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Managers can easily make decisions to affect their team positively, but often they're too hesitant, cautious, or even scared. Sometimes you have to make the hard choice to choose a player in the right circumstance to produce. These are the best players when we start streaming. We look at the matchups and other variables to put our team in the best position to succeed. That is the best we can do. There is no need to be scared about making these types of choices. No Fear, Just Fantasy.
Some outfielders would be better suited to stream for a hot bat. Others need to be replaced just because they are no longer on the field (IL). That is a situation that is affecting many owners, and there is nothing you can do except find a suitable replacement as quickly as possible or risk losing valuable counting stats. In this article, I’ll discuss waiver wire targets for the outfield in week 9. This week we cover a few guys that are on a little hot streak while a couple of other players have enticing matchups.
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
Bryan Reynolds (OF, PIT) — 3% Owned
Reynolds is getting plenty of playing time but is often overlooked. Most owners would be surprised by his 91.8 average exit velocity. That, plus the .371 BABIP has helped him achieve some success in his rookie season. Thus far, he’s hit four homers with 12 RBI and a .318/.376/.556 slash line in 93 plate appearances. Reynolds’ can also take his share of walks (9%) and keep his strikeout rate at a decent level (20%), considering he has a 13% swinging strike rate. One thing that Reynolds needs to refrain from is chasing pitches (37%) too often. The 64% contact of these pitches might regress once the BABIP drops to a normal level.
Lefties would be Reynolds’ pitcher of choice since he smacks them around (.481 AVG) every chance he gets. He only gets two on the schedule but there is still reason for optimism. The Pirates have eight games on the schedule, with four games in Great American Ball Park before returning home to host the Brewers. There are no world-class starters among the right-handed pitchers he’ll face this week.
Kyle Schwarber (OF, CHC) — 43% Owned
Schwarber has had a power spurt the last two weeks with four homers and 12 runs. However, he continuously lags in the batting average department (.220). To get you to overlook that category, he looks to overwhelm you with power with a 13.3% barrels on batted ball events, which could lead to future success if he maintains it. Additionally, Schwarber provides a 15% walk rate to help offset the 27% strikeout rate.
As a lefty hitter, it is surprising to see that he is hitting .310 against southpaws this year and only .215 against right-handed pitchers. Unfortunately, he has five righties and only one left on the schedule when he faces both Houston and St. Louis on the road this week. The silver lining is that Schwarber is batting .274 in 62 at-bats against righties away from Wrigley Field. If you need the power and can sacrifice the batting average a little, Schwarber is your guy, especially in OBP leagues.
Randal Grichuk (OF, TOR) — 28% Owned
Admittedly, Grichuk hasn’t had the best start to the season. Over the last 14 days, he has two bombs, a stolen base, and seven runs. Unfortunately, like a few other guys on this list, his batting average this year is lacking (.237). So, why is he even on the list? Well, one of the best things to look for when identifying streaming hitters is finding the ones that hit in favorable environments. Despite leaving Toronto, Grichuk will get a series in Colorado that might even out the start against the Rays. If you have the ability to stream hitters, start him against the two southpaws (.288) as well as the games in Coors.
Jorge Soler (OF, KC) — 32% Owned
This is purely an attempt to take advantage of weaker competition and a hitter-friendly environment. Soler has already used his 90mph exit velocity to acquire 11 bombs and 32 RBI this year. You will only need a modest batting average support in the rest of your lineup to compensate for Soler’s .249 average. You’ll get ample RBI opportunity as he has settled into the sixth spot of the order. Soler will be a solid addition because he faces off against the White Sox before setting his sights on Globe Life Park, two matchups that provide plenty of upside.
Jake Marisnick (OF, HOU) — 2% Owned
Marisnick was getting more playing time even before Springer hit the IL. He’s always had both power and speed skills and definitely displayed both in his recent opportunity. In the last two weeks, he’s accrued three taters, stole two bases, and even has a .278 batting average. Some of his underlying stats like a .375 BABIP and a 31% strikeout rate question the legitimacy of his performance. He definitely takes his hacks and will chase pitches (37%). However, as long as it is rolling strong, stay on for the ride.
This week Marisnick will welcome the Cubs to Houston before heading west to face the Athletics. He is loving life every time a southpaw takes the mound (.429 AVG). Marisnick will start the game with a grin in three out of the six games this week. Keep in mind that he might be a part of a rotation to fill the outfield spots in Houston.
Derek Fisher (OF, HOU) — 1% Owned
Have you ever been waiting to surprise someone for their birthday and a different person showed up? “Oh, it’s you.” That is what happened with Fisher. He was the one that arrived to fill in for Springer when the whole fantasy community was eagerly awaiting for Kyle Tucker or Yordan Alvarez. Fisher has had success at Triple-A for the last three years. However, it hasn’t translated at the big-league level during his attempts in the last two seasons. It has been more of the same in 2019. In 137 at-bats at Triple-A Round Rock, Fisher has hit eight homers to go with a .314/.379/.555 slash line. In a few ways, Fisher has skills similar to Marisnick. Over his limited major league career, he also does better against lefties (.256). Even his historical plate discipline leaves a lot to be desired. Only time will tell if 2019 is any different than the past. It might take failure for the expected guests to be invited to the party.
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