Josh Bell (1B, PIT) – Week 21 Waiver Wire Pickups

BALLER MOVE: Add in All Leagues

OWNED IN: 45% of Leagues  

ANALYSIS: Pittsburgh Pirates first baseman Josh Bell has had a lost season in 2018, posting a .266/.349/.413 slash line, but seems to have turned the corner as of late. He has two home runs in the last week, getting a hit in six of his last seven games, and is flashing the power that led to 26 home runs and 90 RBI in 2017. Taking a step back to the beginning of July, Bell is slashing .310/.400/.490 and his 13% walk rate is impressive considering his 16.5% K rate.

With good plate discipline, and a boost in power numbers (just one home run since the beginning of July prior to this week), Bell should be an addition in all leagues. His hard hit ball rate is 35.8% since the beginning of July and, while his ground ball rate is 49.4% in the same time period, a 21% line drive rate shows that he is making solid contact. The 26-year-old remains a good player to add for the stretch run.