Dustin Ackley (OF, SEA) - Waiver Wire Pickups

BALLER MOVE: Target in AL only leagues and Deep leagues

OWNED IN: 18% of Fleaflicker Leagues

ANALYSIS: So far in 2015 we're seeing more July and August 2014 Dustin Ackley than we're seeing September and October 2014 Dustin Ackley. And that's a good thing. Ackley limped to the finish line last season hitting .149, but in the middle of the summer he put on quite the show. It was then that he connected on seven of his 14 home runs while hitting over .300. In 2015, he's already hit three home runs.

One of Ackley's strengths has always been his ability to hit pitches out of the strike zone, often to the opposite field for base hits. Scouts have noted that when he's struggling, it has a lot to do with his hip opening up and not being able to cover pitches away or on the outer half of the plate. This season he's done a solid job of hitting pitches out of the zone, showing a 77% O-contact rate. If he can keep this up, he's a legitimate fantasy contributor and maybe even becomes an add in mixed-leagues, too.

He's flashing a little power, should hit for a solid average and finds himself at the top of Mariners order with some regularity. One of the slight downsides to Ackley is that he's in a clear platoon split, but he's not sacrificing too many at-bats since he only sits against left-handed pitchers. He's only 10% owned in ESPN leagues, so give him a look if you need outfield help. If you have a bench spot and can afford a platoon of your own with Ackley, even better.