Alex Bregman (SS, HOU) - Waiver Wire Pickups

BALLER MOVE: Add Immediately in All Leagues

OWNED IN: 49% Fleaflicker

ANALYSIS: It’s been a big week for Alex Bregman. The 22-year-old got the call to the big leagues around the same time he was named the No. 1 overall prospect on MLB Pipeline’s updated Top 100 list. Now, Bregman is hoping to graduate from that list sooner rather than later, but the jump in ranking is still something to recognize. He has made enormous strides in the 13 and a half months since the Astros took him third overall in the 2015 MLB Draft.

Bregman’s best asset is his plus hit tool. He was batting .306 in 314 AB across two levels in the minors before reaching the bigs. He has a tremendous eye for the ball and uses the entire field. He also begun to tap into his power this season, with 20 homers in that same span— he had eight in 272 AB a year ago. While he isn’t considered to be particularly fast, his base-running skills are well above-average, and he could swipe some bags at the Major-League level. He is a solid defender with good range and a strong arm. However, with Carlos Correa firmly entrenched as Houston’s shortstop, Bregman will have to play elsewhere. He has seen time at the hot corner and designated hitter so far.

Bregman is still in search of his first big-league hit— 0-for-9 with three strikeouts in three games. Obviously, three games is nothing close to a legitimate sample size, and fantasy owners should remain optimistic about a guy who posted a 12.8 BB% and just a 10.3% K% in the minor leagues. He is one of the most mature hitters we have seen move through the ranks in years. Bregman will hit— and soon. His ownership is already shooting through the roof, so pick him up before he starts to break out.