Who are the best fantasy baseball waiver wire adds for this week? Fantasy Alarm has you covered.

The 2024 MLB season has started off in an unforgiving way and fantasy baseball managers already have their hands full this week as the MLB Injury Report is already littered with top names. In just a matter of days, we’ve learned that Spencer Strider is out with damage to his UCL, Eury Perez is having Tommy John surgery and Shane Bieber will also undergo a season-ending surgical procedure. Absolutely brutal. An that’s just the pitching. On the offensive front, Trevor Story has a dislocated shoulder, CJ Abrams is sidelined with a finger injury and a hip flexor has pushed Luis Robert to the 10-day IL. You’ll hear all sorts of chatter from people saying that this is the worst start to the season ever, but we all know it’s the same every year and your job is to roll with the punches and start adding proper replacements to your fantasy baseball roster. So, let’s just get to it. 

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Fantasy Baseball Waiver Wire: Catchers

Bo Naylor, Cleveland Guardians

He’s owned in 40-50-percent of leagues, but if you’re in a one-catcher league and looking to change things up, Naylor should warrant consideration despite the slow start to the season. He’s a 20-homer bat who can swipe 8-10 bags in a season and while that may be the ceiling, it’s worth a look at a position that is very top-heavy. The middle to bottom tier of catchers is probably interchangeable right now, so looking for the hot bat is probably foremost on people’s minds, but we’re playing the long-game here jut a week and a half into the season. FAAB: 4-6%

Ivan Herrera, St. Louis Cardinals

Probably more of a short-term fix, especially if you have Willson Contreras, who has been sidelined with a hand injury, on your roster. Given the money the Cards shelled out for Contreras, it doesn’t seem like Herrera is going to get much consistent playing time, but if you need a quick-fix, he’s not going to cost you much to acquire. FAAB: 1-2%

Fantasy Baseball Waiver Wire: First Basemen

Alex Kirilloff, Minnesota Twins

If you’ve listened to the Fantasy Alarm Show on SiriusXM Fantasy Sports Radio, then Kirilloff should be a strong target for you on waivers right now. First base seems a bit desolate for replacement value, but he’s also got outfield eligibility and has opened the season on a seven-game hitting streak. Jim Bowden has been praising Kirilloff for a few years now and things finally seem to be clicking for the 26-yar-old lefty bat. Heading into Sunday’s games, he’s slashing .385/.433/.692 with two doubles and three triples. The RBI will start to come as the rest of the lineup picks up the pace, but Kirilloff is a must-add right now, especially if you’re looking to add some pop. FAAB: 13-15% 

Andrew Vaughn, Chicago White Sox

We haven’t seen results from Baughn like we have from Kirilloff, but the 26-year-old righty bat has made some significant changes to his routine in the offseason and we should start seeing the results sooner than later. The rest of the lineup around him is weak, especially with injuries to Luis Robert and Eloy Jimenez, but it’s not like opposing pitchers are thinking about pitching around him. He’s a solid 20-homer bat who, once he starts heating up, will cost you significantly more in FAAB bidding. FAAB: 8-10%

Miguel Sano, Los Angeles Angels

Not a pick-up for the faint of heart, but Sano is logging some regular playing time and we know that, even here in his age-30 season, there is some power to be had. Yes, it comes with a boatload of strikeouts, but power nonetheless. Remember, he hit 30 bombs in 2021. He’ll play some first base and some DH, so if you miss out on the above two, you can toss a small bid on Sano as a contingency pick. FAAB: 2-4%

Fantasy Baseball Waiver Wire: Second Basemen

Brice Turang, Milwaukee Brewers

Who doesn’t love a guy leading the NL in stolen bases with six on the season already? If Turang is available in your league, make the move, but just be careful with overspending for steals you won’t have. Turang is still probably just a .250 hitter, despite the hot start, and will level off as the season progresses. But for now, it’s about striking while the iron is hot and he’s on fire right now, batting .348 with a .385 OBP. If you grab him now, he probably becomes a nice sell-high trade candidate as everyone is going to be looking to add steals right now. FAAB: 13-15%

Vaughn Grissom, Boston Red Sox

According to Red Sox manager Alex Cora, Grissom is ramping up his activity during his minor-league rehab assignment and could be back with the big club for the team’s home opener on Tuesday. Better known for his glove, Grissom should still be able to contribute with a little bit of pop and some speed. He’s also produced a strong batting average and OBP during his time spent in both the majors and minors, so if you need help there, he’s going to see the at-bats upon his return. FAAB: 8-10%

Fantasy Baseball Waiver Wire: Third Basemen

Michael Busch, Chicago Cubs

Check to see if he also has first base eligibility, but even if he doesn’t, he will soon enough. At worst, you use him as a corner infielder. But the key here is that Busch was a power-prospect with the Dodgers and now has a full-time opportunity with the Cubs. Heading into Sunday’s action, he’s hit safely in three-straight games with one double, one homer and a couple of RBI. With a strong surrounding lineup, more RBI opportunities are coming his way, so take advantage while you can. FAAB: 8-10%

