Rays C.J. Cron keeps on mashing: Waiver Wire Add?

C.J. Cron just keeps on blasting homers for the Rays. But, can fantasy owners buy in on the power surge or should they look elsewhere?

The Rays are hanging around the .500 mark in the AL East, and after a perplexing offseason, that should be seen as a success. One of the keys to their offensive production is the performance by C.J. Cron. Should fantasy owners buy into his power surge, or ignore him on the waiver wire?

Cron’s trade to the Rays this offseason caught the MLB community by surprise as it seemed as though he was destined to be stay with the Angels. His arrival in Tampa was met with a muted response as it seemed as though he was going to enter a platoon role once again. Yet, thanks to injuries and his performance, he has solidified himself as an everyday starter.

The Rays are even slotting him in the two hole of the lineup, allowing him to build at-bats and hopefully continue his hot streak. On the season, Cron now holds a .270/7 HR/19 RBI line over 26 games. If Cron has been anything, it is consistent when it comes to his power, as he has notched 16 HR exactly the last three seasons.

More from Fantasy Baseball

• 5 fantasy baseball waiver wire pivots to replace Triston McKenzie
• Fantasy baseball mock draft 2023, 12-team: Aaron Judge over Trea Turner?
• 3 fantasy baseball sleepers being drafted too late
• NBA DFS picks December 25: Merry Bucking Christmas
• Fantasy Baseball: Hot pitchers worthy of starting this weekend

His 16 HR last season came in only 100 games, so the power rate has been climbing since 2017. When it comes to his batted ball profile, Cron is still striking out 25% of the time, yet has maintained 39% GB and 43% GB rates. His 18% LD rate is 4% less than his career norm, but he is still posting 41% Med and Hard contact rates.

In terms of red flags, his BB rate is down to a career worse 3%. His BABIP is right around league average, but even a .270 AVG may be a reach with such a pitiful BB rate. Heading into 2018, Cron had better splits versus righties, yet that has shifted majorly this season.

Agasint righties in 2018, he is only posting a .194 AVG. Versus lefties, a staggering .424 AVG. For his career, he is a .260 hitter versus both, so there is room for that to bounce back over the course of the season.

Next: Pirates Francisco Cervelli continues to hit: Waiver Wire Add?

In terms of being a waiver wire add, Cron’s power is too hard to pass up on right now. He was lauded as a prospect for his raw power, and for better or worse, that has shined through during his early time with the Rays. There is 25 HR/75 RBI type of numbers out there on most waiver wires and owners should be more than willing to take a risk on him once more.

Make the move.