The fantasy baseball world is constantly evolving, with new players emerging and surprising performances reshaping rosters. This week, the spotlight shines on Kyren Paris, an infielder for the Los Angeles Angels who is quickly becoming a hot name on the waiver wire. While he might not have been on your radar before, his recent performance suggests he could be a valuable addition, especially in categories leagues. This article dives into Paris’s potential, alongside other waiver wire targets, to help you make informed decisions and bolster your fantasy team.
We’ll explore why Paris is suddenly attracting attention, assess his long-term prospects, and consider whether he’s worth a roster spot. Beyond Paris, we’ll also identify other players who could make an impact, including Shane Smith, Josh Jung, Dillon Dingler and a familiar name in Sean Murphy. Get ready to navigate the waiver wire and discover the talent that could propel your team to victory.
Kyren Paris: The New Waiver Wire Wonder?
Kyren Paris’s name might not have been uttered much in the fantasy baseball sphere until recently. Despite showing glimpses of power and speed in the minor leagues, a high strikeout rate cast doubt on his ability to translate those skills to the major league level. However, a recent surge in performance has forced fantasy managers to take notice.
Paris’s first home run and impressive .429/.538/.952 hitting line have compelled the Angels to give him consistent playing time. This opportunity comes after a strong spring training where he slashed .400/.449/.667. While it’s tempting to dismiss this as a small sample size anomaly, there’s more to the story. According to Richard Schenck, Aaron Judge’s personal hitting coach, Paris underwent a significant swing change this spring, potentially unlocking his true potential.
Whether Paris can maintain this level of production remains to be seen, but his intriguing skill set warrants attention. If he has indeed solved his contact issues, he could become a valuable asset in fantasy leagues. However, with Zach Neto’s return from a rehab assignment looming, Paris’s window of opportunity might be limited. Fantasy managers in categories leagues with flexible roster spots should consider adding Paris to their roster. He could be a worthwhile gamble in case he turns out to be the real deal.
Shane Smith: A Diamond in the Rough?
Shane Smith of the White Sox has emerged as a potential surprise from the Rule 5 draft. His recent performance, including nine whiffs on 83 pitches against a tough Cleveland Guardians lineup, has caught the attention of fantasy managers. One particular whiff that came from Steven Kwan, underscored his potential.
Smith’s RP eligibility makes him a valuable asset in points leagues. However, his impressive minor league stats, including a 29.6% strikeout rate and a 3.06 ERA last season, suggest he could be more than just a reliever. Fantasy managers seeking pitching depth should consider adding Smith, especially if he continues to perform at this level.
Josh Jung: The Injured, But Talented Third Baseman
Josh Jung of the Texas Rangers is back from the injured list, showcasing the talent that has always been evident. Despite a history of injuries, Jung’s potential is undeniable. In 2023, he hit 23 home runs with 70 RBIs and 75 runs in 122 games. If he can stay healthy, Jung offers 30-homer upside in a potent Rangers lineup.
Fantasy managers should exercise caution given Jung’s injury history, but his potential impact is too significant to ignore. Adding him to your roster carries risk, but the reward could be a significant boost in power and run production. Currently only rostered in 71% of leagues, Jung is a solid add for your team.
Dillon Dingler: The Tigers’ New Catching Option
Dillon Dingler of the Detroit Tigers is poised to take on a bigger role with Jake Rogers on the injured list. While not a top prospect, Dingler has shown solid power in the minor leagues, hitting .257/.344/.458 with even better numbers in Triple-A. His strong start to the season, including two home runs, suggests he could be a viable option for fantasy managers in need of a No. 2 catcher.
Currently only rostered in 8% of leagues, Dingler is poised for a major increase in those numbers. If you’re cycling through underwhelming catching options, Dingler is worth a look. His power potential could provide a boost to your lineup.
Sean Murphy: A Catcher to Target
Sean Murphy of the Atlanta Braves is another catcher to consider. He’s widely available in many leagues. While the Braves may manage his playing time carefully with prospect Drake Baldwin in the mix, Murphy’s potential is undeniable. If he can stay healthy and replicate his 2023 production, he’s a must-start catcher in two-catcher leagues.
Fantasy managers should check if Murphy is available in their leagues and consider adding him if possible. His track record and potential upside make him a valuable asset.
Landen Roupp: A Giants Pitching Option
Landen Roupp of the San Francisco Giants is an RP-eligible pitcher who warrants consideration. His recent performance against the Cincinnati Reds, allowing just one run in six innings, is encouraging. While his seven whiffs weren’t dominant, he limited hard contact effectively.
Roupp’s strong minor league track record and the Giants’ strong team make him a potentially valuable SPaRP (Starting Pitcher as Relief Pitcher). However, fantasy managers should look for more upside before viewing him as more than a matchup-dependent option.
Easton Lucas: A Blue Jays Sleeper
Easton Lucas of the Toronto Blue Jays has emerged as a potential sleeper after taking a shutout into the sixth inning against the Boston Red Sox with eight strikeouts. While he is 28 and has limited experience as a starter, his success in longer outings across three Triple-A teams last season suggests he could be worth a look.
Lucas is likely an AL-only target for now. However, his recent performance warrants attention. He could be another Bowden Francis story in the making.
Conclusion: Navigating the Waiver Wire for Fantasy Success
The fantasy baseball waiver wire is a crucial tool for building a winning team. This week, Kyren Paris emerges as a particularly intriguing option. His combination of potential, recent performance, and a notable swing change make him worth a gamble in categories leagues. However, fantasy managers should also consider other players like Shane Smith, Josh Jung, Dillon Dingler, Sean Murphy, Landen Roupp and Easton Lucas to bolster their rosters.
Staying informed, assessing risk, and making strategic decisions are key to navigating the waiver wire successfully. By carefully evaluating these players and their potential impact, you can improve your team’s chances of success in the long run.
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