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Joe Hannon analyzes the top 5 fantasy baseball outfielder waiver wire pickups for week 18. These sleeper outfielders can have an immediate impact on your team.
Ready to recharge? The All-Star break has passed and the playoff push is underway. Here are five sleeper outfielders who are primed for a strong second half, including AL-Only and NL-Only formats.
Denard Span - (OF, WSH) - 39% Owned
BALLER MOVE: Add in All Formats
After a slow start to the season, Denard Span has been one of the Nationals most consistent hitters over the last month.
Since June 17th, Span is 41-for-123, which averages out to a solid .333. He also has 12 hits in six games following the mid-summer classic.
Span is not going to put up much in the way of power numbers, but he is currently an excellent source of batting average, runs and stolen bases for fantasy owners in need.
Brock Holt - (3B/OF, BOS) - 88% Owned
BALLER MOVE: Add in All Formats
Other than pitcher and catcher, Brock Holt has played every position for the Red Sox this season. The ultimate utility man has been solid with the bat as well. Holt is slashing .321 with 40 R, 3 HR, 23 RBI, and 6 SB in 66 games this year.
His 26 XBH are impressive for a player most consider not to be a power source. Brock can do a little bit of everything, both in the field and at the plate. He can score runs and drive them in, but it's his versatility in the field that really boosts his fantasy value. For owners who manage their lineups on a daily basis, Brock Holt is a great player to have on the roster.
Stephen Vogt - (C/1B/OF, OAK) - 59% Owned
BALLER MOVE: Add in All Formats
On a team stacked with hitters, Stephen Vogt continues to impress. 2014 has been a breakout year for Vogt, and he is showing no signs of slowing down. The Athletics are using any means necessary to keep the natural catcher in the lineup.
Stephen is hitting .361 with 12 R, 4 HR, 18 RBI and 1 SB in just 38 games this season. Stephen has been especially solid against right-handed pitching and could see an increase in playing time if Josh Reddick continues to struggle at the plate.
Emilio Bonifacio - (OF, CHC) - 15% Owned
BALLER MOVE: Continue Scouting/Add in NL-Only Formats
After starting the season out on an absolute tear, Emilio Bonifacio cooled off significantly. Then he spent nearly six weeks on the disabled list. Bonifacio looks to begin another hot streak as the second half of the season kicks off.
He went 2-for-5 in his debut, occupying his usual spot atop the Cubs order. Emilio has decent pop for a leadoff hitter and is among the best stolen base threats in the National League. Bonifacio is an interesting player to watch over the next week.
Chris Carter - (1B/OF, HOU) - 34% Owned
BALLER MOVE: Add in AL-Only Leagues
Like most power hitters, Chris Carter is a big-time risk who is capable of putting up monstrous offensive numbers.
Carter has over 100 strikeouts on the season and struggles to keep his average north of .200. However, Chris has been productiv of late.
Since July 1st, Chris is hitting .333 with 11 R, 6, HR, 13 RBI and 1 SB. His batting average has risen from .181 to .212 over that stretch of games. As long as he is hot, Carter is worth adding for an offensive boost.
