Fantasy Baseball Waiver Wire: LaMonte Wade Jr., Patrick Bailey, Jacob Young

Happy Memorial Day Weekend everyone! I want to join millions of people across the United States who are so grateful for those who stand up for freedom as members of our country’s armed forces. For those who have given the ultimate sacrifice protecting that freedom, you will not be forgotten.

Every time I visit the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier in Arlington National Cemetery, everything stops, and I’m like many who become enthralled in these men and women who are walking that line for freedom. It’s a special act performed by special people. If you’ve never been and are visiting Washington D.C., it’s so worth stopping by to take in the celebration of the changing of the guard. It’s chilling. Again, thank you all.

Now, let’s walk the line toward some fantasy baseball waiver wire pickups and deep sleepers who can benefit fantasy rosters over a long weekend.

Fantasy Baseball Waiver Wire Pickups: Week 10

LaMonte Wade Jr. (1B,OF – SF): 13%

On May 22, Wade accomplished the rare feat of getting three hits and three walks in the same game. It’s been that kind of year for him, as he’s hitting a stellar .336 with a .915 OPS. I bow to hitters with equal or more walks than hits, and he’s dead even at 33:33 in K:BB.

Wade usually sits against lefties, but against righties he’s been hitting primarily second in the lineup. Though he’s hit in the first four spots pretty regularly. And you just have to really like that multi-position eligibility. He’s great in daily leagues.

Patrick Bailey (C – SF): 4%

Just off two stints on the IL for a concussion, Bailey settled back into his regular role behind the plate for the Giants and into the fifth spot in their lineup. They could use the offense, and Bailey’s .295 average is plenty respectable. His .816 OPS is almost a 170-point jump from his 2023 mark, so he’s far from a glove-first catcher. Bailey is a good second backstop in two-catcher lineups.

Jacob Young (OF – WSH): 16%

That old edict about the No. 9 hitter being the second leadoff hitter always seemed like a good idea in theory that few teams really believed. The Nationals and Young appear to be an exception. With 15 stolen bases in 39 games, Young is a threat to run anytime he gets aboard for the third-place Nationals.

In five games from May 15-21, Young went 7-for-19 with three runs, three RBI and, of course, a stolen base. Fantasy teams needing speed need look no further.