Hernan Perez (2B/3B/OF, MIL) - Waiver Wire Pickups

BALLER MOVE: Add in 12+ Team Leagues

OWNED IN: 56% of Yahoo! leagues

ANALYSIS: After a breakout 2016 season that saw him hit 13 home runs and steal 34 bases, Perez has not lived up to expectations so far in 2017. However, more consistent playing time over the last few weeks has allowed the 26-year-old utility player to shine. Perez has started nine of the last 10 games for the Brewers, and has played second, short, third and all three outfield positions on the year. He is hitting .275 with five home runs and two steals. The five home runs puts him on pace for 18 on the year, which seems reasonable considering the jump he has seen in his HR/FB ratio (12.8% this year) as well as hit hard-hit percentage, up to 36.8 from the 31.9 it was in 2016. His BABIP and hard-hit percentage certainly support a player on pace to hit .275 with 18 home runs. However, Perez’s value lies in his stolen base ability, which we have not seen as much of this year. It is possible that hitting in front of mashers Eric Thames and Travis Shaw has limited Perez’s running opportunities, as Perez frequently hits second in games that he starts. Perez’s value in 10-team leagues hinges on his 20 steal potential, so for now he is worth a gamble in 12-team leagues and beyond, with the hope that he can regain some of that stolen base magic and push himself back into standard league relevance.