Waiver Wire: Middle Infield Reinforcements

Jul 1, 2015; Detroit, MI, USA; Detroit Tigers shortstop

(1) makes a throw against the Pittsburgh Pirates in the first inning at Comerica Park. Mandatory Credit: Rick Osentoski-USA TODAY Sports

One of, if not the hardest, fantasy positions to fill during the season has to be the middle infield. Due to its shallowness and overall lack of substantial fantasy stats, trying to find viable options can sometimes even take all season. This article will offer you three hot MI options, which could be ultimately be the answer to our dire needs.

Jose Iglesias– In what appears to be the second coming of Omar Vizquel, Iglesias has been one of the few bright spots for the Tigers this season. Iglesias is widely known for his defensive genius on the diamond. He is easily one of the best defensive players in baseball, unfortunately most owners are not in leagues that reward his ridiculous skill set.

Iglesias has never been touted as a great hitter at the dish and he has shown little to no power in his time in the big leagues. The one thing he has consistently shown though is his ability to hit for a very respectful average.

Now I will admit, I am not one to chase AVG only guys, because it is one of the flukier stats in baseball. But, for the MI positions I am willing to gamble on a guy that will offer me some steadiness AVG wise, especially in this age of baseball.

Iglesias missed all of 2014 with shin and leg problems, which had to somewhat factor into his dismal 2013 where he only had a, .249/2 HR/10 RBI/2 SB line. So far in 2015 though, Iglesias is poised to set career highs across the board.

Iglesias currently sits with a, .321/2 HR/18 RBI/10 SB campaign. Iglesias will undoubtedly set career highs in HR, SB, and RBI going forward. He is just one of the perfect examples of a MI that you slide in and allow him to do just enough to fill the hole of your team. Over the last seven games Iglesias is hitting .462/1 HR/3 RBI/1 SB. He is on a tear, act fast and slot him into your lineup.

Francisco Lindor– Following the excellent glove theme so far, Lindor mirrors Iglesias in terms as they both are respected for their gloves first. The Indians knew that Lindor was not fully developed offensively wise, but they desperately needed some defensive stability in the infield.

Lindor’s line since his promotion is nothing to write home about, .246/ 2 HR/10 RBI/ 1 SB. Now most of you are wondering why he would even make the list, but there is something to be excited about. Over the last fourteen days, Lindor has posted a .308/1 HR/4 RBI line whilst hitting second in the lineup.

Lindor seems to be turning the corner offensively wise, and the Indians must feel the same as they continue to slot him in behind Jason Kipnis. Lindor showed in the minors that he has the ability to be a .270-.280 hitter and his 2015 BABIP is even .284, so his AVG now is not a true representation of his skill.

Lindor will offer fantasy owners help in most counting stats, even though the Indians really have not given him the green light on the bases. I think Lindor is worth a pickup because he has shown some signs of becoming more comfortable in the box, and could post a respectful second half line that could be a pleasant upgrade for your MI slot.

Eugenio Suarez– We have covered him before on our site, but he warrants another looks because he just keeps on hitting. Out of the options on this list, Suarez easily has the most power potential. He already has five HR in only 106 AB, so the pop has been truly evident.

Suarez has really solidified the SS position for the Reds, since Zack Cozart’s injury. Suarez will not maintain his .311 AVG, but given what he offers in power and speed wise, he certainly is worth a look, he even has three stolen bases to boot.

I like Suarez’s situation as well, because the Reds will have to keep trotting him out there because they really have no alternative. With playing in the Great American Ballpark and his everyday inclusion in the lineup for the foreseeable future, all signs point to him building a nice stat line by season’s end.

For the MI positions of our teams, finding power can be nearly impossible. Suarez is the perfect gamble for those who desperately in search for some pop. He is nearly unowned in most fantasy formats, but if he keeps hitting HR at the rate he is, he will begin to fly off the waiver wire. Act now before he becomes everyone’s favorite target.