2022 Spring Training Update – Batters

by Doug Gruber

SAN FRANCISCO

Evan Longoria (p,a) will undergo ligament surgery on a finger, Brandon Belt (P+,AV) is limited with knee inflammation, and now LaMonte Wade (p) has knee issues of his own. What was originally shaping up as another year of platoons now looks like the playing time door in SF has been open wider for a trio of BABS double-asset batters. Wilmer Flores (p,AV) should slide over to 3B, and he has consistently supplied power and average when given the opportunities. Darren Ruf (PW,AV) will be further cemented at 1B/DH, to build off last year when he delivered 14 HRs in 312 PAs, with a .271 average. Austin Slater (s,a) mashed LHPs, stole 15 bases in limited duty, and could now see a jump in his OF PT. Currently all three are available in the reserve rounds.

KANSAS CITY INFIELD

Last year, fantasy owners who drafted top prospect Bobby Witt Jr. (PW,SB,a) were disappointed when he did not make the team despite a spring performance that gave a glimpse of his impressive future potential. This year, the Royals have their “Wits” about them, as they have moved Whit Merrifield (SB,AV) to the OF to accommodate Witt at SS, while also maintaining a lineup spot for speedsters Adalberto Mondesi (p,S+) and Nicky Lopez (SB,a|-P) at 3B and 2B, respectively. Witt has also been slotted into the 2-hole for most spring games. It’s not official, but BABS could not be happier with how this seems to be playing out in KC.

COLORADO OUTFIELD

The Rockies made a major upgrade to their outfield with the signing of Kris Bryant (PW,AV) and the trade for CF Randal Grichuk (p,a), two power bats who will benefit from the move to Coors. With Charlie Blackmon continuing in RF, this means several OFs will see big reductions in plate appearances, notably Connor Joe (p,a) and Sam Hilliard (PW,s|-A). Raimel Tapia (SB,a|-P) also moves to a reserve OF role in Toronto after logging over 500 PAs a year ago in Colorado.

SAN DIEGO CATCHER

In the last two years, San Diego has acquired three catchers in Austin Nola (a), Victor Caratini (|-PA) and most recently, Jorge Alfaro (|-A), all of whom are competing for the starting spot. Nola seemed like the front runner entering camp, but Alfaro is off to a torrid spring, with a league leading 4 HRs and an OPS of 1.267 through his first six games. Nola seems healthy after playing just 56 games in 2021 and hopes to regain his 2019-20 offensive stroke. This could be a time share all season, and one to avoid for fantasy drafts.

SEATTLE LINEUP

The Seattle outfield/DH spots seem to be set with Mitch Haniger (PW,a), Jered Kelenic (p), Jesse Winker (p,AV) and 21-year-old sensation Julio Rodriguez (s,a). Second base and 3B are also set with the recently acquired Adam Frazier (AV|-P) and Eugenio Suarez (PW|-A). The playing time losers in Seattle appear to be Abraham Toro (a), Dylan Moore (SB|-A), and Kyle Lewis (p), whose knee injury has made him unavailable for Opening Day. Adjust your draft lists accordingly.

OAKLAND REBUILD

Since the end of last season, the A’s have parted ways with position players Matt Olson, Starling Marte, Matt Chapman, Mark Canha and Josh Harrison, while OF Ramon Laureano has a month remaining on his PED suspension. But Oakland still is scheduled to play in the AL West, meaning somebody must fill those vacated spots. BABS identifies returning 2B/OF Tony Kemp (s,a) and the recently acquired Kevin Smith (PW,s) as players to target in the revamped lineup. Kemp looks to have earned the starting 2B role, and his blend of speed and batting skills should allow him to build off a career high 400 plate appearances in 2021 when he hit .279 with eight stolen bases. BABS also likes Smith’s power and speed skill combo, and now he gets his first chance to be a starter at 3B. Christian Pache (|-A) is the most recognized name in the Olson return package, and he looks to have the upper hand for CF, but BABS does not see any skills in his profile that would help your roster.

CARLOS CORREA SIGNING

In a surprise development, Carlos Correa (p,a) reached a 3-year, $105 million deal in Minnesota, with opt-outs after each of the first two seasons. Correa should immediately slot into the third spot in the Twins order, enhancing his value. Meanwhile, Jorge Polanco shifts over to 2B, forcing Luis Arraez (A+|-P) to compete with new arrival Gio Urshela (a) for the third base job, likely reducing the playing time for both players. It also blocks a path for top SS prospect Royce Lewis (SB), though Lewis has missed the prior two campaigns and may not be ready. Meanwhile in Houston, speedster Jeremy Pena (p,S+|-A) seems to have won the battle for Correa’s former position and makes for an attractive speed source in the late rounds.

TEXAS THIRD BASE AND LEFT FIELD

Corey Seager and Marcus Semien have signed long-term contracts, locking up the MI spots in Texas for years to come. Their arrival creates a log jam at 3B and LF between Andy Ibanez (a), Nick Solak (a), Yonny Hernandez (SB|-P), Willie Calhoun (a) and the recently signed Brad Miller (PW|-A). Ibanez impressed in his brief time a year ago; Miller displayed his power stroke when last year in Philly and so far this spring. Based on their spring results to date, this race is still too close to call, but it looks like it could be Ibanez at 3B, and Miller in LF as the strong side platoon option. Both can be obtained in the end-game.

BOSTON

The Trevor Story (PW,SB,a) signing is a significant upgrade at 2B in Boston, while also solidifying the CF position with the permanent shift of Kike Hernandez (p,a). Those who take a playing time hit include 2B Christian Arroyo (-), OF Jackie Bradley (-) and prospect Jarren Duran (SB|-A).

NY YANKEES CATCHER

The Yanks dealt Gary Sanchez to the Twins, leaving a void at the catcher position. Long time back-up Kyle Higashioka (P+|-A) and newcomer Ben Rortvedt (|-A) were expected to become a platoon, but Rortvedt has yet to compete due to an oblique injury. Higashioka (pictured) flashed his power skills in limited action last year, going deep 10 times in 200 PAs, and has continued to impress this spring with four HRs in only 15 AB. He is worthy of a late grab in 2-catcher formats.