Welcome to the post-Fourth of July hangover edition of the deep sleepers column. Not your humble writer, but this morning a chunk of America is feeling like the Nationals’ bullpen after giving up a total of 11 runs in back-to-back 10-inning losses. That’s just no way to treat people who make their living in our nation’s capital.
Hopefully, any fantasy managers reading this are still celebrating America’s birthday all holiday weekend. It’s a special time to honor this great country and to thank those who serve for their selfless sacrifices. A big salute to all of them.
It’s also a great time to pick up some deep sleepers. Just five of them this week. Hopefully, they can help fantasy managers finish strong into the All-Star break and on the way through the final push of the 2024 MLB season.
- Fantasy Baseball Waiver Wire Advice
- Fantasy Baseball Trade Advice
- Fantasy Baseball Start/Sit Lineup Advice
- MLB Prop Bet Cheat Sheet
Fantasy Baseball Waiver Wire Pickups: Week 16
Nick Gonzales (2B, SS – PIT): 17%
Nick Gonzales cooled off a bit last month, but he went 3-for-4 on June 25 to start a seven-game hot stretch where he hit .346 with a .837 OPS. He hit two doubles in that run, though his power needs a resurgence. He hasn’t hit a home run since June 15 in Colorado.
Gonzales is still worth rostering because he’s hitting in the heart of this Pirates lineup. Perhaps he’s being pitched to differently after his hot start. It’s up to him to adjust and start pounding mistakes in the warm summer months.
Luis Garcia (2B – WAS): 12%
Luis Garcia had himself a day on July 3, smacking a pair of home runs and driving in four runs while scoring three more. His nine home runs have already tied his career high, while the 11 stolen bases set a new high mark for the second baseman.
He’s sitting against some lefties, but when he’s starting, he’s hitting in the fourth through sixth spots in the lineup. Garcia is a good player for fantasy leagues with daily lineup settings.
Andy Pages (OF – LAD): 16%
With the Dodgers dealing with plenty of injuries this season — heal up, Mookie Betts — Andy Pages has become a staple in their lineup, as he’s made every start since June 4. In a recent five-game run from June 28 to July 3, Pages went 6-for-19 with a .316 average and .855 OPS. The injuries haven’t slowed down for the Dodgers, paving the way for Pages to move up to fifth in the batting order. In his last 15 starts, he’s batted either in the cleanup spot or fifth. With Shohei Ohtani and Freddie Freeman a few spots up, that’s valuable territory.
James Outman (OF – LAD): 13%
Yes, James Outman is in Triple-A, but he has used that trip to the minors wisely. Outman has hit nine home runs and driven in 21 runs in 38 games. He’s scored 33 times and stolen seven bases. Jason Heyward has been manning one of the corner spots most nights for the Dodgers, though he came out of their July 4th game after landing awkwardly on an attempted leap to rob a homer. Heyward is scheduled for an MRI. If he goes on the injured list (IL) that could mean a call-up for Outman. The lefty-swinging outfielder hit 23 home runs and stole 16 bases last year. He could at least be a strong-side platoon player in a powerful Dodgers lineup.
Zack Littell (SP, RP – TB): 18%
In his last three starts, Zack Littell has pitched 15 innings, allowed four earned runs (2.40 ERA) and struck out 15 batters. His 1.067 WHIP is also very good. Rays pitchers are often great calls for streaming options that could become keepers for the rest of the season.
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