Rays Mallex Smith and chasing speed: Waiver Wire Add?

By Brad Kelly | Jun 11, 2017

Jun 9, 2017; St. Petersburg, FL, USA; Tampa Bay Rays center fielder Mallex Smith (0) steals third base during the first inning against the Oakland Athletics at Tropicana Field. Mandatory Credit: Kim Klement-USA TODAY Sports /

Mallex Smith is back with the Rays and now starting in center. But, is the speedster worth another look off the waiver wire?

The AL East looks to be as competitive as ever, but amidst all the praise for the top teams, the Tampa Rays are quietly two games over .500. However, they got terrible news this week on the injury front after defensive whiz, Kevin Kiermaier, went down to a fractured hip. This sucks for the team, yet opens the door for Mallex Smith to get starting duties in center.

But, is the quickster worth another look off the waiver wire?

Mallex Smith has always been of fantasy intrigue due to his speed. The righty amassed 245 SB in six minor league seasons and has two 60+ SB campaigns under his belt in the minors. He flashed his speed during his injury-shortened debut for the Braves in 2016, 16 SB over 72 games, but he did struggle at the plate as well.

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During the offseason, he was traded twice, eventually coming to the Rays in the Drew Smyly deal. He made the team out of the spring but was sent down in mid-April. While in the minors, Smith got off to one of the best offensive stretches of his career. Thanks to a more aggressive approach, he posted a .311/3 HR/8 RB/.823 OPS/16 SB line over 132 at-bats.

The aggressive approach drove down his walk rate, but the increased contact rate paid dividends in the XBH department as well. Smith posted 12 XBH over that span, an impressive number considering it is not his calling card.

Smith rejoined the club the last day of May, and for the most part, has not stopped hitting since. Over the last two weeks, he has posted a .324/1 HR/2 RBI/7 SB/6 R/.836 OPS line. He is starting in center and has been inserted at the top of the order which bodes well for his counting stats.

Moving forward, Smith is a must add simply for his speed. Stolen bases are nearly non-existence on the waiver wire. Smith has the top end speed that is not found anywhere else, making him all that more attractive.

This is not to say that he will be a .300 hitter. His batting profile does not speak to that, but the newfound aggression is helping him square more balls up and increasing his OBP. His early success is all that more interesting, and now in line for starting reps for at least the next two months, he should be added.

Next: Fantasy Baseball Week 11: Buy Tom Murphy and Sell Starlin Castro?

Make the move and at least enjoy the speed.

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