RADIO
Welcome back to my hitting streamers column for Week 6, taking a look at hitters to add or stream off the waiver wire for this week's scheduled games.
To keep things simple, I pick from players who are 50% owned or less and who play at least seven games in the week. If someone jumps off the page at me as a less than seven game player, I may make an exception, but otherwise the advantage in number of games dictates my choices.
Streaming can be a valuable tool, by allowing you to feast on favorable pitching matchups and simply have your hitters play more games than your opponents' hitters. If you have the roster space, streaming a hitter can be useful not only to fill a vacant lineup spot, but also to fill in for someone who has five games that week or faces tough matchups. In 5x5 leagues, four of the five hitting categories are counting stats, making the value of extra games significant. Streaming also can allow you to target a specific category of need. Even though this week's pool of streaming options is not as strong as usual, there is still value to be had. With that said, let’s dive right in.
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Bats to Stream and Start in Week 6
Michael A. Taylor (OF, WAS) - 45% owned
Taylor still has strikeout issues (30.4% on the year), and he has been cold lately. Nevertheless, he is who we thought he was: a guy who will post a low batting average but give you stolen bases and homers. He is tied for fourth in the majors this year with 10 stolen bases. He has combined that speed with three homers, 18 runs, and nine RBIs. While his run production is likely to be average and his batting average likely to be low, he is a good option if you need stolen bases with the possibility of home runs.
Maikel Franco (3B, PHI) - 50% owned
Franco has a low strikeout rate and has hit homers, but he has yet to post a BABIP over .300 for a season. If he could live by the slogan "hit it where they ain't", his once bright fantasy star could shine again. There are not strong signs that is about to happen, but that does not mean he cannot provide you value this week. On the season, Franco has a line of .272/5/13/24/0 in just 24 games. That line, combined with decent pitching matchups this week, makes him a decent streaming option if available.
Lewis Brinson (OF, MIA) - 10% owned
Brinson is strikeout-prone. This year, he has struck out in 34.5% of his plate appearances, is hitting .175, and has just one steal. Why, then, is he near the top of this week's streamers? Brinson is a 23-year-old perennial top prospect who has now spent 51 games in MLB. It appears that he may be starting to adjust as his K-rate has decreased recently. If he is able to put the ball in play, good things will happen. He has power and speed (although that has not yet translated to stolen bases at the MLB level), and he has serviceable pitching matchups this week. Brinson could surprise with production in any category, and this week I feel he is a good gamble.
Franchy Cordero (OF, SDP) - 17% owned
Continuing the trend of strikeout-prone hitters with speed and power is Franchy Cordero. In his 30 games with the Padres last year, Cordero was the fastest player on the team and hit the ball harder than any other Padres position player. In 50 career games, he has a line of .240/9/26/22/4. That is a 162-game average of .240/29/84/71/13. He is a promising young player (23 years old) who would be even higher on the list if he faced better matchups. If you can stomach his poor batting average, he is a recommended buy and hold candidate.
Scott Kingery (2B/3B/SS/OF, PHI) - 45% owned
With JP Crawford sidelined, Kingery should have regular playing time at shortstop this week. After stealing 30 bases in the minors in 2016, Kingery added power to his repertoire in 2017 (with 26 homers and 29 steals). Even though he is off to a slow start at the plate (.208/2/12/13/3), his stolen base ability should make him a valuable fantasy asset. Pair that with his power, and he gives you enough value to offset what is likely not to be a great batting average. Facing decent pitching matchups, this is a good week to stream Kingery, who may be eligible at multiple positions.
Manuel Margot (OF, SDP) - 40% owned
In 157 MLB games, the former prospect has a line of .250/15/65/49/22. Even though his average is sitting at a putrid .176 this year, that is due to an unlucky BABIP of .209. While he is unlikely to provide all around production, he is a good source of stolen bases who will not hurt you too badly in the other categories. I realize that is far from a ringing endorsement, but with the scarcity of stolen bases in MLB of late, such a skillset has value in your fantasy lineup in 5x5 leagues.
Matt Adams (1B/OF, WAS) - 25% owned
Adams has capitalized on his 77 plate appearances this year, with a line of .297/7/14/17/0 and a ridiculous 1.088 OPS. Even though that is obviously unsustainable, Adams has always been a righty-masher. In his career, he has batted .288 against them with a homer every 20.8 at bats. This week, the Nationals face five righties. Adams should have a chance to continue his righty-mashing ways, and is a decent bet for a home run this week with a good batting average.
Others to Consider
Starlin Castro (2B, MIA) - 44% owned - Castro does not have a homer yet this year and is not a base-stealer, but going forward I would expect a good batting average with average pop. If that is what you're seeking this week, he is worth streaming.
Aaron Altherr (OF, PHI) - 15% owned - Part of a crowded Phillies' outfield, Altherr has a career line of .241/31/116/128/19 in 234 games. He is a decent source of power who could steal you a base.
Chris Davis (1B, BAL) - 34% owned - After a very poor season in 2017, Davis has started 2018 even worse. However, he has looked better at the plate lately and is a high-risk proposition who could reward you with power and run production.
Miguel Rojas (SS/3B, MIA) - 5% owned - Rojas has four homers and two steals already this season. While that is unlikely to continue, he is likely to be available in your league if the other options are all off the table.
