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The season rolls on and fantasy managers need to continue analyzing their roster with an eye on categories instead of just adding any random player. This week the primary focus for outfield additions will be to maximize venues and splits. Some might cause a little tingle of concern when you read their name. Don't be afraid. Do what you're comfortable doing with your roster. No Fear, Just Fantasy.
Whether you're streaming a hot bat or need to replace a guy long-term, there are plenty of different options. The issue is that you are not alone and others in your league might have intent on doing the same thing. Just make sure you make a decision and grab someone. You'll lose valuable counting stats if you leave a roster spot empty, even if only a day. In this article, I’ll discuss waiver wire targets for the outfield in week 19. This week we cover guys that primarily have advantageous splits and number of at-bats.
Even in the first few weeks, ownership can change quickly. Be quick to check your leagues for their availability. Key points - this list will focus on players who are owned in less than 50% of Yahoo leagues. When you want to chat it up regarding outfielders, prospects, or dynasty leagues, message me directly on Twitter @EllisCan2.
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Outfield (OF) Waiver Wire Options
Shallow Leagues (50-30% Owned)
Oscar Mercado (OF, CLE) —50% Owned
The Indians are no longer a team that pitchers can stream against. Since the trade-deadline acquisitions, the Indians have scored 15 total runs in the last three games, one of which was against Astros Ace Gerrit Cole. All that to say that Mercado is hitting in a premium spot (two-hole) ahead of some bats that can make things happen. There is no reason why he should have such minimal ownership. The power(eight) & speed(nine) combination alone is worth more than that, especially when a .289 average is added to the equation. Stop reading now and pick him up if he’s still available.
Adam Duvall (1B/OF, ATL) — 45% Owned
Duvall is the latest treat for fantasy owners to enjoy. With Nick Markakis’ injury and Austin Riley’s struggles, Duvall was given the opportunity for more playing time and wasted no time demonstrating his appreciation. He’s hit five homers to go with eight RBI, and a .419 average. He’ll spend the week on the road in Minnesota and Miami, but playing time is exactly the thing you need right now. The power is a bonus.
Scott Kingery (3B/SS/OF, PHI) — 44% Owned
The 2019 season has been an impressive bounce-back for Kingery; he stands at 13HR, 9SB, .270AVG with a 47% Hard-hit rate (89.2mph average exit velo). His recent performance has been a different story altogether with 2SB and a .167 average in the last week. This week will present opportunities for Kingery to get back in the groove. Albeit on the road in Arizona and San Francisco, he finds comfort with a .280 average. Also, five of the seven starters he’ll face are right-handed, against whom he still is able to hit for a .260 average. The Phillies are another lineup that can bust out at any moment. Kingery will be a part of that.
**Others to consider: David Fletcher (2B/3B/SS/OF, LAA) — 42% owned; Adam Eaton (OF, WSH) — 47% owned
Deep Leagues (30-10% Owned)
Niko Goodrum (1B/2B/SS/3B/OF, DET) — 27% Owned
Goodrum has been a pleasant surprise this year with 10 homers and 12 steals despite a mediocre average (.249). His 29% Strikeout and 14% Swinging Strike rates leave much to be desired but they're manageable in the right circumstances. As stated with Jones, this week might be one of those circumstances to simply accrue counting stats. Eight games combined with the tremendous multi-positional eligibility helps to overlook those flaws.
Leury Garcia (SS/OF, CWS) — 20% Owned
Garcia has picked up the pace in the last couple of weeks, literally. While the single long ball and .291 average are satisfying, it is the four stolen bases that have helped fantasy clubs more than anything. He’s lucky to have his speed as the combination of 56% Ground-ball and 27% Hard-hit rates (86.8mph average exit velocity) will not do him any favors. That speed is also what allows him to have a .371BABIP which buoys his .290 batting average. Without any specific platoon splits, he should enjoy a full seven-game schedule this week with a trip to Detroit before hosting the A’s.
Jackie Bradley Jr. (OF, BOS) —22% Owned
JBJ always makes the list and it always comes with a certain sense of trepidation. He has plenty of things going in his favor: his defense keeps him on the field, he has speed, and he plays for a dynamic offense. However, it hasn’t come together, despite the improved offseason training regimen. He makes the list for all of these reasons. Additionally, he faces five righties this week, which is favorable for him, if only to the tune of 10HR, 5SB, .238AVG. At this point in the season, you’ll scrounge together steals anywhere you can get them.
Brandon Belt (1B/OF, SF) — 12% Owned
Belt doesn’t have a great venue this week, but it is a familiar one in Oracle Park. The main attraction here is the six right-handed pitchers the 31-year-old will face. His smirk likely results from the .268 career average against them. Belt also gets the benefit of hitting on a hot team, one that has won 20 games since July 1st (28 games). Yep, the Giants are hot.
**Others to consider: Kevin Kiermaier (OF, TB) —16% owned; Jason Heyward (OF, CHC) — 29% owned; Garrett Cooper (1B/OF, MIA) — 18% owned
Super Deep Leagues ( < 10% Owned)
JaCoby Jones (OF, DET) — 1% Owned
Jones was having a great June (4HR, 14RBI, .291AVG), but a back injury slowed him down. With 10 homers and seven stolen bases, he still has a variety of ways to help your roster. Jones gets moved up the list because he has the opportunity to play eight games this week. The added benefit is the competition isn’t that daunting in the White Sox and Royals. Although his recent performance hasn’t been great, he will have an opportunity to get right when he faces six right-handers this week, which is his better platoon split (.243AVG).
Mark Canha (1B/OF, OAK) — 6% Owned
Canha is the primary beneficiary of the Ramon Laureano injury. He’s been a more-than-capable fill-in this year with 17HR to go with a .257/.382/.527 slash line. Canha has never been a speed guy so don’t let the two stolen bases in one game fool you. He’ll spend the week in Chicago; unfortunately, it's only a six-game road trip. Of those, he benefits from facing four righties(.267AVG).
**Others to consider: Eric Thames (1B/OF, MIL) —5% owned; Brandon Dixon (1B/OF, DET) — 1% owned
More Waiver Wire Pickups and Streamers
Check out RotoBaller's entire fantasy baseball waiver wire pickups and sleepers list, updated daily!
