Five Outfielder Fantasy Waiver Wire Pickups for Week 21

August 16, 2014

Joe Hannon discusses the top 5 fantasy baseball waiver wire pickups at the outfield position. These sleeper hitters can provide good value and should be owned.

As the summer rolls on, fantasy owners are gearing up for the home stretch. Here are five outfielders that could help propel their teams toward the finish line. I believe these players are currently undervalued and are worth considering as waiver wire additions.

Michael Cuddyer - (OF, COL) - 40% Owned

BALLER MOVE: Add in All Formats

After a lengthy stint on the disabled list, Michael Cuddyer is set to return to the Colorado lineup this weekend.

This could not come at a better time for the Rockies, who recently lost Troy Tulowitzki and Carlos Gonzalez for what appears to be the remainder of the season.

In just 31 games, Cuddyer is hitting .317 with 16 R, 5 HR, 16 RBI and 3 SB. Though the 13-year veteran may be a bit rusty, he is an excellent fantasy outfielder than can contribute in every offensive category. Add him up now before it's too late.

Norichika Aoki - (OF, KC) - 46% Owned

BALLER MOVE: Add in All Formats

August has been very kind to Nori Aoki. The speedy lefty is hitting .368 this month with 10 R, 1 HR, 9 RBI and 4 SB in 12 games. The Royals have won all but two of those games, and Aoki has been a catalyst at the top of the batting order. Those in search of speed from the outfield should consider adding Aoki while he's hot.

Carl Crawford - (OF, LAD) - 37% Owned

BALLER MOVE: Add in All Formats

A few short years ago, Carl Crawford was a first-round fantasy pick. A laundry list of injuries and a crowded Dodger outfield have lead to a major drop in his fantasy value. Though he may never regain the electricity he once had, Crawford has been very productive of late. In each of his last four games, Carl has multiple-hits and a run scored.

He has totaled 10 H, 4 R, 3 RBI and 1 SB over that span, and perhaps more importantly, Crawford has been getting a chance to play everyday. Even at age 33, Carl Crawford still has exceptional speed and can provide a late-season spark for fantasy owners.

Angel Pagan - (OF, SF) - 61% Owned

BALLER MOVE: Add in All Formats

Angel Pagan was part of last week's waiver wire list as he was returning from injury. He has not disappointed, collecting hits in each of his six games since rejoining the Giants.

Pagan is an excellent hitter and his .306 batting average will undoubtedly boost any fantasy team. His spot atop the Giants order should allow him to score quite a few runs and steal some bases over the final third of the season.

Angel may not put up huge power numbers, but he won't hurt fantasy owners either.

Dexter Fowler - (OF, HOU) - 17% Owned

BALLER MOVE: Add in All Formats

Another player returning from the disabled list this week is Dexter Fowler. The Astros outfielder has been out since late June with back issues, but he returned to the cleanup spot in the order on Wednesday. Dexter has an impressive combination of speed and power, and he can produce in every offensive fantasy category.

In 77 games this season, Fowler is slashing .271/.379/.396 with 78 H, 43 R, 12 2B, 3 3B, 6 HR, 24 RBI, 6 SB and 48 BB. The switch-hitter does a great job getting on base, and he could be a big piece of any fantasy team going forward.