Top Fantasy Baseball Waiver Wire Pickups: Ben Rice & Kyren Paris Lead the Way

Ben Rice (C/1B, New York Yankees): Recently recalled, Rice steps into a potential opportunity following Anthony Rizzo's injury. He showcased significant power in AAA (.275 AVG, 15 HR).

Why this matters: Rice offers immediate power upside at catcher or corner infield, valuable commodities in most fantasy leagues. He's projected to hit mid-lineup.

Kyren Paris (2B/SS, Los Angeles Angels): Known for elite speed (44 SB in minors last year), Paris is back with the Angels. Jo Adell's injury might secure him more regular playing time.

Why this matters: For teams needing stolen bases, Paris is a high-upside gamble. Monitor his playing time and on-base ability closely.

Act Fast: Players gaining roles due to injuries often see their ownership skyrocket quickly. Prompt waiver claims are essential.

Ben Rice: The Yankees need offensive production, and Rice profiles as a power bat. While his batting average might fluctuate, his ability to hit home runs makes him an intriguing add, especially in leagues valuing power stats like HR and RBI. His catcher eligibility adds extra value. Keep an eye on his strikeout rate, but the power potential is worth exploring in deeper leagues or as a short-term fill-in.

Kyren Paris: Speed doesn't slump, but opportunity and getting on base are key for Paris. His career minor league OBP is respectable, but translating that to the majors (.171 AVG in limited 2023 MLB action) is the challenge. If he plays consistently and gets on base, he could be a league-winner in the steals category. This pickup suits managers willing to accept batting average risk for elite speed.

Waiver Strategy: This time of year often sees impactful players emerge from the waiver wire. Prioritize players with clear paths to playing time and skills that address your team's specific needs (e.g., power, speed, pitching strikeouts). Don't be afraid to spend FAAB or use a high waiver priority on potential difference-makers.

Q: Should I drop a struggling veteran for Rice or Paris?

A: It depends on your team needs and league settings. If you desperately need power (Rice) or speed (Paris) and the veteran isn't producing, it's worth considering, especially if the veteran lacks a clear path to improvement. Assess the upside vs. the established floor.

Q: How much FAAB should I bid?

A: This depends on your league's competitiveness and your remaining budget. For potentially impactful players like Rice (power) or Paris (speed), a bid of 5-15% might be necessary, potentially more in deeper or more competitive leagues.

Identify Needs: Assess your fantasy team's weaknesses (Power? Speed? Pitching?).

Target Upside: Rice offers power potential, while Paris brings elite speed.

Monitor Playing Time: Opportunity is crucial. Keep track of who is getting consistent at-bats or innings.

Act Decisively: The best waiver pickups often require quick action.

Source 1: Fantasy baseball waiver wire pickups featuring Ben Rice, Kyren Paris and more - The Athletic target="_blank"