Cheap Steals on the Waiver Wire

As injuries start to pile up as we get closer and closer to the middle points of the season, specialists that either hit for power or steal some bases become a bit more attractive when looking on the waiver wire to fill holes.

Here are a few guys owned in 20% of Yahoo! leagues or less that can help you in the steal department over the next few weeks.

Kolten Wong

Wong had a great month of May as he was voted rookie of the month, but for some reason is still owned in just 20% of Yahoo! leagues. His .319 OBP is not as attractive as we had hoped this year, but he has rebounded tremendously since his demotion to the minors and he has added eight steals as well. With a guy like Neil Walker hitting the disabled list yesterday, Wong is an attractive fill in although he does different things well. He is the easiest of targets if he is somehow still available in your league.

James Jones

Jones is owned in just 2% of leagues but has a .331 OBP and seven steals in 117 at bats this season. He stole at least 25 bases the past two seasons in the minors and is seven of eight this year so far. His offense is mostly BABIP driven so I wouldn’t expect a .291 average or .331 OBP going forward, but if you are looking for a temporary stop gap with some wheels James could be useful in your outfield.

Chris Owings

Unfortunately with Didi Gregorius back in from the minors the Diamondbacks are moving him between second and shortstop, effectively making Owings a rotation player rather than a full regular. It is a shame too, because Owings has five homers and six steals and has been solid for those who have owned him so far. He is a bit more attractive in daily leagues where you can bench him if he is sitting, but he could have long term usefulness on your roster if you need help in the middle infield.

Lorenzo Cain

Cain has never been a tremendous base stealer, but being six for six so far this year is great to see. Much like Jones, his offense is mostly BABIP driven and he will likely see his numbers slide closer to career norms, but if he is able to maintain this type of effectiveness on the basepaths then his fantasy usefulness should remain in tact. Some more run production from him would be nice, but this could be the year he finally gets over the 15 steal barrier.

Drew Stubbs

Another player of old, Stubbs has hit pretty well in his first year in Colorado and with the injuries piling up in Colorado he is getting more playing time than expected. He has always had power and speed but this year he has added a .351 OBP. Thankfully park effects do not matter in fantasy. Stubbs is a cheap source of speed, especially with Michael Cuddyer being down for the next two months or so, and may also be a nice source of power as well.