Brandon Belt (1B/OF, SF) - Waiver Wire Pickups

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ANALYSIS: We’re at the point where we need to start talking about Brandon Belt. Many fantasy owners were turned off by his putrid numbers in March and April in which Belt only hit .235 with no power. Don’t let these figures distract you from what he’s done since May 1st, however. Since then Belt has been fantastic, hitting .368 with two home runs, eight RBI, and 11 Runs scored. What should excite you most of all is that his power is finally beginning to show up. Those two home runs he’s hit so far have both come within the last week and for a hitter as prone to hot and cold spells as Belt, very well might be the sign of more to come.

There are caveats to these numbers of course. Belt’s BABIP is absurdly high right now and eventually that number is going to come down. When it does his batting average will start to look much more pedestrian. This may not matter as much for short term players who’re looking to plug Belt into their lineups while his bat is hot. The Giants have one of the best schedules in baseball over the next two weeks, featuring appearances at Coors Field and Miller Park, venues which should certainly maximize Belt. Against those pitching staffs, he’s about as close to a must play as you’ll find on the waiver wire right now.