2 years agoIt feels like we've been waiting for ages for Drew Waters to be a fantasy viable outfielder and 2023 was set to be that year. Unfortunately, Waters suffered an oblique injury in mid-February that's set to sideline him for six weeks. That likely leaves him out of contention for Opening Day and a late-April return is the most probable outcome. Following his trade from the Braves, Waters looked like the high-end prospect he was considered not too long ago and performed well enough at Triple-A to get called up to the Royals. In 32 games for the Royals, Waters hit .240/.324/.479 with five homers, 18 RBI, 14 runs and no steals. The lack of steals was a slight surprise given he tallied 18 in 80 games (for both organizations) at Triple-A before his call-up and 28 in 103 games in 2021. While the strikeouts have been a problem (283 Ks in 209 games at Triple-A), Waters has shown a penchant for getting on base with a .254/.335/.407 slash line at that level. Most projections have Waters reaching double-digits in homers and stolen bases while hitting ~.240 (~120 games) which is a solid return for someone with an ADP of 545 and there's certainly room for growth in his rookie season. The injury will take him off most draft boards but if Waters is able to make a quick return to the field, he does still have deeper league value.--Jamie Steed - RotoBaller