RADIO
BALLER MOVE: Add in 12+ Team Leagues
OWNED IN: 27% of Yahoo! leagues
ANALYSIS: Fantasy owners were likely expecting a bit more in the power department from the 24-year-old Santana, but gains in his walk rate (up 2% from last year) and a significant decrease in his strikeout rate (down 6%) have helped Santana maintain a solid profile despite only five home runs. He is hitting .267/.367/.430 on the year and is on pace for 21 home runs and 14 stolen bases. He appears to have altered his approach at the plate, with a decreased hard-hit percentage and pull percentage, but an increase in balls hit up the middle and a higher batting average. If Santana has traded in some power for more base hits, it could increase his opportunity to swipe some bags, which keeps his value up. However, a career low in HR/FB rate means that the low home run total for Santana through the first two months of the season could be on the upswing as we head into the summer months. Expect Santana to get a healthy dose of both home runs and steals this year, with a 20/15 season not out of reach for the outfielder. He makes a great buy-low for owners in deeper formats, and he should be picked up in all 12-team leagues and beyond going forward.
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