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We've reached the All-Star break and fantasy managers can now start analyzing their teams with an eye on categories instead of just adding any random player. This week the primary focus for outfield additions will be to maximize location, location, location. Some might cause a little tingle of concern when you read their name. Don't be afraid. Do what you're comfortable doing with your roster. No Fear, Just Fantasy.
Whether you're streaming a hot bat or need to replace a guy long-term, there are plenty of different options. The issue is that you are not alone and others in your league might have intent on doing the same thing. Just make sure you make a decision and grab someone. You'll lose valuable counting stats if you leave a roster spot empty, even if only a day. In this article, I’ll discuss waiver wire targets for the outfield in week 15. This week we cover guys that primarily have advantageous environments.
Even in the first few weeks, ownership can change quickly. Be quick to check your leagues for their availability. Key points - this list will focus on players who are owned in less than 50% of Yahoo leagues. When you want to chat it up regarding outfielders, prospects, or dynasty leagues, message me directly on Twitter @EllisCan2.
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Outfield (OF) Waiver Wire Options
Kevin Kiermaier (OF, TB) — 18% Owned
Kiermaier has started heating up over the last week with a homer, seven RBI, two stolen bases, and a .333 batting average. He will carry 10HR, 15SB, and a .247AVG into the All-Star break. The hope is that he will carry his momentum through the break and into the second half with a goal of achieving 20/20 by the end of the season.
The second half will start off with a favorable matchup to help the goal become a reality with a series in Camden Yards. Kiermaier will face off against three right-handed pitchers, against whom he is hitting .258 over his career. The splits hardly matter in Baltimore, but Kiermaier is batting .323 versus southpaws this year so the one game against the left-handed starter shouldn’t be a concern either. He just needs to get the bat on the ball and opportunity will present itself.
Avisail Garcia (OF, TB) — 30% Owned
If we are making a recipe for success for next week, we will use stay in Baltimore where there is an even bigger bat at your disposal. Garcia has had an above-average performance in the first half with 12HR, 9SB, and a .273AVG. Admittedly, his recent production has been lacking but the best we can do is maximize circumstances. Garcia is also in Camden yards where he will face the same three righties and only one lefty. The break should provide him a chance to recalibrate and come out forcefully in the second half. He’s hitting .291 against righties. Also, all nine of his stolen bases have been against right-handers as well. These are the types of circumstances that we want to take advantage of in hopes that the player will as well.
Josh Reddick (OF, HOU) — 19% Owned
Reddick performed well for all who owned him in the first half. He wasn’t marvelous but he wasn’t terrible either. He was a stabilizing force for batting average, hitting .291 while adding 10 homers and four stolen bases. His 6.6% Swinging Strike rate is the foundation of his skills at the plate. The left-handed hitting Reddick will stick in the lineup coming out of the All-Star break. This will ensure he takes advantage of the three right-handers and only one lefty that the Rangers will send to the mound when the Astros visit Arlington Park, also a hitter-friendly environment. In Reddick’s case, the splits don’t really matter as he’s a .281 hitter against righties and a .328 hitter versus lefties. If you need a fire-and-forget option in the outfield, Reddick is your guy.
Derek Dietrich (1B/2B/OF, CIN) — 27% Owned
Many will remember Dietrich for his onslaught during the month of May that resulted in 12HR, 22RBI, and a .304AVG. Unfortunately, that guy is long gone. The month of June was terrible. Please, do not go look, you’ll be scarred for life. Just take my word for it. In the mold of taking advantage of location, Dietrich becomes an option in week 15. He comes out of the break with only three games, but they come in the crisp air of Denver, Colorado. If Dietrich would choke up on the bat and become a contact hitter, he might find even more success in Coors. Thankfully, he will face only right-handed starters, against whom he does have the better end of a split (.227AVG). A couple of long balls in the series would make the addition completely worth it. Obviously, it comes with an extreme amount of risk.
Jesse Winker (OF, CIN) — 23% Owned
Winker will provide you the warm cuddly feeling of comfort when making the addition to your roster that Dietrich might not. Over the last month, he’s hitting .297 with three homers and eight RBI. It isn’t a lot but he does have 13 taters this year with a .266AVG against right-handers this year. We already established the series in Coors will come against three of these same-handed starters. To obtain success, Winker will just have to avoid the ground-ball, which he’s accomplished 49.5% of the time this year. I’m willing to take a chance on Winker. Actually, any chance to get in a Coors series in more than enough reason.
Brandon Belt (1B/OF, SF) — 12% Owned
Over the last couple of weeks, Belt has started to swing the bat better resulting in a homer and a .283 batting average. It isn’t record-breaking, but it is positive considering his circumstances. Brandon Belt continues to waste away in Oracle Park this year and only has 10 homers to his name. However, he’s tied for sixth in baseball with an average distance of 220ft. Though he has a 47.1% fly ball rate, most of those are turning into outs thanks to his home park, known to be pitcher-friendly. This week he is blessed to leave Oracle Park and head to Milwaukee where he will face all right-handed starters for those three games. He’s hitting .247 against righties but has a better chance of producing stats commensurate with his skills in Miller Park. For the long term, if the Giants get wild and trades Belt, he could find himself in a location that could maximize his fly ball rate.
Anthony Santander (OF, BAL) — 1% Owned
The good news is that he's still getting consistent playing time and starts the second half at home in friendly Camden Yards. Also, he gets a four-game slate, three of which against righties (.300AVG, three HR). The bad is that he'll face the Tampa Bay Rays who have a solid pitching rotation. To me, the good outweighs the bad.
Oscar Mercado (OF, CLE) — 37% Owned
Mercado gets to stay at home coming out of the All-Star break and faces three right-handers. A .302AVG split against them is a perfect opportunity to add him to the roster. The speed opportunity is there as well.
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