2021 Spring Training Update – Batters

by Doug Gruber

Several position battles for the hitters are drawing extra attention as we get closer to Opening Day. Others are still very uncertain and might remain as such even after the season starts. Let’s look at some of the most noteworthy competitions.

LA DODGERS 2B

Gavin Lux (p|EX) is red-hot this spring, going 13-for-34 (.382) thus far. Until now the highly touted prospect had not proven he can handle major league pitching, but he is making a strong case that he might be ready in 2021. In a recent interview, Manager Roberts said Lux would face both right- and left-handed pitching which would be a boon to his playing time. During his 2018-19 minor league seasons BABS identified Lux as a potential five-category fantasy contributor. His main competition comes from Chris Taylor (p,s) and Max Muncy (PW) but the market seems convinced Lux will have the job when they break camp.

TORONTO

How will the playing time shake out for the Blue Jays? Early this offseason, Toronto’s lineup seemed set, but that changed when they spent for George Springer and Marcus Semien. BABS thinks this problem of “too many mouths to feed” is a great predicament for the Jays, as these mouths all possess multiple assets. Here is a look at the asset ratings for those who may be impacted the most: Cavan Biggio (PW,s|e), Randal Grichuk (p,a), Rowdy Tellez (p,a|inj-,e), Lourdes Gurriel (p,AV) and Teoscar Hernandez (P+|inj-). So far this spring, there are no clear-cut winners or losers in these position battles. The result may be fewer plate appearances for all.

CLEVELAND MIDDLE INFIELD…AND OUTFIELD

When Amed Rosario (SB,a|-P) and Andres Gimenez (SB|-P,EX) were acquired in the Lindor trade, it was assumed that both would occupy the middle infield positions for Cleveland. Then Cesar Hernandez was re-signed and has secured the keystone position. BABS thinks the skill sets for Rosario and Gimenez are similar, each providing significant speed tools for the scarce SB category. Gimenez has recently emerged as the apparent winner for the SS job, sending his fantasy stock soaring, and leaving Rosario to audition an outfield glove to try to find a lineup spot. Which leads too…

…A year ago, the Cleveland outfield was miserable. Eddie Rosario (p,AV) is a big upgrade but the contenders for the other two spots have collectively hit below .200 this spring, with no home runs. Looking at the BABS ratings for the remaining contenders — Oscar Mercado (s|-A,e), Josh Naylor (a|-P,EX), Ben Gamel (-), Bradley Zimmer (s|-A,INJ,e), and Jordan Luplow (p|e) — and you can see why the Indians want Amed Rosario to quickly become acclimated to the outfield grass.

MIAMI SECOND BASE

Isan Diaz (-|EX) has gotten off to a terrible start this spring, going 2-for-24 with nine strikeouts. Going into camp, Diaz projected as the Marlins 2B starter, but he may not be able to fend off Jazz Chisholm (p,SB|-A,EX), especially if his struggles continue. Chisholm is making his case, hitting .250 in 28 ABs, including 3 HRs. Jon Berti (SB|-P) is also an option, though the Marlins seem to want him in a utility role. Of the three, BABS prefers the upside skills of Chisholm, and recommends a late round dart if you have the room to hold him until this contest is decided.

TEXAS CENTER FIELD

Reports say that only one of Leody Taveras (p,SB|EX), Eli White (s|-PA,EX) or non-roster invitee Delino DeShields (SB|-PA) will make the club. Taveras looked like the early favorite, but a slow start has made this competition closer than it probably should have been. He may also have lost his bid to lead off even if he retains the CF job, causing his ADP to fall a few rounds in recent drafts. BABS prefers Taveras, and while White offers some moderate speed, he would be a detriment to your fantasy teams in the other categories.

SHOHEI OHTANI

The assumption entering spring was that a healthy Shohei Ohtani (pictured) would toe the rubber every five or six games and fill the DH role for most of the others. For fantasy owners, this presented a dilemma on how to utilize this two-way player. But in his most recent start, Ohtani did both. He pitched four effective innings, while touching 102 MPH on the gun. He also reached base in his three PAs and now sports an amazing 1.836 OPS, including four HRs. The Angels labeled this an “experiment,” but pointed out it is no different than games involving NL pitchers. BABS rates Ohtani as a four-asset player…two as a pitcher (e,KK|INJ,EX) and two as a hitter (p,a|e). This scenario could increase Ohtani’s fantasy value, depending on your league rules.

COLORADO OUTFIELD

BABS is bullish on the skills of Sam Hilliard (P+,s|-A,EX) and Raimel Tapia (SB,AV|-P,e), and it appears both are tracking towards a starting spot in the Rockies outfield. Their chances are further improved if Garrett Hampson (S+|e) moves to the infield for the open 2B position. But experience also tells us that we can never be certain what will happen in Colorado. Proceed with caution.

BOSTON FIRST BASE

The first base battle in Beantown seems to be coming down to Michael Chavez (-|e) versus rookie Bobby Dalbec (P+|-A,EX). Chavez has impressed so far this spring, hitting five home runs while batting over .300. The Red Sox seem to be a bigger believer in Dalbec, who has connected for 5 HRs of his own, including two grand slams. Dalbec is continuing to build on the extreme power skills he displayed in 2020 when he launched eight HR in only 80 ABs during his first taste of MLB coffee. He resides in the same asset group as Joey Gallo and Miguel Sano…free swingers with light-tower power. Keep him in mind if you need a late power source.

KANSAS CITY MIDDLE INFIELD

Fantasy owners who have been moving Royals top prospect Bobby Witt Jr. up their draft board were disappointed this week when he was reassigned to the minors despite an impressive spring performance. BABS has Witt rated as  (s|-A,EX), but in fairness to BABS, it is hard to assess the skills of a 20-year-old who has yet to play above rookie ball. Drafted as a shortstop, the biggest question is what position will he play? BABS says his best chance at displacing a current Royals position player is at 2B, currently held by Nicky Lopez (-|-P,a), who rates as having below average offensive skills. Time will tell if Royal fans and Witt owners get their wish during 2021.

SAN DIEGO 2B

The second base position is still up for grabs in SD between Jake Cronenworth (AV|EX), Jurickson Profar (a), and KBO newcomer Ha-seong Kim (s,|EX). At this point the race is too close to call. All three have spent time in the outfield this spring to provide the Padres with added positional versatility. BABS says all have assets that could contribute if given the opportunity, but it appears they are destined for reduced playing time, making it difficult to roster them in standard leagues.