Eugenio Suarez (SS, CIN) - Waiver Wire Pickups

BALLER MOVE: Add in 10+ Team Leagues

OWNED: 4% of Fleaflicker Leagues

ANALYSIS: Zack Cozart was in the midst of a career offensive year before going down with a gruesome knee injury. Luckily for the Reds, they had acquired then 23-year-old shortstop Eugenio Suarez in a trade with the Tigers for Alfredo Simon. Suarez has not disappointed this year. The now 24-year-old Suarez has a slash line of .315/.350/.485 with five home runs and three stolen bases. And though he has played replacement level defense, he has made his presence felt in Cincinnati.

Many believed that his defense would be above-average, but that his range would necessitate a move to second base. And while that change could take place in 2016 with the return of Zack Cozart, his bat will ensure that he stays in the lineup. Suarez’s .315 batting average is likely to decline as his .391 BABIP is very unsustainable and he may see a decline in his current power rate as he doesn’t have enough pop to maintain a 15.2% HR/FB rate (even in Great American Ballpark), but he will hit more than enough to have a positive fantasy impact at a generally weak offensive position.