This deep into April, it’s likely that many of the players who have gotten off to hot starts have already been scooped up in your leagues. Below are a few who may still be lingering on the waiver wire. Be aware of good players being dropped, too, as some owners tend to make rash decisions early in the season.
Waiver-Wire Targets:
Chicago Cubs OF Cody Bellinger — Don’t expect Bellinger to return to his 2019 form, but the former National League MVP currently looks more like that version of himself than we’ve seen since. He’s gotten his batting average up to .290, thanks in part to a five-hit performance on April 17, and is hitting .327 over the past two weeks. He has added four home runs and three stolen bases. He has also struck out just 12 times in 79 plate appearances, a significant improvement on his strikeout rate from the previous two seasons. Bellinger may not be available in your league due to the pedigree associated with his name, but if he is, scoop him up and ride the hot streak.
Philadelphia Phillies INF Bryson Stott — Sure, his 17-game hitting streak to begin the season has come to an end, but he appears well on his way to another, as he has a brand new two-game streak in progress. Jokes aside, the young left-handed batter is hitting .360 in his first 91 plate appearances thanks to a low whiff rate and a propensity for slapping the ball the other way. He’s not going to provide a ton of power or speed (10 homers and 12 steals last season), but he looks to be a fine option at a relatively weak position in second base. Inexplicably rostered in just 36 percent of ESPN leagues despite his hot start, Stott is worth a look.
Pittsburgh Pirates RHP Johan Oviedo — Another strong performance on April 19 at Coors Field has put Oviedo firmly on my radar. That’s now three consecutive quality starts in which the righty has allowed one run or fewer, and he now boasts a 2.22 ERA across 24.1 innings with 25 strikeouts. He has done a great job at limiting hard contact going back to last season and his slider generates plenty of whiffs, making him an intriguing commodity. He’ll be tested in his next start as the Dodgers come to town, but he lines up to get the Nationals after that.
Tampa Bay Rays RHP Taj Bradley — Stop reading this article, go check your leagues, and see if your fellow owners have left a gift-wrapped Taj Bradley in your free-agent pool. The Rays’ top prospect has secured a rotation spot with Jeffrey Springs hitting the injured list and his performance warrants an extended stay. Bradley has punched out 17 hitters while walking just two in 10.1 innings. He features a four-pitch arsenal that he mixes to hitters on both sides of the plate. He pitches with confidence and has legitimate ace upside on a very good team. Grab him if you still can.
Honorable Mention:
Pittsburgh Pirates OF Jack Suwinski
Tampa Bay Rays INF Taylor Walls
Detroit Tigers LHP Eduardo Rodriguez
Philadelphia Phillies LHP José Alvarado