Reds Scott Schebler Sneaky Power Source: Waiver Wire

By Brad Kelly | Sep 5, 2016

Mar 4, 2016; Goodyear, AZ, USA; Cincinnati Reds left fielder Scott Schebler (43) swings the bat against the San Francisco Giants during the fourth inning at Goodyear Ballpark. Mandatory Credit: Joe Camporeale-USA TODAY Sports /

Scott Schebler is on a tear at the plate for the Reds. Could fantasy owners look to him as a power source off the waiver wire?

The 2016 season for the Reds has been predictably a struggle, but they do have their fair share of intriguing pieces. One of the those more intriguing players, is outfielder, Scott Schebler.

Schebler was drafted in the 26th round by the Dodgers in 2010 out of Des Moines Area Community College. He clearly did not enter the league with a lot of prospect hype, but throughout the minors he continues to show the ability to hit. Schebler cemented his value during his stints between AA and A ball during the 2013-2014 seasons, where he hit 25+ HR and batted over .280 in each campaign.

He made his way via trade to the Reds prior to this season, and he entered spring training in the running to secure a corner outfielder spot. Schebler did make the team entering the season, but struggled mightily, and was eventually demoted in May.

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But, he just continued to hit in the minors. At AAA this season, he posted a, .311/13 HR/43 RBI/.934 OPS line, over 319 at bats. The Reds have continually moved players in and out of the everyday lineup, but once the Reds traded Jay Bruce at the trade deadline, Schebler’s time finally came.

Since August, Schebler has been an everyday player for the Reds, and has preformed well. Over the last 30 games, he posted a, .258/5 HR/15 RBI/1 SB/.778 line. That line by no means makes owners forget about his horrid start to the season, but he has shown the power potential that the Reds were hoping for.

The fantasy playoffs are just a matter of days away, and owners will have to unearth potential waiver wire gems that will become September heroes. Schebler may never supply a high AVG, but he has the ability to over weekly power production and happens to play in a decent offensive situation. Ironically, Schebler’s usual player comp is Jay Bruce, so it is easy to see why the Reds are willing to see what he can do as a starter.

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Great American Ballpark is heaven for a lefty power bat, and hitting behind Joey Votto, Brandon Phillips, and hopefully Billy Hamilton, will surely help his counting stats. Owners may want to see what he does this week before making him a must add, but it would be foolish to take the risk on a guy that could provide the power difference in the playoffs.

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