The fantasy baseball season is in full swing, and Week 3 brings a fresh set of waiver wire opportunities. As fantasy managers navigate injuries and underperforming players, identifying key pickups becomes crucial. This week, Jonathan Aranda emerges as a must-add player due to his impressive performance and favorable situation. Tampa Bay Rays’ Jonathan Aranda is making waves in fantasy baseball. Fantasy baseball analyst Dalton Del Don highlights several players to consider adding to your roster.
Aranda’s hot streak, combined with his favorable hitting environment, makes him a valuable asset for any fantasy team. Beyond Aranda, other potential pickups include Chandler Simpson with his blazing speed, Nick Kurtz, a power-hitting prospect on the cusp of a call-up, and Tyler Fitzgerald, benefiting from advice from the legendary Barry Bonds. This article delves into why these players, especially Jonathan Aranda, should be prioritized on the waiver wire.
Jonathan Aranda: A Fantasy Baseball Gem
Jonathan Aranda has quickly become a fantasy baseball darling, boasting a .377 batting average and a remarkable 238 wRC+, placing him among the league’s elite hitters. His average exit velocity sits in the 98th percentile, showcasing his ability to consistently hit the ball hard. While Aranda is part of a platoon, he bats cleanup against right-handed pitchers, maximizing his opportunities for RBIs and run production.
One significant factor boosting Aranda’s value is his improved hitting environment. Leaving Tropicana Field for the hitter-friendly Steinbrenner Field has further amplified his offensive potential. His current roster percentage (47%) doesn’t reflect his true value, making him available in a majority of leagues. Aranda’s performance demands immediate attention from fantasy managers.
Aranda’s impressive stats speak volumes about his potential impact. His high batting average and wRC+ indicate a player who is not only hitting for average but also driving in runs and contributing significantly to his team’s offense. The move to Steinbrenner Field further enhances his prospects, making him an even more attractive option for fantasy managers. He is a must-add in all fantasy leagues.
Key Takeaway: Jonathan Aranda’s exceptional performance, favorable hitting environment, and undervalued roster percentage make him a top priority on the waiver wire.
Chandler Simpson: The Steal Specialist
Chandler Simpson brings a unique dimension to fantasy baseball with his elite speed. Last season, he hit .355 with an astounding 104 steals across 110 minor league games. With 215 stolen bases in 250 career minor league games, Simpson’s calling card is evident: speed, speed, and more speed. Called up to Tampa Bay, Simpson offers little in terms of power, but his low strikeout rate and 80-grade speed suggest a solid batting average.
Manager Kevin Cash has indicated that Simpson will receive a genuine opportunity to showcase his talents. While his exact role remains undefined, his speed alone makes him a worthwhile addition to fantasy rosters. Stolen bases are a scarce commodity in fantasy baseball, and Simpson provides a potential source of them. He is a valuable asset in formats that reward stolen bases.
Simpson’s impact will largely depend on his ability to get on base. His low strikeout rate is encouraging, as it suggests he can put the ball in play consistently. If he can maintain a decent batting average, his speed will make him a constant threat to steal bases. For fantasy managers seeking a boost in stolen bases, Simpson is an intriguing option.
Key Takeaway: Chandler Simpson’s exceptional speed and potential for stolen bases make him a valuable waiver wire target, especially in leagues that emphasize stolen bases.
Nick Kurtz: Power Hitter on the Horizon
Nick Kurtz is rapidly ascending through the minor leagues, and his power potential is undeniable. Leading the minors with seven home runs in just 16 Triple-A games, Kurtz’s call-up to Sacramento appears imminent. The Athletics have begun shifting Brent Rooker to the outfield, seemingly clearing a path for Kurtz to assume the designated hitter role. As the No. 4 pick in last year’s draft, Kurtz possesses an advanced bat that could translate quickly to the major leagues.
The move to Sacramento is particularly favorable for A’s hitters, as Sutter Health Field has been playing as a hitter’s paradise. Early in 2025, the park has boosted run scoring by 25% while decreasing strikeouts (-24%) and increasing walks (+36%) for left-handed batters. Kurtz’s combination of power and contact ability should play exceptionally well in Sacramento once the weather heats up.
