Outfield Waiver Wire Pickups for Week 18

The season rolls on and fantasy managers need to continue analyzing their roster with an eye on categories instead of just adding any random player. This week the primary focus for outfield additions will be to maximize venues. Some might cause a little tingle of concern when you read their name. Don't be afraid. Do what you're comfortable doing with your roster. No Fear, Just Fantasy.

Whether you're streaming a hot bat or need to replace a guy long-term, there are plenty of different options. The issue is that you are not alone and others in your league might have intent on doing the same thing. Just make sure you make a decision and grab someone. You'll lose valuable counting stats if you leave a roster spot empty, even if only a day. In this article, I’ll discuss waiver wire targets for the outfield in week 18. This week we cover guys that primarily have advantageous environments.

Even in the first few weeks, ownership can change quickly. Be quick to check your leagues for their availability. Key points - this list will focus on players who are owned in less than 50% of Yahoo leagues. When you want to chat it up regarding outfielders, prospects, or dynasty leagues, message me directly on Twitter @EllisCan2.

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Outfield (OF) Waiver Wire Options

Brandon Belt (1B/OF, SF) — 13% Owned

Belt has lost his way at the plate the last couple of weeks, batting .217 with one homer and six runs. During that time he has a 52% fly ball rate, but his avg exit velocity (86.9mph) and launch angle (22.4-degrees) aren’t enough to clear the larger parks. That’s why a change of venue will be beneficial to both Belt and his owners. This week, he has a road trip to Philadelphia and Colorado which should expeditiously resolve his issues as both parks are hitter-friendly. Additionally, he gets to face five right-handed starters out of the six-game week, against whom he has a better split this year (.245AVG). The best of the options is Coors Field where he’s hitting .318 this season.

Alex Dickerson (OF, SF) — 16% Owned

Dickerson, like Belt, benefits from a friendly schedule this week that will have many people vying for his services. The difference is that he’s already hitting well and his success could translate quicker on the road this week. In the last two weeks, Dickerson has two long balls to go with seven RBI and a .441 batting average. He also thoroughly enjoyed his trip to the Mile High City early this year (.643AVG). This is an easy plug-and-play this week.

*Other Giants players to consider: Kevin Pillar.

Randal Grichuk (OF, TOR) — 20% Owned

Oftentimes when you select a player it is because he provides a select category that you need. Other times, it is the venue that encourages you to choose a player. Grichuk falls into the latter category this week. Don’t go into this choice blind; Grichuk has fallen on really hard times with one homer and a .174AVG over the last 14 days. To his benefit, he has a full seven-game slate with six righties on the docket (.244 career average). Although the Blue Jays spend a full week on the road, Grichuk’s schedule does offer some juicy opportunities for production. He starts the week in KC, but the time to stream him is when he’s playing four games in Camden Yards. He’s has a .294 career average in Baltimore and there is always the possibility of a couple leaving the yard.

Kyle Schwarber (OF, CHC) — 49% Owned

You come looking for Schwarber’s services for one reason. You need power; all else, be damned. Schwarber has 22 bombs this year, but it comes with the baggage of a .221/.310/.463 slash line. His 11.5% walk rate isn’t enough to help his OBP either. This week he travels to St. Louis before returning home to face the Brewers. While it is only a six-game schedule, he does face all right-handed starting pitchers, which is the better of his two splits (.236 career average). Of course, this is all dependent upon whether he stays with the Cubs after the trade deadline. Regardless, make sure you’re either compensating for the low batting average unless you’re bottom in the category and just want the power.

Alex Verdugo (OF, LAD) — 42% Owned

Compared to most of the other guys on this list, Verdugo’s four homers, 10RBI, and .266AVG the last month look quite dreamy. Unfortunately, he finds himself in a slump in the past week (.143AVG). If there ever was a quick-pick-me-up stadium, it would be Coors Field. Verdugo gets three games in Colorado before returning home to face the Padres in a four-game series. He faces five right-handers this week, but you don’t need to worry about the splits as he’s hitting .277 versus righties and .344 against southpaws. Despite the recent struggles, he still has excellent plate discipline with a 6.5% Swinging Strike and 85% Contact rates. Trust the ability and definitely take advantage of Coors.

Ian Desmond (1B/OF, COL) — 42% Owned

At 33 years old, Desmond still finds himself in relevancy. This is another opportunity to take advantage of nearly everyone that plays in Coors. Of the six games this week, Desmond has four games against southpaws, which he truly enjoys (.302AVG).

*Others to consider Adam Eaton (OF, WSH) — 46% Owned; Teoscar Hernandez (OF, TOR) — 2% Owned; Bryan Reynolds (OF, PIT) — 31% Owned; Kole Calhoun (OF, LAA) — 30% Owned

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