Yonder Alonso (1B, CLE) - Week 3 Waiver Wire Pickups

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Analysis: At first glance, Yonder Alonso has started off 2018 in the same funk that characterized the end of last campaign. After his trade from Oakland Alonso's numbers took a nosedive and put a bit of a damper on a breakout campaign. So far this season Yonder has only managed nine hits through 14 games and continues to struggle against lefties. That said, a .212 BABIP so far this term hints at some bad luck, much the like the rest of Cleveland’s struggles. At the same time, Alonso’s FB% remains much the same as last year showing that either the swing change is still working, or there is no regression in his fly ball style that drove him to success in Oakland. Besides, Alonso’s Hard% is up to 40% from 36% last year. Once those ball start to drop the increased contact should pay off.

The other factor to consider when looking to roster Alonso has been the weather. Opening Day in Cleveland was the coldest on record and has stifled all offense in this first homestand. In his first six games this season, in Seattle and Los Angeles, Yonder had five hits through six games. Since coming to Cleveland? One hit in nine games. Expect the warmer weather to help Alonso, and remember that his metrics still look strong.