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Joe Hannon analyzes the top 5 outfield waiver wire pickups for week 22 of fantasy baseball action. These sleeper hitters can have an great impact on your team.
Here are five outfield sleepers to consider adding off of the waiver wire in fantasy baseball leagues. This week's list features two sleeper outfielders in each league, as well as the race to add Rusney Castillo. I believe these players are undervalued and capable of providing a valuable boost as the season winds down.
Rusney Castillo - (OF, BOS) - 0% Owned
BALLER MOVE: Add In All Formats
After signing a massive seven-year, $72.5 million deal, Rusney Castillo is set to join the Red Sox for the remainder of the year. His actual debut date has not yet been set, but the 27-year-old Cuban outfielder should be an excellent fantasy option over the last month or so of the season.
It remains to be seen whether Rusney will have as much of an impact on the Red Sox as fellow Cuban defector Jose Abreu had on the Sox, but Castillo certainly has a lot of upside if Boston was willing to shell out that much money for him.
Castillo is not a big player, listed at 5' 9", but he is built like an ox and is said to have above-average speed and power. Grab him as soon as him name appears on the waiver wire.
Jon Jay - (OF, STL) - 24% Owned
BALLER MOVE: Add In All Formats
The Cardinals centerfielder has been on an absolute tear over the past few weeks. Coming into Friday, Jon Jay was 12-game hitting streak with 13 R, 2 HR and 11 RBI over that stretch.
Jay is hitting .447 for the month of August, and he'll likely continue to play a big role in the Cards' playoff push. Jon is hitting .313 on the season and would boost any fantasy team's overall batting average.
Oswaldo Arcia - (OF, MIN) - 17% Owned
BALLER MOVE: Add In All Formats
After the trade of Josh Willingham to Kansas City, Oswaldo Arcia will likely be in the Twins starting lineup everyday for the remainder of the year. Arcia is a typical hot-and-cold power hitter, but lately he has just been hot.
With five home runs over his last nine games, Arcia is quickly emerging as the team's most productive big bat. He has also scored eight runs and driven in eleven over those nine games.
Injuries have plagued Arcia's season up to this point, but he finally seems to be finding his rhythm. Oswaldo is a nice power option off of the waiver wire going forward.
Avisail Garcia - (OF, CWS) - 11% Owned
BALLER MOVE: Add In All Formats
When Avisail Garcia tore his labrum in early April, everyone expected that he'd miss the remainder of the season. But Garcia has rejoined the White Sox and he appears to have picked up right where he left off. The 23-year-old has loads of potential and he could be a fantasy gem over the next ten years.
For now, Garcia is still a little rough around the edges, but he's worthy of a roster spot in just about all fantasy formats. In the eight games he has played after returning from the disabled list, Avi has collected 6 H, 2 HR and 7 RBI. In just 16 games overall, Garcia is hitting .241 with 10 R, 4 HR and 11 RBI. Those stats would equal out to some monster numbers over a full season. Pick him up now if he is available.
Drew Stubbs - (OF, COL) - 25% Owned
BALLER MOVE: Add In All Formats
The Rockies have certainly had their share of productive outfielders this season. With breakout campaigns from Corey Dickerson and Charlie Blackmon, not to mention All-Stars Michael Cuddyer and Carlos Gonzalez, Drew Stubbs found himself the odd man out on many occasions.
However, recent injuries have opened the door for the 29-year-old outfielder. Drew is hitting an .298 on the season and has been playing very well as of late. Stubbs has belted 12 H, 2 HR, and 7 RBI over his last seven games and has also stolen 15 bases on the season.
Stubbs should see a good amount of playing time going forward, and he has the ability to contribute in every offensive fantasy category when he's hitting.
