As we head into the last week of July, with the trade deadline coming, here are five players to considering adding on your fantasy baseball waiver wire.
5. Boston Red Sox RP Brad Ziegler
Boston’s closer situation is becoming a war of attrition, with Craig Kimbrel (knee) and Koji Uehara (pectoral) succumbing to injury. Ziegler had 18 saves with the Arizona Diamondbacks before being traded, and he has made five scoreless appearances for the Red Sox. Ziegler is not widely available, but it’s worth checking to see if you can add him in your league.
Yahoo! Ownership: 78%
4. Oakland Athletics SS Marcus Semien
Semien’s batting average (.231) and RBI total (48) don’t really fit with his home run total (20), but a low BABIP (.251) is ripe for an upward correction going forward. A shoulder injury he was reported to be playing through a few weeks ago is a concern, but Semien is an under-the-radar fantasy asset over the rest of the season.
Yahoo! Ownership: 52%
3. Tampa Bay Rays OF Kevin Kiermaier
Kiermaier is just 3-for-26 with one RBI since returning from the disabled list, but it’s fair to expect a slow start coming back from a hand injury. A representation of what he can do came in 2015 (10 home runs and 18 stolen bases over 505 at-bats), so Kiermaier is well worth a waiver wire flier right now if you need an extra outfielder.
Yahoo! Ownership: 13%
2. Minnesota Twins OF Eddie Rosario
Since being recalled on July 2, Rosario is hitting .396 (21-for-53) with 11 runs scored and seven RBI. A small sample, an inflated BABIP (.413) over that span and a lack of walks (three) deserve note, but Rosario should be an every day player for the Twins from here on out and owners in AL-only and deeper leagues should take a look at adding him.
Yahoo! Ownership: 3%
1. Texas Rangers IF Jurickson Profar
Profar has made the most of a renewed opportunity with the Rangers this year, hitting .290 with four home runs, 14 RBI and 23 runs scored over 145 at-bats. Prince Fielder’s neck injury opens an easy door to playing time, so it’s time for fantasy owners to add Profar.
Yahoo! Ownership: 27%