Speedy Anderson among intriguing fantasy options

June 16th, 2016

Could your fantasy team use more power? What about saves? Steals? Runs, RBIs or wins?
Regardless of your holes, the fantasy waiver wire has a plug or long-term fix to pick up today. Check the following 10 players -- all sitting on waivers in many leagues, and all ready to help you win. All statistics are through Tuesday's games.
Tommy Joseph, first baseman: Hitting .272 with seven homers across 81 at-bats since arriving to the Majors on May 13, Joseph has supplanted Ryan Howard as the Phillies' starting first baseman. The slugger may have made the necessary adjustments this season to turn around his career, as he was hitting .347 with six homers across 95 at-bats in Triple-A this season after previously posting mediocre Minor League numbers.
Consider in: 15-team mixed leagues
Tim Anderson, shortstop: The top position-player prospect in the White Sox farm system, Anderson should log a heavy workload as the team's starting shortstop. After hitting .312 with 49 steals in Double-A last season, the shortstop opened '16 with a .304 average and 11 swipes in 55 games with Triple-A Charlotte. Recently receiving some opportunities at the top of Chicago's lineup, the 22-year-old should be an asset for any owner in need of a stolen-base boost.
Consider in: 12-team mixed leagues
Ketel Marte, shortstop: Having recently returned from brief disabled-list stint due to a sprained left thumb, Marte may be a preferable option to Anderson for owners who are looking for a speedy, high-average shortstop. With a lifetime .279 average and 16 steals across 441 plate appearances, the switch-hitter has already proven that he has the plate skills and wheels to succeed in the Majors.

Consider in: 10-team mixed leagues
Leonys Martin, outfielder: Despite being one of just four players (along with Jose Altuve, Mookie Betts and Mike Trout) with at least 10 homers and nine swipes this season, Martin continues to sit on waivers in many mixed leagues. If he can sustain his newfound power stroke, the speedster -- who has twice topped the 30-steal mark since '13 -- could rank among the most effective multi-category contributors this summer.
Consider in: 10-team mixed leagues
Peter O'Brien, outfielder: With a .330 average, 17 homers and 52 RBIs across 212 at-bats in Triple-A this season, O'Brien was arguably the most Major League-ready hitter in the Minors when he was recalled by the D-backs on June 10. With the promise to receive an extended opportunity in a starting role, O'Brien could make a major impact on fantasy squads in search of power production.
Consider in: 12-team mixed leagues
Trayce Thompson, outfielder: Part of a Dodgers outfield that has dealt with injuries to Yasiel Puig and Andre Ethier, Thompson has made the most of an extended opportunity by producing 10 homers and a .345 on-base percentage across 171 plate appearances. Said performance could have a lasting effect, as manager Dave Roberts recently said that Thompson is in position to maintain regular work when the team eventually returns to full strength. With plus power and a solid walk rate, Thompson could also play his way into a premium lineup spot.

Consider in: 10-team mixed leagues
James Paxton, starter: The owner of a lifetime 3.08 ERA, Paxton has pushed his average fastball velocity into the high 90s across three starts since joining the rotation on June 1. With Felix Hernandez working through a slow recovery from a right calf strain, Paxton is ensured at least a few more turns through the rotation. If he continues to demonstrate solid control and a blazing fastball, the left-hander could force the Mariners to push a different pitcher to the bullpen once Hernandez returns.
Consider in: 10-team mixed leagues
Jameson Taillon, starter: After a nondescript big league debut (three runs across six innings) on June 8, Taillon held the Mets to two hits across eight scoreless frames in his second start. A notable prospect (2.04 ERA and a 0.81 WHIP across 10 starts in Triple-A this season after missing all of 2014 and '15 due to Tommy John surgery), Taillon has likely secured a chance to make a massive mixed-league impact this season.

Consider in: 10-team mixed leagues
Carlos Estevez, reliever: With closer Jake McGee sitting on the disabled list with a left MCL sprain, the Rockies need to find someone to cover the ninth inning during the coming weeks. Since mentioning Estevez and Jason Motte as closer candidates in McGee's absence, manager Walt Weiss has twice turned to Estevez to finish off narrow victories. Although the rookie righty lacks the stellar ratios (4.22 ERA) to receive a roster spot in shallow leagues, he should be added in many mixed formats.
Consider in: 12-team mixed leagues
Will Harris, reliever: With four saves since June 5, Harris has emerged as manager A.J. Hinch's clear preference to replace Luke Gregerson as Houston's closer. The owner of a 1.52 ERA and a 0.86 WHIP since the outset of '15, Harris could be a second-tier stopper for the remainder of the season.
Consider in: 10-team mixed leagues