Brandon Belt (1B) - Weeks 2 Waiver Wire Pickups

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ANALYSIS: The knock on Brandon Belt has always been the regrettable fact that he plays in the worst ballpark for left-handed power. While he has not changed teams or venues, the reliance on a pull-heavy power seems to be a thing of the past. So far this year, Belt is hitting the ball to the opposite field 5% more often and making hard contact at a clip of 54.5%. Already boasting an impressive 29.7 GB% last season, Belt, albeit in a small sample, is only putting the ball on the ground this year 18.2% of the time. In the era of the shift, Belt has the profile to keep, if not increase his production.

Last year Belt posted a career-worst .241 AVG which can widely be blamed on a 60 points BABIP drop. Besides, Belt maintained a similar SLG which means he projects to recover and get back on a 25 home run pace. While he might never eclipse 30 HR in a season due to AT&T Park, he does not need this stat line to be to a valuable producer at the Corner Infield position when a starting first baseman blocks him in your lineup. 30 doubles and a few stolen bases here and there make this a compelling profile in most leagues.