Can we actually believe that, for most, fantasy baseball draft day is behind us? It is difficult to fathom that time goes as fast as it does, but the draft is firmly in the rear view mirror. Baseball’s Opening Day and the regular season waits for no one. Even as the draft is complete, this is no time to rest. Perhaps, unfortunately, a player selected is already on the injured list. Just as likely, perhaps, upon looking over the roster, dissatisfaction is in the air. If either is the case, this Fantasy Baseball First Waivers edition is here to help!

First, let me mention that the players featured here have their roster percentages taken from ESPN. Second, I will take those that have the greatest availability to ensure most can be easily picked up. With that out of the way, let’s take a look at the selections.

Jackson Merrill, OF, San Diego Padres, 19.2% Rostered

Without question, the biggest surprise of Spring Training is the fact that we have all been focused on the wrong Jackson. Obviously, we all know about Holliday and Chourio. Let me introduce you to the newest Jackson, that being Jackson Merrill of the Padres. Out of nowhere, not only did Merrill make San Diego’s Opening Day roster, he was also their starting centerfielder.

As he has never played above Class AA before this season, his stats are virtually meaningless. He didn’t have a hit in the first game of the Seoul Series. However, he did have a pair of hits, including a double, in the second. Not to mention he scored two runs. Then again, just about every Padres on the active roster hit the ball all over the yard in that game.

Regardless, if Merrill can show that he can handle major league pitching, his fantasy value will be sky high. ESPN shows he is eligible at SS, but the Padres have him in centerfield. Once he gains that SS/OF eligibility, he would be a welcome addition to any roster. One piece of advise: if you want him, get him now. His place on rosters has gone up 14% since last Thursday.

Edouard Julien, 2B/DH, Minnesota Twins, 12.4% Rostered

After a nice debut last season, Edouard Julien has had a solid spring. However, it is clear from his roster percentage that he is largely being ignored by the fantasy community. Even so, in 109 games in 2023, Julien hit .263 with 16 homers, 37 RBI and 60 runs scored. Additionally, he walked 64 times for a solid .381 OBP to go with a 459 SLG. His OPS+ was an excellent 130.

As with most hitters in the game today, it would be nice if Julien could cut down on the strikeouts. His SO% was an unsightly 31.4. If he can get that under control, his .371 BAbip clearly indicates that when he puts bat on ball, good things happen.

The second base job in Minnesota is Julien’s. Keep an eye on him and if you need help at the middle infield position, this Fantasy Baseball First Waivers edition says that it would be wise to give Julien a call.

Jonathan India, 2B, Cincinnati Reds, 15.5% Rostered

If a more veteran presence is preferred over the above two players, cast your eyes to Jonathan India. At one time, there were more Reds players than they had infield spots. First came the news of the suspension of Noelvi Marte. As if that wasn’t bad enough, those that drafted Matt McLain were disheartened to hear his injury news.

While it is unknown how long McLain will be out, the Reds have a capable replacement: India. Last season, India hit .244-17-61 in 119 games. He has played in at least 103 games in all three of his MLB seasons. Even when McLain does return, India will find himself somewhere in the lineup. Prior to the absences, India was deployed at several positions.

India’s 20.6 SO% stands out in today’s game. His 9.8 BB% is also above the league average. When you get right down to it, here is a player that has hit 21 homers in a season and can steal 14 or more bases. If second base is a need and the two above players don’t excite, give India a shout.

Ezequiel Duran, 3B/SS/OF/DH, Texas Rangers, 5.4% Rostered

Without doubt, when it comes to versatility, no one has more of it than Ezequiel Duran. The Rangers routinely deploy Duran all over the diamond. He was destined to start the season at short, but the latest news has Corey Seager being ready for Opening Day. Even so, the news regarding Nathaniel Lowe isn’t as encouraging. He will be out until at least mid April.

