Undervalued middle infield options for 2019

by Chris Doyle

Much has been said about the complete lack of depth at the catcher position in recent years. Finding a difference maker is next to impossible outside the top few options and it’s getting to a point where accepting little production out of that spot is common.

Shortstop and second base are not exactly bursting with top-tier options, either. We’ve seen Colorado’s Trevor Story (P+, SB, AV) defy expectations and turn into the game’s top fantasy SS, while Trea Turner and Francisco Lindor continue to provide a power-speed combo of varying degrees, but past that is a lot of uncertainty. Injuries have held Carlos Correa and Elvis Andrus back this season, and Didi Gregorius’ torrid start is a thing of the past.

At the keystone, Cub Javier Baez (PW, S+, AV – pictured) has emerged as one of the most exciting players in the game and has taken over the top spot in the BABS rankings, ahead of Mookie Betts and Mike Trout. The next best 2B this season according to BABS? Dee Gordon (S+, a), who some would say has had a disappointing start to his Mariners career. Houston’s Jose Altuve (s, A+) has been mostly himself, and while some may call out his low home run total (12 through 540 plate appearances after 24 each of his last two seasons), BABS has always known better, skipping the power asset and giving him a (SB, A+) rating heading into the season. Atlanta’s Ozzie Albies, like Gregorius, was a hot starter but has cooled significantly in the second half. His triple threat rating (p, s, a) is a bonus, but at this point BABS sees him as a small asset in each category as opposed to a true difference maker in one area.

Most of the players mentioned above will come with hefty price tags in drafts next spring, but as always there are some cheaper options that could prove to be worth the investment.

Adalberto Mondesi (PW, S+) has only stepped to the plate 211 times this season but his speed is unquestionable (22 SB in 27 attempts) and he’s got some pop, as demonstrated by his .463 slugging percentage. He was forgotten in Kansas City for much of the season, but at just 23 years old is still on an upward trajectory. He’s started primarily at SS but could retain 2B eligibility in some leagues, too, and is someone to target aggressively on draft day.

Niko Goodrum (M, p, s) is another versatile piece, having started games at every position except catcher in 2018. The 26-year-old has put up double-digit HR and SB in a weak Tigers lineup and is more than worthy of a late-round flyer.

Cincy’s Jose Peraza (F, s, AV) has been mentioned in this space before but it bears repeating that he’s not getting the love that he should be. Peraza is a high contact hitter whose walk and strikeout rates are moving in the right directions as he continues to pile up hits (168 in 574 ABs for a .292 average). He’s no Altuve, but at a fraction of the cost he’s not a bad alternative.

On the surface, Tim Anderson’s counting stats look impressive: 19 HR, 26 SB and a much improved walk rate. Those numbers are probably enough to see his stock rise for 2019, but there’s another player getting very little attention with the same skills. BABS sees Anderson and the Mets’ Amed Rosario (F, SB) as the same player despite the former’s lower HR and SB totals (eight and 18, respectively). There’s prime profit opportunity here.

Remember the Cards’ Paul DeJong? The free swinger burst onto the scene with 25 bombs in just 419 plate appearances in his rookie 2017 season but has been a relative disappointment for fantasy owners in 2018 with just 17 HR. However, he’s made improvements in his approach in terms of walks (4.7% it 7.4%) and strikeouts (down from 28% to 24.8%). He’s actually hit the baller harder, too; Statcast thinks he’s been a bit unlucky with an xSLG 56 points higher than his actual slugging percentage of .426. BABS likes the power as well, giving him a (PW) tag heading into the season and an identical rating in the latest update. He’s gone from being an asset in batting average to a liability, but an uptick in BABIP would help find some middle ground here.

Baltimore’s Jonathan Villar (M, SB) has fluctuated between undervalued and overvalued, but looks to be back on the undervalued train. With stolen base totals dropping yearly and a lack of depth at the middle infield positions, getting contributions on the basepaths is a huge plus. His 20 homer, 60 steal 2016 is way behind him, but he can still be an inexpensive and useful piece to those looking for speed. He has now swiped 20+ bags three years in a row and has an outside shot at 30 if he finishes strong. The key, as always, is to get him at the right price.

The reality is there are few high-end options at the two middle infield positions and you’re going to have to pay a premium to get them. If you miss out or choose not to invest, there are always profit opportunities later in the draft, where risk and reward perfectly intersect.