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In recent days, both Ben Zobrist and Yasiel Puig have hit the shelf with injuries. Hunter Pence and Christian Yelich remain out of lineups, though not our hearts. Name brands like Andrew McCutchen and Carlos Gonzalez are scuffling. Point is, you might need a little help in the outfield. You’ve come to the right place. All regular readers of this column currently lead their leagues by insurmountable margins and have become at least 40 percent more attractive, according to science. Plus at least one guy won the lottery somewhere, probably. You could be that guy! All you have to do is believe…and keep reading for this week’s waiver wire adds in the outfield.
As always, the individuals listed below are good at baseball and available in the majority of Yahoo leagues. Let’s hit it.
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 5 Outfield Waiver Wire Adds
Dexter Fowler, Chicago Cubs (43 percent owned)
This isn't the first time I've beaten the Fowler drum and if owners continue to ignore him, it won’t be the last. He’s off to a great start, hitting .299/.372/.442 with a dozen runs scored and six steals on seven attempts. Only one homer so far, but he’s a good bet to reach double digits there. He’s entrenched in the leadoff spot on a team with a ton of young offensive talent. What’s not to like? We are living in a world in which Danny Santana, Nick Markakis, and Torii Hunter are owned in more leagues than Fowler, you guys. I literally can’t even.
Adam Eaton, Chicago Sox (42 percent owned)
While he’s been a trendy sleeper for a couple of years now, Eaton hasn't yet delivered on that promise. The early returns this season aren't inspiring either, as he’s stumbled to a .192/.241/.256 line with no homers, no RBI and just one stolen base. Those numbers aren't playable in any format. Fortunately, they’re more indicative of tough luck than lack of skill. His peripherals are remarkably similar to last year when he posted a .300/.362/.401 triple slash. His current .234 BABIP is 90 points below his career mark. Figure on some positive regression there, and remember that the White Sox committed to Eaton with a long-term extension this winter. He’ll be given time to bounce back and should still be an asset moving forward.
Coco Crisp, Oakland Athletics (34 percent owned)
Crisp missed most of spring training and hasn't played yet this season after elbow surgery, which makes his current ownership level a bit surprising. He’s still free in two-thirds of leagues though, and he’s nearly ready to return ahead of schedule. Anyone expecting a repeat of his surprise 20/20 showing in 2013 will be disappointed. What he can offer, however, is a source of cheap steals that won’t torpedo you in the other categories. Crisp may need some time to shake off the rust, but keep him on your radar going forward.
Kevin Kiermaier, Tampa Rays (14 percent owned)
Kiermaier was included in this space two weeks ago. Since then, his ownership rate has dropped by half and it’s a struggle to understand why. He’s playing every day, hitting at the top of the order and sporting a .306/.338/.565 line. While he’s only got two homers and hasn't stolen a base yet, he has the tools to make significant contributors in both areas. Kiermaier’s glove will keep him in the lineup no matter what and despite the lack of prospect pedigree, he has the look of a breakout player. Mixed leaguers, take note. Deep and AL only, what are you waiting for?
Colby Rasmus, Houston Astros (5 percent owned)
Rasmus has been something of an enigma for essentially his entire career, his obvious talent never quite translating into the expected results. He’s battled injuries, inconsistency, and personality clashes. Still, he’s managed to hit 63 homers over the last three seasons, which earned him a $8 million deal with Houston this season. So far he’s earning it, slashing .254/.329/.524 with four homers through the first month of action. Like pretty much all of his teammates, he’s striking out a ton. Bet on the .375 BABIP coming down as well. The overall profile looks good right now, though– lots of line drives and a low chase rate. Rasmus is a career .246 hitter, but the power and the run environment make him worth a look if you can absorb the BA hit.
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