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Later-Round Outfielders - Targets and Avoids

Analysis of five fantasy baseball outfielders drafted in the later rounds. Are these OF undervalued players and potential sleepers to target in deeper drafts?

Once you reach the later rounds of drafts, you start thinking about upside fliers that can provide a great return on value. These are the rounds to take risks on more unknown commodities like prospects, forgotten-about veterans, players returning from injuries or players that have previously showed promise but haven't put it all together yet. Knowing about the deeper player pool can help you be more flexible throughout the draft, especially if you can identify someone you like and plan your earlier picks around that.

Today we are looking at some late-round outfielders who need to be considered. Do we think they are draft targets, or players to avoid? Are their ADPs undervalued? Will they make significant fantasy contributions and be one of your later-round draft sleepers? Read on to see our take.

Our editors have hand-picked these specific MLB players for your draft prep enjoyment. Normally only available to Premium subscribers, the five outlooks below are meant to give you a taste of the in-depth analysis you receive with our industry-leading 2019 Draft Guide. Be sure to subscribe today and start reading all 400+ of our 2019 player outlooks, and many other premium articles and tools, available exclusively in our 2019 Draft Guide.

Be sure to check all of our fantasy baseball lineup tools and resources:

 

Franmil Reyes - OF, San Diego Padres

San Diego Padres outfielder Franmil Reyes turned 87 games and 285 plate appearances with the Padres into 16 homers and a solid .280/.340/.498 triple slash after bashing 16 homers with a .324 average and 1.042 OPS in 250 plate appearances at Triple-A prior to his promotion.

This was extremely impressive as a 22-year-old rookie, but his 28.1% strikeout rate and low 81% zone-contact rate means he needs the 44.2% hard-hit rate to produce. And even then, his 29.6% HR/FB rate is a regression candidate that’ll probably settle closer to 20% in ‘19. In his corner is a 92.3 MPH average exit velocity, good for 17th out of 390 hitters with at least 100 batted balls.

What helps those looking to find fantasy value is that he mustered only 31 RBI on those 16 dingers -- a rate that he’s sure to exceed in ‘19, especially as fellow young bats such as Franchy CorderoFrancisco Mejia and Luis Urias continue to grow. Steamer projects Reyes for 28 homers and 149 R+RBI with a .251/.320/.458 slash in 594 PAs, which would provide solid fifth-outfielder value that aligns with our staff ranking as the 58th outfielder off the board.

--Nick Mariano - RotoBaller

 

Ramon Laureano - OF, Oakland Athletics

Oakland A's outfielder Ramon Laureano came out of the blue last season and surprised not only the fantasy world but his own organization with his play. In 64 minor league games, he hit 14 home runs, stole 11 bases and batted nearly .300. Laureano got the call-up to the club in early August and established himself as a fantastic center field option in just 48 major league games. He hit five home runs, stole seven bases, and batted .288.

Prorated to a full season, Laureano at his pace would have put up 17 HR, 24 SB, with 92 runs and 65 RBI. Expectations should be tempered for his 2019 but a stat line similar to that is not out of the realm of possibility. Unfortunately, his slash line may be a bit underwhelming. He was getting struck out nearly 30 percent of the time last season while posting a .388 BABIP. With regression taken into account, his batting average should take a dip next season but his proclivity to take a walk will keep him on base.

A 20 home run, 20 steal season is not out of the question (assuming he gets the playtime). His current ADP is around 195 which is fair given the PT concerns but if you're confident that he will play the full season, he might be going 100 spots too low. Laureano isn't a flashy name but is worth reaching on in case a savvy league-mate is eyeing him too.

--Kev Mahserejian - RotoBaller

 

Adam Eaton - OF, Washington Nationals

Washington Nationals outfielder Adam Eaton has always had an enticing mix of speed and power for a player of his stature (5-foot-9, 176 pounds), but so far, injuries have defined his career. He played in 150-plus games in 2015 and 2016 in his final seasons with the White Sox and accumulated 28 home runs and 32 stolen bases, but he's only played in 118 games in his two seasons in D.C. due to various injuries.

He also just turned 30 in December, so fantasy owners probably won't be banking on a fully healthy season from him in 2019. In 95 games in 2018 for Washington, Eaton hit .301/.394/.411 with five round-trippers, 55 runs, 33 RBI and nine stolen bases. Eaton's excellent plate discipline and improved walk rates the last two years make him the perfect leadoff hitter in D.C., but he still hits too many ground balls to be a threat to top the career-high 14 homers he set in Chicago.

He has the speed to steal 20-plus bases over a full season, but the Nats may prefer he avoid running as much in order to stay healthy. Eaton can be useful for his on-base percentage and high average as a contact hitter that can score runs atop a potent lineup, but his extensive injury history makes him a late-round target in deep mixed leagues around the 20th round. If he stays healthy for an entire season, you'll have a nice little value on your hands.

--Keith Hernandez - RotoBaller

 

Shin-Soo Choo - OF, Texas Rangers

Texas Rangers outfielder Shin-Soo Choo has been in the league for a while now, as 2019 will be the 15th season for the 36-year-old from South Korea. He made his first All-Star Game appearance in 2018 thanks to a stellar first half where he hit for a .911 OPS.

