Top 3 Waiver Wire Pick Ups: Week 9

If your fantasy team is struggling at a few positions, whether it be by injuries or slumps, here are some hot waiver wire hitters that can help you this week.

Time has certainly flown by, as it seems to every year in fantasy baseball. Week 9 is here, so it is certainly time to help your team get much-needed wins. If you’re lacking at positions like first, second, outfield, or just in need of a slight boost, read ahead. These three hitters have been on recent hot streaks, and can be more than beneficial for you this week.

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Joe Mauer (1B) – Twins

I like to call Joe Mauer “Old Reliable.” Year in and year out, Mauer has proven to be one of the most consistent baseball and fantasy players in all of the MLB. He is certainly a man you can trust at first base. He is yet again off to a solid start to his 2016 campaign. Mauer brings a hot hand into week 9 for the Twins.

This past week, Mauer ranks third, yes third among all of the batters in fantasy baseball. For a free agent in most fantasy leagues, this is an eye opener. Mauer is only owned 35.5% of ESPN leagues. He has accumulated the second most hits this week with 10, behind only the Rays, Logan Morrison, who too has had a hot hand. Mauer has at least one hit in each of his last five games, which includes three long balls and six RBI.

Over the course of the season thus far, Mauer has a steady .287 average, with five home runs and 17 RBI. The 33-year-old former catcher even has a stolen base this season. Mauer currently ranks 13th among fantasy first baseman in terms of points. He is ahead of some big names in points this season. Names which include the likes of Jose Abreu, Joey Votto, Adrian Gonzalez, and Chris Davis. It is impressive for Mauer to be out-performing such talented players. It says a great deal for his value moving forward.

First baseman typically have a lot of power which results in many strikeouts, but this is not the case for Mauer. This ups his value because he does accumulate negative points too often. He was always great at making contact with the ball. He will be facing Oakland in the beginning of the week, so look for him to score some more against their weak pitching staff.

2. Chase Utley (2B) – Dodgers

Chase Utley appears to be on a resurgence here in 2016. Utley to begin the year has already accumulated 47 hits. He brings into week 9 a, .296 batting average with four home runs and 19 RBI. What really catches my eye however, is his 29 runs scored this season. Utley had a lack luster 2015 season, especially after being traded from the Phillies to the Dodgers. He appears to be settling in and adjusting to LA so far this season.

Utley, this past week, has been on a tear. He has scored six runs, hit two home runs, and knocked in a highly impressive nine RBI. The Dodgers second baseman has also hit safely in the last five games he has played in. Much like Joe Mauer, Utley too ranks in the top 6 in fantasy points for all fantasy hitters this past week. And he is only owned in 20.7% of ESPN leagues, so he will be available for most fantasy players to grab if they are in need.

Utley can be a helpful pick up here in week 9 as he ranks in the top 10 for all fantasy second baseman in terms of points so far this season. If you own the currently suspended Rougned Odor, or just have a lesser valued second baseman, Utley can help your squad this week. Later in the week, the Dodgers play the Braves, who too have a relatively weak rotation, that Utley has seen many times before from when he played in Philly.

3. Randal Grichuk (OF) – Cardinals

Cardinals young outfielder Randal Grichuk possess a lot of power. He showed this last year when he really got his chance with the Cardinals, hitting 17 homers and 47 RBI in 103 games played. The .237 average he currently maintains will go up as he gets more plate appearances. Playing in his first full season, Grichuk is a threat to hit 20+ home runs and 80+ RBI.

Grichuk ranks in the top 10 in points among fantasy outfielders this past week. He has hit safely in five of his last seven games and appears to be heating up this season. After an impressive 2015 season, owners began to question his value here in 2016. In the upcoming weeks, I don’t believe there will be much to doubt any longer for the 24-year old. He possesses much talent and batting in the Cardinals lineup, he has the chance to do some fantasy damage to other teams.

Grichuk is owned in 58 % of leagues out there, so he is still readily available for many of you to still grab if you need outfield help here in week 9. Grichuk too, will face a weak pitching staff early in the week when the Cardinals take on the Milwaukee Brewers. He’ll certainly have a chance to show off his power there.

All three of the hitters just mentioned have been on recent hot streaks and look for them to continue this upcoming week in fantasy. They can be a great boost for your team if you are lacking at one of their positions at the current time. As the season rolls on, I believe all of these players can continue at this relative pace. All are exceptionally talented at their respective positions and at the plate.

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