Stephen Piscotty (OF, OAK) - Week 17 Waiver Wire Pickups

BALLER MOVE: Add in All Leagues

OWNED IN: 39% of leagues

ANALYSIS: Now that the start of this year is behind him, A's outfielder Stephen Piscotty is finally showing what he is capable of in the batter's box. The prolonged illness and subsequent death of his mother understandably impacted Piscotty at the end of his tenure in St. Louis and the beginning of this season in Oakland. He turned a corner at the plate starting in June and has batted over .300 for the past two months with nine homers and 27 RBI in that span. He was especially hot a week before the All-Star break, homering in four straight games.

While Piscotty is a strong addition across mixed leagues, the odd reverse split he is experiencing against left-handers needs to be corrected, as he is batting .187 with just two homers against southpaws this season. This is out of character with his career split (.262 vs LHP, .269 vs. RHP) so it could be a matter of adjusting to his new league and a unique slate of pitchers. Aside from his recent hot-hitting, Piscotty has the pedigree to be worth a fantasy roster spot ahead of most other OF options. Piscotty is a former top prospect with a multi-year contract investment on a team that is contending down the stretch. His recent resurgence has moved him up from the seventh or eighth spot in the lineup to the top half of the order, so he should have even more opportunities to drive in runs than before. Bet on his talent and situation, as you'll likely not be disappointed.