Ian Happ (2B/OF, CHC) - Waiver Wire Pickups

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ANALYSIS: Ian Happ got off to a slow start in his first month in the big leagues, posting just a .741 OPS over 56 at-bats in the month of May. However, that number has jumped to nearly .900 for both June and July, which has forced the Cubs’ hand in making him an everyday player.

The driving force behind Happ’s success has been his improved contact rate. In May, his strikeout rate was at a troubling 34.4%, however, that mark dipped to 30.5% in June, and is currently at just 19% in July. Happ has also managed to rack up counting stats due to the fact that he rarely hits lower than fifth in the Cubs’ batting order. There is some potential for regression in his power production, as his hard contact rate has dropped each month of the season and he is currently relying on a 23.2% HR/FB rate.

Even with some power regression baked in, Happ is a valuable waiver wire addition thanks to his ability to rack up RBI and runs as well as hit for a solid average. Though he isn’t a huge contributor in steals, he has managed to swipe three bags this season. That makes him a well-rounded and under-owned fantasy option, even if he doesn’t provide standout production in a single category.