Get ready for a thrilling journey into the world of fantasy baseball! Today, we're diving into the exciting realm of late-round hitters, those hidden gems that could be your secret weapon to victory. But here's where it gets controversial... should you really consider players who had a rough start? Let's explore!
The Power of Late-Round Hitters: Unlocking Potential
In this year's edition of The Process, Russell Withers made an intriguing point about Addison Barger. Despite a less-than-impressive debut in 2024, Barger was still projected as a league-average hitter by Steamer. This sparked the creation of the Horwitz Rule, a strategy to identify these late-round targets.
Today, we're exploring players who, despite their ADP (Average Draft Position) after pick 500, are projected to be league-average or better hitters. These are the players that, with a bit of faith and strategic thinking, could turn your fantasy team into a powerhouse.
Unveiling the Late-Round Hitters
Using Steamer Projections from FanGraphs, we've identified a list of hitters with a wRC+ (Weighted Runs Created Plus) of 100 or higher. A wRC+ of 100 means the hitter is league average, and anything above that is a bonus! Here are some of the standout players:
- Joc Pederson (wRC+: 119) - A strong-side platoon bat, Pederson could be a great bargain if you can find a spot for him in your lineup.
- Jesse Winker (wRC+: 114) - With a solid projection, Winker might be worth a shot, especially if you're looking for a bench option with above-average potential.
- Masataka Yoshida (wRC+: 110) - Similar to Pederson, Yoshida is a strong platoon option, but his utility-only status might make him a challenge to roster.
- Rob Refsnyder (wRC+: 110) - Refsnyder's ability to crush lefties makes him a consistent producer, but limited playing time could be a concern.
And there's more! Players like Nathan Lukes, Luis Campusano, and Miguel Andujar are all worth considering, each with their unique stories and potential.
Deep Dive: Unlocking the Secrets
- Lukes and Schneider: The Blue Jays have a wealth of talent, and these two above-average bats could be your fantasy saviors. With an unclear lineup need, their value might be overlooked, but they're definitely ones to watch.
- Campusano: With a career wRC+ of 88, Campusano's projection of 108 seems ambitious. He's a risky pick, but if he succeeds, he could be a fantastic sleeper.
- Gurriel Jr.: If you're in a deep league, Gurriel could be a solid addition, especially with his projected return post-All-Star break.
- Andujar: Despite some struggles against righties, Andujar has been a consistent performer. He's a solid choice for those looking for an unsigned player to roster.
And this is the part most people miss... the unsigned players! Nathaniel Lowe, Paul Goldschmidt, and Ty France are all first basemen without teams, but once they sign, their stock could skyrocket.
The Prospects: Waldschmidt and Long
These two prospects are on the cusp of breaking through. Waldschmidt's path was blocked by the addition of Nolan Arenado, but with some roster movement, he could shine. Long, on the other hand, needs some injuries on the major league team to get his chance, but his below-average fielding might hold him back.
So, are you ready to take a chance on these late-round hitters? Remember, sometimes the best moves are the ones that others overlook. Let us know your thoughts in the comments! Do you agree with these projections? Who are your late-round targets?
