Fantasy Baseball Waiver Wire: Spencer Steer, Dylan Crews, and River Ryan
The fantasy baseball season is in full swing, and it's time to dive into the waiver wire to find hidden gems that can boost your team. Let's take a closer look at three players who could be worth adding to your roster: Spencer Steer, Dylan Crews, and River Ryan.
Spencer Steer: A Lucky Break?
Steer, a 28-year-old first baseman and outfielder for the Cincinnati Reds, has been a surprise package this season. After three straight mediocre seasons, he was expected to be a part-time player, especially with the addition of Eugenio Suárez and Nathaniel Lowe. However, manager Terry Francona's faith in him has paid off.
Steer's recent performance is impressive, with a .320/.404/.500 batting line and four home runs in 28 games since April 18. Statcast data suggests he's been quite unlucky, with a .550 xSLG far ahead of his actual .454 mark. This places him 16th in the majors with a .393 xwOBA. While his exit velocity numbers are average, everything seems to be falling into place for Steer.
The Reds' ballpark is a hitter's paradise, and Steer's regular playing time in the lineup, often hitting fifth or higher, further enhances his value. Although he's not an exciting pickup, Steer's consistency and potential for improvement make him a useful addition to any fantasy team.
Dylan Crews: Power and Speed
Crews, an outfielder for the Washington Nationals, is another player worth considering. After a strong showing in Triple-A Rochester, he's back in the majors and ready to make an impact. His ability to hit the ball harder and steal bases makes him a valuable asset.
In Triple-A, Crews averaged 94.7 mph off the bat, a significant improvement on his MLB average of 89.5 mph. However, this came with a higher strikeout rate, which could be a concern. If he continues to chase pitches as aggressively as in the minors, it might not work in his favor.
Despite the strikeout concerns, Crews is an instant pickup in mixed leagues. With 29 stolen bases in 116 games, he's a threat on the basepaths. His power and speed make him a potential top-20 fantasy outfielder, especially with the Nationals' need for a right-handed hitter in the lineup.
River Ryan: A Work in Progress
Ryan, a 27-year-old starting pitcher for the Los Angeles Dodgers, is a fascinating case. After making his MLB debut in 2024, he underwent Tommy John surgery in August, just four starts into his career. Now back on the mound, Ryan showed promise in spring training before a hamstring injury sidelined him.
In his return outing, Ryan touched 100.9 mph on the gun, pitching four innings of one-run ball. However, he needs more time to stretch out his workload, having thrown a total of 11 innings in three starts this season. With control often lagging behind stuff post-surgery, Ryan's performance is encouraging.
The Dodgers' management will likely be cautious with Ryan's usage, especially given his age and previous injury history. While he has multiple strikeout pitches and a strong groundball rate, his mixed-league value might be limited to a couple of months as the team manages his workload.
Quick Hits
- Austin Martin, a Twins outfielder, has become a legitimate leadoff option with a .303/.425/.387 batting line. Although he lacks power, Martin's base-stealing ability and recent success make him a decent short-term option.
- Kyle Manzardo, a first baseman for the Cleveland Guardians, has seen his bat speed and exit velocity improve significantly. His .428 xwOBA and .295/.367/.591 batting line make him a strong candidate for a promotion.
In the world of fantasy baseball, the waiver wire is a treasure trove of potential. Steer, Crews, and Ryan are just a few of the players who could provide a boost to your team. With careful consideration and a bit of luck, you might just find the next star player to take your fantasy team to new heights.
