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BALLER MOVE: Add in All Leagues
OWNED IN: 32 percent of Fleaflicker leagues
ANALYSIS: Over the past calendar year, only five third basemen (minimum 450 PA) have a higher wRC+ than Yangervis Solarte. That in itself doesn't move the needle much for fantasy owners since most of us don't play in linear weights leagues, but it does illustrate that the relatively anonymous Solarte is worth some attention. His .293/.354/.493 line during the last 12 months compares favorably to stalwarts like Adrian Beltre, Evan Longoria, and Kyle Seager. He can't match them in the counting stats, but you're also not going to find any of those players on the waiver wire in any competitive league.
Solarte's hard-hit rate has risen each of his three years in the majors, as have his triple-slash rates. He missed a chunk of time to start 2016, but he's hit eight homers and totaled 60 R+RBI in only 49 games. Solarte has always been a high-contact hitter - he's 13th among qualified hitters in contact rate since his 2014 debut - who can take a walk, and he appears to be tapping into some pop. Eligible at three positions, the Padres' infielder also brings valuable flexibility to fantasy rosters.
