RADIO
Nicklaus Gaut profiles Cincinnati Reds infielder Josh VanMeter as a waiver wire pickup or add target for Week 20 of the 2019 fantasy baseball season as the Reds rookie is exceeding expectations in his first year.
BALLER MOVE: Add in All Leagues
OWNED IN: 27% of Leagues
ANALYSIS: Not appearing on anyone's top prospect lists for the Reds heading into 2019, Cincinnati rookie Josh VanMeter has nevertheless impressed after being recalled for the second time on July 18. In his 62 plate appearances since, VanMeter is slashing .333/.419/.648 with four home runs, three stolen bases, and 13 runs scored. Most impressive might be his 53.3% hard-hit rate along with a minuscule 8.9% soft-hit rate, which shows just how hard the rookie is smacking the ball around.
VanMeter does have dramatic splits, with his wRC+ running 50 points lower versus lefties and his ISO is also over 130 points lower than versus the wrong-handers. Luckily for VanMeter, the Reds shouldn't see a left-hander in the upcoming week, first traveling to Washington for three games before coming back home for a four-game set versus the St. Louis Cardinals. With triple-eligibility, VanMeter can fill in for your injured stars while contributing in all categories.
Check out RotoBaller's entire fantasy baseball waiver wire pickups and sleepers list, updated daily!