Brett Baty, New York Mets

I said last week that Baty was someone to keep on your watch list and he’s now got back-to-back multi-hit games. I consider him a post-hype sleeper as everyone was in on him last year and then a disappointing rookie campaign has left everyone hating on him. Sure, the Mets are a mediocre team and we’ll be keeping our expectations in check, but if we can get some power out of this kid, we’ll feel a lot better about using him on a regular basis. FAAB: 4-6%

Trey Lipscomb, Washington Nationals

Another guy we told you to watch last week and he continues to see regular at-bats while Nick Senzel sits on the injured list. Lipscomb has some power and a dash of speed, but you’ll have to endure a rough batting average while he finds his footing. The third base position is a little rough right now, so don’t be afraid to take a shot and just see what happens. He’s a good guy to stash if you can make daily roster moves as he can heat up and help even if just for a short time. It’s not like Senzel is some game-changer ready to push him to the bench. FAAB: 2-4%

 

 

Fantasy Baseball Waiver Wire: Shortstops

Blaze Alexander, Arizona Diamondbacks

With news that Geraldo Perdomo is heading to the injured list with a torn meniscus, Alexander should be in line for more consistent work. He’s flashed both power and speed in the minor leagues and is off to a solid start this year, batting .278 with one home run and one stolen base in limited action. He’s been moved around the lineup when he’s made starts and we’ve seen him even bat second in the order, so if you need middle infield help, he’s going to be a solid add given the surrounding lineup. FAAB: 8-10% 

Orlando Arcia, Atlanta Braves

Never one to be known for his bat, Arcia is actually turning into a bit of a lefty-masher wih his .429 average against southpaws. He’s also hit lefties better in his career, though, again, not by a wide margin. But things are clicking for him with the hot start this season and he’s still wildly low-owned across all platforms. Expectations should be kept in check, but he hits in a premiere lineup and while yes, he hits near the bottom, it just means the runs-scored opportunities will be abundant with Ronald Acuna and Ozzie Albies hitting behind hm. FAAB: 8-10%

Pablo Reyes, Boston Red Sox

The team has announced that Trevor Story is looking at a lengthy stay on the injured lust with his dislocated shoulder and could even be out for the season. Reyes is the early favorite to replace Story full-time, but the team also called up lefty-swinging David Hamilton who may see some action against some of the tougher righthanders. Reyes is the better glove while Hamilton is the better bat and just 26-years-old, so he’s just entering his physical prime. If you are in need right now, then Reyes is your target, but if you’re just looking for depth, set Hamilton as a contingency pick and see what develops over the next week or so. FAAB: 6-8% 

Fantasy Baseball Waiver Wire: Outfielders

Jose Siri, Tampa Bay Rays

The strikeouts are going to be incredibly frustrating, but somehow, some way, Siri still manages to hit for power while stealing some bags. He hit 25 homers in just 101 games last year and has stolen double-digit bases in each of his last two season. This year, he already has six steals and has immediately popped up on people’s radar. It’s a good grab for right now while he’s hot and he should still garner the playing time in center even when Josh Lowe returns from injury. FAAB: 13-15%

Jake McCarthy/Randall Grichuk, Arizona Diamondbacks

We actually touched on Alek Thomas during last week’s waiver article, but he’s now on the injured list and we are looking at McCarthy and Grichuk as potential replacements. McCarthy was seeing the work at first while Grichuk was still working his way back from an ankle injury, but now that both are healthy, we’re probably looking at a lefty/righty platoon with Grichuk handling the work against lefties. Both players are more stop-gap than they are long-term solution, so it comes down to whether you need power (Grichuk) or speed (McCarthy). FAAB: 5-7%

Robbie Grossman/Dominic Fletcher/Kevin Pillar, Chicago White Sox

As if the White Sox weren’t bad enough, they’ve now lost their best player in Luis Robert who is out with a Grade-2 hip flexor strain and likely to be on the sidelines for an extended period of time. The options to replace are not great, but desperate times call for desperate measures. Th White Sox will use the trio of Grossman, Fletcher and Pillar to fill in at center and right field for now and will likely ride the hot-bat or simply play match-ups with Fletcher being the one lefty bat of the group. Grossman probably gets first look, especially in OBP leagues as he knows how to take a walk and set the table. Fletcher is the guy with the power potential and Pillar is…well, Pillar. This is not where you want to invest your FAAB budget, but for a very low-cost add, you can start here. FAAB (for any of the three): 2-3%

