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We’re getting closer and closer to the All-Star Game, which means the annual deluge of “fix the All-Star Game” columns and blog posts is underway.
None of the players listed below will participate, but a couple of them have done so before and all can provide a boost to your fantasy team. As always, these outfielders are available in the majority of fantasy leagues. Get the show on, get paid.
Editor’s Note: To read about even more waiver wire options for the outfield, be sure to check out our famous waiver wire pickups list which is a running list that is updated daily.
Week 11 Outfield Waiver Wire Adds
Billy Burns, Oakland Athletics (46 percent owned)
Burns has cooled off since the calendar turned to June, but he’s still reached base in all but one game so far this month. He remains a good source of runs and steals as long as he maintains his grasp on the leadoff spot in Oakland. Since Burns first appeared on this list two weeks ago, his ownership has shot up from 19 percent to its current level. Anticipate its continued ascent.
Leonys Martin, Texas Rangers (45 percent owned)
For the first six weeks of the season, Martin was garbage. There's no way around it. So far this month, though, he’s slashing .375/.444/.406 with four stolen bases. Since May 17, he’s added over 50 points to his batting average and 140 to his OPS. His overall numbers still look lousy, but he is on pace for a third straight season of 30 steals and could reach double digit home runs for the first time in his career.
Austin Jackson, Seattle Mariners (34 percent owned)
Much like Martin, A-Jax got off to an ugly start. He added an injury for good measure and missed three weeks. This all came on the heels of his terrible play after coming over from Detroit at the deadline last season. Since returning from his injury, however, Jackson has much more closely resembled the player Seattle was hoping for. He’s barely above the break-even point on stolen bases (7-for-13) but he does have three homers as well. Jackson has been red hot so far this month, hitting .348/.415/.632.
Curtis Granderson, New York Mets (33 percent owned)
The Grandy Man didn’t have such a grand start to the season, logging a middling .682 OPS in April. He’s hit much better since then, particularly in the last couple of weeks. Granderson was a batting average liability even during much of his prime, and nothing’s changed in that regard. However, he still offers decent pop (eight homers) and even a little speed (four steals in five attempts) at age 34.
Byron Buxton, Minnesota Twins (27 percent owned)
By the time you read this, Buxton may already be owned in the majority of leagues. His ownership level has jumped 16 percent in the hours since news broke of his promotion on Saturday. Buxton, of course, is considered perhaps the best prospect in baseball. He hit .283/.351/.489 with six homers, 81 R+RBI and solid plate discipline metrics. He also stole 20 bases in 22 attempts at Double-A. At 21 and with no experience above A-ball until this season, fantasy owners should keep their expectations modest. Even so, Buxton has massive upside and should prove to be a good source of steals at the very least.
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