Dalton Del Don reveals the top widely available hitters worth adding to the fantasy baseball waiver list in Week 12.
Rice has done nothing but attack the minors since being drafted in 2021, and it’s likely he’ll get a chance in New York soon. After racking up 20 homers/steals in less than 50 games at Double-A this season, Rice has hit .333/.440/.619 with a 172 wRC+ since being promoted to Triple-A. Rice has 35 homers, 20 steals and a .993 OPS with strong contact metrics (14% BB, 19.7% K) over the course of his last 600 plate appearances.
Rice was drafted as a catcher, but was logging more time at first baseand his recent promotion was seen as a sign that he can eventually replace a fighter Anthony Rizzo (84 wRC+). Rizzo left Sunday night’s game with a hand/wrist injury after a collision at first base, then Rice’s opportunity could come sooner than expected. Rice would join a loaded Yankees lineup, leading MLB in runs scored, and would get to hit in a home park that drove left-handed homers for 21% in the last three seasons.
Rice is available everywhere now, but he’ll be a popular fantasy addition when he’s summoned.
Torkelson has been released in many leagues since being demoted to the minors, and there is no doubt that he is fought hard in 2024. Torkelson cut down some strikeouts and posted a 109 wRC+ at Triple-A, so Detroit will certainly give the 2020 No. 1 draft pick another opportunity soon.
Torkelson hit 19 home runs with 49 RBI in 273 ABs after the All-Star break last season, and his power is real. He’s still just 24 years old and first base has strangely become a trickier position to fill in fantasy.
Torkelson was one of the best hitters in college baseball history and had an aggressive ADP for a reason, so he’s worth hiding in deeper fantasy leagues.
Vaughn has been benched in many leagues after a slow first two months of the season, but his bat has improved of late. He’s hit .340 with a 1.035 OPS and five home runs in his last 11 games, recording 12 RBI in that span as well. Vaughn is cleaning up Chicago’s lineup, which will improve with the return of Eloy Jiménez. Vaughn averaged 78 RBI in 538 ABs the previous two seasons and plays every day. He is posting a career high in average exit velocity, which is in the Top 20% in the league.
Vaughn is unlikely to remain available much longer given his hot streak.
Pederson is a strict platoon player, but he is at third against righties and has been highly productive. His batted ball profile looks like a star, with exit velocities and wOBA in the top 10% of the league. Pederson’s 156 wRC+ would rank ninth among qualified hitters, tied with Freddie Freeman. He’s also running more than ever while on pace to add 10 steals.
Pederson is worth adding in Fantasy, especially in leagues with daily lineup changes.
Goodman prefers deep league players due to the uncertainty of playing time, but it’s important to note that Colorado has seven home games this week. Goodman hit 34 home runs in just 106 games in the minors last year, and posted a 143 wRC+ at Triple-A this season. His discipline at the plate is a problem, but Goodman’s Maximum exit speed and Barrel% both are elite. Additionally, with Elias Díaz on the IL, Goodman could gain catcher eligibility soon.
Coors Field increased run scoring an MLB record 25% over the past three seasons and remains a major cheat code for fantasy hitters, then Goodman belongs on your radar.
