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We have completed another week of MLB action, making it time to make more waiver wire moves. With more and more injuries and players slumping, it is time to start changing our rosters. I want to emphasize that it is still not time to panic about your core players. Do not go dropping early picks that are just slumping out the gate. If they are still struggling in a few weeks, we can look at the underlying metrics to see if a drop is in play.
Early in the season, we are interested in players off to hot starts, and more importantly, showing sustainable improvements from last season. With the early injuries, we are also looking into players that may be receiving more playing time. Some of the lower rostered players, or some not mentioned here, are on the solid side of platoons, so make sure you are not adding them if they have a negative schedule. Lastly, the names in the article are in order of percentage rostered, not so much in my preference of adding to your roster. This article will discuss fantasy baseball waiver wire pickups for the outfield in Week 12, June 27 through July 3.
In the first few weeks, rostered percentages can change quickly. So be quick to check your leagues for their availability. When you want to chat about outfielders, prospects, or dynasty leagues, message me directly on Twitter at @bdentrek. Key points - this list will focus on rostered players in less than 50% of Yahoo! leagues.
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Alex Kirilloff, Minnesota Twins
29% Rostered
Kirilloff was recalled eight games ago, and it has been a slow go, but some positive signs. He has hit safely in five of eight games while usually hitting in the middle of the Twins lineup. Kiriloff has four doubles since his return with eight RBI. Kirilloff is helping in the run production, and the power will come as he has a hard-hit rate of over 60% since his recall. Kirilloff spent some time in the minors after his recent injury and was destroying the baseball. In due time, Kirilloff will be hitting home runs for the Twins, so jump on board now and add him in all 12-team and deeper leagues.
Alek Thomas, Arizona Diamondbacks
24% Rostered
I've written Thomas up a few times, and I am still shocked at how lowly rostered he is in Yahoo leagues. Since June 8th, Thomas has hit safely in 13 of 15 games for a .321 batting average. He has one home run to go with four stolen bases. Thomas has not produced much power over the last few weeks but has a .808 OPS and 130 wRC+ while scoring 11 runs. Thomas is now hitting .264 on the season with six home runs and four stolen bases, which follows the power and speed he showcased in the minors. Thomas should be rostered in many more leagues, so I recommend fixing that where he is available.
Orlando Arcia, Atlanta Braves
21% Rostered
I wrote up Arcia in my deeper league NFBC waiver article this week, but I wanted to mention him here as he brings a lot of fantasy appeal. Arcia took over the everyday second base role when Albies went on the IL 10 games ago and has hit safely in eight games. Arcia is hitting .343 over that stretch with two home runs, a .200 ISO, .927 OPS, and a 154 wRC+. He is only striking out 15.4% of the time with a 44% hard-hit rate and has been a major part of the red-hot Braves offense. The best part is that Arcia will gain second base eligibility to go with his outfield eligibility. Arcia will be very valuable for the next couple of months, so add him where you need MI or OF depth.
Oscar Gonzalez, Cleveland Guardians
8% Rostered
Gonzalez is another outfielder where I am surprised by his low-rostered rate. Since getting the call to the bigs last May, Gonzalez is hitting .311 with two home runs. He has a .155 ISO with a .811 OPS and 132 wRC+. Gonzalez hits in the middle of the Guardians lineup and has scored 12 runs while driving in 13. His 45.7% hard-hit rate and decent plate discipline support the solid hit tool he has showcased so far. As long as Gonzalez plays every day and hits in the middle of the Guardians' batting order, he deserves to be rostered in many more leagues.
Nick Senzel, Cincinnati Reds
3% Rostered
Adding Senzel is a pure speculation play at his point, as his upside is definitely in play. Since June 1st, he is only hitting .250 without a home run, but he has stolen five bases and scored 11 runs. He was hitting atop the Reds batting order until recently when he slipped to the back half of the lineup. He is only striking out 18.5% of the time with a .310 BABIP, so more production may be coming. It is also nice that he plays his home games in Great American Small Park. If you are in deeper leagues, then Senzel is worth a look for his current speed and potential power that he can showcase.
Deeper League Waiver Wire
You can check out my NFBC deeper league waiver wire article, which comes out every Saturday, and looks at deeper-league waiver wire options at various positions.
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