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We're halfway through May and the waiver wire is looking a bit scarce these days. Most worthwhile outfielders have been scooped up after hot Aprils, leaving only highly speculative players behind. But that doesn't mean all hope is lost.
Every owner should always reserve a handful of roster spots for cycling in waiver wire-level talent depending on recent trends. That means it's probably time to drop a few guys previously mentioned on this list, including the likes of Angel Pagan, Jeremy Hazelbaker and most definitely Enrique Hernandez. I'm sure one or two of those guys will be back on this list at some point of the season. That's just how it goes. The cycle continues to spin round and round.
Editor’s Note: to read about even more waiver wire options, be sure to check out our famous waiver wire pickups list which is a running list that is updated daily. Prefer using your phone? Our free waiver wire app is available for download in the Apple & Android Stores.
Week 7 Outfield Options
Colby Rasmus, Houston Astros
Owned in 50% of Fleaflicker Leagues
There's little to say about Colby Rasmus in a column such as this other than pointing out his widespread availability in half of Fleaflicker fantasy leagues. One of the few bright spots in Houston's roster these days, Rasmus is a five category contributor and should absolutely be a top waiver wire priority if you find yourself in a league where he is available. Although the .238 BA is a bit unsightly, an abundance of walks will cover the damage in OBP leagues, as his percentage currently sits at .346. As for counting stats, Rasmus currently holds seven home runs, two stolen bases, 29 RBI and 13 runs scored under his belt on the young season. His only real detriment is the same one that plague's most of Houston's lineup--a high strikeout percentage. In 2015, Rasmus struck out a hideous 31.8% of the time. He was even worse with the Blue Jays in 2014, sporting a catastrophic 33.0% figure. He has improved thus far in 2016, flashing a still-below-average 24.4% rate. If your league keeps track of such statistics, a healthy dose of caution is advised. But as long as he keeps driving guys home (top-10 in the MLB in RBI) and he stays patient at the plate, Rasmus is too productive to let slip away.
Danny Valencia, Oakland Athletics
Owned in 12% of Fleaflicker Leagues
For all intents and purposes, Danny Valencia is a cookie-cutter baseball journeyman. He's played for six teams in as many years and after finishing third in the 2010 Rookie of the Year voting, his career at the plate has barely hovered above the Mendoza Line at times. However, at the age of 31, things appear to be turning around for the Miami native. After a terrific first half of the season with the Blue Jays in 2015, Oakland claimed Valencia from waivers during a frenzy of trade deadline activity in Toronto. With his new club, Valencia improved further upon his numbers with a .284/.356/.530 line and 11 HR in just 47 games with the Athletics. In the opening weeks of 2016, Valencia is swinging the bat better than ever to the tune of a .333/.375/.573 line with five dingers in only 75 at bats. When one looks back on Valencia's lackluster seasons (or partial seasons) with Boston, Minnesota and Kansas City, it can be difficult to trust the longevity of his production. But after more than a year of consistent, solid hitting, Valencia has more than earned the opportunity to have his name called from the fantasy waiver wire. Plus, he's hit all five of his homers in the past three days. Get 'em while they're hot, folks.
Steve Pearce, Tampa Bay Rays
Owned in 9% of Fleaflicker Leagues
After seven consecutive seasons without five or more homers to begin his career, Steve Pearce has suddenly found his stroke. Pearce broke out with Baltimore in 2014, mashing 21 HR and swiping five bases to go along with a .293/.373/.556 line. 2015 was, by comparison, a disappointment as the outfielder's BA dropped to vapid .218, although he did record 15 HR in the process. Over the past few weeks with his new team in Tampa Bay, Pearce is off to a furious little tear with a .288/.370/.539 line and six homers. The icing on the cake here is that Pearce has filled in at second base for the injured Logan Forsythe and will soon add 2B eligibility to his OF/1B repertoire. With his current numbers, Pearce would immediately become one of the most productive second basemen in the American League behind the likes of Forsythe and Robinson Cano. With his predecessor slated to miss considerable time, Pearce should be added in 12+ team formats.
Brandon Guyer, Tampa Bay Rays
Owned in 3% of Fleaflicker Leagues
Fun fact about Brandon Guyer: Despite recording just 332 at bats in 2015, which ranked 235th among all MLB players, he got plunked an AL-high 24 times by opposing pitchers. He got hit by pitches an astounding 7.2% of the time. This year, in just 71 at bats (255th in the league), Guyer has been thwacked an MLB-leading 12 times, more than twice as much as any other player. His career HBP rate has him getting hit once in every 19 plate appearances, by far the heaviest rate in MLB history. Say what you want about the guy, but he sure knows the fastest way to get on base.
Fortunately, he can do it with his bat as well. Guyer is currently sporting a tantalizing .329/.435/.566 line four homers and 11 RBI across 92 plate appearances. He's now started six games in a row (all in the leadoff spot) for the Rays and will continue to fill in for a struggling Desmond Jennings while his bat stays hot. If you're looking for a little spark in deeper leagues, look no further than the human beanbag that is Brandon Guyer.
Steven Moya, Detroit Tigers
Owned in 2% of Fleaflicker Leagues
Rookie outfielder Steven Moya has been called up to the Big Leagues and it seems as if he's here to stay. Just days after receiving the call, the Tigers relegated Anthony Gose back to Triple-A, securing a roster spot for the 24 year-old Moya. In his first four games for Detroit, he's gone 6-for-15 with an RBI, which is apparently enough for the front office in Detroit to trust him moving forward. His Triple-A numbers this year have also helped his case. Prior to his call-up, Moya was hitting .310/.341/.627 with nine homers in 31 games with Triple-A Toledo. If he can come anywhere near that success at baseball's highest level, Moya will quickly become a must own player in all league formats. However, he will really have to produce big time numbers now that Cameron Maybin has returned from the DL. At just 2% owned, Moya is a must-add in dynasty leagues.
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