FAAB Frenzy and Waivers Wild: Week 8
Fantasy baseball managers know that our game is the ultimate test of grit, grind, tenacity, and patience. Unlike fantasy football, where league titles can be won with minimal in-season activity, fantasy baseball leagues require incessant attention and activity. Particularly when it comes to free agent adds and drops. Real-life baseball managers are constantly adjusting batting orders, players are frequently optioned to and promoted from the Minor Leagues, and injuries occur almost daily. There’s no resting on our laurels. We must always stay vigilant with league news and notes and remain active on the waiver wire if we want to win our leagues.
Every week, I’ll dig into the top adds on the ever-popular Fantrax and in the NFBC Online Championship (OC), a national mid-stakes contest with 240 total leagues of 12 and a six-figure grand prize. Reviewing player adds between the two should provide us with a well-rounded perspective and barometer of the fantasy baseball marketplace.
Week 7 Overview
The Philadelphia Phillies took advantage of their matchups (1 at MIA, 3 vs. ATH, 3 vs. COL) in Week 7. They won five-of-seven games and scored a league-high 39 runs. Kyle Schwarber and Bryce Harper led all hitters in home runs, with five and four respectively. Dodgers outfielder Andy Pages also hit four homers, three on Wednesday against the Astros. Brandon Marsh continued tearing it up. He led everyone in hits (14 in 27 at-bats), though he only drove in three runs. Twins Byron Buxton also had a strong week and has been the top hitter in 5×5 roto over the last two weeks — 11 R – 8 HR – 14 RBI – 3 SB – .316. Luke Raley led all hitters with 10 RBI, seven in one game. He’s a strong streamer in Week 8 with the Mariners slated to face seven right-handed starters.
Personal Commentary and Analysis
In my opinion, the Phillies' success in Week 7 is a testament to their ability to capitalize on favorable matchups. Kyle Schwarber and Bryce Harper's home run totals are impressive, and Andy Pages' performance against the Astros is a notable highlight. Brandon Marsh's hitting streak is also noteworthy, even if his RBI total is modest. Byron Buxton's consistent performance over the last two weeks is a positive sign for his fantasy value.
The Cleveland Guardians and Miami Marlins
The Cleveland Guardians and Miami Marlins took no pity on opposing catchers. The Guardians stole 14 bases last week and the Marlins stole 12. Rookie second baseman Travis Bazzana was responsible for five, while José Ramírez and Brayan Rocchio swiped three apiece. The Marlins were fueled by Esteury Ruiz. He was successful on several pinch-running opportunities. Ruiz swiped six bases, but had just eight plate appearances. He might be a fantasy unicorn — a hitter who can help us boost us in the SB category who isn’t a volume guy or regular starter. We’d have to really be deficient in stolen bases and pick our weeks (or days) to start him, though.
Fantasy Player Rater – Top Hitters YTD
... (Rest of the data remains the same)
Top Adds in Fantrax and NFBC OC
... (Rest of the data remains the same)
Drop of the Week
Some of us happily bid adieu to failed Giants closer, Ryan Walker, as he was finally optioned to Triple-A. I should have been less stubborn during draft season and listened more to my Giants friends who told me Walker wasn’t going to hack it. My FTN Fantasy Baseball podcast partner Jason Anthony, a high-stakes fantasy player and long-time Giants fan from the Bay Area, believes that lefty Erik Miller will claim a piece of the ninth-inning role there soon. Miller is on a rehab assignment and should be activated this weekend. My favorite closing option in this bullpen remains Caleb Kilian.
Personal Takeaway
This week's FAAB frenzy and waiver wire activity highlight the dynamic nature of fantasy baseball. Managers must stay vigilant and adapt to changing circumstances, whether it's adjusting batting orders, addressing injuries, or making strategic free agent acquisitions. The top adds and drops provide valuable insights into the current state of the fantasy baseball marketplace, and the personal commentary and analysis offer a deeper understanding of the players and their potential impact on your league.
