2015 In Review

Byron Buxton is an exceptional talent with All-Star written all over him someday, but the question is, can he help your fantasy team this season? Last year, the outfielder struggled mightily in the limited action he saw. In 138 plate appearances, he struck out 44 times, which equates to a 32 percent strikeout rate. At the same time he was only able to draw six walks. Those numbers won’t get it done for the Minnesota Twins or fantasy owners. Now, obviously with more experience (the man is only 22-years-old remember), you’d expect those numbers to become better, but will that happen in 2016?

Editor's note: Be sure to check out our 2016 fantasy baseball rankings dashboard, which is already loaded up with lots of great articles. Aside from staff rankings and ADP analysis across all positions, we also dig into MLB prospect rankings, and dynasty/keeper rankings as well.

2016 Outlook

Buxton's batting average should range anywhere from .240-.260, and he should hit between 8-14 home runs, with an RBI total somewhere in the 50s. The real key to his success in terms of fantasy this season will be stolen bases. The youngster can fly and if he does indeed hit leadoff this season, as he should, then a stolen base total of 25 or more seems entirely possible. While the strikeout-to-walk ratio should continue to be high, as you would expect with any young player, but if you don’t mind dealing with some Ks, then Buxton could be a real steal. Currently he is ranked as the 71^st overall outfielder according to RotoBaller’s MLB Outfield rankings; though expect him to jump up the list soon.

As the Twins enter spring training, the starting center field position is his to lose. Now, could he end up not being the Opening Day starter? Sure, but barring a crazy turn of events, it seems likely this season will be a development year for the team and their young studs (Buxton and DH Miguel Sano). As a result, don’t expect Buxton to be in the minors very long if at all this season and who knows, perhaps the former 2^nd overall pick in the 2012 draft will break out with a Mike Trout-like season. Buxton is the definition of a sleeper, as he could have tremendous value and is a total low-risk, high-reward pick late in your draft.

Conclusion

Listen, not every high level prospect is Mike Trout, Bryce Harper or Carlos Correa. Players usually need time to develop and Buxton appears to be one of those guys. The Georgia native now has a feel for the major league level, he is still a five-tool-stud and should be able to contribute in some form this season. Based on his small sample size last year and overall skill set, Buxton won’t become the best player on your fantasy team just yet, but he should be able to contribute nicely in some key categories.

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