Seattle Mariners Nathan Karns: Deep Waiver Wire Add

Nathan Karns came into the 2016 season with fantasy sleeper buzz, and for the most part, he has been solid for the Seattle Mariners this season. After his last three outings, he has especially been sharp.

The Seattle Mariners have gotten off to a great start this season and look poised to be make a run to at securing the A.L. West title. Amidst Robinson Cano’s offensive barrage as of late, Nate Karns’ last three outings have been vital as well.

Over his last three starts he has gone at least six innings, struck out at least five per game and has not surrendered more than three earned runs in any start. Earlier in the season he ran into trouble with his command, but over this stretch he has improved his walk rate by nearly one a game.

Karns came over from the Rays this offseason, coming off a 26 start campaign and after posting a 3.67 ERA in 2015. After his move to the Mariners, may fantasy pundits had pegged him as a potential sleeper thanks to his success last season and his quality arsenal.

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He features a mid-90s fastball and sinker, a knuckle-curve and a changeup.  The near 10 mph change from his sinker/fastball and curve, allows him to generate a fair share of swings and misses, evidenced by his respectable 9.9 SO/9.

In terms of his fantasy value going forward, he has plenty of things going in his favor. Safeco still plays huge which offers plenty of fantasy help, his last three outings are very similar to what he showed during his hot stretch last season, and with the Mariners lineup hot now, he will certainly get a shot at plenty of Wins.

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Fantasy owners looking for backend rotation help should give Karns a look going forward. He has been pretty consistent all season, and hot lately, so his next start against a weak hitting Angels lineup at Safeco, offers an immediate opportunity to insert him in the lineup. Make the move and hope that this will be the season here Karns puts it altogether over the entire season.