Fantasy Baseball Waiver Wire Adds: Week 20
With the 2021 baseball season in full swing, nailing the waiver wire and the players available are critical to beating out your league-mates in season-long leagues.
Each week we will take a look at players who are rostered in fewer than 50% of Yahoo leagues and can help out your season-long squads. Remember, if you aren’t scouring the waiver wire, you are falling behind.
Sam Hilliard, OF, Colorado Rockies
Roster Percentage: 5%
Is now finally the time for Sam Hilliard to explode?
Well, with the Colorado Rockies out of things, Hilliard has basically turned into an everyday player. And the results? He may finally be breaking out as some had anticipated. Over the last two weeks, he's logged a .378 OBP, including four home runs and a steal.
He definitely needs to cut down on the whiffs -- his 36.3% strikeout rate is far too high -- but the dude has some serious pop with a .303 isolated power (ISO) mark on the season. If you need some outfield help, peep Hilliard.
Carlos Hernandez, SP, Kansas City Royals
Roster Percentage: 3%
The 24-year-old right-handed pitcher for the Kansas City Royals, Carlos Hernandez, is pretty much available in all leagues. So who the heck is this guy?
Well, the young flame-thrower consistently hits 100 MPH, and in facing the difficult Chicago White Sox offense over his last two starts, Hernandez limited them to one run over 11 innings, including 10 strikeouts.
You may not notice Hernandez thanks to a 4.58 ERA and 1.42 WHIP on the season, but the young righty gets two navigatable starts this week (NYY, STL) and should definitely be rostered.
Rafael Ortega, OF, Chicago Cubs
Roster Percentage: 40%
The numbers on Rafael Ortega are staggering, and with this low of a roster percentage, he makes our list yet again as someone to think about for the outfield.
After blasting three homers in a single game against Erick Fedde, the power-speed combo for the Chicago Cubs outfielder may finally be ready to shine. This season, Ortega has logged six homers and five steals, and with the Atlanta Braves organization in 2019, Ortega recorded 21 home runs and 14 steals. He's often hitting atop the Cub lineup on most days as well.
If you need help in the outfield, consider Ortega.
Elias Diaz, C, Colorado Rockies
Roster Percentage: 13%
The catcher spot, especially in two-catcher leagues, is notoriously difficult to find viable options at. So far in 214 at-bats, Elias Diaz has put all concerns to rest if you are looking for help there.
With 13 long balls to his name, Diaz is showcasing some mega pop at the position. While he is a bit of a drag in the batting average department (.226), he's getting plenty of opportunities to slug the baseball.
If you need help here, consider Diaz.
Notable Two-Start Pitchers to Consider This Week
Alec Mills (CHC) -- vs MIL, at MIA
Triston McKenzie (CLE) -- vs OAK, at DET
Carlos Hernandez (KC) -- vs NYY, vs STL
Games in Coors Field This Week
NONE
