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Managers can start to look at stats and use that information to initiate movement through the waiver wire. There is still no reason to make any rash decisions. Let your studs play so that you can get credit for the good if they've been playing poorly.
Some outfielders would be better suited to stream for a hot bat. Others need to be replaced just because they are no longer on the field (IL). That is a situation that is affecting many owners, and there is nothing you can do except find a suitable replacement as quickly as possible or risk losing valuable counting stats. In this article, I’ll discuss waiver wire targets for the outfield in week 4. This week we cover a few guys that are on a little hot streak while a couple of other players have enticing matchups.
Even in the first few weeks, ownership can change quickly. Be quick to check your leagues for their availability. Key points - this list will focus on players who are owned in less than 50% of Yahoo leagues. When you want to chat it up regarding outfielders, prospects, or dynasty leagues, message me directly on Twitter @EllisCan2.
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Outfield (OF) Waiver Wire Options
Clint Frazier (OF, NYY) — 31% Owned
Frazier is the prime beneficiary of a horrible situation on the Yankees side of New York. Injuries continue to pile up, with Aaron Judge seemingly being the most recent victim of the infectious injury bug. In only 52 at-bats, Frazier has climbed to a second-place tie on the team’s homer charts behind Gary Sanchez. His five homers equal that of big-time power bats of Aaron Judge and Brett Gardner (yep, he’s a power bat now with an 18.1% launch angle — tongue in cheek). While Frazier hasn’t walked much (5%), he also hasn’t struck out much either (19%).
Frazier gets a full week of games in California with four games against the Angels and three against the Giants comprised mostly of right-handed pitchers (5). His historical performance against right-handers hasn’t been impressive, but in 42 at-bats, Frazier is batting .357 this year. The Yankees offense is at its weakest. Frazier will get constant playing time, but he won’t have as many counting stats until Stanton and Sanchez return to the lineup. Despite this, he should be owned more than his current level.
Avisail Garcia (OF, TB) — 11% Owned
Garcia was thought to be in a better position once he finally moved from the White Sox to Tampa Bay. Early on, it appears to be accurate as Garcia has hit four homers, 10 RBI, and a .348 batting average in the last 14 days. He even chipped in a stolen base during that time. Garcia needs to work on his plate discipline as he has a 27% strikeout rate this year. A couple of the primary causes are a 42% chase and a 20% swinging strikeout rate. Even the contact rate (64%) is lacking. Despite this, Garcia makes it work primarily with a .395 BABIP, which is in line with his norm. This coming week he faces the Royals at home before traveling to face the Red Sox. Garcia will face four right-handed pitchers and three lefties. Though he has a career .262 average against righties; he’s primed to do well if he can maintain his .348 against them thus far this season.
Delino DeShields (OF, TEX) — 7% Owned
Deshields is a prime acquisition target for those that want to rack up some cheap steals. In the last two weeks, he's stolen four bases and has maintained a solid .269 average as well. Generally, people aren’t concerned with batting average for power hitters. However, individuals that are reliant upon speed, batting average can be a real drain if it is below average. A .243 career batting average isn’t reassuring but his 18% walk rate this year (11% career rate) will allow him to get on base often enough to maximize his speed. Thankfully, he is hitting .333 over the last week. He might need this streak of confidence and walk rate to find success this week in Oakland and Seattle. He will go up against five right-handers and two lefties. He is only a .239 hitter against righties. The additional silver lining is that the Athletics and Mariners pitchers aren’t elite caliber.
Leury Garcia (OF, CWS) — 8% Owned
Garcia is a cheap acquisition this week. He is a speed guy, not a power hitter, especially with an 86.9mph average exit velocity and a 6.1 launch angle. On the year, Garcia has a .276 batting average to go with one homer, 13 runs, and four stolen bases. Even on a weak team, he will continue to rack up the at-bats batting leadoff. The counting stats will come in spurts hitting ahead of Tim Anderson, Jose Abreu, and also resurgent Yoan Moncada. Garcia has one of the best schedules this week with three games in Baltimore before returning home to face the Tigers. Speed against week opponents is the best thing going for him. It is quite appealing as well since every fantasy managers is interested in adding to their stolen base total.
Repeat Customers On Waiver Wire List
Jesse Winker (OF, CIN) — 45% Owned
Why is he still so under-owned? I don't get it. Winker is getting the job done. He is no longer the .147 hitter he was a couple of weeks ago. In the last 14 days, Winker has hit six homers and 10 RBI. He's brought his batting average up to .183. I know, it isn't sexy, but a .119 BABIP can't go on forever. No one can be that unlucky. Winker gets to face five righties this week and is probably licking his chops. He is coming out of his funk, and hopefully, you'll be there to gain from his revival.
Shin-Soo Choo (OF, TEX) — 38% Owned
Choo continues to provide serviceable stats; however, fantasy owners repeatedly overlook his production. He’s crossed the plate seven times and hit a homer in the last 14 days. Choo also looks to help your batting average with a .394 during that time. Choo continues to get better over the years. His patience at the plate has improved as his chase rate has dropped to a career-best 17.7%. Choo gets a full schedule this week as he faces off against the Athletics and the Mariners, both on the road. The schedule is like money in the bank as he goes against five right-handers (career .292).
Brett Gardner (OF, NYY) — 17% Owned
Old man Gardner continues to be durable, and on the Yankees team that is very important. He leads the team in runs (13), stolen bases (3), and as surprising as it sounds, is tied for second in homers (5). In a depleted offense, Gardner is the one constant. Consistent playing time will bring opportunity for counting stats, even if it isn't continued homers. The schedule also lines up in his favor against five righties this week.
Grab For The Future
Gregory Polanco (OF, PIT) — 44% Owned
In five games of rehab at Triple-A, Polanco is hitting .300 with a double, five RBI, and two steals. He is looking nearly ready to return, and thankfully, the wait won't be much longer for fantasy managers. His rehab stint is scheduled to end this week. Make sure you've got room on your roster now.
More Waiver Wire Pickups and Streamers
Check out RotoBaller's entire fantasy baseball waiver wire pickups and sleepers list, updated daily!
