Week 18 Waiver Wire: Top Picks to Boost Your Fantasy Baseball Team
As the second half of the season gets underway, it’s time to reassess your fantasy baseball roster and make some key additions to stay ahead of the competition. In this article, we’ll explore the top waiver wire picks for Week 18, including a few surprises that could give your team a much-needed boost.
Cade Cavalli: The Pitcher Who’s Finally Living Up to His Hype
Cade Cavalli has been a polarizing figure in fantasy baseball all season long. The young pitcher has shown flashes of brilliance, but his inconsistency has made it difficult to trust him in the lineup. However, after a strong outing against the Athletics in Sacramento, Cavalli is finally starting to live up to his hype.
With a 3.78 ERA and 26% strikeout rate, Cavalli is a valuable asset for any fantasy team. His peripherals don’t uniformly back it up, but his 3.21 FIP and 1.31 WHIP suggest that he’s a pitcher who can be relied upon. While he may never be as good as he looks at his best, Cavalli is definitely worth rostering in all leagues.
Jared Jones: The Breakout Pitcher You Need to Know About
Jared Jones is another pitcher who’s been making waves in fantasy baseball circles. The young right-hander has been impressive in his recent outings, striking out nine batters in his second half debut and carrying a 23:3 strikeout-to-walk ratio over his last three starts.
Jones’ impressive strikeout rate is a major reason why he’s a top waiver wire pick for Week 18. However, his usage is a major concern, as he’s been limited to just 74 pitches in his last three starts. If the Pirates can unleash him to pitch deeper into games, Jones could be a top-24 fantasy pitcher.
Other Notable Waiver Wire Picks for Week 18
- Ryan Jeffers, Twins (73%) – The catcher has been a breakout star for the Twins this season, and his recent return from a hand injury has been nothing short of impressive. With a 3-homer, 5-RBI performance in his first game back, Jeffers is a top waiver wire pick for Week 18.
- Bryce Eldridge, Giants (71%) – The first baseman has been a consistent producer for the Giants this season, hitting .288 with a .381 OBP since June 1. While his run and RBI totals have been lacking, Eldridge’s 28-homer pace makes him a top waiver wire pick for Week 18.
- Cole Young, Mariners (43%) – The second baseman has been a solid producer for the Mariners this season, combining strong contact skills with good enough power. With a 20-plus steal potential in the minors, Young is a top waiver wire pick for Week 18.
Deep League Options
- Harry Ford, Nationals (10%) – The catcher has been a notable prospect for the Nationals, and his recent promotion to the big leagues has been nothing short of impressive. With a .290 AVG and 10 HRs in 44 games, Ford is a top deep league pick for Week 18.
- Jacob Gonzalez, Pirates (12%) – The first baseman has been a solid producer for the Pirates this season, hitting .276 with a .329 OBP. While his playing time is in question, Gonzalez is a top deep league pick for Week 18.
