Brewers Neil Walker heating up at the right time: Waiver wire add

Neil Walker is on fire at the plate for the Brewers. But, can fantasy owners trust him as a waiver wire add down the stretch?

The Brewers are one of the best stories of the 2017 season as they continue to battle for the NL Central division crown. They have multiple players that have been pleasant surprises, but they also made a deal during Aug. to bolster their club by bringing in a veteran, Neil Walker. Now that Walker has heated up at the plate, should fantasy owners be willing to make him a waiver wire add?

Neil Walker entered the league in 2009, and from 2010 on, he is one of the more underrated fantasy performers at his position. Coming off a great 2016 season, .282/23 HR/55 RBI/.823 OPS, Walker looked once again like a solid pick this spring.

But like most Mets this season, Walker missed a chunk of the season due to injury. He partially tore his hamstring in mid-June, sidelining him till July 27.  Walker got off to a terrible start in April, .195/2 HR/10 RBI, but was heating up heading into June until the hamstring injury. Over the course of May and June, he had a combined .310/7 HR/23 RBI line.

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After medical report drama during a potential deal to the Yankees, a deal fell through which would saw him headed to the Bronx. The Mets then shifted course and flipped him to the Brewers on Aug, 15. All Walker has done this month though, is mash.

Walker holds a .327/2 HR/7 RBI/.820 OPS line over 17 games this month. While the Brewers did seem to have a logjam in their middle infield, Walker has had no issue getting his at-bats. The move to Miller Park was also a great fantasy perk, as it is easily the best hitter’s park he has ever called home.

Digging deeper into his batted ball data, it is not as though Walker has squared the ball up any less than ever before. He currently holds 22% LD, 42% FB, 50% Med and 32% Hard contact rates. All rates that bode well for him down the stretch.

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Neil Walker has gone years without getting the proper fantasy love for being a consistent performer at a weak position. He finds himself in a solid lineup, a great home ballpark, and on fire at the plate. All factors show why he should be a must add in leagues once again.