Phillies Aaron Altherr: Intriguing Wavier Wire Add

Phillies prospect Aaron Altherr has always been intriguing in the team’s farm system, and now that he is back with the big league club, should fantasy owners make him a waiver wire add?

The Philadelphia Phillies have been competitive all season, and have defied those pundits that thought they would by the laughing-stock of MLB. They have plenty of compelling fantasy pieces, the recent promotion of Aaron Altherr, provides yet other player of interest. While still raw, could the uber athletic Altherr become a fantasy difference maker down the stretch?

Aaron Altherr was drafted in the 9th round by the Phillies in 2009. He is now 25-years-old, and throughout the minors he has showcased a dynamic skillet that has captivated the organization and scouts alike. He has never carried a top prospect ranking, but it did not take long for him to make an impact in the minors both offensively and defensively. The Phillies have seen the potential production that he could bring to the big league club, and have made him a part of their long-term plans.

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Altherr got a cup of coffee with the Phills last season, posting a .241/5 HR/22 RBI/6 SB line, over 161 plate appearances. Altherr stands in at 6’5, and his lanky frame allows him to not only easily roam the OF, but also provide both power and speed. In the minor leagues he was a career .263 hitter, has two 14 HR campaigns under his belt, and has over 130 SB minor league steals. It is easy to see why the Phillies are enthralled with his talent, but also why fantasy owners should be interested in adding him.

Altherr was generating fantasy buzz entering the 2016 season, but tore a ligament in his wrist in Spring Training. Wrist injuries are one of a hitter’s nightmare, so it was no surprise to see the Phillies take it slow with his rehab. He only played in 13 minor league games this season, before being promoted, but he has already shown flashes of what he can do when healthy.

In his 52 AB in the majors this season, Altherr has notched 3 HR, knocked in 12 RBI and has 3 SB. His AVG is only .241, and fantasy owners should not expect anything over .250, but the double-digit HR/SB output is tantalizing. Playing his home games at Citizens Bank Park will help his power, and the Phillies have enough of a supporting class to allow him to offer solid counting stats moving forward.

The only thing that has held Aaron Altherr back, is his swing and miss tendencies. He has a 140 K season under his belt, and has never walked more than 49 times. There will be weeks where his AVG is brutal, but he has the power/speed combo that can offset those concerns.

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Fantasy owners should add Altherr as his double-digit HR/SB potential is rarely ever available off the waiver wire. He will play in a favorable ballpark, and has a solid cast around him, making him a player that owners should covet. He is still raw, and his swing tends to get long at times, but the skill set is fantasy friendly and he could become a guy that fantasy owners can bank on in the playoffs. Make the move before it is too late.

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