Here we stand, nearly a third of the way through the 2016 season and things are getting serious. The true contenders are beginning to separate from the pretenders in both fantasy and reality. Hot April starts are regressing to career norms. At this time of year, waiver wires are usually scarce. Most players who will produce for the rest of the year have likely proven themselves by now, which means most significant contributors have been scooped up.

Luckily there are plenty of players who, though they may not be worthwhile producers all year long, will flash signs of life every now and then. Every savvy owner should keep a handful of roster spots open for such streakers. These are the ones you should add now before the well runs dry.

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 9 Outfield Targets

Mike Napoli, Cleveland Indians

Owned in 26% of Fleaflicker Leagues

Mike Napoli, officially an MLB journeyman, is one of those guys who seems like an All-Star hitter every time you happen to see him play on TV. Over the course of an entire season, the stats tell a different story. Since Napoli's 30 HR, 1.046 OPs campaign back in 2011, his career has been trending downwards as the hard-hitting righty has failed to post an OPS over .850 in the past four seasons. Things haven't been great thus far in 2016, evidenced by Napoli's .234/.306/.486 line. However, the first baseman (who is outfield eligible in most leagues) now finds himself in the midst of a nice eight-game hitting streak and has already amassed 11 taters on the year. That put him on pace for 36 by season's end. The veteran is still an everyday player in Cleveland and should be a reliable fantasy option in 12+ team leagues as long as the production remains consistent.

Jorge Soler, Chicago Cubs

Owned in 50% of Fleaflicker Leagues

After years of tearing through the Cubs farm system, Jorge Soler seems to be getting worse as his time in the Majors drags on. Expectations were high for the Cuban outfielder after posting a .340/.432/.700 line between Double-A and Triple-A in 2014. Among the wave of prospects that found their way to the Cubs Big League roster, Soler was the most disappointing in 2015, posting a .262/.324/.399 line with just ten long balls. This season he's been even worse, shown by his abysmal .207/.309/.371 line. This is all bad news. The good news is that Soler has been hot lately, going 9-for-30 in his last 10 games with six walks and three homers. Picking up Soler is a gamble, as he is just as likely to end up back in Triple-A as he is to become a viable fantasy option. However, any hot streak could be the beginning of big things for the 24 year-old. For now, he is certainly worth keeping an eye on. Most owners are well aware of his potential by now.

Rajai Davis, Cleveland Indians

Owned in 16% of Fleaflicker Leagues

For the most part, Rajai Davis is doing what he's always done. He's stolen 11 bases, good for fifth in the league, and his .243/.320/.408 slash line is all in order with his career norms. That alone should warrant owning in most leagues. The major development in the 35 year-old's game is power. Less than a third of the way through the season, Davis has launched five dingers. That puts him on pace for 18 by season's end, which would far eclipse his previous season high of eight. If the veteran can stick to his career slash line, or anywhere near it, plus 18 HR and 37 steals, there's no reason he should not be owned in all league formats.

Nomar Mazara, Texas Rangers

Owned in 31% of Fleaflicker Leagues

Considering how often Nomar Mazara's name is mentioned in the national baseball media, it's surprising that the rookie is not more widely owned. Last week, he launched a monster 453-foot moon shot, by far the hardest hit ball all year. That alone should have catalyzed an increase in ownership. After reviewing the young outfielder's numbers, there's no way to rationalize Mazara's availability in most leagues. The Dominican-born slugger is slashing .309/.355/.491 with nine homers and 24 RBI. Of course, that production does not include him among the league's elite outfielders. However, he has certainly been playing at an elite level over the past few weeks. In the past 15 days, Mazara has heated up with 5 HR and a .944 OPS. This guy's ownership should be in the 90% range. Pick him up before that happens.

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