👉 TAP TO SAVE 50% WITH CODE SPRING
X
Lost password?

Don't have an account?
Gain Access Now

X

Receive free daily analysis

NFL
NBA
NHL
NASCAR
CFB
MLB
MMA
PGA
ESPORTS
BETTING

Already have an account? Log In

X

Forgot Password


POPULAR FANTASY TOOLS

#1 Expert Projections
Save 50% Now
Import Your Leagues
Props Tool
Compare Any Players
Compare Any Players
24x7 News and Alerts

Clearance Sale: Late Round Fliers for Runs in 2017

Welcome, my thrifty shoppers, to the first edition of Clearance Sale. We here at RotoBaller are all about a good deal (have you seen our Draft Prep tools?!), and I am the king of good deals. Discount sales, expired goods -- I'm all about value. So to help you prepare for your drafts, we're bringing you some late round fliers to keep an eye on.

In this edition we'll start with the most important stat in baseball - runs. As Tim McCarver would say, you have to score more runs than the other team to win. We will break our search down into three factors: team's offense, players position in the batting order, and expected playing time. Let's get started.

Editor's note: for even more draft prep, visit our awesome 2017 fantasy baseball rankings dashboard. It has lots of in-depth staff rankings and draft strategy columns. You will find tiered rankings for every position, 2017 impact rookie rankings, AL/NL only league ranks and lots more. Bookmark the page, and win your drafts.

Featured Promo: Save 50% the regular price with discount code SPRING, for a limited time. Exclusive access to our Team Sync platform, DFS cheat sheets, Lineup Optimizers, betting/prop picks, and exclusive content from Nick Mariano and Eric Cross! GAIN ACCESS NOW

 

Late Round Fliers For Runs in 2017

Devon Travis (2B, TOR)

Current ADP: 198

I'm going to get yelled at by numerous people for even mentioning his name. Travis has been an enigma for fantasy players, with injuries being his main culprit. In 432 AB he produced a .300/.332/.454 line with 54 runs scored, with Travis in the leadoff spot for only 43% of the time. The Blue Jays experimented in that spot extensively, even using Jose Bautista for 40 games.

That shouldn't happen in 2017. Travis is expected to enter camp as the favorite to bat leadoff for a potent Blue Jays sans Edwin Encarnacion. His OBP (.332) isn't what you'd imagine from your top spot, but when the alternative Kevin Pillar (.302) is even worse you make due. Travis has great pop (.154 ISO) and is a sleeper candidate for 20 HR if he can stay healthy. If Travis can reach 550 AB for the first time ever he should be a great candidate for 85+ runs in 2017.

Carlos Gomez (OF, TEX)

Current ADP: 204

Gomez was Jekyll and Hyde in 2016. He was a massive disappointment in Houston, slashing .210/.272/.322 until they released him for nothing. Gomez signed with the Rangers with something to prove and went on fire. In 33 games he hit .284/.362/.543 with 18 runs and 8 HR. The Rangers re-signed him and have plugged him into the leadoff spot for 2017. As you may recall, Gomez was a first-round talent as recently as 2014. At virtually zero cost, Gomez is an excellent flier for runs in a potent Rangers lineup.

Shin-Soo Choo (OF, TEX)

Current ADP: 428

Am I reading that correctly? Shin-Soo Choo, a player ranked in the top 100 in 2015, is now virtually worthless on draft day? Recency bias is real, people.

Choo, 33, had a disappointing 2016, slashing .242/.357/.399 in only 210 PA. His season included four trips to the disabled list and ended in August with a fractured forearm. Choo has declared himself physically fit and performing normal offseason workouts. Recall that Choo posted a .372 OBP with 92 runs in 2015. He's on the decline in his career but his track record makes him worth a flier at $1.

Ender Inciarte (OF, ATL)

Current ADP: 216

You heard it here first; the Braves are going to be a fun offense this year. The Braves were a sneaky good offense to finish 2016, posting a .774 OPS in the second half (third in MLB). The addition of Matt Kemp provided Freddie Freeman the first protection he has seen since Brian McCann was a Brave, but the biggest X-factor was Ender Inciarte.

