Fantasy Baseball Waiver Watch: Opening Day Edition
It’s finally here, the start of a new MLB season.
That means it’s time for a whole new season of fantasy baseball and already time to try and find diamonds in the rough that may have gone undrafted.
Here’s a look at some players who may fit that description.
Josh Jung, 3B, Texas Rangers (rostered in 22.2% of ESPN Leagues)
If you’re looking for a player who could turn out to be a good long-term investment, this is a great start.
Jung was coming off surgery to repair a torn labrum in his left shoulder last season, thus he didn’t make his MLB debut until September.
Although he hit a home run in his first at-bat, he finished with a .204 average and five home runs.
Jung is the top prospect in the Rangers’ system and has a bright future ahead of him, so if he wins the third base job out of spring training, a quality rookie season could be on the horizon.
Trey Mancini, 1B/OF/DH, Chicago Cubs (rostered in 15.6% of ESPN Leagues)
Mancini had gotten off to another hot start last season before the trade deadline, hitting at a .268 clip at Camden Yards which has become increasingly more pitcher friendly.
But after hitting just .158 for the World Series champion Houston Astros post-deadline, Mancini’s fantasy value has taken a dip headed into the new season.
Now given a fresh start with the Cubs, Mancini could be an interesting pick if you’re willing to bet on the success he had pre-deadline and in his last four seasons where he hit 20+ home runs.
The ability to start him at three different positions doesn’t hurt either.
Marcus Stroman, SP, Chicago Cubs (rostered in 27.1% of ESPN Leagues)
Moving to another well-known Cub, Stroman didn’t find the same success in his first season in the Windy City compared to his prior season with the Mets.
In his 25 starts, Stroman had a 3.50 ERA and 119 strikeouts in his 138.2 innings pitched.
Stroman comes into the 2023 season as the Cubs’ ace as he is set to start their Opening Day contest against the Brewers.
The Cubs also added Dansby Swanson and Cody Bellinger over the offseason who should provide help for Stroman defensively making him a solid option on a fantasy roster.
Daniel Hudson, RP, Los Angeles Dodgers (rostered in 9.3% of ESPN Leagues)
Here’s another investment pick for your roster.
Hudson is still recovering from a knee injury, but manager Dave Roberts mentioned that a return in April isn’t off the table.
When that return comes, Hudson should have a chance to be the Dodgers’ closer with Craig Kimbrel having departed to the Phillies.
Hudson had five saves with a 2.22 ERA last season for the Dodgers even with Kimbrel on the active roster.
Logan Bourandas is a senior majoring in broadcast journalism. To contact him, email lxb5412@psu.edu.
