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 a veteran tearing the cover off the ball in Toronto and emergence of another potential closing option for Washington.
Brandon Belt, 1B, Blue Jays
Available in 97 percent of Yahoo leagues
Brandon Belt inked a 9.3 million dollar, one-year deal with the Blue Jays this winter and through the first month, it looked like a bad signing. However, Belt has started to get in a groove. Over the past two weeks, the 35-year-old veteran is hitting .407/.500/.667 with a homer, four RBI and six runs scored across 32 plate appearances. He doesn’t play every single game as the Blue Jays are exclusively using Belt against right-handed pitching but what luck, dearest readers. The Blue Jays are expected to face six righties over their next nine games. It goes without saying that Belt will not continue this high level of production. The regression monster comes for everyone. However, if you can easily pick up a productive player in one of the best lineups in the majors, you need to jump at the chance. Also, given Alejandro Kirk‘s season-long struggles at the plate, he should see plenty of playing time as Toronto’s designated hitter.
Hunter Harvey, RP, Nationals
Available in 91 percent of Yahoo leagues
Hunter Harvey has had a tremulous professional career. He was drafted in the first round by the Baltimore Orioles in 2013. The once highly-touted prospect missed plenty of development time with a multitude of injuries. He made his major league debut in 2019 but still failed to launch into stardom and was designated for assignment prior to the 2022 season. The Giants quickly snatched him up before he was designated for assignment yet again. The rebuilding Nationals decided to take a chance on the 27-year-old, and it looks like Harvey might be healthy enough to let his stuff shine. The now 28-year-old righty has an impressive 1.96 ERA, 0.93 WHIP, 20/7 K/BB, and seven holds over 17 appearances. Who cares, Shelly? I’m in a saves-only league. Oh contraire mon frere. This might be a reliever to take a chance on before his waiver wire price skyrockets. Kyle Finnegan has been the closer in Washington for the last two season, but his last couple of outings have been rough, to say the least. The 31-year-old has allowed eight hits in his last five appearances and has a 4.15 ERA. Yikes. You either die a hero or live long enough to see yourself become the villain and Finnegan is starting to become a villain on most fantasy rosters. While Harvey doesn’t have the job now, he could have it in short order.
