Brandon Finnegan (SP,CIN) - Waiver Wire Pickups

BALLER MOVE: Add in 12+ leagues

OWNED IN: 20% of Fleaflicker leagues

ANALYSIS: Prior to 2016 Brandon Finnegan's fantasy value was pretty much unknown because of Kansas City's reluctance to deem him as a starter or as a high-end reliever. After his trade to Cincinnati he became a full-fledged starter with high upside and a lot to prove. The first glimpses of what could be in store have already been brought to light through the first month of 2016.

Finnegan has always been a bit erratic with his control (3.83 BB/9) but the pure arsenal has never been questioned. His sinker and fastball have been not only interchangeable as out pitches but undeniably nasty to opposing hitters, who are batting just .214 against them.

The eight homers he has given up raises a bit of a red flag, however playing half of your starts in hitter-friendly Cincinnati is going to have its drawbacks. The FIP of 5.85 is disastrous, but a lot of it has to do with a 16-0 drubbing vs the Cubs in late April. The walk totals should come down with time and his ground ball rate should skyrocket as his sinker becomes even deadlier. On the positive side his BABIP of .214 and his career low of 10.4 BB% show steady and consistent improvement.

If you are an owner who cannot be patient then Finnegan is probably someone you can pass on. But in 12+ team leagues where buying into upside can be heavily rewarded Finnegan is a great bet to gamble on.