Five Outfield Waiver Wire Pickups for Week 14

The first half of the season is history and fantasy owners are battling hard to stay atop the standings. The free agent market is slim this time of year and it can be tough to find quality additions on the waiver wire. Here are five names that can make an immediate impact in the outfield.

 

J.D. Martinez - (OF, Tigers)

70% Owned

BALLER MOVE: Add in All Formats

On June 8th, J.D. Martinez was sporting a .242 batting average. A fourteen game hitting streak has boosted that average to a season-high .314. Martinez has slugged 5 HR & 15 RBI during that stretch, making him one of the hottest hitters in the American League. Although he is still a relatively unproven fantasy player, Martinez is worth adding in all formats in light of his recent success.

 

Josh Harrison - (OF / 2B / 3B, Pirates)

38% Owned

BALLER MOVE: Add in All Formats

Despite the arrival of Gregory Polanco in Pittsburgh, Josh Harrison is making it difficult for the Pirates to take him out of the lineup. Josh has hit safely in 20 of his last 25 games and is hitting .302 on the year with 27 R, 5 HR, 23 RBI and  6 SB.

Harrison's versatility adds to his fantasy value. Harrison has an impressive batting average and a lot of speed, making him a solid waiver wire addition.

 

Adam Eaton - (OF, Chicago Sox)

58% Owned

BALLER MOVE: Add in All Formats

Adam Eaton has been hot and cold this season, with his most recent stretch being a hot one. Eaton has at least one hit in 18 of his last 19 games and in each of the last 12. The speedy lefty has certainly been doing his job atop the White Sox order, reaching base in 20 straight games. Eaton can steal bases and score runs in bunches. He left Thursday night's game with leg cramping, but early reports are he'll be fine. For fantasy owners looking to add some speed to their lineups, Adam Eaton is an excellent option.

 

Steve Pearce - (DH / 1B / OF, Orioles)

30% Owned

BALLER MOVE: Add in All Formats

Steve Pearce is an eight-year veteran who has never appeared in more than 61 games in a season. Pearce has been playing regularly as of late and his 43 hits are more than he has had in any other season of his career. Pearce is a hitting .331 on the season with 16 R, 7 HR. 20 RBI and 2 SB. The versatile slugger has been hot recently, posting multi-hit games in six of his last eight starts. Pearce may not be a long-term fantasy solution, but his ability to contribute in every offensive category makes him a worthwhile addition in the short term.

 

Colby Rasmus - (OF, Blue Jays)

47% Owned

BALLER MOVE: Continue Scouting / Add in Deeper Leagues

An excellent example of a high risk/reward player is Colby Rasmus. Owners willing to sacrifice batting average in turn for power numbers may want to keep an eye on him. Rasmus has nine hits and six RBI in eight games since returning from the disabled list. Rasmus will be a very important player for the Blue Jays over the next few weeks if Jose Bautista's leg injury causes him to miss any time. Fantasy owners should watch Rasmus closely over the next several games and be ready to add him if he finds his home run stroke.