Mitch Moreland (1B, BOS) - Week 9 Waiver Wire Pickups

BALLER MOVE: Add in 12+ Team Leagues

OWNED IN: 23% of leagues

ANALYSIS: Boston Red Sox first baseman Mitch Moreland is suddenly in a position to get a lot more playing time. The corresponding move that brings second baseman Dustin Pedroia back from the DL was to designate Hanley Ramirez for assignment. This makes Moreland the sole man for the job. Blake Swihart will be the backup when Moreland needs a day off, but he won't be competing for playing time on a regular basis.

In 107 at bats, Moreland has a eight home runs, 23 RBI and a slash line of .318/.393/.636. He will be hitting in the third spot in the lineup. This will increase his RBI and BB totals because of Mookie Betts getting on base in front of him, and J.D. Martinez protecting him in the cleanup spot. He has a great .437 wOBA. Moreland has also shown power in his 10 doubles alongside the long ball totals. Unlike most lefties, Moreland has been successful against southpaw pitching. His AVG is only 16 points lower than against righties. Moreland is beginning to look more like a season-long option instead of a streamer.