Ian Kinsler (2B, SD) - Waiver Wire Pickups Week 1

BALLER MOVE: Add in 12+ Team Leagues

OWNED IN: 8% of Leagues

ANALYSIS: When Ian Kinsler signed with San Diego, there were questions on where, and if, he would play. With Luis Urias not making the club to start the year, Kinsler looks to be the starting option moving forward at the keystone, making him an appealing play at MI based on playing time alone. The other good news for prospective owners is that Kinsler looks to be leading off for the time being, meaning he is hitting ahead of Eric Hosmer, Manny Machado, and Will Myers. If that trio can produce, then Kinsler is the primary beneficiary with runs and steals.

Over his career, Kinsler has been a lock for 12 stolen bases or more in a campaign, and he should have those chances with other speed options populating the bottom of the Padres roster. While no longer the MVP candidate from early in his career, the plate skills are still there, with a 12% K rate last year. This put him in the top 15 percent of all hitters and will pay off for owners. Add in a surging contact rate from previous years, and Kinsler looks to be set to make his mark, even at the ripe baseball age of 37.