Josh Harrison (2B/3B, PIT) – Waiver Wire Pickups

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ANALYSIS: Josh Harrison is posting a season that is strikingly similar to his breakout campaign in 2014, in which he posted 13 home runs, 18 stolen bases, and batted .315. While it’s overly simplistic to prorate stats, Harrison is currently on pace for both 19 home runs and stolen bases while hitting .294.

While there are plenty of power hitters at both second and third base, speed isn’t plentiful at either position, which makes Harrison a valuable commodity. Given that the Pirates have been an aggressive team on the basepaths, they have attempted the 10^th most stolen bases per game as a team to this point in the season, he is likely to continue to produce in the category.

More surprising and unexpected has been Harrison’s power production as he has posted a .157 ISO, over 50 points higher than each of his past two seasons. This has been supported by both an improved line drive percentage and hard hit rate, meaning that he has earned his power production to this point.

According to the ESPN Player Rater, Harrison sits just outside the top 12 at both second and third base meaning he is a viable play in leagues that require a middle infielder or multiple utility spots.