Chicago White Sox Melky Cabrera: Waiver Wire Add

By Brad Kelly | Apr 20, 2016

Aug 26, 2015; Chicago, IL, USA; Chicago White Sox left fielder Melky Cabrera (53) breaks his bat after hitting a single during the ninth inning against the Boston Red Sox at U.S Cellular Field. The Boston Red Sox defeated the Chicago White Sox 2-0. Mandatory Credit: Caylor Arnold-USA TODAY Sports /

Melky Cabrera has gotten off to a torrid start in the middle of the White Sox lineup. Should fantasy owners now give him a look on the waiver wire?

Melky Cabrera is now entering the 12^th season of his career, and it does not feel like too long ago that he was making his debut as a 20-year-old in the Bronx. His career has certainly had its up and downs, but Cabrera remains a solid hitter from both sides of the plate.

Cabrera may not be the artificially enhanced near 20 HR hitter that he showed in 2011 with the Royals, but it seems that he has settled in as a .270+ AVG hitter, modest power provider and consistent RBI producer. His first season with the White Sox started out slowly, but he rebounded nicely over the second half of last season and looks to be continuing that success so far in 2016.

He came out of the gates red hot, registering multi-hit games in five of the first games to start the season. He has yet to homer this season, but has knocked in five RBI so far. His RBI totals will certainly climb once Jose Abreu and Todd Frazier start to get on base more consistently, as Melky has routinely been slotted in fifth in the lineup allowing him prime counting stat opportunities.

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His true value comes from providing fantasy owners with AVG and OPS help. Last season he did see his K rise, but so far this season he has drawn four walks and has only struck out three times. In the two years prior he posted, 16 HR in 2014 and 12 HR in 2015, but more encouraging, has posted back to back 35+ doubles as well.

Melky has a lot of positives in terms of his fantasy value, he hits in the middle of a talented lineup, has a proven track record, plays in a hitter friendly ballpark, and has gotten off to a solid start. Fantasy owners may shy away from him being a veteran and so to speak, a “boring” addition, but adding a consistent stick to the backend of a fantasy outfield is of value.

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Across most fantasy formats, Melky is owned in about 35-40% of leagues, which is too low and provides a lot of owners with the chance to add him. There are a lot of ugly averages nowadays in baseball, but Melky can help offset that weekly drain. He will more than likely remain in a very fantasy friendly situation as well, so his long-term outlook and stock should not change. Make the move and add the Melkman to your team.

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