Wilson Ramos (C, TB) - Waiver Wire Pickups

Daniel Marcus recommends C Wilson Ramos as a waiver wire target or add for Week 17 of the 2017 fantasy baseball season for his power.

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ANALYSIS: Wilson Ramos has gotten off to a relatively strong start in his return from a torn ACL. Lately, he has also battled a minor hamstring that sidelined him, though he now appears healthy given that he has started three consecutive games.

Though he has played in just 13 games this season, it is notable that Ramos now has three home runs on the season. He has also been able to drive in 11 to due to the fact that he most frequently bats either fourth or fifth in the Rays’ lineup. That leaves him with upside to be a strong producer in the counting categories.

There’s more upside left in Ramos’ profile as well, as he is currently hitting just .224. What’s encouraging, however, is the fact that he has maintained his low strike-rate and paired it with an excellent 43.6% hard contact rate. Even if his hard contact rate falls off a bit, there is plenty of indication his BABIP should be expected to jump up from its current .222 mark.

Given that Ramos is a catcher, he is a strong add in nearly any league. In his brief sample in 2017, he has shown that ability to hit for power and drive in runs, and there is reason to believe his batting average will improve steadily as the season continues.