Marlins Brian Anderson: Waiver Wire Worthy?

The Marlins have had high hopes for Brian Anderson since drafting him in 2014. Now the starter at third, and off to a hot start, is he a waiver wire add?

The Marlins are in for a rough season, so fantasy owners are surely quick to avoid their players. But, that does not mean they lack intriguing possible fantasy adds though. Brian Anderson is one of those intriguing players, and now that he is off to a hot start, could he be a waiver wire add?

Miami drafted Brian Anderson in the third round out of the University of Arkansas. Anderson was a pretty polished player coming out of college, being noted for his glove and a solid approach at the plate. His minor league career was solid along the way, he was a .264 hitter, but the power topped out at a career-high of 11.

Heading into 2017, he was ranked as a top-10 prospect in the Marlins’ system, but that was a mediocre ranking considering Miami’s weak system. However, Anderson took no time to shake that mediocre rating though, having a career-season while posting a .275/22 HR/81 RBI/.853 OPS line over 120 games.

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The 2018 season came along and the Marlins were in a clear rebuild, opening the door for Anderson to get full exposure at the hot corner. Anderson’s 2017 performance was able to get him a promotion to the majors for a 25 game cup of coffee.

He slashed a .262/0 HR/.706 OPS line, albeit unspectacular, yet a solid showing with the bat. The non-existent power was worrisome considering his previous minor league seasons, but it was his first taste of MLB pitching as well.

So far in 2018, Anderson has gotten off to a hot start. He has already homered once and has notched at least one hit in his first five games. He has three multi-hit games, and six RBI as well, prompting him to move into the cleanup spot.

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With Lewis Brinson, Starlin Castro, and Justin Bour, batting in front of him, there is underrated counting stat potential. He posted 28% LD, 53% Med, and 30% Hard contact rates during his cup of coffee, so there is not a lack of squaring the ball up. If he can just lift the ball more, there no reason to think he can post a .265/15 HR/70 RBI type of seasonal line.

Not too bad for a guy that is owned in only 5% of leagues