Max Muncy Tops Fantasy Baseball Waiver Wire Targets: Essential Pick and More

Early April brings fresh fantasy baseball dilemmas. Filmogaz.com breaks down early waiver wire targets for managers reshaping thin rosters.

Hitters to consider now

Catcher — Samuel Basallo

Samuel Basallo, 21, forced his way into Baltimore’s Opening Day lineup. He splits time between catching and DH duties while Jackson Holliday and Jordan Westburg recover from injuries.

Basallo offers real power potential and should gain more plate appearances. Add him in leagues that value catcher volume and pop.

First base — Jake Bauers

Andrew Vaughn landed on the injured list with a hamate issue. Jake Bauers is stepping in as an everyday option for Milwaukee.

Bauers pairs power with occasional speed. He provides immediate CI depth on most rosters.

Second base — Cole Young

Cole Young earned an everyday role with the Seattle Mariners. He finished spring training as one of the game’s top performers.

Young ranks roughly as the 13th fantasy second baseman. Low rostership makes him a high-upside, low-cost waiver add.

Shortstop — José Fernández

The Arizona rookie José Fernández, 22, popped two homers early in the season. Amazingly, his roster percentage sits below 12%.

He blends age and upside into a cheap roster flier. Pick him up and monitor usage over the next week.

Third base — Max Muncy

Max Muncy hits in the middle of the Dodgers’ potent lineup. He projects as one of the cleanest power plays among waiver wire targets.

Muncy posted a .421 expected batting average recently. His chase rate sits at a career low, making him an essential pick for power-starved teams.

Outfield — Carson Benge

Carson Benge, 23, arrived with fewer than 600 professional plate appearances. Some managers overreacted and dropped him early.

Benge already has a home run and a stolen base. He merits patience and immediate rostering in most leagues.

Stash candidate

Konnor Griffin received a promotion to Pittsburgh on April 2. He should be stashed in deeper leagues for upside.

Pitching adds

Starting pitcher — Parker Messick

Parker Messick earned a rotation spot after a standout rookie year. He posted a 2.72 ERA and a 19.4 percent K-BB rate last season.

Messick threw six scoreless innings against one of baseball’s best lineups. His fastball pairs well with a decisive changeup and curveball.

Despite recent additions, his rostership remains under 30 percent. Add him immediately if available.

Relievers and closers to watch

Finding a fantasy saves source early requires both role clarity and opportunity. The league’s save market has been chaotic so far.

Thirty-three different pitchers already recorded saves this season. That creates openings for relievers with closing upside.

Jordan Romano of the Angels deserves attention. Romano closed 72 games across 2022 and 2023, and injured relievers have opened doorways for saves.

Robert Stephenson, Ben Joyce, and Kirby Yates remain on the injured list. Romano could see high-leverage chances as teams shuffle roles.

How to prioritize pickups

Target players who combine clear roles with strong underlying skills. High-floor everyday usage matters most early in the year.

Look for low-rostership players who offer five-category contributions. That approach identifies the best waiver wire targets for roster improvement.

• Add Max Muncy for power and immediate lineup protection.
• Pickup Parker Messick if he remains available.
• Roster youth like Cole Young, José Fernández, and Carson Benge for upside.
• Consider Jordan Romano if saves appear likely in your league.

Filmogaz.com will continue monitoring these waiver wire targets. Check back for updates as roles and injuries evolve.