RADIO
BALLER MOVE: Target in drafts ~pick 45
CURRENT ADP: ~64
ANALYSIS: Royce Lewis had a mini-breakout in 2023. In 239 plate appearances, the 24-year-old hit 15 home runs, recorded 52 RBI, and had a .309 batting average to boot. If we use his 2023 numbers to project the results of a full 600 PA season, Lewis would have had 90 runs, 37 HR, and 130 RBI. Oh, and the six bases he stole would have translated to 15.
Lewis is not sneaking up on anyone. His current ADP puts him at the turn of the fourth and fifth rounds of 12-team leagues. But if Lewis lives up to the precedent he set in his rookie year, then he will provide first-round production. That’s only happening if the budding star can stay healthy. A twice-torn ACL in his right knee caused him to miss all of 2021 and most of 2022. The knee held up last season but he still missed close to seven weeks, first because of an oblique strain in July and then with a sore hamstring at the end of the season.
While the injury risk may scare off some managers, the reward is picking up a Jose Ramirez-type five-category contributor more than 30 picks later than the established premier third baseman. Given the glut of talent still available within the top 50 picks of fantasy drafts, reaching for Lewis may not be necessary (or advisable). Just be assured that picking him up at his ADP could pay big dividends by the season’s end.
Dorktown: Royce Lewis! pic.twitter.com/aqbklDrFZZ
— Secret Base (@secretbase) February 9, 2024
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