Friday's Fantasy Baseball Waiver Hitting Adds: Alec Burleson, Colton Cowser and More

It's time for the final fantasy baseball waiver wire stories of the week.

We're splitting hitters and pitchers back up today, and have five notable fantasy hitters for you in this article. Be sure to check out the first four waiver stories of the week: Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday.

Check out the top fantasy baseball waiver wire options everyday on FantasySP. 

Should You Add Alec Burleson?

Burleson is up 2.3% today and sits at 39.04% overall now.

He's on a seven-game hitting streak, and has collected 13 total knocks over 32 plate appearances in that span. Burletson has two doubles and homers among the hits, along with six RBIs, four runs scored, a walk and three strikeouts.

Burleson has put together a strong season overall too, playing in 64 games and getting 227 plate appearances so far. He has a .313 average and .354 on-base percentage, along with 26 RBIs, 23 runs scored, three stolen bases, 14 walks and 31 strikeouts. Among his 66 total hits, Burleson has 10 doubles and seven home runs.

Something else working in his favor is that he's played first base and then left and right field. He should be eligible at all three spots from past seasons. Burleson also has 20 appearances as the team's designated hitter, so he's in the lineup often.

Over his past five starts, he's mostly hit third, with one appearance as the No. 5 hitter. He also started against a lefty in that stretch, so he's not a platoon guy most often.

Burleson has solid numbers overall, hits in a favorable spot in the lineup and has position versatility. What's not to like?

Well, his positions are the most-stacked ones in fantasy this season, so that holds him back from being rostered in more leagues.

I think Burleson deserves to be rostered in deeper leagues though. I'd even consider him in standard leagues if you have a need at first base or a corner outfield spot. He's undervalued in fantasy.

Instead of waiting too long and missing out on him, add Burleson and you'll eventually see how valuable he can be to your fantasy squad.

Should You Add Colton Cowser?

Cowser is rostered in 41.57% of leagues after a 2.34% increase today.

Cowser is on a mini three-game hitting streak, with four hits over 12 plate appearances. He has three homers and a double for his hits, along with seven RBIs, a stolen base, three runs scored and three strikeouts over that short stretch.

He's been injured most of the season, and has played in just 17 games overall. He has 67 plate appearances, collecting 13 hits (.210 average) and walking three times (.269 OBP). Cowser has six homers and two doubles among his hits, along with 10 RBIs, seven runs scored, a stolen base and 23 strikeouts.

The outfielder (who should be eligible at all three spots) is just starting to get into the swing of things now. He was a good fantasy asset at times in 2024 across 153 games and 561 plate appearances, but he also finished with a .242 average and .321 OBP, showing his fantasy shortcomings.

He's hit seventh over the past two games after hitting eighth in the two games before that. The Orioles' offense hasn't been good this season, so batting in those spots isn't exactly great for his fantasy outlook. Cowser has made things work of late, but those power numbers aren't going to keep up either.

I view Cowser as a deep-league fantasy asset who can be streamed in standard leagues when he's hot at the plate. His poor hitting and lack of games has him owned in less leagues right now, so this hot stretch should get him added back in deeper leagues at least.

I'd be willing to stream him in a standard league right now though. It's likely to be a short-term add, but he's one of the hottest hitters in the league, and I'd take advantage of things while I could.

When this hot stretch dries up, Cowser can go back to being a deep-league fantasy option, either in a starting or reserve role, depending on your team around him.

Should You Add Jac Caglianone?

Caglianone was a drop candidate just two days ago, but he's back on the rise. He's up to 61% after being at 59%.

He hit a pair of home runs on Thursday, so it's easy to see why he's on the rise. Those were his first two big league homers, and they both were solo shots.

Over his first 14 games and 56 plate appearances, Caglianone has 12 hits, including the two homers and two doubles. He has four RBIs, three runs scored, one walk and 12 strikeouts as well.

He's appeared at first base and right field, while also serving as the team's DH a couple times. Caglianone has moved up to sixth in the lineup over his past two starts. Kansas City's lineup has underperformed this season, so that isn't the best fantasy spot for a hitter to be.

Caglianone can be a fantasy force if he's hitting extra-base hits though, and fantasy owners are hoping he's starting to break out after his performance on Thursday. Like I mentioned with Burleson, Caglianone is at fantasy positions of strength, so his own percentage is a bit lower than it probably should be.

He could be a fantasy star if he mashes like he does in the minor leagues. I'm all for adding him in deeper redraft leagues, and think he's worth an add in standard redraft leagues too, especially if you have a need at one of his positions. Don't wait too long to add him if he continues to excel over the weekend, because his own percentage could skyrocket overnight.

Should You Add Brandon Lowe?

Lowe is up to 83.38% after a 2.16% increase today.

He's on an eight-game hitting streak, collecting 14 hits over his past 34 plate appearances. Lowe has two homers and doubles among the hits, along with five RBIs, nine runs scored, three walks and four strikeouts.

Over 70 games and 290 plate appearances this season, Lowe has a .266 average and .317 OBP. He has 15 homers and 10 doubles among the hits, along with 41 RBIs, 45 runs scored, two stolen bases, 20 walks and 71 strikeouts.

He's posting some of the best numbers of his career, and could set career highs in several stats as well. Lowe didn't start against the last lefty the team faced, but he hit second in the starts against the righties. Even with the Rays not being a great offense, Lowe's fantasy outlook from that spot in the order is strong.

I don't love that he might not start, but looking back, I think he's playing enough to roster in standard leagues. He's up to seventh in fantasy points among second basemen this season, so he's worthy of a roster and starting spot in all leagues. If you have a need at second base and Lowe is available, I'd definitely be picking him up.

Should You Add Wilyer Abreu?

Abreu is currently on the injured list, but could be activated as early as today (Friday). He's rostered in 71% of leagues - he was over 90% at the start of this month.

He has a .245 average and .321 OBP over 64 games and 234 plate appearances this season. Abreu started the season hot, but has faded with his average and OBP. He's still a top-50 fantasy outfielder on the season.

Among his 51 total hits, Abreu has 13 home runs and eight doubles. He also has 32 RBIs, four stolen bases, 28 runs scored, 24 walks and 54 strikeouts this season.

Seeing his own percentage and then overall production, I think Abreu is rostered in a perfect amount of leagues for now. If his bat heats up upon his return, then I'd have no problem adding him in more standard leagues. He looks like a better deep-league asset right now, and I'd treat him that way until there's reasons not to.