The 17th week of the 2024 fantasy baseball season is near, as we’re just two months away from the end of the year. It’s crunch time for fantasy baseball players, especially for those who need reinforcements due to injuries or other circumstances. This past week has seen breakout performances from Tyler Fitzgerald and Lawrence Butler but for those who couldn’t grab either in time, here are five hitters to target as Week 17 of the 2024 fantasy baseball season approaches.
Junior Caminero
We’ll start our Week 17 fantasy baseball hitters to target on the waiver wire with a stash option. Rays infield prospect Junior Caminero spent nearly two months on the IL with a quad strain but returned shortly after the All-Star break. Since then, he’s recorded hits in six of eight games with Durham, including a three-hit night on July 27.
The Rays have been busy in recent weeks overhauling their roster for the future. With a former All-Star third baseman now off to Chicago, the countdown for Caminero to return to the Majors starts now.
Xavier Edwards
Under normal circumstances, we usually don’t double up and have the same player on this list two weeks in a row. That changes now, as Xavier Edwards‘ past week was yet another indication as to why fantasy players need to consider rostering the Marlins infielder. Edwards swiped five bases from July 18-27, tied for first in the Majors with Elly De La Cruz and Lane Thomas. He also batted .345 (10-29) in that span. On July 28, Edwards had his best offensive performance of the season, as he hit for the cycle against the Brewers.
This past week has seen several youngsters shoot up the fantasy value rankings, including Tyler Fitzgerald and Lawrence Butler. For those who missed out on either and need the offensive help, consider Edwards.
Luis Garcia Jr.
This list has a Nationals bent to it. Infielder Luis Garcia Jr. has been steady this season for the Nationals, as the 24-year-old already set career-highs in home runs (11) and stolen bases (16). He’s been off to a solid start during the second half. as Garcia Jr. had three multi-hit games from July 24-28.
Garcia Jr. might not be a sexy player from a fantasy perspective. But, he makes consistent contact in the zone and could be a 15-25 player when it’s all said and done.
Nolan Schanuel
It’s been an arduous first full pro season for Nolan Schanuel, the first player from the 2023 MLB Draft to make it to the Majors. Schanuel batted .247/.338/.376 with 11 home runs over his first 97 games in 2024. However, the last week has been kind to the former first-round pick. Schanuel recorded seven hits over his last six games and belted two home runs in that span.
Schanuel has shown more than power during the 2024 campaign. He doesn’t strike out (16.6%) a lot but hasn’t unlocked the full potential of his powerful frame just yet. However, he does pull the ball often and Schanuel’s begun to show what kind of player he could ultimately be.
James Wood
We’ll finish our Week 17 hitters’ target list with another Washington National: James Wood. Wood started very well in the Majors, as he netted a hit in four of his first seven games. But from July 8-26, Wood batted .146/.175/.200 with one extra-base hits. However, a four-hit game on July 27 and another hit on the 28th pushed his average up to .236.
When the news of Wood’s promotion leaked, we noted the rookie outfielder had struggled with breaking balls before settling down in Triple-A. However, MLB breaking balls have not been kind to Wood, as he posted a 51.5% Whiff% rate against those pitches thus far. It’s going to take an adjustment from Wood. But, the past few days have been a positive showing from the 21-year-old. And, he’s got what can’t be taught: elite speed and raw natural power.