Alex Verdugo (OF, LAD) - Week 16 Waiver Wire Pickups

BALLER MOVE: Add in 14+ Team Leagues

OWNED IN: 2% of leagues

ANALYSIS: Los Angeles Dodgers outfield prospect Alex Verdugo makes great contact, drives the ball, and can make something out of nothing at the plate. He also does not strike out much, loves to lace line drives into the gaps, and has enough speed to play even at the bigs. It is all there for him to be a stud in the big leagues; the question is to see where he ends up.

It would surprise no one if the Dodgers made a move for an established star, with Manny Machado at the top of their wish list. Whatever upgrade they eventually make, Verdugo is likely to be involved as he represents their best hitting prospect by a fair margin. Therefore, Verdugo’s stock looks primed to rise dramatically for the second half.

This season, the 22-year-old has made a mockery of Triple-A, going .350/.395/.521 while striking our just 13.8% of the time and launching eight homers. The game looks way too easy for him, and the power hiding in his young frame is just starting to bubble up to the surface. There’s 25 home run power in there as his body matures, and it is wise to jump in early, stashing him for the second half.