We have now reached the final week of the 2023 MLB and fantasy baseball seasons. For those who are in the thick of things in a roto league, this is the last chance to lock up either a top-three spot or even first place. With that said, let’s take a look at which pitchers are worth a look on the waiver wire in Week 25 of the 2023 fantasy baseball campaign.
Related: 2023 Fantasy Baseball: Five Hitters to Target on the Waiver Wire (Week 25)
Jose Alvarado
The Phillies ran with Jose Alvarado as the de facto closer throughout much of April and early May, but Craig Kimbrel supplanted the lefty after he landed on the IL with elbow inflammation. Alvarado’s been struggling with inflammation for much of the season, but he’s back on track now and looks to be inching closer to be the main guy for saves in Philadelphia.
Alvarado has picked up four saves in the month of September, three of which came after September 12. Kimbrel, meanwhile, hasn’t recorded a save since September 11 and blew his fourth save of the year on September 22 after a Brett Baty home run.
Sawyer Gipson-Long
Tigers RHP Sawyer Gipson-Long was on this list last week and he returns for Week 25. He didn’t get a win on September 22 against the A’s, but Gipson-Long did pitch five quality innings and lowered his career MLB era to 2.40 ERA. Not to mention, he owns a 20:6 K:BB ratio over 15 innings.
Gipson-Long will likely get just one more start this season, but his stuff has impressed and the righty possesses sleeper potential over the final week.
John Means
Orioles left-hander John Means made his third start since returning from the IL this past week, and it was his best to date. On September 23, the 30-year-old gave up just one run in 7.1 IP and struck out four against the Guardians to pick up his first win since September 20, 2021 against the Phillies.
Means has only struck out six in 17.1 innings this season, but those numbers have a chance to improve over the final week. The left-hander is tentatively set to face the Red Sox this weekend.
Clarke Schmidt
There aren’t many readily available options for those who want to grab a pitcher that will get two starts over the final week. But one name that is available in most leagues is Yankees right-hander Clarke Schmidt. Schmidt’s September has not been good, as he owns a 5.40 ERA across three starts (16.2 IP). However, he does have an opportunity to end 2023 on the right note.
Schmidt will start on the 25th against the Diamondbacks, and likely again this coming weekend against the Royals. The righty will look to put himself in the conversation for a permanent rotation spot next season.
Allan Winans
Braves SP Allan Winans doesn’t have overpowering stuff, as he relies heavily on his changeup, low-90s heater, and slider to change speeds and mess with hitters’ timing. Thus far, it’s worked for the 28-year-old rookie. Thrust into the rotation yet again, Winans — who owns a 4.33 ERA and 32:6 K:BB ratio through 27 innings — struck out six over five innings on September 24 in what was a tough loss against the Nationals.
The Braves rotation is in a rocky position heading into the 2023 MLB Postseason, as Max Fried and Charlie Morton are on the IL. With all of those injuries, it wouldn’t be a shock to see Winans, who’s pitched well in his brief time in the Majors, get another look before the NLDS.
With this being the last waiver wire list of the 2023 fantasy baseball season, New Baseball Media would like to thank all who read our fantasy coverage this season.
