Austin Hedges (C, SD) - Week 25 Waiver Wire Pickups

BALLER MOVE: Add in 12+ Team Leagues

OWNED IN: 27% of leagues

ANALYSIS: Hedges has become league average. That is a much-needed reprieve from the dumpster fire that is the catcher position this year. A .173 batting average with two homers and 30 strikeouts in April did not enlist a lot of confidence. However, he has turned things around toward the end of the season.

He spent nearly two months on the DL for an elbow strain but returned with a .268 since the DL stint. His recent success has increased his season batting average to .242 with a .312 wOBA. In the month of September, Hedges has a .280 batting average with two homers and six RBI. If he can maintain his walk rate (7%) and anything near his uncharacteristic strikeout rate (7%), it will make him even more valuable.

Hedges has a home matchup against the Giants before traveling to take on the Dodgers. The current slate matches him against four lefties and two righties. This is fortunate as Hedges is a better hitter against right-handers (.247 AVG).