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Kyle Bishop profiles Nationals shortstop Carter Kieboom as a waiver wire pickup and add in Week 5 of the 2019 MLB season.
BALLER MOVE: Add in 12+ Team Leagues
OWNED IN: 15% of leagues
ANALYSIS: Judging by the sharp upward movement of his ownership rate since news of his promotion broke, the number above will almost certainly be different by the time you read this. Hell, it might change before I finish writing at this rate.
The Nationals have called up their top prospect and he'll likely be in the lineup on Friday against the Pirates. The 21-year-old shortstop has risen steadily through the ranks since being drafted at the tail end of the first round back in 2016's draft. He split last year between High-A and Double-A. Despite not lighting the world aflame at the latter level, the Nationals moved him to Triple-A this season, where he's slashed a robust .379/.506/.636 in 18 games.
Kieboom has a high ceiling thanks to his raw power and ability to hit to all fields. He also has a pair of All-Stars blocking him on the left side on the infield, once they're healthy. Trea Turner could be back as soon as next week (though that would be optimistic), and Anthony Rendon missed four games but never went on the injured list and is expected to play on Friday. Brian Dozier has struggled at second base, but would the Nationals bench him?
The talent is certainly there, and warrants "immediate add" status in many leagues. How much of your FAAB you invest is the real question.
Check out RotoBaller's entire fantasy baseball waiver wire pickups and sleepers list, updated daily!
