RADIO
This is the last week of the season. You may or may not be winning your leagues. You could be running away with the league or you might not be even close to challenging for the top spot. Regardless, never quit. You place in the standings is indicative of you and your discipline to see things through to the very end. Every point counts and could enable you to move higher in the standings. Keep progressing northward. Don't give up ground. Keep making smart choices. Enjoy your season until the very end. Of all things, never play scared. Own your team and your decisions. No Fear, Just Fantasy!
There are more options now than normal as most of your competition has moved on to other sporting ventures. Some just don't have the stamina. Regardless, maintain your focus and never leave a roster spot empty, even if only a day. Collect extra hitters so you're covered in case of an injury. In this article, I’ll discuss waiver wire targets for the outfield in week 26. This week we cover guys that are getting playing time. Yep, plain and simple. Playing time is king.
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)
Oscar Mercado (OF, CLE) — 40% owned
When things matter, you’d rather have a guy that is feeling good at the plate. Maybe you’re looking for a combination of a little pop with a touch of feistiness on the base paths. Mercado fits that definition well. In the last two weeks, he’s got 10 runs, two homers, and two stolen bases to go with a .340 average.
You’re likely looking for players to help in specific categories. While he will spend the entire week on the road eating bologna sandwiches, Mercado is ready to assist your roster when he visits bot the White Sox and Nationals.
Scott Kingery (2B/SS/3B, PHI) — 43% owned
Versatility is important as well as just playing. Over the last week, players will take time off. Multi-positional eligibility is important to maneuver the roster accordingly. Kingery fits the billing. September hasn’t been particularly kind to Kingery. It has only provided four dingers, 11RBI, and an abysmal .167AVG. You can’t negate the high BABIP of Grisham without giving Kingery a little leniency for his lack of production thanks to his .138BABIP over this time.
This week, Kingery travels to DC this week before returning home to host the Marlins. He does offer the ability to accrue a homer and stolen base over these final games. Ultimately, he’s most attractive to the fantasy player who needs counting stats and must have someone in the lineup with maneuverability.
Mark Canha (1B/OF, OAK) — 49% owned
Can’t stop. Won’t stop. Canha is grooving so well, he’s got two taters to go with 11R, 7RBI, and a .298AVG over the last week. He’s really turned it on in the second half with 13 long balls and a .302 batting average.
You definitely want to have these skills available to you on your roster this week, even if it is a road trip up and down the west coast. The Angels and Mariners aren’t sending out daunting aces to the mound in opposition. The A’s are tallying plenty of runs and Canha is in line to benefit from that.
Deeper Leagues (30-10% Owned)
Willie Calhoun (OF, TEX) — 23% owned
Take advantage of opportunities is always important for any occupational venture. Joey Gallo went down and Calhoun has been able to perform decently well in Gallo’s absence. Plate discipline has been a success for Calhoun this season. In the second half, he has 13 homers which are accompanied by a stingy 16% strikeout rate as well as a meager six percent walk rate. At first glance, the opposition seems daunting, but a week at home in hitter-friendly Arlington Park is enough to overcome any concerns facing the Red Sox or Yankees.
Jon Berti (2B/SS/3B, OF, MIA) — 18% owned
There are so many speed guys on the waiver wire across the internet. However, your league is not one of them. A lot of the main speed guys are taken. Occupado. Seats taken. Here comes Berti to your rescue. He’s got four stolen bases in the last two weeks. In the near future, he gets to take a trip to face the Metropolitans and Phillies. You could see the spark in his eye at the mention of the Mets. There might be a stolen base or two this week with a solid average considering he’s batting .270 versus righties this year, which is the only type of starter on the docket this week.
Super Deep Leagues (< 10% Owned)
Trent Grisham (OF, MIL) — 8% owned
It doesn't matter if his dad is a famous author or not. Grisham has such favorable venues this week, he’ll be able to help write your team’s success stories. In the last 14 days, he’s had a .310 batting average. Sure, we could all point to the .414BABIP, but quality outcomes appear likely to continue in his near term future.
There are few better combinations to have than Grisham's road trip to Colorado and Cincinnati this week. He even gets to face six right-handed starters. The 26% K rate isn’t the best, but it is survivable. Grisham just needs to keep your team alive long enough to claim a victory for you.
Victor Reyes (OF, DET) — 9% owned
Reyes remains a solid option but I’m sure I know the reason why everyone is avoiding him. Is it because he’s leading off? Is it because he has one homer, two stolen bases, and a .271 average over the last 14 days? Is it because he’s playing with a future Hall-of-Famer? Well, I have no idea why people are keeping their distance. The skills are evident. Remember, playing time.
Other players to consider: Eric Thames (1B/OF, MIL) — 7% owned
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