RADIO
When it comes to the success of a particular player, the right opportunity can be just as important as the player's individual talent. When looking at this week's list of pickups at the corner infield spots, many of the players are taking advantage of the first regular playing time of their careers to put up useful numbers. With that in mind, here is a closer look at this week's top candidates worth scanning the waiver wire for.
First Base Waiver Wire Pickups
Adam LaRoche (1B, WAS)
65% Owned in Yahoo, 42% Owned in Fleaflicker
BALLER MOVE: Add in All Formats
ANALYSIS: After missing most of the month of May, LaRoche is rounding into top form as June comes to a close. In his last 10 games, he has three home runs and eight RBI to go along with six multi-hit games. For the year, he is hitting .308 with 11 homers and 43 RBI, and he is on pace to top 20 home runs and 100 RBI despite missing some time. It's worth mentioning that his pace could increase in the coming months with Bryce Harper's return to the lineup. LaRoche is available in 65% of Yahoo! leagues, and he is definitely worth adding if you can grab him. He could end up being a top-10 player at the first base spot when all is said and done.
C.J. Cron (1B, LAA)
23% Owned in Yahoo, 7% Owned in Fleaflicker
BALLER MOVE: Add in All Formats
ANALYSIS: With Raul Ibanez out of the picture, Cron has been thriving as the team's full-time DH. In his last eight games, the former first-round pick has five homers and seven RBI, and for the year, he has eight homers and 22 RBIs in just 131 at-bats.
While I'm a little skeptical that he can maintain his current .290 average given how much he strikes out, his .550 slugging percentage is proof that his power is legit. More importantly, he is now getting regular at-bats in a loaded lineup, so the RBI opportunities should only increase. Cron is currently owned in just 23% of Yahoo! leagues, and the power potential he has shown in his first week as a mainstay in the lineup makes him worth an add in just about any format.
Michael Cuddyer (1B/OF COL)
67% Owned in Yahoo, 58% Owned in Fleaflicker
BALLER MOVE: Continue Scouting
ANALYSIS: Colorado recently moved Cuddyer from the 15-day disabled list to the 60-day disabled list, and while that is obviously not great news, it has created an opportunity for owners that have an open DL spot to use. His ownership has dipped to 67% in Yahoo! leagues, and while he will be out until late July, he could well be worth stashing. After all, Cuddyer was hitting .317 with five home runs and 16 RBI in 31 games before going down with a shoulder injury. Just about any fantasy squad could use his all-around offensive production, and while some owners have made the short-term decision to dump Cuddyer after his move to the 60-day DL, stashing him could be a wise long-term investment. At the very least, monitor his injury status and scoop him up when he nears his return.
Third Base Waiver Wire Pickups
Josh Harrison (2B/3B/OF, PIT)
43% Owned in Yahoo, 16% Owned in Fleaflicker
BALLER MOVE: Add in Deeper Leagues
ANALYSIS: Harrison is coming off yet another strong week, and after hitting safely in eight of his last nine games, his average sits at a solid .307. He also has five homers, 24 RBI, 30 runs scored and seven steals. Basically, the guy helps out in all five offensive categories and does so with multi-position eligibility. His ownership saw a big spike, jumping almost 15 points to 43% over the past week, but you might still have time to add Harrison in your league. He has provided a jolt to Pittsburgh lineup, and he can do the same for your fantasy lineup.
Brock Holt (1B/3B/OF, PHI)
45% Owned in Yahoo, 15% Owned in Fleaflicker
BALLER MOVE: Add in All Leagues
ANALYSIS: He has been a pleasant surprise for the Red Sox this year, and Holt has been swinging such a steady bat that he has been batting leadoff for Boston lately. Hitting atop a solid lineup in a hitter-friendly home park has its perks, and Holt has scored 28 runs in 48 games this year. He is also batting .315 after hitting safely in seven of his last nine games, and he will steal the occasional base. His multi-position eligibility is just icing on the cake. Holt is currently owned in 45% of Yahoo! leagues, but as long as he is holding down the top spot in Boston's lineup, he deserves a look in any fantasy format.
Kris Bryant (3B, CHC)
7% Owned in Yahoo, 6% Owned in Fleaflicker
BALLER MOVE: Continue Scouting
ANALYSIS: His assault on Triple-A pitching has continued, and in 11 games since being called up to Iowa, Bryant has five home runs and 11 RBI to go along with a .317 batting average and 1.147 OPS. It remains unclear whether the Cubs will call him up this season, but if he continues at his current pace, Bryant is going to force the team's hand. He is owned in just 7% of Yahoo! leagues, and if you are playing in a keeper league, add him immediately. For other formats, keep close tabs on Bryant and grab him as soon as the Cubs give any indication that they might be calling him up.
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