Kurtz is available in nearly 80% of Yahoo leagues, but his availability won’t last long once he gets the call-up. Fantasy managers who are patient and proactive should consider stashing Kurtz on their rosters. His power potential and favorable hitting environment make him a high-upside prospect worth monitoring closely.
Key Takeaway: Nick Kurtz’s power potential, impending call-up, and favorable hitting environment in Sacramento make him a high-priority stash for fantasy managers seeking a boost in home runs.
Tyler Fitzgerald: The Versatile Talent
Tyler Fitzgerald offers a blend of power and speed, making him an intriguing option for fantasy managers. Despite a slow start, Fitzgerald has significantly improved his OPS over the past week, thanks in part to advice from Barry Bonds. With a .309/.345/.527 line (145 wRC+) over 60 plate appearances, Fitzgerald has demonstrated his ability to contribute in multiple categories.
One notable improvement in Fitzgerald’s game is his decreased strikeout rate, dropping from 31.7% last season to 25.0% this year. While batting average risk remains, his counting stats should benefit from playing in a Giants’ lineup that has been scoring runs at an impressive rate. Fitzgerald’s eligibility at multiple positions (2B/SS/OF) adds to his value, providing roster flexibility.
Since the start of last season, Fitzgerald has combined for 38 home runs and stolen bases in just 369 at-bats. His ability to contribute in both power and speed categories makes him a rare and valuable commodity in fantasy baseball. Fantasy managers in need of a versatile player with upside should consider adding Fitzgerald to their rosters.
Key Takeaway: Tyler Fitzgerald’s versatility, improving performance, and potential for both power and speed make him a valuable addition to fantasy rosters, particularly in leagues that reward multi-position eligibility.
Austin Hays: The Reds’ Cleanup Hitter
Austin Hays, now healthy and batting cleanup for the Cincinnati Reds, presents an intriguing option for fantasy managers. After a season marred by injuries, Hays is looking to regain his form. In his first three starts since returning from the IL, he has already homered twice and accumulated six RBIs. Great American Ballpark, which has boosted home runs for righties by 21% over the past three seasons, provides a favorable hitting environment for Hays.
Currently available in over 90% of Yahoo leagues, Hays represents a sneaky add for fantasy managers seeking outfield help. His ability to bat cleanup in a hitter-friendly ballpark gives him ample opportunities to drive in runs and contribute to his team’s offense. Hays’ roster percentage is likely to rise soon, so fantasy managers should act quickly to acquire his services.
Hays’ success will depend on his ability to stay healthy and maintain his spot in the Reds’ lineup. If he can do that, his power potential and favorable hitting environment make him a valuable asset for fantasy teams. Managers in need of outfield depth should consider adding Hays to their rosters.
Key Takeaway: Austin Hays’ cleanup role in a hitter-friendly ballpark makes him a sneaky add for fantasy managers seeking outfield help, particularly in leagues that reward home runs and RBIs.
Waiver Wire Wisdom: Making the Right Choices
Navigating the waiver wire is a critical aspect of fantasy baseball. Identifying players who can provide immediate value or offer long-term potential can make a significant difference in a team’s success. This week, Jonathan Aranda stands out as the premier waiver wire target due to his exceptional performance and favorable situation. While other players like Chandler Simpson, Nick Kurtz, Tyler Fitzgerald, and Austin Hays offer unique skill sets and intriguing potential.
Jonathan Aranda’s hot streak, combined with his favorable hitting environment, makes him a must-add player in all fantasy leagues. Chandler Simpson’s elite speed, Nick Kurtz’s power potential, Tyler Fitzgerald’s versatility, and Austin Hays’ cleanup role all make them intriguing options for fantasy managers seeking to improve their rosters. It’s essential to stay active on the waiver wire and make informed decisions based on your team’s specific needs.
By carefully evaluating player performance, potential, and situation, fantasy managers can unearth valuable gems on the waiver wire. This proactive approach can help teams stay competitive and make a push for the championship. Week 3 presents an opportunity to make strategic additions, and the players highlighted in this article represent some of the most promising options available.
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