Addison Russell (SS, CHC) - Week 7 Waiver Wire Pickups

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ANALYSIS: Chicago Cubs shortstop Addison Russell has struggled over much of the last two seasons, but a jump in batting average has led to him becoming more of a fantasy asset. Russell did have 21 home runs and 95 RBI in 151 games in 2016 before dropping to 12 home runs and 43 RBI in 110 games last season, but his .238 batting average in 2016 and 2017 has risen to .261 in a small sample size this season.

Russell has 10 extra-base hits in 125 plate appearances this season, putting him beneath his 0.09 extra base hits/PA last season and closer to his 0.081 extra base hits/PA in 2017. While his OPS has dropped from .738 in 2016 to .714 this season, he actually has the same OPS+ (94) and his .336 OBP is the best of his career. Russell's batted ball statistics show a drop off year over year, but his 23.1% soft hit ball rate is better than his 23.7% in 2016 and his hard hit ball rate (29.7%) is also better than the 29.3% rate that he had in his All-Star 2016. His 25.8% line drive rate is also the best of his career.

It was a bit crazy that Russell had a .289 BABIP with a 13.8% soft hit ball rate in 2017 and, while Russell has not fully bounced back this season, his strides in getting on base have to be noted. He has scored 18 runs and appears to be a decent MI in deeper formats.