MLB

Fantasy Baseball Waiver Wire Adds: Week 19

Recently acquired prospect Josiah Gray is looking to stick in the rotation for the Nationals, and he could have some major utility down the stretch. Who else should we look to add?

With the 2021 baseball season in full swing, nailing the waiver wire and the players available are critical to beating out your league-mates in season-long leagues.

Each week we will take a look at players who are rostered in fewer than 50% of Yahoo leagues and can help out your season-long squads. Remember, if you aren’t scouring the waiver wire, you are falling behind.

Kyle Farmer, 2B/SS/3B, Cincinnati Reds

Roster Percentage: 49%

With the trade deadline passed, it looks like the Cincinnati Reds have given up on the Eugenio Suarez experience at shortstop. That's good news for Kyle Farmer, and the former catcher-turned infielder is commanding the lion's share of the at-bats.

Farmer has been batting in the middle of the lineup, and he has been excellent -- over the last month, he has smacked four homers and logged a .385 batting average and 1.127 OPS to his name.

The Reds look primed to make a big run in the NL Central, and Farmer should be a big part of that.

Josiah Gray, SP, Washington Nationals

Roster Percentage: 27%

When you don't really have many options to turn to, sometimes your mega prospect gets the ball. Josiah Gray fits that bill, and there's plenty to get excited about here.

While things have been a bit bumpy, Gray is a big-time arm and was the centerpiece in Washington Nationals' return when they traded Max Scherzer and Trea Turner to the Los Angeles Dodgers.

Gray has whiffed 13 batters so far in eight innings pitched, and his lowest strikeout rate in any level is 25.5%.

The 23-year-old could very well make two starts this week, so if you want to play for upside, peep Gray.

Rafael Ortega, OF, Chicago Cubs

Roster Percentage: 9%

Where in the heck did this come from with Rafael Ortega?

After blasting three homers in a single game against Erick Fedde, the power-speed combo for the Chicago Cubs outfielder may finally be ready to shine. This season, Ortega has logged six homers and four steals, and with the Atlanta Braves organization in 2019, Ortega recorded 21 home runs and 14 steals.

If you need help in the outfield, consider Ortega.

Kyle Finnegan, RP, Washington Nationals

Roster Percentage: 40%

With a lot of roster turnover in Washington, Kyle Finnegan looks to be the man in the closer role in DC. Can he stick with that role?

So far, the early results are certainly promising. He's nailed down a few saves and logged a win in relief, and he's been lights out with a 24.6% strikeout rate so far this year and just two earned runs allowed in his last 14 outings.

Keep a close eye on this situation, but it should be his job to lose.

Notable Two-Start Pitchers to Consider This Week

Jose Suarez (LAA) -- at TEX, at LAD
Josiah Gray (WAS) -- vs PHI, at ATL

Games in Coors Field This Week

Chicago Cubs (3), Miami Marlins (3)