Chase DeLauter, Owen Caissie offer fantasy baseball managers hidden value
By July, many fantasy baseball managers suffer from fatigue and impatience, leading them to cut ties with underperforming players too quickly.This creates a golden opportunity for savvy owners to capitalize on the timeless adage, “one man’s trash is another man’s treasure.” The waiver wire is currently littered with discarded talent — players who endured severe first-half struggles but possess the pedigree to turn around your season.
If you are desperate for outfield help, it is time to sift through the recycling bin and claim these forgotten stars. Look no further than Guardians outfielder Chase DeLauter as the prime example of this phenomenon.Entering the season, DeLauter was heralded as one of the hottest rookies in baseball, flashing immense power and advanced plate discipline during his promotion.Nevertheless, his performance suddenly cratered, leading to a “mysterious” and painful slump that stretched throughout the month of May and into early June.
As his batting average plummeted, frustrated fantasy managers cut bait, dropping him in numerous leagues. The mystery was finally solved when medical imaging revealed an undiagnosed rib fracture.The Guardians placed DeLauter on the IL, giving his body the time it desperately needed to heal.
He has been back in the lineup for a week now, and the results speak for themselves.DeLauter has collected hits in five-straight games, showcasing the explosive bat speed and barrel control we witnessed back in April.
He is fully healthy, highly motivated, and rapidly returning to elite rookie form.If he is sitting on your waiver wire, pick him up immediately before your opponents realize he is back. Another excellent target hiding in plain sight is Marlins outfielder Owen Caissie.
He generated massive hype in the spring, earning a spot in the starting lineup.Unfortunately, the transition to regular-season pitching was rocky.
Caissie struggled heavily all through April, striking out at a high clip and fai...