Fantasy Baseball Waiver Wire: Top Pickups and Hidden Gems for Week 3

Ballpark factors play a pivotal role in fantasy baseball valuations. Hitter-friendly environments like Coors Field and Great American Ball Park elevate offensive stats, while pitcher havens like Oracle Park suppress them. This week’s waiver wire targets thrive in advantageous settings, making them prime additions for ESPN standard leagues.

Must-Add Players

1. Kris Bubic, RP/SP, Kansas City Royals (70.6% available)

   • Post-Tommy John surgery, Bubic has emerged as a strikeout artist, boasting a 33% whiff rate and improved fastball velocity (92.2 mph).
   • Kauffman Stadium’s pitcher-friendly dimensions further enhance his appeal.

2. Hunter Goodman, OF/C, Colorado Rockies (86.1% available)

   • A dual-eligible catcher/DH with 4.7% HR rate, Goodman thrives at Coors Field (career .356 wOBA at home).
   • Start him at home, bench on the road for optimal ROI.

3. Tyler Soderstrom, 1B, Oakland Athletics (61.1% available)

   • Power hitter with 94th-percentile Barrel% (14.5%); benefits from Sutter Health Park’s hitter-friendly confines.
   • Potential catcher eligibility adds long-term value.

Two-Start Pitcher Spotlight

• Hayden Wesneski, SP, Houston Astros (95.7% available)
  • Faces weak offenses (Mariners and Angels) in pitcher-friendly parks this week.
  • Temporary role but high upside for streaming.

Closer Watch

• José Alvarado, RP, Philadelphia Phillies (87.0% available)
  • Filthy stuff: 99.7 mph fastball, 50% whiff rate on cutter.
  • Leading candidate for saves in a volatile Phillies bullpen.

Deep-League Targets

• Kyren Paris, 2B, Angels (93.3% available): Speedster with improved power (54% hard-hit rate).
• Dennis Santana, RP, Pirates (97.1% available): Sneaky saves candidate post-Bednar demotion.
• Zac Veen, OF, Rockies (97.0% available): Elite speed/pop combo; imminent call-up.

Pro Tip: Leverage ballpark splits and role changes to maximize waiver claims. For daily updates, follow @ESPNFantasy.