Inciarte was a tale of two halves, hitting .227 with 26 runs in the first half and .341 with 59 runs in the second half. The 59 runs were tied for second in baseball with teammate Freddie Freeman. So which Inciarte is the real one? Inciarte has always held a BABIP above .300 and was injured in the first half. I'm betting he's closer to the latter. The Braves brought everyone back from 2016 and added the versatile Sean Rodriguez. Inciarte is a fantastic bet for 80+ runs with an average over .300.

Dansby Swanson (SS, ATL)

Current ADP: 183

Batting behind Inciarte will be the "rookie" Dansby Swanson. I note the rookie status because Swanson was one AB away from losing prospect eligibility in 2016. The universally ranked top-3 prospect was great in his debut, slashing .300/.362/.442 in 145 at-bats. He spent the majority of the time in the 8-hole, but coach Brian Snitker has already stated Swanson will start the year batting 2nd.

In between Inciarte and Freeman is a great spot for a young player, and he should be given all the leash he needs to succeed on a Braves team with no serious plans to contend in 2017. Swanson's hype has inflated his ADP compared to the other options here, but he's a great bet to finish in the top 10 at SS with 75+ runs.

Jarrod Dyson (OF, SEA)

Current ADP: 247

Dyson has been in the majors since 2011 and has yet to earn a full-time role. That changed this offseason as the Mariners acquired Dyson and labeled him their projected leadoff hitter for 2017. Dyson is a slap hitter with excellent speed, averaging 33 steals in the past four seasons. Keep in mind he never eclipsed 405 at-bats in any of those seasons. Now with a full-time opportunity ahead of Robinson Cano and Nelson Cruz, Dyson is going to find himself crossing the plate often if he holds the spot. He's in line to shatter his career-high of 48 runs and is a candidate for 80/40 (runs/steals).

 

More Potential Draft Values and Sleepers




POPULAR FANTASY TOOLS

#1 Expert Projections
Save 50% Now
Import Your Leagues
Props Tool
Compare Any Players
Compare Any Players
24x7 News and Alerts

REAL-TIME FANTASY NEWS

Thomas Bryant

is Available to Play in Game 4
Victor Wembanyama

Won't be Suspended Following Game 4 Ejection
Mookie Betts

is Officially Back on Monday
Nathan Eovaldi

Scratched From Monday's Start With Side Tightness
Mark Jankowski

Signs Two-Year Extension With Hurricanes
Joel Kiviranta

Cleared to Play Monday
Josh Manson

Available for Game 4 Monday
Mackenzie Blackwood

Expected to Start Monday
Jonas Brodin

Won't Play Monday
Joel Eriksson Ek

Remains Out Monday
Justin Jefferson

Dynasty Stock on the Rise With New QB in Minnesota
J.J. McCarthy

Injuries, QB Addition in Minnesota Deal Big Blow to J.J. McCarthy's Dynasty Value
Aaron Rodgers

Doesn't Meet With Steelers Over the Weekend
Chris Boswell

Steelers Agree With Kicker Chris Boswell on Four-Year Extension
Henry Bolte

Athletics to Promote Top Outfield Prospect Henry Bolte to Major Leagues
Khamzat Chimaev

Suffers his First Loss
Sean Strickland

Recaptures Middleweight Title
Tatsuro Taira

Suffers Fifth-Round TKO Loss
Harold Fannin Jr.

Offers Tantalizing Dynasty Upside Despite Uncertain Offense
Joshua Van

Defends Flyweight Title
Dalton Kincaid

Is Dalton Kincaid's Long-Term Dynasty Upside Fading Due to Health Concerns?
MMA

Waldo Cortes-Acosta Drops Decision
Alexander Volkov

Wins Back-To-Back Fights
Jordan James

Could Emerge as a Must-Roster Handcuff Option for Dynasty Managers
Jaylen Waddle

Dynasty Stock Rising After Offseason Move to Denver
Josh Downs

in Line for Expanded Role in Indianapolis
Shane Van Gisbergen

Dominates Watkins Glen for First Win of 2026
Mike Evans

Could Be Well-Positioned for a Resurgent Season in San Francisco
Michael McDowell

