Franmil Reyes is benefiting from change of scenery

After being claimed off waivers by the Cubs, Drew Silva breaks down Franmil Reyes' recent power output and why the 27-year-old is worth another look by fantasy managers as an option down the stretch.

Video Transcript

DREW SILVA: Franmil Reyes was designated for assignment by the Guardians on August 6 in a somewhat surprising move. He had greatly disappointed this year in Cleveland, showing just a 2.13 average, 2.54 on base percentage, and 603 OPS with only 9 home runs and 28 RBIs in 70 games played. But the Guardians don't have the deepest lineup in the world, and Reyes can point to multiple 30-homer seasons on his resume, even that 37 homer breakout from 2019, which is what makes him a still intriguing fantasy slugger now with the Cubs, who claimed Reyes off waivers on August 8.

The change of scenery might benefit him long-term, and is already paying dividends in the short term. He has batted 3.53 with a 941 OPS across his first 17 plate appearances for Chicago. And he smashed his first home run in a Cubs uniform on Saturday, August 13 in Cincinnati, a 2-run shot to the opposite field in right. There are definitely flaws in his game, but Reyes just turned 27 years old in July. And the power output from the recent past should be enough for fantasy managers to give him another shot.