Justin Smoak has been one of the few bright spots for the Blue Jays this season. But, is he doing enough to be a waiver wire add?
It seems like we have been talking about Justin Smoak forever now as the 30-year-old first baseman was a top prospect with the Rangers nearly seven years ago. While he will never reach the ceiling that some had projected, he is one of the best hitters for the Blue Jays this season. Yet, can fantasy owners invest their time in once again chasing Smoak off the waiver wire?
The short answer is, yes. It is hard to not be sucked in by the raw talent that Smoak possesses. But, this season it seems as though he has finally made slight adjustments in his approach which are paying dividends. He has a .274/7 HR/23 RBI/.816 OPS over 38 games in 2017. He is currently Toronto’s everyday first baseman as well, so there is no better time for Smoak to show what he can do at the plate.
In terms of adjustments, Smoak has gotten more aggressive at the plate while being able to reduce his chase tendencies. This season, Smoak has an 82% contact rate, nearly 5% higher than his career norm. He is also posting a 47% swing rate, which is nearly 4% higher than his career norm while lowering his swinging strike rate to a career low of 9%.
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This refined approach is leading to his impressive 26% LD, 38% FB, 56% Med, 43% Hard contact rates. Believing in Smoak may seem foolish to do yet again, but there is tangible proof here that he is squaring the ball up better than ever thanks to these slight adjustments.
The Blue Jays got off to a dreadful start, but if they can get Troy Tulowitzki and Josh Donaldson back in the lineup, we could see Smoak in a prime counting stats spot. Playing in the Rogers Centre certainly always helps the power totals as well.
Those owners looking for a hot bat should give Smoak a closer look too as he has posted a .277/3 HR/11 RBI/8 R line over the last two weeks for the Blue Jays.
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Justin Smoak gets his fair share of flack from fans and the media for him forever being an underachiever. While he will not be the star that some hoped for, he looks to be starting what could be the best season of his career. The power is still there and if he can continue to attack pitchers and stay off bad pitches, there is no reason that he can not offer solid numbers as a CI or UTIl add. Give Smoak one more look off the waiver wire.