Outfield Waiver Wire Pickups for Week 26

We have completed another week of MLB action, and we have experienced more injuries, and most teams need more and more replacements. We have a couple of weeks left in the season, and things continue to stay interesting. With injuries continuing to pile up and some players heating up, moves are constantly being made to fill the gap. Riding the hot hand is not the worst philosophy to have to finish the season. There were still many players from previous articles available and still worth an ad depending on the team's needs down the stretch. Also, checking out favorable matchups go a long way this week. For example, Cleveland plays nine games, the Rangers face four lefties and play four at Camden, and many more. Keep grinding as we are almost to the finish line.

Some outfielders would be better suited to stream for a hot bat. Others need to be replaced just because they are no longer on the field (IL). Unfortunately, that is a situation that affects many managers. You can do nothing except finding a suitable replacement as quickly as possible or risk losing valuable counting stats. This week's article will focus on deeper league adds or even players to take fliers on as we head into the second half of the season. If you have questions about other players, always feel free to ask me on Twitter. This article will discuss waiver wire targets for the outfield in Week 26, September 20 through September 26.

In the first few weeks, rostered percentages can change quickly. So be quick to check your leagues for their availability. When you want to chat it up regarding outfielders, prospects, or dynasty leagues, message me directly on Twitter @bdentrek. Key points - this list will focus on rostered players in less than 50% of Yahoo! leagues.

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Austin Hays, Baltimore Orioles

35% Rostered

I wrote up Hays last week and had to write about him again this week as he continues to crush. Heading into Sunday, he has hit safely in five of six games this week with three home runs. That brings his September numbers to a robust .292 average with seven home runs, 10 runs scored, and 16 RBI. Hays has done all this by hitting safely in 14 of the 16 games. Batting third or fourth each game has reaped some fantasy rewards.

Hays will look to stay hot this week with seven games on tap. He plays three at the Phillies and then four at home against a Rangers pitching staff, making every offensive player salivate. We used only to target Hays versus LHP as he is hitting .301 against them this season, but we ride with him no matter the opposition as hot as Hays is. Hays needs to be added in all leagues for the week, and enjoy the juicy weekend at Camden Yards.

Jarred Kelenic, Seattle Mariners

32% Rostered

It seems like I write up Kelenic every few weeks, and he continues to hit. For those that have added him already, bravo. It took some time, but Kelenic is starting to hit like the big-time prospect many said he was. In September, he is hitting .250, which some may say is not good, but it is pretty good from where Kelenic was a month or so ago. The most important part is the power has arrived. Kelenic has five home runs in his 15 September games and has even thrown in two stolen bases. He has a .304 ISO, .865 OPS, and 135 wRC+.

Kelenic's numbers are not elite, but they have shown a ton of improvement. He is even hitting lefties over this stretch. His contact quality could be a significant factor as he is barreling the ball nearly 18% of the time with a 54% hard-hit rate. Kelenic appears to be coming into his groove and has a great schedule to finish the season. Kelenic plays seven games next week (4@OAK/3@LAA) and six more solid games next week (3vsOAK/3vsLAA). That makes seven versus the A's and six versus the Angels. Both teams with pitching that is not blowing you away lately. Kelenic is an excellent addition for the final two weeks for power, speed, and a bit of batting average help.

Jesus Sanchez and Bryan De La Cruz, Miami Marlins

14%/7% Rostered

I could not pick just one of the awesome Marlins' outfielders that are low-rostered right now. They are two different players, but both are bringing significant fantasy impacts to the table. Sure Sanchez is only hitting .232 in September, but he gets six home runs and should be added in leagues desperate for power these final two weeks. De La Cruz has been quite the surprise lately. He is hitting .278 in September with six extra-base hits and even walks 11% of the time.

The Marlins play six games this week versus the Nationals and Rays. Some excellent matchups there, but even more importantly, they play seven games next week versus the Mets and Phillies. Most do not play seven games next week, so that those extra at-bats could be the difference. Remember, matchups and total games are critical these last two weeks. Sanchez and De La Cruz are deep-league targets and should be added where a power or batting average is needed.

Yoshi Tsutsugo, Pittsburgh Pirates

8% Rostered

I wrote up Tsutsugo a few weeks ago when he was 1% rostered, and people thought I was crazy. I guess I wasn't that crazy. Tsutsugo has hit safely in 11 of 15 games in September for a .306 average. He has six extra-base hits, a .204 ISO, and an impressive 17% walk rate. Tsutsugo has been fantasy gold this month, and that should continue the last few weeks.

This week, the Pirates have seven games, versus six RHP, in two great offensive ballparks in Great American Small Park and Citizen Bank Park. They also have six favorable matchups at home in the final week of the season. Tsutsugo has been hitting second or fourth for the Pirates, and both bring excellent fantasy upside. Tsutsugo should be much higher-rostered than 8%. He gets on base, scores runs and even supplies a little power. He does it all and should be added in all deep leagues and consideration in 12-team leagues.

DJ Peters, Texas Rangers

4% Rostered

Peters is a similar offensive player to Sanchez, who we discussed above. Not great for average, hitting .226 in September, but brings a ton of power. He has four home runs in September with a .226 ISO. He is strictly an addition in leagues looking for power, and this week power should be aplenty with his schedule on tap. This week the Rangers play three games in the Bronx versus the Yankees and then four at the Orioles in Camden. It gets better as they face five LHP!!!!

People will look at the season stats versus LHP and think he stinks. However, he has been much better of late and makes for a tremendous deep-league power source against some outstanding matchups this week. With the schedule on tap, his teammates Leody Taveras and Nick Solak are great adds this week. Taveras has been hitting well but is also a steals asset where Solak is an excellent average source. Lastly, Willie Calhoun returned to the Ranges and may see some playing time, but with all the lefties, we shall see.

Deeper League Adds

Here are a few players to the roster in deeper leagues- Jose Siri (HOU, 3%), Brett Gardner (NYY, 2%), Sam Hilliard (COL, 2%), Willie Calhoun (TEX, 1%)

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