Franklin Gutierrez: Deep Waiver Wire Pickup
By Bill Pivetz
With just a few weeks left, fantasy owners are looking for any advantage they can get to move up in the rankings, even if it’s just one spot. There are plenty of players on the waiver wire, but not all of them are worth adding. There is one player that is worth picking up for the final weeks, even though he doesn’t play every day. If you are looking for a spark in the power stats, pick up Seattle Mariners outfielder Franklin Gutierrez.
It’s been a rocky road for Gutierrez over the last couple of years. He played just 41 games in 2013 while dealing with hamstring issues. He then missed all of the 2014 season because of ankylosing spondylitis (crooked spine) and irritable bowel syndrome.
More from FanSided
- Joe Burrow owes Justin Herbert a thank you note after new contract
- Chiefs gamble at wide receiver could already be biting them back
- Braves-Red Sox start time: Braves rain delay in Boston on July 25
- Yankees: Aaron Boone gives optimistic return date for Aaron Judge
- MLB Rumors: Yankees-Phillies trade showdown, Mariners swoop, India goes to Seattle
Despite the health concerns, the Mariners brought him back on a minor-league contract. Franklin Gutierrez was recalled from Triple-A on June 22 and played his first game on June 24. Seattle doesn’t need him to play every day because they have Seth Smith, Brad Miller (former shortstop) and Nelson Cruz in the outfield. He has been platooning with Smith in left field and took advantage of that time in August.
He played 19 games, started 15, and finished with seven home runs, 20 RBI and a .339/.388/.742 line. He kicked off the new month with a solo home run, his 11th of the season.
Franklin Gutierrez, in limited time, has quickly climbed up the ESPN Player Rater ranks. He is the No. 13 outfielder over the last 30 days and No. 22 over the last 15. The drop is due to a lack of consistent playing time. It’s hard to finish in the top 15 when the other outfielders played 25 games in August.
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
Gutierrez is a good play in DFS. You know when he will play and that it will be a favorable matchup. As far as season-long leagues, knowing when he will play will make setting your lineup a little more difficult, mostly because Seattle is on the West Coast and games start at 10 pm.
Regardless, fantasy owners are picking up Franklin Gutierrez for power and average. He is the fourth-most added outfielder over the last week. He has been added in 9.4 percent of ESPN leagues. There are other good outfielders still out there, but Gutierrez shouldn’t cost you a lot to pick up.
If you are looking for power and average, a rare combination, then Franklin Gutierrez is someone to add for the final weeks.