Juan Francisco (1B / 3B, TOR) - Waiver Wire Pickups

BALLER MOVE: Add in Deep Leagues

ANALYSIS: Juan Francisco has always tantalized fantasy owners by putting up big numbers at AAA (.901 career OPS) and then failing to deliver at the Major League level (.731 OPS heading into the year). Last year he did hit 18 HR but it came at the price of a .227 batting average. This year in a small sample size Francisco looks like a much improved player. It might be more than just an isolated hot streak as well. Francisco already has ten walks, which is one less than he had in 93 games in 2012 and is good for the highest walk rate of his career by far. Much like teammate Adam Lind, Francisco has extreme R/L splits. Even this year he has an OPS of just .345 vs lefties. Even if Francisco slows down a bit the power could be very real. Playing time is an issue but Francisco has started at 1B, 3B and DH this year. It looks like the Jays will find ways to get him in the lineup as long as he continues to hit. Francisco has a decent shot at 20+ HR this year with an average that won’t kill you vs righties. With 3B eligibility that makes him a solid add in most leagues where you can adjust your lineup daily.