Welcome to the Buy & Sell column, where we analyze the best players to add and drop in your fantasy baseball league. This week, we focus on capitalizing on the panic of others and making bold moves. Let's dive into the players who are worth adding and those who should be dropped.
BUY
10-Team
Jordan Walker (OF, St. Louis Cardinals)
I think Jordan Walker is a must-add in 10-team leagues. His elite bat speed, as evidenced by his 98 mph exit velocity, and improved strikeout rate make him a compelling prospect. Walker's .300 batting average, four home runs, and stolen base are impressive, especially given his young age and recent swing changes. He's leading the league in exit velocity and has a 95th percentile sprint speed. While there are concerns about his speed not translating, his power and contact metrics are encouraging. Walker is available in 47% of Yahoo leagues, making him a great opportunity for those looking to add a young, high-upside player.
Cam Smith (OF, Houston Astros)
Cam Smith is another post-hype sleeper worth considering. With a .300 batting average, three home runs, and three stolen bases, he's off to a strong start. Smith's bat speed and barrel rate are exciting, and his 46% groundball percentage is manageable. While he may not reach the heights of Walker, Smith is available in 41% of Yahoo leagues and could be a valuable addition for those seeking a solid, young outfielder.
12-Team
Mickey Moniak (OF, Colorado Rockies)
Mickey Moniak is a must-add in 12-team leagues. His strong barrel rate and ability to hit for power, even in Coors Field, make him a compelling prospect. Moniak's .278 batting average and three home runs in 18 at-bats are impressive, and his IL stint seems to be behind him. With a better surrounding cast and a real chance at a 30 HR, 15 SB season, Moniak is a great opportunity for those seeking a high-upside player.
Liam Hicks (1B/C, Miami Marlins)
Liam Hicks is a surprising FAAB add, and for good reason. His elite plate discipline and power potential make him a great opportunity for those seeking a catcher. Hicks' 9% strikeout rate and above-average hard-hit and barrel percentages are encouraging. While he may not reach the heights of a Luis Arraez, Hicks' defense and power potential make him a great fill-in for an injured catcher.
15-Team
T.J. Rumfield (1B, Colorado Rockies)
T.J. Rumfield is a low-profile trade acquisition who has flashed big power this spring. His high-contact approach and ability to hit pulled flyballs make him a great opportunity for those seeking a first baseman. Rumfield's MaxEV of 113 mph and 25% CSW% are impressive, and his high-contact approach should serve him well in Coors Field. While he may not reach 20 homers, Rumfield could hit .270 with 15 homers, making him a useful addition for those seeking a first baseman.
Jesus Sanchez (OF, Toronto Blue Jays)
Jesus Sanchez is a surprising addition, but his improved role security and impressive bat speed make him a compelling prospect. While his sprint speed is down, his raw bat speed and ability to hit for power make him a great opportunity for those seeking an outfielder. Sanchez's .334 xBA and .542 xSLG are impressive, and his ability to hit cleanup against righties makes him a great opportunity for those seeking a 12-team viable player.
SELL
10-Team
Lawrence Butler (OF, Athletics)
Lawrence Butler's decline in contact percentage and Z-Contact percentage is concerning. While his hard-hit percentage is decent, his overall performance has been disappointing. Butler's post-hype sleeper status may have been justified, and it's best to move on from him in 10-team leagues.
12-Team
Jordan Beck (OF, Colorado Rockies)
Jordan Beck's contact rate and hard-hit percentage are notable, but his overall performance has been disappointing. With multiple benchings and a .080 batting average, Beck is not a reliable option for 12-team leagues.
15-Team
Marcell Ozuna (UT, Pittsburgh Pirates)
Marcell Ozuna's performance has plunged, with an abysmal .065 batting average and no home runs. His exit velocity and hard-hit percentage are down, and his overall performance is not worth keeping in 15-team leagues.
DEEPER LEAGUES
David Hamilton (2B/3B, Milwaukee Brewers)
David Hamilton's contact rate and walk rate are impressive, and his stolen base potential is a bonus. While his playing time is limited, Hamilton's performance could be Caleb Durbin-like, with more AVG volatility but scrappy OBP and SB upside. He's a great addition for deep leagues and 15-team OBP formats.
Ildemaro Vargas (2B/3B, Arizona Diamondbacks)
Ildemaro Vargas' bat speed and launch angle improvements are encouraging, and his regular role following injuries makes him a compelling prospect. While he may not reach 3 home runs, Vargas' performance could be decent for a good average and a bit around it. He's a great addition for those seeking a second baseman or third baseman in deeper leagues.
In conclusion, this week's Buy & Sell column highlights the players who are worth adding and those who should be dropped. From young, high-upside prospects to surprising additions, there are opportunities for those willing to take a chance. Remember, in fantasy baseball, fortune favors the bold, so make your moves and capitalize on the panic of others.
