One of the worst feelings in fantasy baseball is going through the entire draft, dominating the picks, then realizing you forgot to pick a second baseman. We have all done it, and with the lack of depth at second base it is a terrible feeling. Not to worry though, because there are some sleepers this year who can help lead you to fantasy glory.
Remember, not every second baseman is going to be Robinson Cano, Jason Kipnis or Dustin Pedroia, but there are some who can provide value later than expected in your drafts. Here are some of them.
Chase Utley, Philadelphia Phillies
I know what you are thinking, how is Utley a sleeper? Truth is, not many are high on Utley so far in drafts this season as his ADP is at 150, as the 14th second baseman drafted. Last year, Utley played most of the season and was able to post a .284 batting average with 18 home runs, 69 runs batted in, and eight stolen bases. That is still top 10 fantasy second baseman numbers, and right now you can get him in the 13th to 16th round.
Howie Kendrick, Los Angeles Angels
Kendrick has been one of the most reliable late rounders in the last few years, and remains one again this season. His ADP sits at 200, being the 20th second baseman taken. Not often will you be able to find a guy who hits .290 or above with 10-15 home runs and drives in 60 runs in the 18th to 20th rounds. Kendrick will be there again, and he should be in your queue again. In addition, he has improved every year for the last four years, and is about to peak soon. Expect a big season for his value at 200 ADP.
Jed Lowrie, Oakland Athletics
Jed Lowrie has always been able to hit, but he had issues staying healthy. Last season he completed his first full season in the Major Leagues and did what everyone thought he would have done as a younger player. As a middle infielder, it does not get much better than what Lowrie posted last season: .275 average with 15 home runs and 75 runs batted in. In addition he scored 80 runs, which is a huge plus for a middle infielder. Shockingly enough, Lowrie’s ADP sits at 194 and is the 19th second baseman being drafted. Personally, if he is available in the 13th round I will take him, let alone the 17th to 19th round where he is going now. Do not let the injury history scare you away, Lowrie is a great value waiting to happen.
Other potential sleepers include: Anthony Rendon, WSH, Neil Walker, PIT, and Kolten Wong, STL.
ADP’s are based on data from FantasyPros.com
Stay tuned for the rest of the “Fantasy Baseball Draft Advice: Sleepers by Position” series.
