Mike Fiers (SP, OAK) - Week 21 Waiver Wire Pickups

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OWNED IN: 33% of leagues

ANALYSIS: Oakland Athletics starting pitcher Mike Fiers was acquired by the Athletics at the trade dealdine and looks to make an impact for his new team. While his 786 record is not much to write home about and his 3.38 ERA is passable (even if his 4.53 FIP is not), his move to Oakland from Detroit helps his stock

Also, sorting specifically by homers on the FantasyPros park factor tool, Comerica Park stands at 13th while Oakland is 26th, and Oakland’s defense is a true top-10 unit per Fangraphs’ defensive leaderboard. Fiers has reaped the benefits of his new team already, as he is 1-0 with Oakland, allowing three earned runs in 11 2/3 innings. Most impressively, Fiers struck out 13 batters without a walk with the Athletics, playing up his strikeout potential (after striking out less than seven batters per nine with Detroit) and continuing with his elite control (1.8 walks per nine).

Fiers will face the Rangers in Oakland on Monday and then is likely to face the Twins in Minnesota next weekend as his lone start of the week. While facing the Rangers is not a great matchup, at least it is at a pitcher's ballpark like O.co and he is a two-start pitcher as well. He is a good pickup in deeper leagues to hold for the remainder of the season.