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Ellis Canady's fantasy baseball outfielders who are potential waiver wire pickups for Week 16. Consider adding and streaming these free agent outfield options.
We've passed 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 16. 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
Brandon Belt (1B/OF, SF) — 12% Owned
Belt has started to swing the bat quite well over the last 14 days, resulting in a .306 batting average. Hitting at the top of the order with a .365OBP, he’s amassed nine runs and a stolen base during that time. His homers still stand at 10 thanks to Oracle Park, despite an average distance of 221ft that ranks sixth in the majors. A 47.4% fly ball rate will be more than enough for most of the games he plays in this week, thanks to a hitter-friendly venue. Belt primarily benefits from having eight games on the schedule this week. Even better is that he faces seven right-handed pitchers and only one lefty. If you want even better news, salivate over the fact that four of those games will be in beautiful Colorado. The other four games will be in San Francisco where he will host the Mets. He should be in all lineups while playing in Coors.
*Other Giants players to consider: Kevin Pillar, Alex Dickerson
Alex Verdugo (OF, LAD) — 42% Owned
Verdugo’s bat is definitely playing, especially with six homers, 12RBI, and a .312AVG over the last 30 days. The question now is playing time. With the return of A.J. Pollock, there are even more mouths to feed. It is likely that he will be in a rotation that provides routine days off. Verdugo will not be sat for any splits as he’s hitting .280 versus right-handed pitching and .365 against southpaws. He also has also maintained an impressive eye at the plate with only a 6.8%K rate compared to a 9.8%BB rate. Verdugo gets a full seven-game slate this week in Philadelphia before welcoming the Marlins to town. The schedule presents all right-handed starters but as we’ve discussed earlier, pitching splits aren’t an issue for him.
Jackie Bradley Jr. (OF, BOS) — 27% Owned
Streaming JBJ is usually a rollercoaster because his performance is unpredictable. On the season, he has nine homers, six steals, and a .235 average. As such, it is quite risky to start him. The reason he makes the list is that not only is he on the Red Sox, but he also gets favorable matchups and venues this week. He faces off against the Blue Jays poor pitching staff before traveling to Camden, which has done wonders for hitters and their woes. He gets five right-handers this week, but you don’t need to be concerned about his splits. He is equally mediocre against all pitchers.
Oscar Mercado (OF, CLE) — 25% Owned
Mercado is playing and getting full-time at-bats, which is more than can be said about many streamer options these days. While he might not be a power bat (four HR), he still has the potential of reaching double-digit homers and steals this season. Currently, he is sitting at six stolen bases to go with a .280AVG. I’m not trying to gloss over a .133AVG over the last two weeks or the 34%Chase rate this year, but he has a skill (speed) at a very valuable category. Mercado gets the luxury of sleeping in his own bed all week long as the Indians host the Tigers and Royals. There are very few elite opponents on the mound when Mercado faces off against four righties and three left-handed starters. The games against righties should be the primary target (.292AVG), but the other three games aren’t a complete waste with a .246AVG against lefties.
Randal Grichuk (OF, TOR) — 21% Owned
Owners needing power will eventually find their way to Randal Grichuk at least once during the season to test things out. With 15 homers this year, it’s possible he might have produced for you. With a .234 average, it’s also possible he might have more harm than good. However, there are times when you want to stream a specific guy for a specific purpose. If there ever was a guy you want to use to target splits, it is Grichuk who carries a .277AVG against left-handers this year. It just so happens that in the course of his seven-game schedule, he will see four righties this week when the Blue Jays take on the Red Sox and Tigers.
More Waiver Wire Pickups and Streamers
Check out RotoBaller's entire fantasy baseball waiver wire pickups and sleepers list, updated daily!
