefties earlier in the game. Iglesias can have value as a middle reliever, so it’s not like he’s a complete waste of a roster spot if you stash him.
MORE: Closer depth chart
Jose Reyes, SS, FA. The buzz around Reyes is that the Mets are looking into bringing him back as a third baseman. Whatever the case, he’ll eventually sign somewhere, and when he does, he’ll immediately get picked up in fantasy leagues. Yes, he’ll have to go to the minors first and won’t play for at least a couple weeks, but once he’s up, he’ll have potential value. If you’re really hurting at SS – or you just need SBs – it’s not a bad idea to stash him now.
MORE: Top pickups | Super 2 call-ups | Top 50 prospects
A.J. Reed, 1B, Astros. If you had been stashing last week, you might have had Reed on your roster before it was announced that he was being called up on Saturday. The 23-year-old has a .261/.343/.495 line at Triple-A this year after posting 34 HRs between Single-A and Double-A last season. Reed is expected to start against righties, but there’s a good chance he’ll sit against lefties. Regardless, he’s still worth an add given his power upside.
Max Kepler, OF, Twins. From June 10-23, Kepler hit safely in all but one game, popping two homers, scoring 10 runs, driving in 10, and stealing two bases. In his minor league career, the 23-year-old outfielder hit .281/.363/.446 and stole 42 bases in 51 attempts. The potential value is easy to see, especially with Kepler gradually moving up in the Twins batting order. He’s not going to blow you away with his stats, but he could be a steady contributor who gives you a little something of everything.
For more worthwhile pickups, check out this week’s full waiver wire list and our projected Super 2 call-ups and Dynasty League stashes.
