Jake Bauers (1B, TB) - Week 18 Waiver Wire Pickups

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OWNED IN: 22% of Yahoo leagues

ANALYSIS: Given the dominance of the Yankees and Red Sox, the Rays were never likely to contend for a playoff spot. They have been respectable, though, posting a .500 record and a positive run differential entering Saturday's action. One reason has been the play of rookie Jake Bauers.

The 22-year-old has hit .245/.346/.472 with six home runs and three stolen bases in 38 games since getting promoted to the majors last month. He has not run as much as fantasy owners might have hoped after swiping 30 bags in his season and change at Triple-A, but Bauers has demonstrated an advanced plate approach (12.8 BB%) and the ability to consistently make high-quality contact (44.1% hard hit ball rate).

Perhaps owing to the relatively anonymous nature of the franchise which employs him, Bauers has largely flown under the radar in fantasy leagues. You can still pick him up for free in nearly five out of every six leagues at present and he will also likely get OF eligibilty.