It has been quite the ride throughout the 2022 MLB season as we took bi-weekly looks at which players could help via the waiver wire. This is the final installment for the year, and that this point, we can truly say that all bets are off. If you are you in a keeper or dynasty league, there are obviously various other considerations to keep in mind, but the ultimate motivation here is to win a championship; within reason of course. You cannot take your FAAB budget with you, so at this point, just spend it all and get you need. There is no stat that is too insignificant to target and your additions should be based on either categorical or positional targets or value for next season if that is applicable. Without any further ado, let us take a look some MLB waiver wire targets on the heels of the New York Mets promoting top prospect Francisco Álvarez. 

 

Waiver Wire Hitters

Francisco Álvarez, C (NYM)

It was far from an ideal debut for Alvarez as he struck out with the bases loaded on Friday while failing to pick up a hit, but there is no denying the talent in his bat. In 112 minor league games this season, Alvarez went deep 27 times and he comes with substantial pop in his bat as the Mets search for some right-handed power heading into the playoffs. There are few options on the waiver wire with greater upside than Alvarez, and that is especially true at the catcher position. 

Bryan De La Cruz, OF (MIA)

We saw flashes of success from the tool-filled outfielder towards the end of last year as well, so this should not come as a complete surprise for De La Cruz. Entering action on Friday, he was hitting .545 over the last seven days with two home runs, five RBI, and four runs scored. The Marlins likely will remain committed to giving the outfielder a chance to show what he can do as the season winds down. That brought De La Cruz’s batting average up to .400 so far this month with five home runs and 17 RBI, and that is production that any fantasy team can put to good use. There is also a lot to like with De La Cruz’s 12% barrel-rate and 46.2% hard-hit rate. 

Conner Capel, OF (OAK)

This time of year, it is all about the unsung hero, and Oakland’s situation and lack of other options has led to regular playing time for Capel. All it takes is one little hot streak to make a difference, and in eight September games entering action on Friday, the outfielder was hitting .440 with two home runs and eight RBI and will continue to get a chance to show what he can do over the next five games. 

Rougned Odor, 2B/3B (BAL)

Odor is one of those players who generally strays between the back end of your roster and the waiver wire, and it is possible he is needed to plug a hole over the last few days of the season. With a .429 batting average and seven RBI over the last seven days, we are getting the best of Odor as he is having his best month of the season batting .264 while also possessing eligibility across the infield. 

JD Davis, 1B/3B (SF)

If you look at Davis from the Statcast perspective of barrel-rate (16.6%) and hard-hit rate (56.7%) it is hard not to expect big things from him. The issue, is that the results have not matched those numbers or his potential for the majority of the season, but at this point, we only care about the next few games. Over the second half of the season, Davis is hitting .281 with eight home runs, 15 RBI, and 19 runs scored and his batting average jumps to .429 over the last seven days. There is a lot to like in the profile here. 

Waiver Wire Pitchers

Tyler Glasnow (TB)

With just one week left in the baseball season and football season really ramping up, it is possible that a good portion of your league might not even realize Glasnow is back. The right-hander is rostered in just 32% of Yahoo leagues and 44% of CBS leagues so it is very possible that he is available. After missing the entire season due to Tommy John surgery, Glasnow returned to action against Cleveland this week with three innings of one run ball while striking out three. The right-hander looked like he had been out there all season, and he gets one more crack at it against Boston to close out the season. 

Hayden Wesneski (CHC)

The Cubs have not played a game that matters for a while this season, neither have the Reds for that matter, so we have a favorable match-up for the rookie to close out the season. In three starts with Chicago, over 18.1 innings, Wesneski has allowed four runs while picking up two victories and striking out 19. In 27 innings the right-hander has a 2.33 ERA on the season while striking out a batter per inning and there is no reason not to expect the success to continue. 

Chase Anderson (CIN)

I know we are digging deep here, but that is the name of the game when you are looking to stream come October. It is a favorable matchup for Anderson against the Cubs on Sunday, and in five starts so far this month he has yet to allow more than runs. Granted Anderson has not pitched more than five innings, but still, five earned runs in 20.2 innings while striking out 21 batters and picking up two victories will generate some optimism. 

Manuel Rodríguez (CHC)

Up until a few days ago, Rodriguez really was not someone who would be on our radar, but then he picked up saves in back-to-back games earlier this week. After previously using Brandon Hughes in that role, but also as a high-leverage, matchup-based option, the Cubs appear to be looking Rodriguez’s way in save situations. In 12.2 innings this season with Chicago, Rodriguez has made his presence felt with two victories and four saves while posting a 2.84 ERA and 1.11 WHIP.

Lou Trivino (NYY)

Trivino has ample experience as a closer so we know that he can be successful and the role is not too big for him. We also know that the Yankees’ bullpen is in far from ideal position so they are using the last days of the regular season to try and figure out what exactly they have and from whom heading into the postseason. It should not have come as a surprise that Trivino picked up a save earlier this week and after posting a 0.82 ERA in August and a 2.79 mark in September, he has certainly earned a look. 

 

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