Five Outfield Waiver Wire Pickups for Fantasy Baseball

April 12, 2014

Joe Hannon provides his fantasy baseball waiver wire pickups for the outfield. Read his sleepers analysis and advice for Week 3 of the MLB season

Outfielders are a vital position on every fantasy roster. It is important to keep an eye out for impact players to add off of the waiver wire, particularly when dealing with serious injuries like the recent one to Josh Hamilton. Here are five outfielders worth a closer look, especially for those of you still hanging on to Colby Rasmus.

Outfield (OF) Waiver Wire for Fantasy Baseball

Charlie Blackmon - COL - 56% Owned

BALLER MOVE: Add in All Formats

Charlie Blackmon has been a catalyst so far in 2014. The Colorado Rockies leadoff hitter has an impressive stat line of .486 AVG 7 R 1 HR 9 RBI 2 SB over the first eleven games of the season. In a short time, Blackmon has shown power, speed, and the ability to put the ball in play. While a platoon system could eventually develop between Blackmon and fellow outfielders Brandon Barnes and Drew Stubbs, look for Charlie to be in the lineup every day for the time being. If he is still available in your league, add him immediately. Fun Fact: Charlie's middle name is Cobb - so it's no surprise that the kid can hit.

Michael Morse - SF - 53% Owned

BALLER MOVE: Add in All Formats

Michael Morse made a name for himself with a big season in 2011 with the Washington Nationals by slashing .303 AVG 31 HR 95 RBI, but has struggled with injuries each of the past two years. He has been healthy and productive so far in his first year with the San Francisco Giants. Through eleven games, Morse has a  .394 AVG  8 R 2 HR 10 RBI stat line. The ten-year veteran has the size and power to replicate those 2011 numbers if he can stay healthy. Pick him up while he's hot.

Melky Cabrera - TOR - 65% Owned

BALLER MOVE: Add in All Formats

Melky is as hot as any hitter in baseball over the past week. He has hit safely in each of the team's eleven games this year, while homering in four of the past seven. After being suspended for PEDs in 2012, Cabrera had a dismal and injury-plagued 2013 season. This year, it appears as though he has something to prove. He may not continue hitting the ball out of the park at this blistering pace, but Melky can be counted on to score and drive in runs. Look for his home run and stolen base totals to reach double digits again this year. At 29 years old, Cabrera still has a lot left in the tank. With a chip on his shoulder, a resurgent season appears to be underway.

Angel Pagan - SF - 71% Owned

BALLER MOVE: Add in All Formats

Another player that has at least one hit in every game so far this season is Angel Pagan. Though Pagan does not possess a lot of power, he has multiple hits in 7 out of 10 games. The veteran outfielder still has decent speed and could steal 20-30 bases while driving in 50-60 runs this season. The leadoff man is a .283 career hitter and has yet to strike out 100 times in a season. He may not be the most exciting player on the roster, but he is solid and steady. He is off to a great start in 2014 and would be a productive fifth outfielder for any fantasy team.

Dayan Viciedo - CWS - 2% Owned

BALLER MOVE: Continue Scouting/Add in AL-Only Leagues

Just a few days ago, Dayan Viciedo found himself the odd man out in the White Sox outfield. Due to a season-ending injury to Avisail Garcia, Viciedo now steps into the role of the everyday right fielder. He will bat in the middle of the highest scoring offense so far this season. Viciedo is a bit of a risk due to his high strikeout history, but smart owners will watch him over the next week or so. Dayan has tremendous power and could put up gaudy HR and RBI totals with his new found playing time.