Jake Bauers (1B/OF, TB) - Week 19 Waiver Wire Pickups

BALLER MOVE: Add in All Leagues

OWNED IN: 25% of Leagues

ANALYSIS: Given the dominance of the Yankees and Red Sox, the Rays were never likely to contend for a playoff spot. They have been respectable, though, posting a .500 record and a positive run differential entering Saturday's action. One reason has been the play of rookie Jake Bauers.

The 22-year-old has hit .242/.347/.500 with nine home runs and four stolen bases in 50 games since getting promoted to the majors in June. He has not run as much as fantasy owners might have hoped after swiping 30 bags in his season and change at Triple-A, but Bauers has demonstrated an advanced plate approach (13.1 BB%) and the ability to consistently make high-quality contact (45% hard hit ball rate).

Perhaps owing to the relatively anonymous nature of the franchise which employs him, Bauers has largely flown under the radar in fantasy leagues. You can still pick him up for free in nearly five out of every six leagues at present and he has also garnered OF eligibility.