Patrick Wisdom – 3B, 1B, OF, CHI (27.6% Rostered ESPN)
Season stats: 15 G, .281 AVG, 13 RBIs, 8 HRs, .339 OBP, .754 SLG, 1.093 OPS
Patrick Wisdom has been on a tear lately, belting five home runs in four consecutive games this week. Wisdom has never recorded a 30-HR season before, but his scorching start to the season cannot be ignored. With an improved Cubs lineup, Wisdom could be in line for a career-high in RBIs.
He has showcased some sneaky power in his career, hitting at least 25 home runs in each of the past two years, so this could be a breakthrough year for him. Wisdom also offers positional flexibility as a 3B, 1B, and OF in Yahoo leagues but he is only listed as a 3B on ESPN.
Cody Bellinger – OF, CHI (52.2% Rostered ESPN)
Season stats: 16 G, .302 AVG, 11 RBIs, 3 HRs, .357 OBP, .492 SLG, .849 OPS
John Anotonoff/Sun-Times
Given that he is a former MVP, Bellinger is certainly worth a look on the waiver wire. He looked like a superstar in his first three big league seasons before mysteriously falling off a cliff, hitting at a dreadful .210 clip in 2022.
However, his batting average is above .300 for the first time since his 2019 MVP season, and he has three home runs so far, so perhaps the 27-year-old could see a resurgent year in his first season with the Cubs.
Logan O’Hoppe – C, LAA (46.5% Rostered ESPN)
Season stats: 14 G, .250 AVG, 11 RBIs, 4 HRs, .315 OBP, .521 SLG, .836 OPS
The Angels’ rookie catcher has emerged as an early contender for AL Rookie of the Year, showcasing an impressive mix of average and power for a young catcher. In fact, he currently leads the team in home runs, tied with megastar Shohei Ohtani.
With plenty of offensive skill around him, O’Hoppe could continue to make good on RBI opportunities, making him a valuable asset for catcher-needy teams.
Jorge Mateo– SS, BAL (65.1% Rostered ESPN)
Season stats: 15 G, .370 AVG, 12 RBIs, 8 SBs, 3 HRs, .426 OBP, .652 SLG, 1.078 OPS
The Orioles’ leadoff speedster has impressed to start the season, sporting a gaudy .370 batting average. He also has eight stolen bases already, which has only added value to his three home runs and twelve RBIs.
If he can continue hitting and stealing bags at a ridiculous clip, Mateo could provide seamless value for fantasy lineups as an everyday player.
Elias Diaz – C, COL (39.2% Rostered ESPN)
Season stats: 18 G, .345 AVG, 10 RBIs, 2 HRs, .400 OBP, .545 SLG, .945 OPSVeteran Elias Diaz has never been known for generating a wealth of offensive production, but he is seeing the ball well so far this year and could be worth adding if you are struggling to find production at Catcher.
His .345 batting average is not sustainable, but the production cannot be ignored. Diaz has managed an 18-HR season before, so hopefully he can maintain a solid average while improving on a lackluster nine home run season last year.
