Kole Calhoun (OF, LAA) - Waiver Wire Pickups

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OWNED IN: 54% of Yahoo! Leagues

ANALYSIS: A very slow start to the season had many Kole Calhoun fantasy owners heading for the hills, but the 29-year-old outfielder has quietly begun to right the ship, and fantasy owners would be wise to pick him back up. Over his last 13 games, Calhoun has slashed .294/.333/.373 with eight runs scored, seven RBI and two stolen bases. While the power has not been around much, Calhoun does have 10 home runs on the year and seems likely to approach 20 for the second time in his career.

Additionally, Calhoun is drawing walks at a 10% clip, the same as 2016. His 20% strikeout rate is slightly higher than his 18% from last year, but the primary thing dragging down his batting average is his career low .281 BABIP. Calhoun’s low BABIP looks to be unlucky for the most part, as his medium and hard contact numbers are in line with his career stats, and his line-drive rate is actually up from his career percentage. Expect Calhoun’s BABIP to regress toward his career .304 mark, which should help his batting average creep closer toward his .263 line.

A .260 batting average, around 20 home runs and 80 runs and RBI’s makes for a perfectly serviceable third or fourth outfielder in fantasy formats, and thus Calhoun should be picked up in all 12-team leagues and beyond. Owners in OBP leagues should absolutely jump on Calhoun as well, as his walk-rate makes him especially valuable in those formats.