Effective use of the waiver wire is essential for season-long success in fantasy baseball. This article will assist in identifying which players are easily accessible for pickup in the majority of forms each week of the 2024 campaign. Long-term and/or short-term support for fantasy rosters should come from all of them.
*At the time of writing, less than 70% of Yahoo! Leagues had rostered players on the Waiver Wire Adds list for this week. The statistics are current as of June 25.
Waiver Wire Hitters: Byron Buxton, OF, Minnesota Twins (40%)
### Climb Aboard the Buxton Train
Byron Buxton is on a hot streak and it’s time to get back on his bandwagon. Though he’s often derailed by injuries, Buxton is currently performing at a high level. As of Wednesday, he has homered in his last two games and doubled in his last four. Over his past 15 games, he boasts a .345 average with a .997 OPS, eight extra-base hits, and 10 RBI.
Buxton has also improved his strikeout rate (20.7%) while achieving impressive metrics: a 51.2% HardHit%, a 93.1 mph average exit velocity, and a 32.6% line drive rate. His speed is a bonus, having stolen three bases in three attempts during this period.
### Chas McCormick – OF, Houston Astros (28%)
Chas McCormick had a breakout 2023 season with an .842 OPS, 22 homers, and 19 stolen bases over 115 games, raising expectations for 2024. However, he struggled in the first half, hindered by a hamstring injury in April. Recently, McCormick has shown signs of life, hitting his first homer on June 15 and adding two more a week later. Over his last seven games, he’s 6-for-20 with eight RBI, six runs, and two steals.
### Hunter Goodman – C/1B/OF, Colorado Rockies (11%)
Hunter Goodman had a standout performance on June 15, going 4-for-5 with two homers against the Pirates. Since then, he has secured regular playing time at DH, catcher, and both corner outfield spots. Goodman’s power has been impressive, with five homers, a double, and 10 RBI over his last 10 games, accompanied by a 55.6% HardHit%. While he lacks speed and may struggle with batting average, he’s a strong option for power-hungry fantasy managers.
### Pitchers on the Waiver Wire
**Tobias Myers – SP, Milwaukee Brewers (44%)**
Tobias Myers, a 25-year-old righty, has taken full advantage of his long-awaited MLB opportunity. With a 4-0 record in June, Myers has allowed only two runs (0.71 ERA) across 25.1 innings, with 18 strikeouts (19.8%), a 32.8% HardHit%, and a .153 AVG against. Although his .182 BABIP indicates some luck, Myers’ recent performance is notable.
**Alex Vesia – RP, Los Angeles Dodgers (14%)**
Despite Evan Phillips being ahead of him for saves, Alex Vesia picked up his fourth save this past Monday after Phillips pitched the eighth. Vesia’s dominance in 2024, especially recently, could lead to a closer committee with Phillips. Over his last 12 outings, Vesia has allowed just one run (0.73 ERA) on four hits and two walks, with 18 strikeouts (41.9 K%) across 12.1 innings.
