Kolten Wong (2B, STL) - Waiver Wire Pickups

BALLER MOVE: Add in 12+ Team Leagues

OWNED IN: 29% of Leagues

ANALYSIS: Kolten Wong is currently on pace for career-best numbers in several categories, most importantly home runs, RBI and stolen bases. He’s started 49 of the Cardinals’ 52 games this year. He’s always had great plate discipline and this year has been no exception as he’s maintained a 14.7 K% and an 11.2 BB%. However, there's clearly been a shift in his approach altogether this year that has resulted in his uptick in home runs. He's hitting fewer ground balls, with a 45.4 GB% that's well under his rate of 53.3% from 2018. Meanwhile, his fly ball rate has increased from a rate of 17.9% in 2018 to 25.5% this year.

The attempt to elevate the ball more has greatly contributed to his batting average dip this year as he's hitting just .226 and he's a career .252 hitter. If he's able to increase his average closer to his career mark while maintaining his current HR pace, a breakout could be in store.

Wong isn’t the type of player who is going to single-handedly carry your team, but consistency is tough to find at 2B and Wong’s reliability to play essentially every day and contribute across the board without hurting you anywhere makes him a great add in 12+ team leagues. He’s also very much worth considering in smaller leagues if you’re really hurting at 2B.