Lucas Duda (1B, NYM) - Waiver Wire Pickups

BALLER MOVE: Add in 12+ Team Leagues

OWNED IN: 16% of Yahoo Leagues

ANALYSIS: Lucas Duda is surging, posting six home runs, 11 RBI, and seven runs scored in his past ten games. However, he still has not gotten much fantasy attention, as is indicated by being owned in just 16% of leagues. First base is a deep position, but fantasy owners should find a place to start Duda as a corner infielder or utility player.

Duda’s peripherals suggest that he is finally healthy again as his hard-hit rate is a career best 43.2% and very reminiscent of his 2013 and 2014 hard hit rates when he was a 30-home run hitter. The rest of his peripherals are also conducive to power, as his flyball rate and pull percentage are both at 47%.

Power is Duda’s main fantasy contribution for the career .247 hitter and little in his profile suggests there is that mark will rise this season. Duda’s counting stats should improve, he has just 21 RBI on 10 home runs, as he has been shifted back up in the lineup to the fifth spot.

While there are good signs for picking up Duda in the short term, Yoenis Cespedes is returning soon and that may cost Duda playing time, particularly vs. LHP who he has a -110 slugging differential against. The Mets have too many hitters for too few positions and Jay Bruce could begin to play at first base more often, putting Duda on the bench. He should still get nearly all starts when the Mets face RHP. In the meantime, Duda should be picked up for teams looking for an infusion of power to their team.