Max Kepler (OF, MIN) - Waiver Wire Pickups

BALLER MOVE: Add in All Leagues

OWNED IN: 19% of Fleaflicker Leagues

EXPERT ANALYSIS: Of all the international prospects reaching the majors, this German slugger was not expected to produce as much or as quickly as he has. Max Kepler is in the midst of an outright power surge with eight HR in the last 81 AB, giving him 10 HR and 35 RBI in 166 at-bats. He has a .253 ISO this season and is posting a 20.0% HR/FB%. Although it is easy to simply dismiss this as a fluke, there may indeed be more warning signs. Kepler has already matched his career high of 10 home runs in a season, which he accomplished in Rookie ball at age 19. He also appears to be selling out for power, keeping a .229 average, compared to his .281 average in the minors. He is making contact at a solid 79.6% rate and, despite a 21.8% K%, is maintaining a 9.1% SwStr%. This would normally be enough to keep an acceptable average, but he is pulling the ball 48% of the time and his high HR/FB ratio is helping balls leave the yard. This may not last, so as soon as those homers start to become fly ball outs, his value will take a hit as long as he keeps up this batting profile. Kepler really projects as a higher average hitter with less power, but has taken a different approach in his first opportunity to be a starter for Minnesota. Keep him plugged in your lineup as long as he's hot, but don't be surprised if the power doesn't last long-term.