Billy Burns (OF, OAK) - Waiver Wire Pickups

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OWNED IN: 59 percent of Fleaflicker leagues

ANALYSIS: In his rookie season last year, Billy Burns established himself as a solid fantasy contributor in batting average and steals. While his current average of .264 isn’t anything to write home about, he’s already swiped eight bags on nine attempts. Only Jose Altuve has more thefts right now, and you’re obviously not getting him for free. Burns is striking out about half as often as he did last season and his batted ball profile looks pretty similar, so the 50-point drop in his BABIP seems fluky.

There’s absolutely no reason that Burns should have a lower ownership rate than Billy Hamilton right now, but he does. Burns proved he can hit major league pitching last season, which Hamilton has yet to do for more than a couple of days at a time. He’s stolen more bases than the Hamburglar, and despite the artificially low BABIP, he’s still got a better slash line as well. Neither player is perfect, but Burns is the speedy Billy who belongs on your roster.