Jorge Polanco (SS, MIN) - Week 1 Waiver Wire Pickups

BALLER MOVE: Add in All Leagues

OWNED IN: 20% of leagues

ANALYSIS: A late-season surge in 2017 had Polanco rising in the estimation of many fantasy owners last spring. Unfortunately for those who invested in his services, late in spring training it was announced that the Twins' shortstop had tested positive for a banned substance and would serve an 80-game suspension as a result. However, owners who were able to roster him after his return enjoyed a performance that suggested his 2017 breakout was no mirage.

Caveats about arbitrary endpoints aside, over his last 132 games (567 PA), Polanco has produced a .299/.358/.478 line, with 16 home runs, 14 stolen bases, and 150 R+BI. His success rate on thefts (just 25-of-40 for his career) leaves a bit to be desired, but he has 20/20 potential to go along with a plus average and what should be a healthy runs scored total from at or near the top of the Twins lineup. That makes his widespread availability (four out of every five leagues) surprising, even in light of a recent shoulder injury scare. That issue, while worth monitoring, did not keep him out of the Opening Day lineup.