Ketel Marte (2B/SS, ARI) - Week 21 Waiver Wire Pickups

BALLER MOVE: Add in 12+ Team Leagues

OWNED IN: 19% of leagues

ANALYSIS: Arizona Diamondbacks utility player Ketel Marte is in an awkward spot for playing time, something that could hurt his fantasy value. Arizona’s acquisition of Eduardo Escobar could end up cutting into Marte’s playing time when Jake Lamb heals up from his recent injury. Chris Owings is also hitting well, making it even tougher for Marte. If he keeps swinging the bat like he has been, though, getting at-bats will not be a problem.

The 24-year-old is hitting .275/.355/.509 since the beginning of June with nine home runs and 71 R+BI. He has also collected 17 other extra-base hits and has a solid walk rate (10.8%) in terms of his strikeout rate (13.5%). While Marte has seen his statistics get better, he is only slashing .241/.293/.333 since the beginning of August and his walk rate is down (6.9%) while his strikeout rate is up (15.5%).

Fantasy owners should add Marte as long as he is getting solid playing time, but need to realize that Escobar and a healthy Lamb will likely fill the positions that Marte is currently occupying. For now, though, Marte is a good addition in deeper leagues.