Daniel Palka (1B/OF, CHW) - Week 7 Waiver Wire Pickups

BALLER MOVE: Add in 14+ Team Leagues

OWNED IN: 2% of leagues

ANALYSIS: Across the board production is the category for Chicago White Sox outfielder Daniel Palka, who is only given an opportunity because of a hamstring injury to Avisail Garcia. Palka has a .295 batting average with six runs, four homers, and 11 RBI to go with one stolen base in 44 at-bats in 2018. Over the last 7 days, Palka has scored two runs, hit one HR, driven in three runners, stolen one base, and has a .500 AVG in 12 at-bats.

Over his career, he has shown that he can hit; he has a .270 average across five minor league seasons. Palka also has 108 HR and 48 SB so he also brings power and speed. Thus far in the majors, he has show the patience to hit the ball to all fields as well.

Palka is not without his flaws though. Two of his detractors are a lack of walks and playing time. Currently, he has a BB% of 2.2, but he has shown to be able to walk anywhere in the range of 7-13% which is more that satisfactory considering the skills he brings. The other interesting issue is a lack of consistent playing time, which is particulary vexing considering the amount of insufficient quality players on the White Sox roster to block Palka. When he has been in the lineup, the 26-year-old rookie has been slotted into the fifth or sixth position. Currently, he offers both first base and outfield eligibility so Palka provides more flexibility for your roster.  His upcoming opponents of the Pirates and Rangers are also quite favorable. Consider rostering Palka in deep and AL-only leagues.