We are sprinting to the finish line with 18-19 games remaining by the time this piece is published. At this point, I am sure you have some bench bats or outfielders who got you here, but are no longer providing any value. Hello Bryan Reynolds (I digress). While we cannot perform miracles with limited time left, we might be able to help gain points in the standings or protect a narrow lead in certain categories. I’m here to help you target category-specific outfielder adds who can help you where it is needed most.
That said, this post is meant to be action-oriented. Now is the time. You can still make a difference. We need hot bats. We need production. We are here to ride streaks until the wheels fall off.
I am highlighting players using recent stats over the last month or over the last two weeks as data points. I am mainly focusing on those rostered in 50% or fewer of Yahoo leagues, but you will see a few options for shallow leagues as well in case they are available. When I specifically mention games remaining, I am referring to Monday, September 7 through the end of the season. Stats are through September 4 unless otherwise noted. Ownership percentages are current as of Sunday, September 6.
Targets
While some of the players can help in specific categories, they may not provide much benefit in others. In spite of their respective warts, several players stand out who can provide more value across the board. At the same time, they are unlikely to sink you in categories you are not targeting.
Sac-Town Take Me Home
Injuries have decimated the A’s and the lineup doesn’t pack as much thump as before, but they have 18 games left, TWELVE (12) at home aka Bing Bong (#1 in park factor). The trio of A’s are my favorite adds if available. They can help in a variety of ways. Back the truck up and load up if you can.
Lawrence Butler (61%) took all season to finally show up. He’s tied for the most RBIs of any outfielder over the last two weeks (Aug 22 – Sep 4). He has a 10/5/20/1/.333 line over his last 23 games. He is entrenched (by default) as the 3-hole hitter given the injuries. That BA over that stretch comes with a .442 BABIP and lower expected stats, but go with it until the music stops.
Zach Gelof (47%) qualifies at 2B, 3B, OF. He has gone 11/3/6/2/.235 over the last two weeks (13 games) while hitting near the top of the order. He has 17 HRs in 91 games with 11 SBs and a .260 BA after cutting his K-rate this year. His ownership is way too low for a player with that kind of positional flexibility. Change that before others catch on. It jumped 7% over the last week.
Henry Bolte (14%) is enjoying a very productive stretch as the A’s leadoff man. Since August 1, he’s slashing 23/5/12/3/.318 over his last 32 games. The BABIP over the period is .419, but ride the wave until he gives you a reason to jump off. That wave is still surging over the last two weeks: 10/2/4/1/.315. While strikeouts are a problem, he has power and speed (100th percentile sprint speed), a favorable park and opportunity, which is all you can ask for. Bolt to the waiver wire and get him.
Multiple Category Helpers
Tristan Peters (33%) ranked 23rd overall on the player rater in August after hitting .320 with 6 HRs and 14 RBI. He is hitting .390 over the last two weeks with 9 RBIs and 2 SBs. While hitting 9th hasn’t stopped him, he sits vs LHP (54 PAs). Therefore, he gets pulled in-game too if a lefty comes in. Start him vs RHP until he stops hitting.
Spencer Jones (28%) is hot. Surprisingly, he is slashing 17/4/16/6/.288 since August 8 (25 games), but with a 36% K rate and .422 BABIP. Roll with this streak until it stops.
Tim Tawa (16%) ranked 18th on the Player Rater in August after going 15/5/14/6/.278 over 29 games. He also qualifies at 1B, 2B, 3B and OF. Although he has cooled off, that positional versatility is a huge asset now. Additionally, the D-Backs have a series at Coors left on their schedule.
Walker Jenkins (18%) recently made his debut. Shockingly, he struggled with missed time over his short career. Stop me if you’ve heard that high-profile Twins prospects have a propensity to get hurt. Unfortunately, he bats 9th, but he racked up 14 HRs and 17 SBs with a .323 BA across 73 minor league games this year. Add him to your bench to see if he gets going. Despite the slow start, he has upside and could click at any time. He is walking nearly as much as he is striking out (5 BBs vs 6 Ks) so far. He is not a starter right now, but worth a bench spot to see if he figures it out.
Power
I am grouping RBIs together with HRs. RBIs are unpredictable, luck-driven and situational. Chasing a hot bat with power is probably a better bet. Chasing one who is hitting near the middle of the order is an even better bet. Hopefully RBIs follow.
Heriberto Hernandez (26%) remains extremely under-owned. Because he hits in the middle of the order, you can check the lineup placement box too if you are seeking RBIs. Hernandez has 5 HRs and 12 RBI with a .250 BA over the last two weeks (13 games). The only outfielder with more HRs over this period is Pete Crow-Armstrong.
Hector Rodriguez (20%) has 5 HRs over his last 11 games with a .318 BA and a 28.6% K-rate. Grab him while he is hot. Did I just say 5 jacks in 11 games?
Lazaro Montes (6%) was called up and is worth a gamble. Although he may strike out at a high clip, he had 38 HRs in 115 minor league games this year. Add him to see if his power carries over, especially if you have a buffer in BA. The M’s still have a 3-game series at both Coors and Sacramento coming up (bam!). Sign me up for two great parks and two lousy pitching staffs. He was pulled from Friday’s game with hip soreness and has already sat vs LHP, so monitor and/or proceed carefully.
Runs and Average
Steven Kwan (62%) is the number one add available for Runs, BA or even OBP if he is available in shallow leagues. He has hit .357 with a .447 OBP and scored 32 Runs in 43 second half games. He has been just as productive over the last two weeks with 10 Runs and a .327 BA (last 13 games).
Brett Bateman (6%) is leading off for Toronto and is hitting .349 with 14 runs and 3 SBs over the last 3 weeks (16 games). That BA is 8th best in MLB. He has zero power and that production comes with a .449 BABIP, but is viable if you need average and runs. Will it continue? Who cares, the stats count now. Just go with it.
Stolen Bases
A.J. Ewing (15%) swiped 8 bags in August, but did virtually nothing else except stink up the place. However, he has 5 SBs over the last 11 games (tied for 2nd most in MLB). Since he just had that brutal month where he hit .171 with a .463 OPS (ouch!), I cannot fully endorse him. But I get it. SAGNOF. Desperate times call for desperate measures. Do what you must.
Cole Carrigg (14%) qualifies as SS and OF, but cooled off after a strong start. However, he is in the lineup nearly every day and plays in a very favorable park. He brings an attractive fantasy skill set. He stole 5 bags in August (tied for 3rd most for any OF under 50% rostered). The Rockies have 19 games left with 10 more at home. Take advantage of that thin air at Coors and Carrigg’s .885 home OPS. Additionally, he continues to get on base (.342 OBP). The steal opportunities should be there, so run with it.
Summary
We need all the help we can get at this time of the year. Hopefully, one or more recommendations in this post give you the edge you need. Time is running out, so act now before it is too late. Don’t overthink it. Make the add(s). Even if you don’t need a player and have a dead roster spot, block someone else from getting him. Play defense. Protect your lead. My list is not exhaustive. Add anyone who can help you at this stage. Thanks for reading. You can find me on X at @Toolsy3.
