Fantasy baseball players never know where value might come from on the waiver wire. If a top prospect is called up that's one thing. But when a veteran starts performing out of nowhere, it's time to take notice.
There's always a reason for a player to gain value. Could be a simple hot streak at the dish or a new opportunity in the lineup. The same goes for pitchers, who string together numerous quality starts or perhaps become their team's closer.
Whatever the situation, fantasy baseball players must be on high alert. While the stars on your team are already rostered, the waiver wire helps you supplement their value. Finding a player with draft day value in Week 14 can change the trajectory of your season.
With one special caveat, every player on this list is readily available in most ESPN fantasy baseball leagues. All four could be the secret weapon to at least a Week 15 victory.
Max Scherzer, SP – Texas Rangers
Max Scherzer is the only player on this list owned in more than 30 percent of fantasy baseball leagues. However, with his return imminent, it is imperative he isn't available on the waiver wire in your league for much longer.
Scherzer is set to make his 2024 debut on Sunday after battling back from back and thumb injuries. At age 38 and entering his 17th MLB season, Mad Max may not be the pitcher he once was. But when he is on he is still one of the best in the league. Scherzer's first year in Texas saw him throw to a 9-4 record with a 4.01 ERA and a 121/30 K/BB ratio.
As the Rangers look to defend their World Series crown, they'll be relying on Scherzer to help them surge up the standings. Fantasy baseball owners should do the same, as name-brand starting pitching isn't often found on the waiver wire.
Week 14 makes the last week that Scherzer will be freely available.
Connor Wong, C – Boston Red Sox
Catcher is one of the trickiest positions to manage in fantasy baseball. While strong at the top, value at backstop wittles away once the options dwindle away. However, Connor Wong is proving to the Red Sox and fantasy baseball owners that he can more than fill the role.
Through 56 games in 2024, Wong is hitting .333 with six home runs, 27 RBI and three stolen bases. Already soaring past his career-best at batting average, Wong is only four home runs, 10 RBI and six stolen bases from setting new career-highs in all categories.
If he continues the torrid pace, Wong will soar past those totals. Over his his 18 games, the backstop is hitting .333 with a home run, nine stolen bases and three steals.
When he is in the lineup, Wong often bats between third and fifth in the lineup. It only gives him more opportunities to drive in runs. With options at catcher weak, Wong gives fantasy owners an option not many expected to be a 2024 waiver wire pickup.
Carlos Santana, 1B – Minnesota Twins
In terms of players on a hot streak, Minnesota Twins slugger Carlos Santana might be the most surprising. However, the waiver wire plays no favorites, and Santana makes for a strong add entering Week 14.
During the month of June, Santana is hitting .364 with four home runs, 15 RBI and 10 runs scored. It has raised his season average to .243 as he now has 12 long balls, 38 RBI, 28 runs scored and even two steals.
When Santana is in the lineup, he bats fifth or sixth. Much like Wong, if runners get on base in front of him, the veteran now has more chances to drive in runs. Santana has proven he can be a pivotal part of Minnesota's offense through the month of June.
Fantasy baseball managers will now wonder if the first baseman can continue his hot streak. While only the month of July has the answers, Santana is certainly worth a waiver wire pickup as long as he is swinging the way he is.
Tobias Myers, SP – Milwaukee Brewers
Tobias Myers was a member of five other organizations before he joined the Milwaukee Brewers. He never got into a major league game with any of them. But once given an opportunity in Milwaukee, Myers became a diamond in the rough for the Brewers.
Through his first 10 games at the major league level, Myers holds a 4-2 record with a 3.26 ERA and a 42/16 K/BB ratio. While his ERA is more than impressive already, it was ballooned due to a few blow ups. Myers allowed four runs in his first two starts and another five on May 31 against the Chicago White Sox. But in every other appearance in 2024, Myers hasn't allowed more than one more.
The right-hander took on the Los Angeles Angels in his latest outing. He pitched 6.1 innings of scoreless baseball, allowing four hits and two walks while striking out six. The Angels may not be the scariest lineup, but the start once again proved Myers rise to prominence.
With each strong performance, Myers' ownership percentage will only shoot up. Coming off the Angels matchup, Week 14 makes for a good time to add him off of waivers.
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