Fantasy Baseball Waiver Wire: Starting Pitchers

AJ Smith-Shawver, Atlanta Braves

The Braves’ situation is going to be a little complicated for the next couple of days, but this is where we separate the smart, savvy players from the folks who just read what the masses give them. The Braves have brought up Allan Winans to replace Spencer Strider on the roster, but he is likely to fill in solely as a reliever until Wednesday when the Braves need another starter. Smith-Shawver was the starter for Triple-A Gwinnett on Friday but was getting hit around early and was pulled. He was only supposed to go a few innings to preserve his arm for the long-run anyway, but with news that Strider was hurt, his workload could have also been limited, knowing he may be needed for the big club. Lefty Dylan Dodd tossed the bulk of that game. Wednesday would be the fifth day after which means Smith-Shawver could be the one called up to face the New York Mets. The Braves could also use Darius Vines or Huascar Ynoa, both of whom should be in line for starts at Gwinnett on Wednesday, but Smith-Shawver is definitely the better arm and prospect. Even if he doesn’t start Wednesday, he appears to be the most major-league ready of the group and is likely to be the long-term solution for Atlanta with Strider out. FAAB: 13-15%

Tanner Houck, Boston Red Sox

If Garrett Whitlock is available, he also warrants consideration, but Houck is the guy who slides in under the radar in most leagues and likely won’t cost as much to acquire. Craig Breslow, Chief Baseball Officer, and Andrew Bailey, pitching coach, are former major-leaguers and have formulated a plan for the Red Sox hurlers to spend most of their time throwing their breaking stuff and forcing hitters to mash everything into the dirt. Both hurlers have thrown their sliders a ton and so far, it’s been effective. This does increase the risk for more elbow injuries, but leaning this way has enabled both to freeze hitters with a fastball. Houck fanned 10 in his debut and gets the Angels his next time out, so look for another strong K-rate from him. Whitlock as well, but Houck seems to be the guy available to most. FAAB: 8-10%

Javier Assad, Chicago Cubs

Assad made his debut last week and dominated a weak Rockies lineup for six innings, allowing just four hits and one walk while striking out five. Should you take these numbers with a grain of salt because it’s the Rockies? Probably, but he’s going to get two starts this week against the Padres and strikeout-prone Mariners. With Jameson Taillon still out and Justin Steele landing on the IL with a hamstring injury, Assad will stay in the rotation and now gets the benefit of two VERY pitcher-friendly parks. He’s not on a lot of people’s radar right now, so make that move while you can. FAAB: 8-10%

Tyler Wells, Baltimore Orioles

Wells seems pretty entrenched in this Orioles rotation and, while he’s not a dominant starter with heavy strikeout potential, he’s proven capable of limiting the damage and keeping the Orioles in the game. He spent the offseason really working his curveball and has been dropping it in a lot more this season as an out-pitch, but with solid command of five different pitches, he’s going to be able to keep hitters off-balance if he and catcher Adley Rutschman can work together on a successful pitch-mix. If you set a bid on him, use Dean Kremer as a lower-cost contingency pick as he too is locked into a rotation spot waiting for John Means and Kyle Bradish to return. FAAB: 5-7%

Edward Cabrera, Miami Marlins

He’s coming off the injured list soon and with Eury Perez gone for the year, the Marlins are going to be desperate to get their pitchers going. He’s making another rehab start in Triple-A, but should be activated fairly soon if everything goes well. He’s got better-than-average strikeout potential and doesn’t pitch to a whole lot of contact, or at least he hasn’t in the past. The team might ease him in given the rest of their pitching injuries, but they’re going to need to get him going quickly.  FAAB: 5-7%

Casey Mize, Detroit Tigers

In past waiver columns, we’ve identified Reese Olson as a potential add and while he is still very much in-play, we’re also looking at Mize who has made some changes to his pitch-mix in the offseason. The focus has been on his four-seam fastball and its location. He’s actually increased the vertical movement by a few inches and he’s now generating a lot more swings and misses higher up in the zone. His first start against the Mets was good – five innings, three runs, four strikeouts – but not good enough to put him on too many people’s radar. You can probably grab him on the lower end of cost right now and look towards his upcoming match-up against the Pirates. FAAB: 4-6%

Fantasy Baseball Waiver Wire: Closers/Relief Pitchers

Michael Kopech, Chicago White Sox

You may have noticed the change in the Closer Grid, though it’s always tough to see in red and at the bottom, amirite? It’s the White Sox and it’s gross, but John Brebbia is banged-up and Kopech probably has the best stuff in this horrendous bullpen. Still, saves are saves and even if the White Sox only win 60 games, someone is going to have to get the saves. FAAB: 10-12%

James McArthur, Kansas City Royals

This is going to be a fluid situation, but one to pay attention to as Will Smith just isn’t getting the job done right now. He was just pulled from a save situation Friday and it looks like McCarthur is going to get a legitimate shot to close. But the Royals also have John Schreiber who could find his way into the mix, especially if he can prove himself stronger against some tough left-handed bats. For now, I would throw some FAAB McArthur’s way and then use Schreiber as a contingency pick. Keep it sensible. FAAB: 6-8%