Steven Souza (OF, TAM) - Waiver Wire Pickups

BALLER MOVE: Add in All Leagues

OWNED IN: 42% Fleaflicker

ANALYSIS: Steven Souza Jr. delivered some category juice in his first two big-league seasons, totaling 33 homers and 19 stolen bases despite only playing in 230 games due to myriad injuries. However, contact issues made him a significant liable in batting average. Thus far in 2017, he's hitting a robust .349/.438/.603 with three homers and 26 R+RBI in 17 games, though he hasn't even attempted a steal yet. Naturally, Souza shouldn't be expected to make a run at a batting title; he's benefiting from a .452 BABIP right now. There are some encouraging signs of a change in approach, though. He's chopped nearly 10 points off of his strikeout rate and three points off of his SwStr% while more than doubling his walk rate. He hits in the leadoff spot against lefties and fifth in the order against RHP, which should allow him to maintain excellent run production if he can keep a lid on the Ks.

Fantasy owners have been slow to embrace Souza, and he's still unowned in over half of leagues right now. He'll celebrate a birthday on Monday - consider giving him the gift of a roster spot on your squad.