Young Prospects to Watch in Fantasy Baseball Waiver Wire Pickups for Week 23
With September around the corner, fantasy baseball managers are preparing for the final stretch of the regular season. Whether you are in contention for a championship or trying to finish strong in your league, it’s never too late to improve your team by scouring the waiver wire for impactful players. This week, we will focus on young prospects who have the potential to make a difference in the weeks to come. In particular, we will look at second base and shortstop options that can bolster your fantasy roster. Let’s dive into the top waiver wire pickups for Week 23 (August 28 to September 3) and highlight some promising prospects.
Ezequiel Tovar (2B/SS, Colorado Rockies – 30% rostered)
Despite being on the Rockies’ roster since Opening Day, Ezequiel Tovar is still widely available in fantasy leagues. The 21-year-old infielder had a slow start to the season but has shown significant improvement since May. With a slash line of .272/.306/.469, 15 home runs, and seven stolen bases, Tovar offers a mix of power and speed. Fantasy managers should take advantage of his recent production, especially with a full week of home games at Coors Field.
Royce Lewis (SS/3B, Minnesota Twins – 37% rostered)
Royce Lewis has been a force to be reckoned with whenever he’s been healthy in the MLB. Despite dealing with injuries, Lewis has put up impressive numbers in just 35 games this season. He boasts a superb slash line of .328/.377/.508, along with six home runs, 17 runs scored, 20 RBI, and two stolen bases. Lewis also ranks highly in batted-ball metrics, showcasing his power potential. Given his everyday at-bats in a strong Twins lineup, Lewis should be an automatic start in fantasy leagues.
Osleivis Basabe (SS, Tampa Bay Rays – 49% rostered)
Osleivis Basabe is one of the most exciting rookie prospects to enter the fantasy baseball scene. The 22-year-old was called up from Triple-A after the Rays had a sudden opening at shortstop. In Triple-A, Basabe compiled an impressive .296/.351/.426 slash line with 16 stolen bases. Since his call-up, he has continued to impress, batting .308 with his first MLB home run, nine runs scored, and nine RBI in just 11 games. While power might not be his strongest suit, Basabe’s hit tool and position in a stacked Rays lineup make him a valuable fantasy asset, particularly for those in need of steals.
Noelvi Marte (SS, Cincinnati Reds – 10% rostered)
The Reds recently called up 21-year-old Noelvi Marte following the trade for Luis Castillo last season. Although Marte’s bat has been slow to develop in the majors, he has already showcased his speed, stealing three bases without being caught. Between Double-A and Triple-A, Marte posted 11 home runs and 18 stolen bases, along with a .280 batting average and a .360 on-base percentage. With the opportunity to play in a hitter-friendly park alongside a talented Reds lineup, Marte has the potential to contribute double-digit steals for fantasy managers in need of speed.
Masyn Winn (SS, St. Louis Cardinals – 7% rostered)
While this section usually highlights a minor leaguer on the verge of a promotion, it’s worth paying attention to Masyn Winn, the top prospect for the Cardinals. Although he has struggled in his initial MLB performance, Winn’s pedigree is undeniable. In Triple-A, he displayed his power and speed potential, hitting 17 home runs and stealing 18 bases in 105 games. While Winn might be more suited for deeper leagues at the moment, fantasy managers should not overlook his potential as a valuable asset.
In conclusion, as the fantasy baseball season heads towards its final stages, it’s crucial to capitalize on the potential impact of young prospects. The waiver wire offers a valuable opportunity to strengthen your team, particularly at second base and shortstop positions. Ezequiel Tovar, Royce Lewis, Osleivis Basabe, Noelvi Marte, and Masyn Winn are all exciting options to consider. Take a closer look at their performances and make the necessary additions to your roster to maximize your chances of fantasy baseball glory.
