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We’re past the MLB trade deadline and into August, which means that the deadline for your fantasy league is likely coming up soon.
Fortunately, if you can’t get that obstinate rival to part with the player you’re coveting, there are still options on the wire. If you find yourself in need of outfield help, consider these names. All are available in the majority of Yahoo! leagues.
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 18 Waiver Wire Adds in the Outfield
Kevin Pillar, Toronto Blue Jays (45 percent owned)
While he’s cooled considerably since the end of June, Pillar remains a sneaky value. Batting in the Jays’ lineup and park means he’ll score plenty of runs even at the bottom of the order, and he’s got a decent shot at a 10/25 season. Not bad for a guy you’d probably never heard of coming into the season. Pillar also won’t hurt you in the batting average department, though his OBP leaves a lot to be desired if your league uses that (superior) category. Toronto added Ben Revere at the deadline, but it sounds like he’ll be taking time away from Chris Colabello, rather than Pillar.
Randal Grichuk, St. Louis Cardinals (45 percent)
Grichuk homered again on Sunday, giving him a dozen on the year (and 37 extra-base hits in total) in only 243 at-bats. His season line stands at .288/.338/.564, and he’s even chipped in with four steals. He was already getting consistent starts in center field and now with Matt Holliday reinjuring his quad, there’s absolutely nothing keeping Grichuk from playing every day. He strikes out a lot, but when you’re producing at this level, who cares? How the kid isn’t more widely owned at this point is mind-boggling.
David Peralta, Arizona Diamondbacks (20 percent)
Peralta was already having himself a nice little season before the All-Star break, but he’s turned on the jets since. In 15 games, he’s hit .365/.389/.654 with seven extra-base hits. A converted pitcher, Peralta’s compiled an .811 OPS with 18 homers and 11 steals since breaking into the majors last year over 621 at-bats. Expect him to garner some sleeper buzz next year, but quit sleeping on him now – he’s free in four out of every five leagues.
Aaron Hicks, Minnesota Twins (20 percent)
Let’s not mince words – in his first two major league seasons, Hicks was terrible. He showed a decent eye and occasionally managed to pop one over the fence or swipe a bag, but his OPS hovered in the .600 range and he piled up 130 whiffs in less than 500 at-bats. This season, however, something’s changed. Hicks has cut his strikeout rate by a third, replacing most of those empty hacks with line drives. More often than not, a drop in strikeouts results from increase patience and selectivity. In Hicks’ case, it’s the opposite – his passive approach at the plate left him vulnerable to big-leaguers, so he’s taken a more aggressive tack this time around. It’s paid off. Prorate his output over a full season and you’ve got a 15/25 player.
Preston Tucker, Houston Astros (14 percent)
With George Springer still not close to returning from a fractured wrist, Tucker has stepped up to fill the void. He’s hit five homers in his past 13 games. Unfortunately for him and the Astros, they haven’t come with many men on the bases. Tucker’s collegiate and minor league track record certainly support the power he’s shown to this point, though, and pop like this is tough to find for free so late in the game.
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