Maikel Franco (3B, PHI) -Week 17 Waiver Wire Pickups

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ANALYSIS: 

Maikel Franco is and always has been a boom or bust bat. He’s going to hit a lot of home runs and strike out a ton. The great part about Franco this season is he’s striking out just 12% of the time. It’s taken away the huge risk of having him in your lineup and he’s maintained the huge power numbers. He’s already up to 15 on the season and ready to surpass his career high of 25 in ‘16. He’s found himself in the lineup daily and no longer has the threat of dealing with a platoon situation.

If you’re in need of some power and don’t want a 25%+ strikeout bat, Franco is solid. He’s in a Phillies lineup that scores a ton and will offer him plenty of RBI opportunities. He’s also been unlucky on the year, posting just a .253 BABIP that will surely rise in the second half. Franco has been a lot more consistent that it seems over the last three seasons and he’s slowly improved year in and year out. He’s striking out less than ever and hitting for more power than ever. Things are on the rise for Franco and he’s available. The bulk majority of leagues. Remember, he’s only useful if you’re in need of home runs in a deeper league.