Between the Chalk: Mining for Waiver Wire Gold

And just like that we are back in the thick of it! Injuries befall your roster before the season even starts?? But how can that be when you drafted the night before the season starts AFTER spring training has concluded?? Well lady luck can be a troubling mistress at times..better now than week 1 of the playoffs, right?? (I’m looking at you Jackson Chourio owners, and I, like the Brewers, also feel your pain). But we gotta dust ourselves off and get our big day clothes on. There’s so many gems on the waiver wire just waiting to be uncovered. Get your lucky pan and follow me to the creek…we’re gonna pan the wire for some GOLD.

nb: yes I am writing about recommended guys to add based on a 3 or 4 game sample size. Now I wouldn’t go dropping some stud, or anyone you likely drafted in the first 15 rounds. This microscopic sample size is nothing to overreact to (just like the guy she told you not to worry about). But by damn I wanna write and maybe you have an extra roster spot due to injury

CHASE DELAUTER OF (CLE 74% rostered)

This guy is likely long gone in most leagues. This is for the small percentage of people reading where he may still be available (shallow? Indifference? Either way, cray). Chase is definitely on the case here in the early going as he has already racked up 3 HRs while hitting at the top of Clevland’s lineup. He has the pedigree (1^st rounder in 2021) but durability has been a real concern in the early stages of his career. In 3 minor league seasons, he’s essentially played the equivalent of 1 full season. And what did he do with 583 PAs from A – AAA ball? 20 HRs, 8 SBs and an .888 OPS. Obviously, these numbers won’t be as easy to come by in the Bigs and health is still a question mark? But if you have an open spot (in virtually any league size) you would be foolish to not put a nickel in this carousel and see where it takes you (usually in a circle, but as I’m sure you can tell this is a special .888 OPS Carousel).

CARSON BENGE OF (NYM 40% rostered)

Now that’s what ya call a debut! The 24-year-old Benge slides into the chat with an introductory Combo Meal (HR+SB) which is exactly the kind of category juice you are chasing with this add. He has 20HR/20SB upside, with the potential to be a 5-category contributor (perhaps not immediately). He has also illustrated the downfall of owning rookies, as he is 0-7 since his big debut game. The only other knock I have on him is he is very likely to hit in the bottom third of the loaded Mets’ lineup unless he should become white hot or they run into injury troubles. Other than that, this is just the kind of fun upside play you love to make as the season starts. I would definitely be looking to add him in 10+ team leagues, he has the potential to be a difference maker.

CHASE MEIDROTH 2B, 3B, SS (CWS 13% rostered)

Now this is a guy who is under appreciated but will certainly be a useful “accumulator” by season’s end. A quick look at last year’s statcast profile will tell you all you need to know. His bat lacks any real power, as seen by xSLG, Barrel%, and bat speed all ranking in the bottom 4% of the league. But the bottom part of the page is where things really turn:

He’s got an elite eye who can get the bat on the ball (albeit not with too much pop) who will likely hit leadoff all season long for the lowly White Sox. But there will be value there by season’s end I tell ya. I would forecast 8-10 HR and 15-20 SBs. Not to mention he will likely accumulate 80+ runs with a full season’s worth of ABs. Definitely worth a look in 12+ teamers, especially if you have a need in the middle or left side of your infield.

LUKE RALEY 1B, OF (SEA 15% rostered)

Raley had 4 HRs all of last year (in 183 ABs). He has managed 3 already this year (1 as a pinch hitter). Most are quick to forget Raley given his platoon status (righty masher), but this guy hit 22 HRs in 2024. He had an .824 OPS in 2023. If you are in a daily lineup league or have a need for the Force (power), Luke Skywalker Raley could be the add for you. Worth a look in 12+ teamers, at least while he’s hot.

NOLAN SCHANUEL 1B (LAA 19% rostered)

Another guy off to a good start to surpass last year’s HR total, Schanuel has flashed some early power with 2 ding dongs thus far. The thing I really like about him this year, is his spot in the lineup. He’s been in the 3-hole and there’s no reason to move him as he is riding a 4 game hit streak to open the year. His Savant profile from last year looks strangely similar to Meidroth’s – elite eye but lacking significant pop. But if he is able to make some strides in his quality of contact (which it possibly appears he may have) and continues to occupy the 3^rd spot in the lineup – there’s major upside here. Maybe not in HRs and SBs (I would predict 15-18HR and 6-10 SB), but definitely in runs and RBIs. I forecast him to have 75 runs and 85 RBIs if things break right for him and the Angels. Consider adding him in 12+ teamers and monitor him closely in shallower leagues.

EDWIN UCETA RP (TB 14% rostered)

Quick shoutout to a pitcher to bring some balance to this article. Just wanted to put a quick pitch in for Uceta, who is currently on the 15 day IL with a right shoulder impingement. I’m recommending him given that he’s on the IL so a low opportunity cost at present. One of the other Tampa closers in the mix for saves (Griffin Jax) has blown 2 saves in 2 chances thus far, so you gotta think the closer’s role is far from settled. Uceta is also appealing as a reliever who has some strikeout upside, as he racked up 103 Ks in 76 IPs last year.

Onto the original content now. Throughout the year I’m going to share my squad’s performance. And yes, I’m not so naïve to think that you care about my fantasy team. But, there will be players that you may also own, or maybe some players that you have on your watchlist. It will be a fun way to look at who’s hot and not, as I will deem one player the HERO of the week and another the ZERO.

Now I would give DeLauter the HERO tag, but as you can see he was not in my lineup his first 2 games (3 HRs). So, the technical MVP of the squad this week is CAM SCHITTLER, who looked electric in blanking the Giants over 5.1 innings. He was highly efficient as he only needed 68 pitches to do so and it’s looking good for anyone who took a chance on this guy after pick 100.

The ZERO of the week would have to be JAKOB MARSEE who has a single hit despite occupying a position in the top third of the lineup. It’s only been 3 games, no need to panic. Don’t hit that panic button until we check in next week. Until then, stay thirsty my friends