With that in mind, Duran will start the season at first in Lowe’s absence. Depending on how many games he does play there, he could add first base to his eligibility list. Whenever Lowe does return, Duran will be a regular in the Ranger lineup. In 122 games last season, Duran hit .276-14-46 with 122 hits and 55 runs scored. He had a .324 OBP and a .443 SLG.

Duran’s .358 BAbip likely isn’t sustainable, but a small regression won’t hurt him much. His 106 OPS+ shows he is an above average player. Best of all, his OPS+ and HardH% were both improved over his rookie season. The bottom line on this Fantasy Baseball First Waivers edition is that Duran’s versatility and presence in an excellent Rangers lineup can’t be ignored. If a manager is looking for help at a number of positions, Duran moves to the head of the line.

Josiah Gray, SP, Washington Nationals, 22.4% Rostered

Moving to pitching, Josiah Gray is at the top. Named Washington’s Opening Day starter, Gray will have more opportunities than just about any pitcher on the waiver wire. True, the start against the Reds in Cincinnati isn’t ideal. However, his selection is more focused on the season than that first game. After all, how many pitchers that started 30 games with a sub 4.00 ERA can be found in the jungle?

Without question, pitching for the Nationals helps Gray in no way whatsoever. Even so, he has made 58 starts the past two years, indicating that, unlike many pitchers, Gray has no injury concerns. He can be counted on to be on the mound when his turn arrives. Gray gave up a lot of homers in 2022 (38), but cut that down significantly last season (22). Last but not least, he pitched 158 innings in 2023 and has been right around 150 each of the past two.

In the end, Gray won’t give his managers a lot of victories (15 total last two seasons). However, he can provide innings and other counting stats in each start. If starting pitcher is a need, Gray is a veteran that can be counted on to settle the issue.

Louie Varland, SP, Minnesota Twins, 19.9% Rostered

The second Twin on this Fantasy Baseball First Waivers Edition, we must not overlook Louie Varland. Because of injuries, Varland will make the Twins’ starting rotation. He has looked solid this spring with no runs allowed and 11 strikeouts in his first 11 innings of work. His play in spring training should give comfort for anyone looking at his numbers from last season.

In 17 games and 10 starts in 2023, Varland was 4-3 with a 4.63 ERA. Of course, that ERA isn’t very encouraging without seeing what he’s done this spring. As of this writing, it is unknown when he will make his season debut or against whom.

Even as that’s the case, keep an eye on Varland. It is the expectation on this Fantasy Baseball First Waivers edition that he will he a starter that managers will want on their rosters in 2024.

Gavin Stone, SP, Los Angeles Dodgers, 12.1% Rostered

Finally, let’s talk about Gavin Stone. For the most part in 2024, Stone isn’t anything more than a streamable starter, as he will be the fifth pitcher in the Dodger rotation. Unlike the other pitchers above, this recommendation is slated solely for Sunday. With Los Angeles making their debut in Korea, their first two starters will not be available in their beginning home series against the Cardinals. Stone will start the series finale, and that is why he is listed here.

First, let me say that it won’t help looking at his major league stats last season to find comfort. He was just 1-1 in eight games with an ghastly 9.00 ERA. However, his 18-12 record in the minors with a 3.19 ERA shows that he is capable of much more. Further, in 313 minor league innings, Stone struck out an impressive 426 hitters. Additionally, he allowed 7.6 H9 and a 1.213 WHIP.

As stated at the top, giving Stone a go is all about his Sunday start. It is at home against a Cardinals team that no one knows what to expect out of in 2024. In many leagues, the scoring period ends this Sunday, even if Opening Day is Thursday. If a manager needs a pitcher to win the first week’s matchup, looking to Stone is a solid strategy.

The Final Word

Thank you for joining me for this Fantasy Baseball First Waivers edition! As always. debate and discussion are highly encouraged. Agree or disagree with the selections? Have a player to add? Let’s talk about it.

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