Five Outfield Waiver Wire Pickups for Week 4

April 19, 2014

Joe Hannon gives you his MLB waiver wire analysis on which outfielders (OF) are sleepers, not owned in enough fantasy baseball leagues and should be picked up.

Below are five outfielders that I believe are still underowned in fantasy baseball leagues. These outfielders can be considered as sleepers or pickups off the waiver wire, depending on your league size and depth, including AL-Only and NL-Only formats.

Outfield (OF) Waiver Wire for Fantasy Baseball

George Springer, HOU - 87% Owned

BALLER MOVE: Add in All Formats

Talk about an exciting young prospect! George Springer is finally in the big leagues with the Houston Astros after hitting 37 homers and stealing 45 bases in the minor leagues last year. The Astros offense is in need of a boost, and Springer certainly offers plenty of upside.

Owners will be taking a chance on the 24-year-old with no big league experience, but the dividends could pay off-- big time. Pick him up now before it's too late!

Michael Bourn, CLE - 77% Owned

BALLER MOVE: Add in All Formats

Michael Bourn is widely owned throughout fantasy baseball. However, during his recent stint on the disabled list, many owners dropped him in search of other outfield options. Bourn is not going to steal 50+ bases like he did from 2009-2011, but the speedy left-hander is still capable of stealing 30-40 bases and scoring 80-85 runs this season. Bourn should be added in all leagues if he is still available. On a side note, the Indians optioned Nyjer Morgan to Triple-A as Bourn returned to action Wednesday. Morgan played great in Bourn's absence, hitting .348 with three stolen bases in nine games. If Bourn struggles or re-injures that hamstring, don't hesitate to add Nyjer Morgan upon his recall.

Eric Young, Jr., NYM -  45% Owned

BALLER MOVE: Add in All Formats

Over the past seven games, Eric Young Jr. has scored 11 runs and stolen 7 bases. His 9 total stolen bases on the season are second in the league. After a slow start, EY Jr. is blossoming into one of the best young leadoff men in the MLB.

As a switch-hitter, owners can count on Eric being in the lineup every game regardless of the opposing starting pitcher. He can't be counted on to produce any power numbers, but Eric is a valuable asset to fantasy owners in search of stolen bases.

Jason Kubel, MIN - 20% Owned

BALLER MOVE: Add in A.L. Only Leagues

Jason Kubel has been around the block a few times. After playing most of his career with the Twins, Kubel spent time in Arizona and Cleveland over the past few seasons. This year, Kubel finds himself back in Minnesota and the familiarity seems to be paying off. Through fourteen games, Kubel is sporting 7 R, 1 HR and 10 RBI while hitting .340. With fellow outfielders Josh Willingham and Oswaldo Arcia on the disabled list, Kubel is getting a chance to play every day. At this point, Kubel doesn't have a whole lot of potential, but he can certainly be a serviceable fifth outfielder for fantasy owners in deeper leagues.

Junior Lake, CHC - 4% Owned

BALLER MOVE: Continue Scouting, Add in N.L. Only Leagues

Junior Lake has everything you could ask for in terms of a young outfielder-- size, speed,  athleticism and power. He has the ability to be a fantasy monster, but hasn't put it all together quite yet. Through 15 games, Lake's numbers (.263, 5 R, 2 HR, 3 RBI, 2 SB) are respectable, but they don't really jump off the page. What is impressive about Junior is his ability to contribute in every fantasy category. Keep an eye on the young Cub as the season progresses.