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Welcome back to the Outfield Waiver Wire, where we look at the best outfielders available in at least 50 percent of Yahoo leagues. Consider this column your recommendations for Week 24 outfield waiver wire pickups.
We're entering the stretch run, but there are still plenty of guys who can help you floating around on the waiver wire. Not every move can be a blockbuster. Value is value, wherever you can find it. This column is designed to help you do just that.
Let's get down to business.
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Week 24 Outfield (OF) Waiver Wire Targets
Kevin Kiermaier, OF, Tampa Bay Rays (37% owned)
As soon as Kiermaier went down with a hip injury in May, it was clear to me that he’d find his way into this column multiple times down the stretch. He’d be cut in a bunch of leagues, sink into the quicksand of the waiver wire, then come back and flash the form he’s teased for a couple seasons now. Sure enough, Kiermaier has hit a blistering .341/.382/.573 with four home runs, three stolen bases, and 30 R+RBI in just 20 games since returning to action. Add his last two (injury-shortened) seasons together, and you get a .261-101-23-71-34 line in 765 plate appearances. There’s real talent here, and he’s healthy for the moment and locked into the leadoff spot.
Matt Olson, 1B/OF, Oakland Athletics (31%)
Olson gets the rare consecutive-week treatment here despite his ownership rate increasing by an order of magnitude over the weekend. He’s still available in two out of every three Yahoo leagues, and that’s unconscionable for a guy who’s been one of the best hitters in the game over the last month. Olson went deep again on Sunday, giving him 14 bombs in the last 30 days (along with a .311 average and stellar run production). That’s fourth in the majors behind J.D. Martinez, Giancarlo Stanton, and Rhys Hoskins. Good luck finding any of those guys on the wire.
Mitch Haniger, OF, Seattle Mariners (23%)
Haniger captured the hearts and minds of many fantasy owners with a blistering April, but he fell out of favor after suffering through an injury and an extended slump. That slump may finally be over. The Mariners’ rookie outfielder has recorded multiple hits in six of his last 10 games, hitting .463/.463/.805 with three homers, a stolen base, and 16 R+RBI in that span. Seattle has their work cut out for them if they want to snag the AL’s second wild card berth, but Haniger’s doing about all he can do to help that effort. He can help you, too.
Michael Taylor, OF, Washington Nationals (21%)
Did you forget about Taylor? A lot of folks did until this weekend, when his ownership rate doubled to the still-modest figure you see above. The 26-year-old had stepped up big for the Nationals after Adam Eaton was lost for the season, but found himself on the shelf with an oblique injury in early July. It took a while for him to shake off the rust after returning in mid-August, but he’s gotten into a groove again lately. Taylor has hit .344/.400/.813 with four homers, two steals, and 16 R+RBI in nine September contests. Three of those homers and both steals have come in his last four games. Add him while you can.
Nick Williams, OF, Philadelphia Phillies (17%)
Many around the game were down on Williams after he struggled at Triple-A last season. He performed much better there this year, and has continued to hit at the major-league level. Through 64 games, Williams is hitting .287/.341/.492 with 10 homers and 82 R+RBI. Rhys Hoskins has gotten a lot of attention – deservedly so – but Williams has also played a role in the Phillies’ improved offensive performance in the second half. (Did you know they’re ninth in MLB in runs scored since the break?)
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