J.J. Hardy (SS, BAL) - Waiver Wire Pickup

BALLER MOVE: 14+ Team Leagues and AL-Only Leagues

OWNED IN: 12% of Flea Flicker Leagues

ANALYSIS: Once a perennial home run threat at a fantasy position with few of them, shortstop J.J. Hardy has been inconsistent entering the twilight years of his career. Once a perennial 20-homer threat, he has hit only 19 since 2014 (including his two this year). Where once was a hitter who generally carried an acceptable average in the .260s, is now one who appears to be slipping as his average since 2014 is .247. By the time his injury-shortened 2015 came to a close, Hardy's slash of .219/.253/.311 left many fantasy players with a sour taste in their mouths.

Entering the fourth week of the season, Hardy appears to have enough in his tank to return to his 2014 production, hitting .254 with two home runs and eight RBI. His OBP is up to a much more healthy .444, having already hit six doubles after only hitting 14 in 411 at-bats last year. That fantasy potential may not carry much value in most leagues, deeper and AL-only leagues can squeeze value out of a shortstop who can hit in the .260s, teases double digit home run power and can drive in at least 50 runners. While it is certainly possible he could continue to average two home runs a month and reach double digits for the first time since 2013, that should be considered a pleasant surprise not a promise of production.