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Ellis Canady's fantasy baseball outfielders who are potential waiver wire pickups for Week 23. Consider adding and streaming these free agent outfield options.
The season is galloping towards the finish. It is vital that fantasy managers target the categories they need. This week the primary focus for outfield additions will be to maximize venues. 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 23. This week we cover guys that primarily have advantageous environments and playing time.
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
Shallow Leagues (50-30% Owned)
Willie Calhoun (OF, TEX) — 39% owned
It’s never pleasant to benefit from someone else’s pain and suffering, but that is exactly what is going on here. Joey Gallo exited with a wrist injury and Willie Calhoun jumped in to replace him, quite well at that. In the last month, he’s hit 10 long balls with 18RBI and a .295 batting average. Calhoun’s low walk rate (5.4%) will keep him from excelling in OBP leagues (.330), but his high average, as well as power, makes him a must-add in all standard leagues. Calhoun gets seven games this week, albeit all on the road. The good news is the road trip takes him to Yankee Stadium and Camden Yards, which are both beneficial to left-handed hitters. Add him and enjoy him for the rest of the season.
Corey Dickerson (OF, PHI) — 33% owned
Dickerson has been the belle of the ball the last two weeks. He's mustered two taters with 14RBI, and a .313 batting average. Don't be alarmed by a week-long road trip, Dickerson gets to travel to the Great American Ball Park to face the Reds before heading to the big apple to test the Mets pitching staff. Dickerson is giddy to face five right-handers on the seven-game week as he's enjoyed an eight-homer, 38RBI, and .323AVG performance against them thus far.
Deeper Leagues (30-10% Owned)
Oscar Mercado (OF, CLE) — 29% owned
I know it is tough to get past one long ball, three SB, and .231 batting average over the last two weeks. However, keep in mind Mercado has 10 homers and 12 stolen bases with a .271 average in 336 at-bats. The power/speed combination isn't easy to find and it's just sitting on the waiver wire. How about if I told you the Indians were hosting the White Sox for four games, would that tickle your fancy?
Anthony Santander (OF, BAL) — 16% owned
Santander is welcoming you with open arms right now. With back-to-back homer-games on Friday and Saturday, he might look even more inviting to the masses. Santander has five homers with 12RBI and a .306AVG the last two weeks. Get in on the switch-hitter before the crowd and you'll enjoy the benefits of a seven-game schedule this week. Not only that, Santander gets to return home to Camden Yards for four of those where he's hitting .329 this season. Although the Orioles don't provide as much thump as other lineups, Santander still benefits from hitting at the top of it.
Kevin Kiermaier (OF, TB) — 12% owned
Kiermaier returned Saturday following a four-day exodus due to a rib cage contusion. Assuming he's actually fully healthy and ready to give 100%, he's positioned to have a very good week. The excitement that would cause you to take a risk on nearly all Rays hitters is their guests this week, the O's and Blue Jays. If you're looking for another power/speed guy to stream, here's your man.
Brandon Belt (1B/OF, SF) — 11% owned
Normally, we’d be excited when Belt gets to escape Oracle Park, but he gets only a partial vote of confidence this week. It’s great that he has a .294 average with one homer over the last week. That's solid confidence to take on the road this week for seven games. His momentum combined with a career .271AVG in Busch Stadium makes for a very good start to the week. The second half of the week is where things get a little shaky. Belt’s batting average in Dodger Stadium is a paltry .218. The one thing that will save him is the fact that he faces off against seven right-handers this week. Belt’s batting average is nearly .050 points better against righties.
Kyle Tucker (OF, HOU) — 13% owned
Nope, Tucker has yet to be brought up, but if you have the space to speculate, you could do a lot worse. If he does come up and the Astros surprise us all by playing him regularly, you'll wish you had a piece of the action.
Super Deep Leagues (< 10% Owned)
Dexter Fowler (OF, STL) — 9% owned
Aside from the homer on Saturday, Fowler has had a rough of things the last couple of weeks. One homer and 12RBI by itself is enjoyable, the .195 batting average sours everything though. Despite that, Fowler is getting steady at-bats atop a Cardinals lineup that has the potential to tally runs quickly. Remember, every counting stat matters. That's why a seven-game slate is more attractive now than earlier in the season. Battling against the Giants at home and then traveling to Pittsburgh doesn't sound like much of a battle at all.
Sam Hilliard (OF, COL) — 5% owned
Hilliard is the young man that will get tons of fanfare this week thanks to two homers and a .333 average in 12 at-bats. If you need upside the rest of the year, he's a solid option. However, be very cautious of the schedule this week and his team concept. The Rockies only have a six-game slate this week that includes a personal viewing of Walker Buehler, Hyun-Jin Ryu, and Joey Lucchesi. The other question to ask yourself is whether you trust the Rockies. Yes, Raimel Tapia and David Dahl are both injured but somehow the Rockies find a way to crew up rookie fantasy goodness. Be careful, you might get caught drooling over his 109R, 35HR, 101RBI, 22SB, .262AVG at Triple-A.
More Waiver Wire Pickups and Streamers
Check out RotoBaller's entire fantasy baseball waiver wire pickups and sleepers list, updated daily!
