Maikel Franco (3B, PHI) - Week 16 Waiver Wire Pickups

BALLER MOVE: Add in 12+ Team Leagues

OWNED IN: 43% of leagues

ANALYSIS: Philadelphia Phillies third baseman Maikel Franco had a rough 2017 season, but his 2018 season is making it easier for fantasy managers to maintain their loyalty. The hope is that his production this season is indicative of the maturation that is more friendly and enticing to fantasy baseball managers. Since the beginning of July, Franco is hitting .359 with a double and three homers.

He continues to work on his plate discipline and has reduced his K% to 10.9 since the beginning of June. Franco has also improved his swinging strikes to 10.1% since June 1. He has a 29.2% hard hit rate in the same time span, but has also hit 51.7% ground balls. Fantasy owners will hope that he improves on his 30.3% soft hit ball rate, but it does explain his .298 BABIP.

Franco might not be the safest of options as a starting 3B in even the deepest leagues, but he is a suitable option as a CI. The Phillies wrap up the first half against the Marlins before opening the second half against the Padres, Dodgers, and Reds, so pick up Franco for some solid matchups.