Starlin Castro (2B, NYY) – Waiver Wire Pickups

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ANALYSIS: Castro has gotten off to a hot start to 2017 as he already has four home runs and has driven in 13 runs. The power isn’t a huge surprise given that Castro hit 21 last season. However, he has shown progress with his plate discipline in the early portion of the season. That has helped him drop his strikeout rate 13.6%, his lowest rate since 2011, and caused his walk rate to jump up to 6.1%. If he can keep that up, he should be able to make better contact more consistently and maintain a higher average than his .270 mark of last season.  Given this development and his spot in the batting order, he has hit anywhere from 2nd to 6th to this point,  he should see plenty of RBI opportunities. Castro is likely to get plenty of fanfare thanks to his hot start, so for fantasy owners in need of a second baseman, it is advisable to pick up Castro quickly.