Finishes Second for Best Run of the Year At Watkins Glen
Ty Gibbs

Scores New Career-Best Finish of Third at Watkins Glen
Tyler Reddick

Continues His Strong Season With Fifth-Place Run at Watkins Glen
Austin Dillon

Earns his First Top-10 Finish of 2026 at Watkins Glen
Ameer Abdullah

Jaguars Sign Running Back Ameer Abdullah for Backfield Depth
Mookie Betts

Dodgers Expect Mookie Betts to Return on Monday
NFL

Ahmad Hardy in Stable Condition After Suffering Gunshot Wound on Sunday
CFB

Ahmad Hardy Sustains Gunshot Wound, in Stable Condition
Kayshon Boutte

in a Likely No-Win Scenario for 2026
Anthony Edwards

Powers Wolves to Game 4 Win
Tetairoa McMillan

Can Tetairoa McMillan Become a Dynasty Cornerstone?
De'Aaron Fox

Posts 24 Points as Spurs Drop Game 4 to Wolves
Justin Herbert

One of Fantasy's Biggest Offseason Winners
Victor Wembanyama

Ejected in Game 4 Loss
VJ Edgecombe

Struggles with Shot in Game 4
Oronde Gadsden

Breakout Chances Dealt a Serious Blow
Paul George

Held to Seven Points in 76ers' Game 4 Loss
David Njoku

Signing With Chargers on One-Year Deal
Josh Hart

Helps Knicks Reach East Finals
Jalen Brunson

Finishes Game 4 Sweep with 22 Points
Rasmus Dahlin

Records Two Points in Game 3 Loss
Tage Thompson

Comes Alive in Game 3 Against Canadiens
Cole Caufield

Ends Dry Spell Sunday
Alex Newhook

Nets Two More Goals in Sunday's Victory
Mitchell Marner

Notches Three Assists in Losing Effort
Beckett Sennecke

Extends Goal Streak to Three Games
Cutter Gauthier

Records Hat Trick of Assists in Game 4 Win
Ashton Jeanty

a Top-Five Dynasty RB Despite Disappointing Rookie Campaign
Devin Neal

the Potential RB2 in New Orleans in his Sophomore Season
Ricky Pearsall

Does Ricky Pearsall Still Have Breakout Potential for Fantasy Managers?
Tory Horton

Dynasty Stock on the Decline Despite Big-Play Ability
Karl-Anthony Towns

Logs Sixth Double-Double of Postseason
Mike Conley

Ayo Dosunmu Replaces Mike Conley in Starting Unit Sunday
Miles McBride

Tallies Game-High 25 Points in Series-Clincher
Tyrese Maxey

Settles for 17 Points Sunday
Joel Embiid

Scores Efficient 24 Points in Season-Ending Loss
Caris LeVert

Iffy for Monday Night
Kevin Huerter

Listed as Questionable for Game 4
Auston Matthews

Uncertain About Future With Maple Leafs
Frederik Andersen

Enjoying Special Postseason
Josh Manson

"Close" to Returning
Joel Kiviranta

Could Return to Action Monday
Radko Gudas

a Game-Time Call Sunday
Mark Stone

Unavailable Sunday
Connor Zilisch

Will Start Fifth in his First Watkins Glen Cup Series Race
Tyler Reddick

Is A Top DFS Option for Watkins Glen Lineups
Christopher Bell

Is Likely to Bounce Back This Week at Watkins Glen
Carlos Rodón

Carlos Rodon Activated for Season Debut on Sunday
William Byron

Is William Byron Playable in DFS Lineups at Watkins Glen?
Austin Reaves

Nears Double-Double In Game 3 Loss
LeBron James

Facing Sweep With Game 4 on Monday
Ajay Mitchell

Posts Career Playoff Night in Game 3
Chet Holmgren

Helps Thunder Move to Brink of Conference Finals
Tobias Harris

Extends 20-Point Streak in Saturday's Loss
Kyle Larson

May have A Positive Day at Watkins Glen
Chase Briscoe

May Compete for A Top-10 Finish at Watkins Glen
NASCAR

A.J. Allmendinger May have Another Solid Outing at Watkins Glen
Ty Gibbs

Should Fantasy Managers Roster Ty Gibbs at Watkins Glen?
Ross Chastain

Is Ross Chastain Worth Rostering for Watkins Glen Lineups?
Austin Cindric

Could Austin Cindric be A Sneaky Tournament Play for Watkins Glen?
Shane Van Gisbergen

