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New York Yankees Carlos Beltran: Waiver Wire Add

By Brad Kelly

Apr 15, 2016; Bronx, NY, USA; New York Yankees right fielder Carlos Beltran reacts after popping out in the third inning against the Seattle Mariners at Yankee Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Noah K. Murray-USA TODAY Sports
Apr 15, 2016; Bronx, NY, USA; New York Yankees right fielder Carlos Beltran reacts after popping out in the third inning against the Seattle Mariners at Yankee Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Noah K. Murray-USA TODAY Sports /
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Carlos Beltran had a solid season in 2015, and now off to hot start this season. Should fantasy owners give him more attention on the waiver wire?

Carlos Beltran has been in the majors for nearly two decades, and has built a resume that will more than likely guide him into the Hall of Fame. While he no longer brings his power/speed combo to the table, he still remains one of the better hitters in the game and is arguably the Yankees best overall hitter.

Beltran’s tenure with the Yanks have been a mixed bag. During his first year with the club he had a career worse season while battling through nagging injuries. After a slow start in April last season, he would rebound over the rest of the season and post a, .276/19 HR/67 RBI/.808 OPS, line.

As he enters his 19th season, injuries always loom as a concern and like early last season with his elbow ailment, injuries tend to linger longer for veterans. Now even though Beltran came out of the gates slow last season, his 34 doubles along with 19 HR, are a substantial indicator that Beltran’s bat surely still has life.

Among all the high-profile batters that the Yankees have, in my opinion, Beltran is easily their best hitter. He is the least apt to prolonged slumps and is one of the few hitters in the lineup that can bat for average as well as power. So far in 2016 he has picked up right where he left off last season, as he currently sits with a, .341/3 HR/7 RBI/14 Hits, line. The Yanks offense has been sputtering, but that has been no fault of his as he continually puts good at bats together.

Fantasy owners looking for balance in their outfield should look no further than Beltran off the waiver wire. He is still surrounded by an ample offensive supporting class, calls Yankee Stadium home, and has the track record to prove that he is not quite done being a quality fantasy contributor.

Next: Adam Wainwright: Time to Panic?

His injury history and age are not the most welcome sights for a potential waiver wire add, but it hard to find a better qualified free agent. Astute fantasy owners will add him now while he is hot and ride his consistency throughout the season as a backend outfielder.

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