It’s the fifth week of the 2024 fantasy baseball season, so let’s look at some hitters to target on the waiver wire, shall we? Here’s a look at five names available in the majority of leagues, starting with a buy-low candidate from Cincinnati.
Jeimer Candelario
After a 22-home run campaign in 2023, Jeimer Candelario is off to a slow start in 2024. Candelario does have an above-average walk rate of 10.5% but virtually every other stat is down. The 30-year-old is hitting just .159 and his batted-ball metrics are below-average, as well.
Candelario’s seen more breaking balls than ever before, as opposing pitchers have thrown one at him 38.2% of the time this season and he has a Whiff% of 42.2%. Adjustments will need to be made but Candelario — still in an advantageous environment in Cincy — may be a strong buy-low option. Just don’t stick him in the starting lineup yet.
Mark Canha
Detroit is off to a 16-12 start and much of the Tigers’ early success can be attributed to Mark Canha. Canha, acquired from the Brewers last November, has been on a roll over the last two weeks. From April 15-28, Canha hit .357 (15 hits) with a pair of home runs, six runs scored, and 7 RBI.
Canha’s ability to get on-base has always been an asset and Detroit’s been using it in full force this season. The veteran outfielder has been in the #2 slot for Detroit for much of the season, giving him more plate appearances and opportunities to score runs.
Pete Crow-Armstrong
With Cody Bellinger on the IL, Pete Crow-Armstrong got his first look at MLB action this past week and it went much better than his cup of coffee last season. Crow-Armstrong notched his first career hit and home run on April 25, then posted four hits over his next three games.
His best asset is his glove and range in center field but Crow-Armstrong proved he could hit at the higher levels of the Minors, aside from a slow start to this season. Crow-Armstrong won’t be going anywhere if he continues to hit at the MLB level.
Joey Loperfido
The Astros’ offense has been fine despite a 9-19 start but Houston will get some reinforcements beginning this week. Infielder/outfielder Joey Loperfido has been called up from Triple-A after a ridiculous start to 2024. Loperfido hit .287/.393/.713 with 13 home runs and 17 extra-base hits over 25 games at Sugar Land.
Those numbers should be taken with a grain of salt, given the hitter-friendly confines of the PCL and the fact that Loperfido sported a high 30.3% K% rate. Still, holes in the ‘Stros lineup should give Loperfido time to showcase his speed and power.
Ceddanne Rafaela
One can’t make too much out of one game. However, Ceddanne Rafaela had a game this weekend that explains perfectly why Boston locked up the explosive infielder/outfielder long-term. Rafaela drove in seven in Boston’s blowout of the Cubs on April 27. On the season, Rafaela is batting .197 with two home runs, four stolen bases, and 17 RBI.
Rafaela is a risky player in fantasy, thanks in good part to his propensity to chase at pitches out of the zone. While Rafaela is more of an option for AL-only leagues, Rafaela’s power and speed make him an intriguing player even in mixed leagues.