Heading into week 16 of the 2017 MLB fantasy season, the Red Sox lead the Rays in the American League East by 3.0 games while the Indians have a 1.5 game lead over the Twins in the AL Central due in part to a four-game losing streak. The Astros, the top team in the AL by far, have a 16.5 game lead over the Mariners in the AL West – should be safe to say that the Astros have their division wrapped up. In the National League East, the Nationals have a healthy 9.5 game lead over the Braves while the Brewers lead the Cubs by 4.5 games in the NL Central. The best team in the MLB in terms of both record and run-differential – the Dodgers – have opened up a 10.5 game lead over the Diamondbacks in the NL West thanks in large part to a ridiculous nine-game winning streak coupled with the Diamondbacks five-game losing streak. With a recap of the standings to-date, here are the week 16 waiver wire picks.
Paul DeJong, 2B/3B/SS, St. Louis Cardinals
The Cardinals have stumbled upon what appears to be a gem in rookie Paul DeJong. Although the Cardinals were expected to have their shortstop position filled up, the release of Jhonny Peralta along with Aledmys Diaz’s disappointing season so far has opened up an opportunity for DeJong. DeJong has compiled a .304/.321/.578 slash line in 140 plate appearances, with nine HRs – an average of one HR every 15 at-bats. DeJong’s power isn’t a complete surprise as he boasts a hard-hit rate of 36.5% and is evidently a pull hitter. Additionally, DeJong has been heating it up in the last two weeks, with a .419/.455/.871 slash line as well as a .329/.349/.646 slash line over the last month.
Mike Foltynewicz, SP, Atlanta Braves
With the Braves rotation constantly in a state of flux, the one constant has been Mike Foltynewicz. So far this season, Foltynewicz has compiled a 7-5 record to go along with a 3.84 ERA, 4.52 FIP, and 1.39 WHIP while allowing opponents to slash .269/.333/.431. Although Foltynewicz is playing for a mediocre team, he has logged 10 quality starts in 17 tries. Additionally, over the past month, Foltynewicz has yet to lose a start, assembling a 3-0 record to go along with a 2.59 ERA, 1.32 WHIP, and 10.4 K/9 while opponents have slashed .226/.311/.366 against him – clear signs of improvement.
The Braves are currently in second place in the American League East but are 10 games back of the Washington Nationals for first place.
Carlos Rodon, SP, Chicago White Sox
Although Rodon has missed the first three months of the season due to a biceps injury, he should start coming back into form soon. In his three starts so far, he has compiled a 1-2 record to go along with a 4.32 ERA, 4.16 FIP, and 1.38 WHIP. However, opponents have only managed to slash .183/.319/.267 against Rodon – his statistics should get better as he gets more starts under his belt. Additionally, Rodon’s 55.6% LOB rate and 6.48 BB/9 is most likely attributed to rust – these numbers should improve as the season progresses as well.
The White Sox have been terrible this season but Rodon should have some MLB fantasy value in the second half of the season. The White Sox are currently in last place in the American League Central. They are nine games back of the Cleveland Indians. As a result, the White Sox should continue to be sellers at the trade deadline.
Mallex Smith, OF, Tampa Bay Rays
With injuries to Gold-Glover Kevin Kiermaier and the recent loss of Colby Rasmus, Mallex Smith is finally an everyday outfielder. In only 144 plate appearances to-date, Smith has produced a slash line of .320/.392/.406 with a ridiculous .408 BABIP. However, Smith’s primary fantasy appeal is his ability to swipe bags. Additionally, over the last two weeks, Smith has a slash line of .375/.423/.500. Furthermore, Smith has made a marked improvement in his ability to get on base. With consistent playing time, Smith should improve as the season progresses.
With the Yankees nosedive, the Rays have moved into second place in the American League East. They are now just three games behind the Boston Red Sox for first place.
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