Ryan Mountcastle (SS/OF, BAL) - Week 7 Waiver Wire Pickups

Jamie Steed profiles Baltimore Orioles shortstop/outfielder Ryan Mountcastle as a waiver wire pickup and add in Week 7 of the 2020 MLB season.

BALLER MOVE: Add in 12+ Team Leagues

OWNED IN: 12% of leagues

ANALYSIS: Baltimore Orioles eventually called up Ryan Mountcastle after Chris Davis and his .357 OPS hit the IL. Mountcastle arguably should have started the season with the Orioles as he'd put up a .312/.344/.527 slash line in Triple-A last year, also hitting 25 homers in 127 games. The issue with Mountcastle is where he could play as he was drafted as a shortstop (hence his position eligibility in Yahoo leagues), transitioned to third base before settling at first base and left field last year and grades as a below-average fielder. Mountcastle has played six times since his call-up with five starts coming in left field and one as the DH and he's already managed to gain outfield eligibility in most formats if he didn't have it already.

Mountcastle has successfully reached base in all of his appearances and in only one game he's failed to get on base at least twice, going 8 for 20 with four walks. He's yet to hit a homer but has an impressive .440 wOBA in his fledgling Major League career. Mountcastle does strikeout a lot as his Minor League career 20.11% K% suggests and he's already struck out six times this season but he's never had a year with a sub-.280 batting average so it wouldn't be at all surprising if he finishes the season with an average north of .300. He'll contribute across all categories in your fantasy leagues apart from steals and in 12+ team leagues, Mountcastle can offer flexibility and will likely be an upgrade on someone you're currently rostering.