Underrated fantasy contributors who may get lost in the shuffle
Every spring, fantasy managers comb prospect lists for the next superstar and try to project this season’s breakout performer.
The early rounds of drafts are filled with overhyped youngsters whose lack of major league experience can lead to big disappointment. In the process, established veterans get neglected for various reasons.
Some are on the comeback trail from injuries, some bring atypical skills to their position and some are merely pushed aside as the youngsters monopolize the attention.
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But in the right spot, undervalued veterans can be a boon to your fantasy squad. Here’s a full team of overlooked and underpriced hitters (plus a couple extra) who could push your team over the top:
Catcher: Geovany Soto, Chicago White Sox. Over the last three seasons, Soto has logged 126 days on the disabled list, and last season, knee issues limited him to 78 at-bats. He’s in White Sox camp on a minor league contract, but there is little ahead of him on the depth chart, and, if healthy, he could emerge as the starter. He produced four home runs and a .269 batting average in that short time in 2016 and has produced power above league average in three of the last four seasons. Soto is being ignored in most drafts and could have value as a second catcher.
Catcher: Devin Mesoraco, Cincinnati Reds. Since his 2014 breakout — .273 with 25 home runs and 80 RBI — Mesoraco has been limited to 95 at-bats with no homers, three RBI and a batting average below the Mendoza line. The culprit has been multiple surgeries to his hips and shoulder. Though he has been healthy in camp, the Reds are being cautious. Mesoraco is 28 and still has those 2014 skills, so if his health cooperates (a big if), he could return to productivity.
First base: Adam Lind, Washington Nationals. Lind was signed by Washington as a backup and perhaps platoon partner to Ryan Zimmerman. While Lind’s batting average faded to .239 last season, a low batting average on balls in play was to blame. Above-average hard contact and power metrics suggest he could rebound, and he has hit at least 20 homers in three of the last four seasons. Lind’s struggles against lefties limit him to a platoon role, but he could surprise if he gets enough at-bats.
Second base: Howie Kendrick, Philadelphia Phillies. For the first time in his major league career, Kendrick’s batting average dropped below .279 in 2016. Most of the damage came in April (.151), when he battled calf and shoulder woes, and in September-October (.190). Throughout the rest of the season, his average was serviceable, and his contact rate and strikeout-to-walk ratio suggest he could rebound. Kendrick is set to be the Phillies’ regular left fielder and is projected to hit second, where the premium lineup position could enhance his counting stats.
Second base: Josh Harrison, Pittsburgh Pirates. Harrison’s star has faded since he had 13 home runs and batted .315 in 2014. The last two seasons say not to expect more than five homers, as he’s hitting the ball with less authority. But an 84% contact rate supports a solid batting average floor, and Harrison had a career-high 19 stolen bases last season. Double-digit stolen bases and a solid batting average make Harrison a serviceable middle infielder.
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Shortstop: Asdrubal Cabrera, New York Mets. The influx of new stud shortstops the last two seasons has pushed Cabrera into the background, so his 23 homers and .280 average got little notice. He’s 31, so that season is repeatable, and his nine full big-league seasons have established a safe floor and made him a reliable fantasy contributor. It would not be surprising for him to post his first $20 season since 2011.
Third base: Martin Prado, Miami Marlins. Prado gets ignored because he does not fit the mold of the typical third baseman. His power has dropped well below league average, and he rarely attempts a stolen base. But Prado has a superior hit tool that has produced a career .293 average. Last season, he paired a .305 average with 70 runs and 75 RBI, making him a significant, if atypical, fantasy contributor. Prado’s history says to expect a repeat, though he might open the season on the disabled list because of a strained hamstring.
Outfield: Jarrod Dyson, Seattle Mariners. Over the last five seasons, Dyson has stolen 156 bases, but he has never reached 300 at-bats and most often hits ninth in the batting order. A move to Seattle could change that. Dyson projects as the Mariners’ regular left fielder, and they are trying him as the leadoff hitter during spring training. If Dyson should win an everyday job, 50 stolen bases are within reach; if he’s the leadoff hitter, he could contend for the AL stolen-base title and easily eclipse his career high of 52 runs.
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Outfield: Matt Holliday, New York Yankees. Injuries limited Holliday to 229 at-bats in 2015 and 382 last season. He was still productive in 2016, with 20 home runs and a .782 on-base plus slugging percentage in what was perceived as a down season. His move to New York could help in two ways. Holliday will be the primary designated hitter, limiting wear and tear on his body from playing in the field. Plus, Yankee Stadium is a haven for right-handed power. A rebound to 25 home runs and 80-plus RBI could be within reach.
Outfield: Melky Cabrera, White Sox. Since his 2012 suspension for performance-enhancing drug use ended his career year prematurely, Cabrera has never gotten his due from fantasy managers. His power and speed are now below the league average, but a .296 batting average and 86 RBI made him a significant contributor last season. Cabrera will never hit .346 again, but his average approaches .300 and he’ll have strong counting stats, especially if he hits third in the lineup.
Designated hitter: Kendrys Morales, Toronto Blue Jays. Morales takes his career .273 batting average and 30-home run power from Kansas City’s Kaufman Stadium, which depresses homers by 20%, to the power-friendly confines of Toronto’s Rogers Centre, which increases homers by 9%. Last season, Morales hit .263 with 30 home runs and 93 RBI for the Royals. He turns 34 in June but could easily top 30 home runs and approach 100 RBI in Toronto.