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Alex Brock analyzes the top MLB outfield (OF) waiver wire pickups and adds for Week 22 of the 2016 fantasy baseball season. These sleepers have big upside.
We've officially entered into the last month of the fantasy baseball season. It's the home stretch, and it's time to bring home the bacon. This is no time to be hanging onto dead weight - underperforming players, those mired in slumps, or anyone else who can potentially cost you a championship.
Below are some outfielders to consider adding off the waiver wire for Week 22 and the fantasy baseball home stretch. Good luck RotoBallers... let's win some leagues!
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Week 22 Outfield Targets
Andrew Toles, Los Angeles Dodgers
Owned in 2% of Fleaflicker Leagues
Andrew Toles has been enjoying himself in his second MLB call up this year, despite his role as a reserve player. Since his August 21 promotion, Toles has gone 8-for-16 with two homers, seven RBI and seven runs scored. Playing mainly out of left field, the rookie has certainly made the case for himself to earn more playing time. The power (.611 SLG) is likely an illusion, as he posted a .331/.374/.511 line among three levels of the minors in 2016.
However, the 24 year-old does have some unrevealed speed, as evidenced by his 23 stolen bases this year and 62 total stolen bases back in 2013. The only obstacle left for Toles is finding playing time in a crowded Dodgers outfield. Josh Reddick and Joc Pederson are everyday players in center and right field. That leaves Toles to fight for playing time in left with Howie Kendrick, who has been swinging a hot bat as of late, and the talented Enrique Hernandez, who has struggled this year. If Toles can continue his production, he will be a valuable asset on a playoff-bound club for the rest of the season.
Jose Peraza, Cincinnati Reds
Owned in 10% of Fleaflicker Leagues
Once seen as a super prospect, Jose Peraza has lost some value lately. He was expected to be one of the best prospects in the leagues after being part of the Reds trade of Todd Frazier with the White Sox, but took a step back in productivity in the minors this year. In 71 games with Triple-A Louisville, Peraza sported a .281/.333/.375 line. Despite Peraza's predominant strength being his stolen base potential, the Venezuelan speedster managed just 10 swipes with the minor league affiliate this year.
Now, let's talk about Peraza's stint in the big leagues this year. In 43 games, the 22 year-old has posted a .325/.351/.405 line with 13 steals in the short span. With his multiple positional eligibility at both middle infield spots along with the outfield, Peraza could be a useful fantasy addition down the stretch as the Reds try to get their young phenom some quality MLB playing time. In the past 30 days, Peraza is batting .500 (19-for-38). Keep that in mind.
Alejandro De Aza, New York Mets
Owned in 0% of Fleaflicker Leagues
For those of you not glued to the TV for the past two weeks of electrifying Mets baseball, Alejandro De Aza has been playing the hero as of late. There's no reason to exaggerate here - De Aza is not a statistically thrilling fantasy option. At the age of 32, there is not much speed or power left in the tank.
The six-team veteran journeyman is batting below the Mendoza line on the year, but let's look at his play in August. Over the past two weeks, De Aza is sporting a .474 slugging percentage with two homers, a stolen base and a whopping 12 RBI in as many games. It seems as if the Dominican native has found his stroke in the second half. Let's be honest here - De Aza is not going to knock anybody's socks off. He is replacement level talent. But at 0% ownership, he is available in all leagues and there's nothing wrong with riding out a hot streak while it's still nice and hot.
Scott Schebler, Cincinnati Reds
Owned in 8% of Fleaflicker Leagues
The other piece acquired by the Reds in the Frazier trade, Scott Schebler is playing some good baseball for Cincinnati. Over the past 15 days of play, the rookie is swatting to the tune of a .358/.382/.623 line with four long balls, 11 RBI and 10 runs scored. A lot of that damage came in the hitter-friendly environment of Arizona, where Schebler hit two dingers in the same game.
The Reds will be giving their prospects plenty of chances to play down the stretch as the playoffs are far out of reach. The main issue with Schebler remains his contact rate. The Iowan strikes out nearly 25% of the time, which is dangerous to his prolonged success and average stability. It's important to remember that, despite his recent success, Schebler is batting a mere .234 through 53 MLB games (with the Reds). Still, the man is going to play and likely hit a few more dongs. What's to lose?
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