Nori Aoki (OF, SF) - Waiver Wire Pickups

BALLER MOVE: Add in All Leagues

OWNED IN: 65% of Fleaflicker Leagues

ANALYSIS: Through the first two months of the season, Nori Aoki has been one of the most pleasant surprises in the league. In his first year with the Giants after spending 2014 with the Royals, Aoki is hitting .312 with two home runs, 15 RBI, 24 runs scores, 12 stolen bases and a .786 OPS. According to Yahoo, that has made him the 79^th most productive fantasy player this season, 19^th among outfielders.

Looking at reasoning for Aoki’s early increase in production, he is doing a lot of little things better. He has raised his BB% to 9.3% from last year’s 7.8%, while lowering his K% from 2014’s 8.9% to 7.0% where it is now. He has also benefited from a .332 BABIP, higher than his career .307. While also not a major booster, Aoki has spent the majority of 2015 batting leadoff for the Giants. This after he spent most of 2014 moving all over the lineup due to the top of the order mostly occupied by Lorenzo Cain, Alex Gordon and Alcides Escobar. The bump to leadoff means he is often getting on base with no outs, which in turn is leading to more stolen base attempts. Despite being 33, he has 12 stolen bases on 26 attempts, following last year where he has 17 steals in 25 attempts.

Currently, top outfielders Yasiel Puig, Jacoby Ellsbury and most recently Jorge Soler have all landed on the disabled list. Also, early season surprises Josh Reddick, Brandon Moss and Steven Souza have cooled as of late. If he is available in your league, there is no reason not to add Aoki, who has been nothing short of consistent this year. He could be a nice boost to offset your team’s injury-plagued or slumping offense. The last time we discussed Aoki, we told you to stop sleeping on him. While some of you have woken up, there are still 38% of leagues that haven't opened their eyes to the sustained production Nori Aoki is bringing.