Seattle Mariners Leonys Martin: Deep Waiver Wire Add

By Brad Kelly | May 22, 2016

May 19, 2016; Baltimore, MD, USA; Seattle Mariners center fielder Leonys Martin (12) stands on the field before the game against the Baltimore Orioles at Oriole Park at Camden Yards. Mandatory Credit: Tommy Gilligan-USA TODAY Sports /

Leonys Martin has been on fire for the Seattle Mariners the last two weeks. Should fantasy owners now give him a look off the waiver wire?

The Seattle Mariners have gotten off to a solid start, and most of that success is tied to their offensive production these first two months of the season. While Robinson Cano and Nelson Cruz deservedly get most of the credit, Leonys Martin’s resurgence is worth noting.

The one time center fielder of the future for the Texas Rangers, Martin fell off the fantasy radar last season. He had a rough season in 2015, batting .219 and battled injuries, making him an expendable piece for the Rangers to part with this offseason. But, it seems as though Martin has found a new home in Seattle.

Leonys Martin has always been lauded for his speed, he had 30+ SB in 2013 and 2014, but this season he has brought out the power stroke. He currently sits with a, .252/8 HR/17 RBI/7 SB/.769 OPS, line this season and his hot streak as of late, has propelled him back into fantasy consideration.

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His eight homers this season ties his career high in 2013, and his current RBI rate is on pace to blow away his career high of 49 in 2013 as well. Martin did need a 4-for-5 game today in order to see his AVG rise into the .250s, but he looks as one of the few potential 15 HR/15 SB threats left off the wire.

The encouraging part of adding Leonys Martin is that while he has showcased his power this season, there is also the chance that he will revert back to his speedster ways. He has 10 stolen base attempts, so 15 SB may be more of his floor, rather than upside.

With a stacked lineup in front of him as well, it drives up his counting stats. He already has 19 runs, so if he can limit his strikeout rate some, there is even more potential there for fantasy owners. Those looking to add someone hot off the wire that could provide a spark, do not look past Martin as he his ridiculous, .550 AVG/3 HR/4 RBI/1.690 OPS over the last seven games, is hard to bypass.

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Leonys Martin may not be the .260 AVG/30+ SB threat that he once was, but with his power surge early this season and the favorable situation he finds himself in, it makes him one of the higher upside adds off the wire. He is hitting everything right now and as the days go by, he looks more and more like his old self. Make the move.

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