Aledmys Diaz (SS, STL) - Waiver Wire Pickups

BALLER MOVE: Add in Deep Mixed Leagues, NL-Only Leagues

OWNED IN: 30% Fleaflicker

ANALYSIS: Aledmys Diaz never boasted much power or speed in the minors, but he has shown the ability to hit pitching at all levels. He hit .278/.339/.445 in 425 AB last year, including a 50-AB stint in Triple-A during which he slashed .380/.448/.620. Now, 39 AB into his big-league career, Diaz has managed a .385/.429/.744 slash line with two home runs and eight runs batted in. His 1.173 OPS is fifth in all of baseball among players with at least 40 plate appearances. While the 25-year-old shortstop who failed to crack the Cardinals’ top 30 prospect list is not going to maintain this pace throughout the season, if he continues to hit, he will continue to see at-bats. With a full season of playing time, a 10/10/.290 season is not out of the question. For the time being, Diaz should be owned in every deep mixed league with a MI slot.