FAAB Frenzy and Waivers Wild: Week 12
Fantasy baseball managers, brace yourselves! Our beloved game demands relentless attention and strategic maneuvers, especially when it comes to free agent acquisitions and drops. With real-life baseball managers constantly tinkering with lineups and players bouncing between the Major and Minor Leagues, our fantasy teams must mirror their agility. This week, we delve into the top adds on Fantrax and the NFBC Online Championship, analyzing the fantasy baseball marketplace and providing insights to help you dominate your leagues.
Week 11 Recap
The Milwaukee Brewers dominated Week 11, scorching the fantasy landscape with 61 runs in seven games. Jackson Chourio, Christian Yelich, and Brice Turang led the charge with double-digit hits, while Matt Chapman's 14 RBIs, including eight in one game, left his mark. Chapman, Willy Adames, and Casey Schmitt each hit three homers, and Jung Hoo Lee's 15-game hitting streak and .410 batting average over the last 30 days are worth keeping an eye on.
The Padres struggled against formidable pitching, managing just 14 runs in six games. But let's shift our focus to the players who caught our attention.
FAAB and Waiver Wire Adds
NFBC OC and Fantrax
The NFBC Online Championship and Fantrax saw some intriguing acquisitions this week.
Alex Lange (Royals RP): Lange's three saves after Lucas Erceg's stumble made him a valuable addition at a reasonable $34 AWB. His career walk rate is over 13%, and the Royals' reliance on relievers makes him a potential fantasy gem.
Gage Jump (Athletics SP): Jump's two wins in two starts, including a 14-strikeout performance, earned him a $33 AWB. His rookie status adds an element of intrigue.
Bryce Eldridge (Giants UT): Despite a lack of power, Eldridge's .372/.451/.581 slash line over the last two weeks and manager Tony Vitello's confidence make him a consistent producer. His walks-to-strikeouts ratio of 7:10 and 11.7% walk rate are impressive.
Noelvi Marte (Reds 3B/OF): Marte's 2-for-8 performance with one run scored in two games since being recalled is a cause for cautious optimism. His short-side platoon role may limit his playing time.
Jasson Domínguez (Yankees OF): Domínguez's 0-7 performance in two minor-league contests is a concern, but his potential arrival in the Yankees lineup adds an exciting prospect.
Royce Lewis (Twins 3B): Lewis' 10 homers in 15 Triple-A games and his recent re-joining of the Twins lineup are signs of a potential power resurgence.
Fantrax
Fantrax saw a surge in popular player adds:
Paul Goldschmidt (Yankees 1B): Goldschmidt's steady performance and top-third lineup role make him a vital part of the Yankees offense, even without Aaron Judge. His $11 AWB is a steal.
Jake McCarthy (Rockies OF): McCarthy's leadoff role against right-handed pitchers and the Rockies' home-heavy schedule make him a solid addition.
Noelvi Marte (Reds 3B/OF): Marte's 70% roster percentage and 9% addition percentage on Fantrax indicate his popularity.
Michael Massey (Royals 2B): Massey's 15% roster percentage and 7% addition percentage make him a potential sleeper pick.
Lars Nootbaar (Cardinals OF): Nootbaar's season debut and go-ahead home run in the eighth inning showcase his potential impact.
Jasson Domínguez (Yankees OF): Domínguez's potential arrival in the Yankees lineup adds an exciting prospect.
Predictions and Drop of the Week
Michael Busch (Rockies): Busch's power funk may be over, with two dingers in Coors Field predicted.
Spencer Arrighetti (Angels): A rare rough start against the Angels in Anaheim is anticipated.
David Hamilton (Rockies): Another home run in the Vegas series is on the cards.
Athletics and Rockies: A high-scoring affair with 22 or more runs on Friday, June 12.
River Ryan (Dodgers): A surprise call-up to start for the Dodgers against the Rays on June 15.
Drop of the Week: Steven Matz (Rays) is demoted to the bullpen, with Mason Englert taking over bulk relief duties.