Shane van Gisbergen the Heavy Favorite at Watkins Glen
Chase Elliott

Is Chase Elliott a No-Brainer DFS Pick at Watkins Glen?
Chris Buescher

Qualifies 14th at Watkins Glen
Ryan Blaney

Has Upside at Watkins Glen After Signing Contract Extension
Michael McDowell

Still Searching for First Top-Five Finish at Watkins Glen
Carson Hocevar

Is Carson Hocevar Too Aggressive for Road-Course Racing?
Luis Castillo

Mariners Intend to Piggyback Luis Castillo, Bryce Miller
Logan Webb

Placed on 15-Day Injured List With Knee Bursitis
Bryce Miller

is Set to Return on Wednesday
Jeff Hoffman

Could Return to Closer Role
CHI

Blackhawks Bring in Roman Kantserov for Next Season
Mason McTavish

Set to Rejoin Ducks Lineup Sunday
Taj Bradley

Hits the Injured List With Pectoral Inflammation
Kyle Bradish

has Nice Bounce-Back Performance With 10 K's
Casey Mize

Throws Bullpen on Friday, Return Not Imminent
Ronald Acuña Jr.

Ronald Acuna Jr. Optimistic About Returning Next Wednesday
Tyler Glasnow

Dodgers Put Tyler Glasnow on Injured List With Back Spasms
Blake Snell

to Make Season Debut for Dodgers on Saturday
Cole Ragans

Royals Place Cole Ragans on Injured List With Elbow Impingement
Sean Strickland

An Underdog At UFC 328
Khamzat Chimaev

Set For UFC 328 Main Event
Tatsuro Taira

Can Become The New Flyweight Champion
Joshua Van

Set For His First Title Defense
Alexander Volkov

Looks To Win Back-To-Back Fights
MMA

Waldo Cortes-Acosta Looks To Extend His Win Streak
Nick Lodolo

Officially Activated, Making Season Debut on Friday
CFB

Walker Lyons Could be Go-To Target for Bear Bachmeier
CFB

Ty Benefield a Potential Game-Changer for LSU Defense
CFB

Hayden Lowe Set for Significant Role Following Miami's NFL Departures
CFB

Taylor Wein in Position for Big Season on Oklahoma's Defensive Line
CFB

Rasheem Biles an Instant Impact Player for Texas
Roman Anthony

Heading for the Injured List
CFB

Sam Leavitt Expected to Be Full-Go for Fall Camp
Tarik Skubal

Could Return in 4-6 Weeks After Successful Elbow Surgery
Cole Ragans

Royals Hopeful That Cole Ragans Makes his Next Start
Emilio Pagán

Emilio Pagan has Grade 2 Hamstring Strain, Expected to Miss 4-8 Weeks
CFB

Brauntae Johnson the Next Star in Notre Dame's Secondary?
CFB

Ethan Barbour a Name to Know in Georgia's Tight End Room
CFB

Payton Pierce Next Up at Linebacker for Ohio State
CFB

Javin Gordon to Play Significant Role for Tennessee?
CFB

Tanook Hines Stepping into WR1 Role for USC
CFB

Rueben Owens II has "Star Potential" in Fourth Campaign
Collin Morikawa

Withdraws From Truist Championship
Xander Schauffele

Carries Elite Form Into Quail Hollow
Hideki Matsuyama

Looks to Bounce Back at Truist Championship
Matt Fitzpatrick

Secures Third Win of 2026 Season
Patrick Cantlay

Continues Playing Well Heading to Truist Championship
Ludvig Aberg

Returns to Action For Truist Championship
Justin Thomas

Searching for Consistency at Quail Hollow
Jordan Spieth

Looks to Break Through at Quail Hollow
Adam Scott

Brings Strong Form to Quail Hollow
Robert MacIntyre

a Steady Option at Truist Championship
Jason Day

Looks to Overcome Approach Struggles at Quail Hollow
Akshay Bhatia

Looks for Complete Game at Truist Championship
Justin Rose

to Continue Mid-Season Club Change at Truist Championship
Si Woo Kim

is Back to Peak Form Ahead of Truist Championship
RANKINGS
C
1B
2B
3B
SS
OF
SP
RP

RANKINGS

QB
RB
WR
TE
K
DEF