Working the Waiver Wire: April 24

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  • By Larry Vannozzi

    Last Updated on April 24, 2026 2:32 pm by Paul Williamson | Published: April 24, 2026

    Mexico City, here we come!

    MLB’s Mexico City Series wasn’t played last year but the 2026 version happens this weekend. It is a short two-game ‘series’ between the Diamondbacks and Padres but you will want to activate ALL your hitters from those two teams.

    With an elevation over 7,000 feet, Mexico City’s stadium (Estadio Alfredo Harp Helu) is MUCH higher than Coors Field which is the highest MLB stadium in the U.S. Also, these will be the two hottest games of the week as temperatures will be near 85 degrees both days. The hot weather and very high elevation will greatly aid hitters. Don’t believe me? Well, the past four regular season games in Mexico City (the 2023 and 2024 Series) combined for 63 runs! So, like I said earlier, START YOUR ARIZONA AND SAN DIEGO HITTERS THIS WEEKEND!

    Surgeon General’s Warning: Hide your Dbacks and Padres pitchers this weekend unless you need volume. Do you really want to start Zac Gallen, Ryne Nelson, Michael King and Germán Márquez under Mexico City’s conditions? No thanks.

    I am taking full advantage of the Mexico City Series and recommending three hitters for this weekend in today’s Working the Waiver Wire article. I don’t want to be a one-trick pony, though, so my fourth player recommendation has nothing to do with Mexico City.

    * Note: Although all listed roster percentages are from Yahoo, at the time of the writing of this article, most of our waiver wire recommendations are widely available across all major platforms. *

     

    Xander Bogaerts – SS – Padres – 42% 

    Congrats if you were thinking ahead and claimed Bogaerts last weekend in anticipation of his trip to Coors and then Mexico City. The veteran shortstop went 5-for-11 with a homer, three runs, two RBI and two walks against the Rockies. Now he heads to an even better hitting environment this weekend and faces Gallen and Nelson (WHIPs are 1.45 and 1.48, respectively). Here’s some added incentive: Bogaerts has a .357 lifetime average against Nelson. Three of his five hits against the righty are homers.

    Ildemaro Vargas – 1B/2B – Diamondbacks – 30% 

    Bogaerts has been good so far this week but Ildemaro Vargas has been even better. Vargas went 4-for-13 with three homers and eight RBI against the White Sox. You better act quick to claim Vargas. His roster rate is climbing fast thanks to his stellar .357 batting average and five homers. Vargas recently took over the starting 1B role so playing time isn’t a problem. Ride the wave until the well-traveled 34-year-old’s hot streak fades.


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    April 24, 2026, 2:32 pm