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We have completed another week of MLB action, making it time to make more waiver wire moves as we head into Week 18. With more and more injuries and players slumping, it is time to start changing our rosters. I want to emphasize that it is still not time to panic about your core players. Do not go dropping early picks that are just slumping out the gate. If they are still struggling in a few weeks, we can look at the underlying metrics to see if a drop is in play.
Early in the season, we are interested in players off to hot starts and, more importantly, showing sustainable improvements from last season. With the early injuries, we are also looking into players that may be receiving more playing time. Some of the lower-rostered players, or some not mentioned here, are on the solid side of platoons, so make sure you are not adding them if they have a negative schedule. Lastly, the names in the article are in order of percentage rostered, not so much in my preference of adding to your roster. This article will discuss fantasy baseball waiver wire pickups for the outfield in Week 24, September 19th through September 25th.
In the first few weeks, rostered percentages can change quickly. So be quick to check your leagues for their availability. When you want to chat about outfielders, prospects, or dynasty leagues, message me directly on Twitter at @bdentrek. Key points - this list will focus on rostered players in less than 50% of Yahoo! leagues.
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Oscar Gonzalez, Cleveland Guardians
35% Rostered
Gonzalez has been a man on a mission at the plate this season and especially of late. Since September 2nd, Gonzalez has been hitting .382 with four home runs and 12 RBI. His plate skills have been strong, with a sub 14% strikeout rate to go with a .291 ISO, 1.115 OPS, and 216 wRC+. Gonzalez usually hits fifth in the Guardians' lineup and should flourish with seven nice games on the schedule, capped off with a weekend series versus the Rangers. Load up Gonazlez on all of your fantasy teams.
Bubba Thompson, Texas Rangers
29% Rostered
Thompson continues to produce for fantasy managers, especially for those needing steals. Thompson is now hitting .280 since he was called up on August 4th with 15 stolen bases. He is still striking out over 30% of the time with a .410 BABIP which usually is a significant negative for a player, but we should not care for now. There are only a handful of games left, so roll with Thompson on your teams if you need stolen bases, as he can swipe a handful down the stretch.
Brandon Marsh, Philadelphia Phillies
8% Rostered
When Marsh was traded to the Phillies, most thought it was strictly for his defense. It may have been, but now he is hitting and showcasing that prospect pedigree we knew he had with the Angels. Since Marsh returned from the IL on August 27th, he has been hitting .327 with six extra-base hits and a stolen base. He has zero walks while striking out nearly 29% of the time with a .424 BABIP so the production may be a bit lucky, but we do not care right now. So ride the wave while you can as he hits in the middle of the Phillies lineup and keeps producing.
Aristides Aquino, Cincinnati Reds
7% Rostered
The Punisher is again punishing baseball and should be rostered on most fantasy teams. Over his last 15 games, he has been hitting .365 with five home runs and six doubles. Aquino is barreling the ball 12.8% of the time with a 51.3% hard-hit rate. Aquino is mashing baseballs. He is hitting in the middle of the Reds lineup and gets six games in Great American Small Park this week, so roll with the big man with confidence in all your fantasy lineups.
Deeper League Waiver Wire
You can check out my NFBC deeper league waiver wire article, which comes out every Saturday, and looks at deeper-league waiver wire options at various positions.
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