Travis d'Arnaud (C, NYM) - Waiver Wire Pickups

BALLER MOVE: Add in All Leagues

OWNED IN: 27% of Fleaflicker Leagues

ANALYSIS: Before I begin my player analysis, is it too early to say that the Mets are for real? I know that Mets fans everywhere make that claim following a respectable start to the season and then rescind the claim shortly after the Mets inevitably implode. But from my objective, non-Mets fan viewpoint, these Mets look for real. Sitting at 5-3 with a few losses by small margins and a series win against a tough Nationals team, the Mets finally look poised for a postseason birth. This can be largely attributed to some blossoming youngsters stepping up. One of whom is their 26-year-old catcher Travis d’Arnaud.

Entering his third year, Travis d’Arnaud is positioned to have a breakout year. He has the nod as their guy behind the plate and has been overwhelmingly effective in his duties. All he did last year since returning from the minors last June, was lead all MLB catchers in extra-base hits and runs. This year he’s shown his extra-base potential and typical effectiveness. He’s batting .308 with a triple, a double, and seven RBI to his name through just seven games.

If you’re not grabbing Buster Posey, catcher can be a throwaway position for most managers, drafting whoever is there in the very late rounds. However, d’Arnaud has proven that he can produce at a high level for fantasy owners, but is still only owned in 27% of leagues. He’s certainly worth a waiver wire pickup if he’s not owned in your league yet.