In the world of fantasy baseball, points leagues are a popular format that rewards volume and discipline over flashy stats. But what about the players who are overlooked and under-rostered in these leagues? This week, we're taking a closer look at some of the players who are flying under the radar in points leagues, but who could be key additions to your roster. From catchers to pitchers, these players are worth keeping an eye on as the season progresses. So, let's dive in and explore some of the hidden gems in points leagues.
Ivan Herrera, Catcher (STL)
Ivan Herrera is a rising star at the plate, and his performance this season has been nothing short of impressive. With a .416 OBP, 28 walks, and eight HBP, Herrera is leading all catchers in these categories. His .433 slugging percentage is also a testament to his power at the plate. And with the Cardinals traveling to Sacramento to face the Athletics, Herrera is set to get a good handful of at-bats in one of the most hitter-friendly parks in the league. While he makes sense as a streaming catcher, he should also be considered a long-term solution. In my opinion, Herrera has the potential to finish as a top-five option at the position this season, and yet he is only rostered in about half of ESPN leagues. It's as if nearly two-thirds of fantasy managers have been asleep at the wheel so far this season.
Miguel Vargas, Third Baseman (CWS)
Miguel Vargas is a player who has been included in last week's column, but it's still hard to understand why he isn't rostered in more places, especially in points league formats. After a slow start to the season, Vargas has heated up over the past 20 games, batting .288 with seven home runs and three stolen bases. His power, plate discipline, and playing time make him a must-roster third baseman in 12-team leagues of any format. In my opinion, Vargas is the version of himself that fantasy managers have longed to see, and everything is finally coming to fruition.
Travis Bazzana, Second Baseman (CLE)
Travis Bazzana is a former first-overall pick in the MLB Draft, and he's living up to his potential in his brief stint in the MLB so far. Despite just a .182 batting average, Bazzana has posted a .372 OBP due to his outstanding knowledge of the strike zone. His 18.4% walk rate and just a 14.0% strikeout rate make him an appealing tool for points leagues. Once he starts hitting, he may end up as one of the top fantasy second basemen in the league. Personally, I think Bazzana is a player who could be a key addition to your roster, especially in points leagues.
Ryan Waldschmidt, Outfielder (ARZ)
Ryan Waldschmidt made his MLB debut with the Diamondbacks this weekend, and he has the potential to be an asset in points league formats. With good underlying metrics throughout his minor league career, there's evidence of solid plate discipline and the ability to barrel the baseball. However, I'm always wary of the Arizona franchise, especially with the way they've handled prospects recently. Fantasy managers can only hope that he'll stick around on the major league roster. In my opinion, Waldschmidt is a player who could be a key addition to your roster, especially in points leagues.
Trey Yesavage, Pitcher (TOR)
Trey Yesavage is a pitcher who has completed just three appearances since returning from the injured list, but he has a 15:5 K:BB ratio across 13.1 innings. If he can improve his efficiency and miss a few more bats here and there, he looks poised for a solid run for the rest of the season. His next start comes in pitcher-friendly Detroit, where he'll take on a Tigers lineup that has sputtered recently. In my opinion, Yesavage is a player who won't stick around on the waiver wire for long, and I'd rather be in early than miss out.
Lucas Erceg, Relief Pitcher (KCR)
Lucas Erceg is a relief pitcher who has registered 10 saves already this season, and yet he is rostered in just 35% of ESPN leagues. The Royals have turned over ninth-inning duties to the veteran after Carlos Estévez went down with an injury, and don't look like they'll look anywhere else to close games any time soon. Estévez is scheduled to be out until at least mid-June, and nobody else on the roster has registered more than one save so far this season. Erceg is the dude in KC, and should be considered a second-tier or third-tier closer the rest of the season. In my opinion, Erceg is a player who is flying under the radar, but who could be a key addition to your roster.
