If you're new to this feature, here are the ground rules.
No player in this space will be mentioned in back-to-back weeks, as we don't want to spam you with the same choices over and over again. We'll also limit the waiver wire suggestions to players owned in fewer than 40 percent of FOXSports.com leagues. Got it? Let's get to the Week 3 fantasy baseball waiver pickups:
Catcher
Miguel Montero, CHC (10.2% owned)
He's been losing some time to David Ross, but Montero at least has a history of being a productive hitter. He smashed 15 HR in just 347 at-bats last year, and the Cubs are capable of putting lots of runs on the board. You could do worse for a backup catcher or a fill-in starter.
First Baseman
Steve Pearce, TB (27.0% owned)
Is Pearce going to bat over .300 all season? Probably not, although the utility man did finish with a .293 average and 21 homers in 2014 so there's some precedent to his current pace. Pearce has serious power, and he's a killer platoon play against lefties. He'll likely gain some more position eligibility as well, which makes him a very valuable bench piece.
Second Baseman
Jose Ramirez, CLE (23.2% owned)
Speaking of position eligibility, Ramirez is one of the few players in the league that is eligible at SS, 2B, 3B and LF. He's a guy who won't hurt you thanks to his high average and lack of strikeouts, and there's reason to believe he can be a 15+ SB type after swiping 10 bags in 315 at-bats last year. At just 23 years old, there might be room for growth here.
Third Baseman
Justin Turner, LAD (9.4% owned)
Maybe I'm being stubborn, but I'm convinced Turner will, ahem, turn it around soon. He has 2 HR in his last five games, and after homering 16 times in 385 at-bats last year, there's reason to think a power surge is on the way. He's a significantly better hitter than he's shown so far, and the Dodgers appear willing to wait him out.
Shortstop
Alcides Escobar, KC (37.2% owned)
It was fairly easy to see Escobar's average coming back down to earth after last year's .285 clip, and we know that he's not a source of power. The only thing we're interested in here is the speed, and Escobar has 10 stolen bases, despite not getting on board very often (.289). Given his current pace, 30 swiped bags isn't out of the question, and shortstop is an easier spot to "punt" a few offensive categories.
Outfield
Melvin Upton Jr., SD (8.4% owned)
Maybe it's a fluke, or maybe it's a revival. I'm willing to give Upton an add to my roster in order to find out. Upton has 6 HR and 9 SB so far this year, and his average is at a very respectable (by his standards) .253. Again, the speed is what we're most interested in, and Upton has solidified his spot as a regular in San Diego. He stole 20 bases in 2014, and he should eclipse that number with double-digit homers fairly easily.
Starting Pitcher
Junior Guerra, MIL (18.3% owned)
Guerra put the fantasy world on notice when he struck out 11 Cubbbies in his last start, but his two-hit outing against the Padres in the game prior was impressive as well. Guerra isn't some young stud prospect (31 years old), but he's someone capable of racking up the strikeouts as long as he keeps his command in check. So far, so good.
Relief Pitcher
Sam Dyson, TEX (24.4% owned)
Dyson has taken over as the Rangers closer, and it doesn't look like Shawn Tolleson will regain his role anytime soon. Dyson has allowed just one run in six innings with five saves converted, and he's getting the job done in convincing fashion. If you're hunting for saves, Dyson is going to get plenty of opportunities going forward.
