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Pickups of the Day: Make It Mervis

Matt Mervis

Matt Mervis

Kamil Krzaczynski-USA TODAY Sports

Rotoworld’s brand-new Pickups of the Day column is designed to help fantasy managers uncover a handful of widely-available targets over the course of the season. It could be a breakout candidate, a prospect stash, an injury replacement, a pitcher with a favorable matchup or week, a player who is due some better luck, or any other number of scenarios. If there’s value to be found on the waiver wire, we will find it and bring it your way. Today’s edition features the highly-anticipated arrival of one of the premier hitting prospects in baseball and the emergence of a potential elite closer in New York.

Matt Mervis, 1B, Cubs

Available in 76 percent of Yahoo leagues

It’s finally happening. Jeff Passan of ESPN broke the news Thursday that the Cubs are calling up first base prospect Matt Mervis from Triple-A Iowa for Friday’s series opener against the Marlins at Wrigley Field. The 25-year-old has a chance to make an immediate four-category impact for fantasy managers coming off a 36-homer campaign last year where he led the minors in extra-base hits, RBI and total bases. He’s gotten off to an excellent start this year for Triple-A Iowa, batting .286/.402/.560 with six round-trippers over 24 games. Perhaps most impressive is that he has 18 walks against 19 strikeouts in 112 plate appearances. He’s expected to play virtually everyday between first base and designated hitter given the struggles of veterans Eric Hosmer and Trey Mancini. He’s worthy of an immediate pickup in all fantasy formats.

Michael King, RP, Yankees

Available in 62 percent of Yahoo leagues

With Clay Holmes continuing to struggle mightily, the door is wide open for King to emerge as the Yankees’ primary closer for the remainder of the 2023 campaign. The 27-year-old right-hander was one of New York’s premier relievers last year before suffering a season-ending elbow injury last July, but has come back better than ever this season, compiling a microscopic 1.56 ERA, 1.10 WHIP and 20/4 K/BB ratio across 17 1/3 innings (nine appearances). He’s converted both of his save opportunities this season, including an impressive five-out save on Tuesday night against the Guardians. He should be rostered in all fantasy formats until further notice and is starting to look like a potentially elite fantasy reliever.

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