Best fantasy baseball waiver wire pickups before Opening Day include Colt Emerson, Parker Messick, Ryan O’Hearn originally appeared on The Sporting News.
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Opening Day is just about here, and for fantasy baseball players, it’s an exciting time.
The draft is done. Lineups are ready to be set. There are matchups to win and stats to accumulate. But don’t forget about the waiver wire and possible pickups.
Sure, no one has played a game yet, but there’s plenty to be worked out. Some players have gotten injured since they were drafted and can be placed on an IL spot. Others may have been sent down or lost starting jobs.
This isn’t to say you should give up on players too quickly, but there are likely possible roster spots for you to use to your advantage.
Others may not consider making early moves. If you pick up the right guys, it can pay off.
So these are a handful of players that could be worth picking up if they’re available in your league before Opening Day.
Fantasy baseball waiver wire pickups before Opening Day
Colt Emerson, SS, SEA
Emerson got sent down to Triple-A rather than make the Opening Day roster, and that’s why he’s available in the majority of leagues.
Pick him up and stash him now. He should be up in the first month or so of the season.
Once Emerson arrives, he’ll hit for average with a good blend of power and speed.
Parker Messick, SP, CLE
Messick won the fifth starter job in Cleveland in a surprise upset of Logan Allen, who was sent down to Triple-A.
The big lefty made his MLB debut a season ago and has proven to be a steady pitcher who gets groundballs and strikeouts.
Once he makes a start or two, he’ll likely be more widely rostered, so snag him now.
Ryan O’Hearn, 1B/OF, PIT
If O’Hearn isn’t already dual-eligible in your league, he should be soon, as he’s expected to begin the season in Pittsburgh’s outfield.
His bat is why you want him, and the chance to play him in multiple lineup spots is a bonus.
He’ll definitely hit some baseballs into the river beyond the right field fence in Pittsburgh this season.
Jesus Sanchez, OF, TOR
Sanchez should start every day against right-handed pitching, and the former Marlins and Astros outfielder is underrated.
He’s got just the mix of power and speed that works well in fantasy baseball, and now, he’s bringing it to a particularly potent lineup.
Brayan Bello, SP, BOS
Bello is somehow rostered in just 44% of leagues on CBS. If he’s available in yours, go get him.
He’s a much better pitcher than that percentage gives him credit for, with a lot of movement on his explosive fastball. He should be on a team in every league.
Matt Strahm, RP, KC
This is getting out ahead of a guy who is likely second-in-command in the bullpen.
Strahm is a setup guy for closer Carlos Estevez right now, but that could change. And in leagues that value holds, Strahm has always been reliable in that category.
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