Padres Franchy Cordero keeps mashing: Waiver Wire Add?
By Brad Kelly
Franchy Cordero is blasting majestic bombs for the Padres. Should fantasy owners now add him off the waiver wire?
The Padres are struggling this season as they try to add major league talent while also rebuilding. While Eric Hosmer has struggled out the gates, and Wil Myers is back on the DL for the second time, they are lacking production from established forces. Yet, the most intriguing player on the roster just well may be, Franchy Cordero.
Should fantasy owners take notice?
If you have not watched him this season, Cordero is one of the most exciting youngsters in the league. His .237/6 HR/13 RBI/.834 OPS/2 SB line over 15 games may not jump off the page, but the bombs he has mashed this season are a sight to behold.
He owned one of the best exit velocities last season, and that has carried over into 2018. He holds the leagues longest bomb at over 480 feet, and it is not his first homer that has flown over 460 feet. In the minors, he notched 11 HR/23 SB and 17 HR/15 SB seasons so the combo skillset is there.
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Cordero is rangy in the outfield and has tried to steal four bases this seasons, so the wheels are unquestioned. He needs to work on his success rate on the basepaths, but in a league where SB are nearly extinct, it only adds to his value.
There was a logjam in the Padres’ outfield, but Myers return to the DL with an oblique issue opens the door for Cordero to get an extended look.
In terms of the negative, Cordero is not afraid to take his hacks and that effects his AVG. He has struck out 22 times compared to only three walks, and that is reflected in with his .237 AVG. He had the same issue in the minors, so he certainly needs to improve his 71% Contact rate.
Yet, when it comes to his contact, the level he squares the ball up at is great. He holds 27% LD, 32% FB, 37% Med, and 50% Hard contact rates. Petco Park certainly does no one favors, but that level of hard contact cannot be withheld anywhere.
The AVG may not be pretty, and he will not draw walks, but the HR/SB/ RBI upside is too hard to pass up off the waiver wire. He was even stealing starts from Manuel Margot, and the Padres are making no bones about the fact that he will get starts.
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There are a ton of contact numbers that lead owners to salivate and what he could do if he can fix his swing and miss woes. The power is undeniable, making him a prime breakout or upside pick off the waiver wire.
Make the move.