Welcome to the Back From The Dead edition of Outfield Waiver Wire Pickups. We are officially in the fantasy baseball playoffs. While there are a slew of interesting prospects being called up this month that may potentially help championship-bound fantasy squads, there are plenty of veterans in the midst of shocking comebacks at the moment.
Just when you thought they were out, they get pulled back in. All of the guys on this list are must-own assets moving forward and their ownership generally reflects that. Many of them may already be owned in your league. But if any of them, I repeat, any of them are available in your league, it's time to take the plunge and pick up these sluggers without hesitation. Now let's examine some of these baseball zombies.
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Week 23 Outfield Targets
Byron Buxton, Minnesota Twins
Owned in 35% of Fleaflicker Leagues
OK, who else forgot this guy even existed? After two injury-plagued and horribly unproductive Major League stints to begin his career, Byron Buxton is back at it again. The young phenom, who was a top prospect back in 2015 and 2014, was called up with the expanded September rosters and has been swinging a hot bat since his arrival. Specifically, he's gone 10-for-22 with three homers and nine RBI, which is promising considering his past MLB struggles. Buxton's Triple-A numbers are also very encouraging this year, as he's gone .305/.359/.568 in 49 games. Will this be the month that the rookie finally figures things out in the big leagues? Time will tell, but don't wait too long on it. He has the potential to be one of the most productive outfielders in the game once he can get the MLB experience under his belt. If he hits anywhere near Brian Dozier in the Twins lineup, his counting stats should be just fine.
Yasiel Puig, Los Angeles Dodgers
Owned in 41% of Fleaflicker Leagues
Look who's back. It's Yasiel Puig! Instead of continuing his ferocious downward spiral into oblivion, the embattled Cuban slugger completely rebounded at Triple-A Oklahoma City. In two levels of the minors, Puig slashed a tremendous .358/.422/.605 with five long balls and 14 RBI in just 24 games. That was evidence enough for the Dodgers to look past his well-published record of clubhouse disruption and bring the outfielder back to the big leagues for the final push. When Puig is seeing the ball well, he is one of the most valuable outfielders in the game, making him an automatic waiver wire pickup in all leagues. Seriously, pick this guy up immediately. Now, there is a downside. The Dodgers plan to use Puig against mainly left-handed pitching and platoon him in right field with Josh Reddick. Even still, he's worth owning and stashing on your bench. Since being recalled, he's 3-for-7 with a three-run homer.
Giancarlo Stanton, Miami Marlins
Owned in 77% of Fleaflicker Leagues
I know, the ownership is far too high to include in a waiver wire article. In all likelihood, the surprise news of Giancarlo Stanton's sudden activation from the DL led to an all out stampede of waiver claims in your league. After all, it's no secret that Stanton is an MVP-caliber baseball monster who should be unequivocally owned for as long as he is able to walk onto a baseball field. However, there is a catch. Stanton surpassed a few steps of the rehab process. As a result, it appears that he will be used mainly in pinch hit situations. But that's just for the time being. As the month progresses and the rehab progresses, Stanton will undoubtedly enter into a starting role by season's end. If your team is in the playoffs right now, there is no reason to leave this guy on the wire. If your league mates still haven't heard the news of his activation, take advantage now. He's already 1-for-1.
Carlos Gomez, Texas Rangers
Owned in 21% of Fleaflicker Leagues
Of all the zombies on this list, Gomez may be the zombiest. After being left for dead by the Houston Astros, Gomez has somewhat rebounded with the Rangers. Well, he's still batting .200 in 45 at bats. But things are starting to come together. In the past week, he's gone 6-for-20 (.300/.462/.550) with a dinger, five RBI and three stolen bases. Now that's the CarGo we all know and love. With Carlos Beltran occupying the DH spot, Gomez figures to be an everyday starter so long as he's able to continue producing at the dish. On a loaded Rangers roster, Gomez will have plenty of chances to drive in runs and cross the plate himself (especially when he's able to swipe bases effectively). Of course, anything after this point will be too little too late for a disastrous 2016 campaign. Still, he may redeem himself for fantasy owners who need that one little push to help them cross the finish line in the 2016 playoffs.
More Options: Ender Inciarte (56%), Michael Saunders (49%), Randal Grichuk (42%), Curtis Granderson (41%), Jayson Werth (37%), Jose Peraza (21%), Chris Owings (16%), Scott Schebler (13%), Jarrod Dyson (12%), Jefry Marte (10%)
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