Josh Bell (1B/OF, PIT) - Waiver Wire Pickups

BALLER MOVE: Add in 12+ Team Leagues

OWNED IN: 46% of Yahoo Leagues

ANALYSIS: Rookie Josh Bell keeps climbing up the fantasy rankings, but not necessarily in ownership. His second half numbers show improved plate discipline and the power hasn't evaporated with it. Bell is up to 18 home runs and 55 RBI on the season, which should erase all previous doubts about his big-league power. He is the new cleanup hitter in Pittsburgh with Gregory Polanco on the shelf again and he's responded well - hitting .281 in that spot. His overall average of .244 may be a bit disappointing, but in the second half so far, he's slashing .308/.345/.519. He makes the most of his swings, posting a 34.1% hard contact rate. Once he started pulling the ball more frequently, the homers started coming too and haven't stopped.

Bell doesn't appear as if he's going to hit a rookie wall. Instead, he may be even better down the stretch. The return of Starling Marte on top of the lineup should only increase his RBI opportunities. Bell has been a steady climber in the fantasy realm, but shouldn't be slept on because he hasn't gone on a news-worthy power binge. He can slot nicely as a corner infielder in leagues with 12 or more teams.