For the season as a whole, Choo hit .264/.377/.434 with 21 home runs, 62 RBI, six steals, and 83 runs scored. His .377 OBP ranked 15th among qualified hitters, while he also sported an elite 13.8% walk rate (14th) and a 42% hard hit percentage (32nd). There are a few causes for concern, however. Though Choo has proven to be durable (146+ games played in six of his last eight seasons), he is getting up there in age and showed signs of decline in the second half of 2018 with a .645 OPS after the All-Star break.

Despite these red flags, Choo still has an everyday role in the Rangers lineup as a DH and part-time outfielder and still finished with an impressive on-base percentage. He is the 65th-ranked outfielder on RotoBaller and is being drafted at 264th overall in early 2019 drafts. Choo surprised everyone by vastly exceeding his draft value last year - don’t be surprised if he does it again this year, especially in leagues that count on-base percentage.

--Kyle Ringstad - RotoBaller

 

Matt Kemp - OF, Cincinnati Reds

Traded to the Reds this offseason, Matt Kemp will look to recapture the form that sent him to the All-Star game in 2018. His struggles in the second half of last season were well documented and surely left a sour taste in the mouth of his owners. However, due to his long slump, he is going overlooked in drafts.

RotoBaller has the outfielder ranked 239 overall but his ADP is currently 315. Kemp finished the year .290/.388/.481 with 21 HR and 85 RBI, earning 2018 National League Comeback player of the year. The righty’s batted-ball profile doesn’t indicate that he made any major changes in 2018; he did have a high .339 BABIP but averages .338 for his career.

The biggest concern for Kemp owners in 2019 is playing time. The Reds have four quality outfielders, and at 34, Kemp is by far the oldest. On the other hand, the Big Red Machine won’t want to pay a $21.5 million to a bench player. The most likely scenario is that Kemp starts and gets a break from Jesse Winker occasionally. Playing time concerns makes the three-time Gold Glover more valuable in daily leagues, but he should be drafted well inside the top 300 regardless. He currently has an ADP of 313.

--Ben Holmes - RotoBaller

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REAL-TIME FANTASY NEWS

Travis Etienne Jr.

Needs to Bounce Back in 2025
Wan'Dale Robinson

Wants More Downfield Opportunities this Season
Quinshon Judkins

Arrested on Saturday for Battery and Domestic Violence
Terry McLaurin

Could be a Holdout at Training Camp
Roger McCreary

a Candidate for a Contract Extension?
Max Fried

Exits Start With Blister
Mike Evans

Buccaneers Could Have Difficult Time Retaining Mike Evans
Charles Cross

Could Sign Extension Before Training Camp
Xavier Restrepo

One to Watch Going into Training Camp
Calvin Ridley

Appears Re-Energized
Mark Andrews

Still a Key Piece in Ravens Offense
Ndamukong Suh

Officially Announces his Retirement
Jaylen Waddle

Motivated After Disappointing Season
Tre Harris

Still Unsigned
Hunter Dobbins

to Miss Rest of Season With Torn ACL
Nolan Arenado

Held Out of Lineup on Saturday
Alexandre Sarr

Plays Well in Summer League Loss to Phoenix
Yang Hansen

Looks Good on Friday Night
Carlos Correa

Sitting on Saturday
Austin Riley

Placed on 10-Day Injured List
Nolan Arenado

Exits Friday's Contest With Sprained Finger
Jake Burger

Expects to Play on Saturday
Erik Karlsson

Open to Move Away From Pittsburgh
Zach Hyman

Hopes to be Ready for Start of Next Season
SJ

Jeff Skinner Joins Sharks on One-Year Contract
Wyatt Langford

Records Four-Hit Night
Cal Raleigh

Homers Twice, Drives in Five
Cody Bellinger

Swats Three Homers in Victory
Jake Burger

Leaves With Quad Discomfort on Friday
Carlos Correa

Exits Game With Mild Ankle Sprain
Edward Cabrera

Dealing with Posterior Elbow Discomfort
Austin Riley

Leaves Game Early on Friday With Abdominal Tightness
Kon Knueppel

Struggles in Summer League Win
Rafael Devers

Dealing With Back Inflammation
Walter Clayton Jr.

Plays Well on Friday Night
Cody Williams

Scores 21 Points in Summer League Loss
Kyle Filipowski

Leads the Way on Friday Night
Teoscar Hernández

Teoscar Hernandez Returning on Friday
Sauce Gardner

Wants to be Highest-Paid Cornerback
Rhamondre Stevenson

Heading into an Important Season
Minnesota Vikings

Josh Metellus, Vikings Have Mutual Interest in Extension
Tua Tagovailoa

2025 Could be Tua Tagovailoa's Last Season in Miami
Rashawn Slater

has "Full Confidence" a Deal Will Get Done
Byron Buxton

Returns on Friday
Isaiah Jackson

Signs Three-Year Extension
Jake Meyers

Placed on 10-Day Injured List With Calf Strain
Brandon Lowe

Placed on 10-Day Injured List With Oblique Tightness
Kodai Senga

Reinstated to Start on Friday
Alex Bregman

Officially Activated and Starting on Friday
Marvin Bagley III

Joining the Wizards
Herbert Jones

Signing Extension with Pelicans
Jacob Toppin

Returning to Hawks
Chicago Bears

Bears Extend General Manager Ryan Poles
Dalton Knecht

Avoids Serious Injury
MarShawn Lloyd

in a "Much Better Spot" Heading Into Training Camp
Javon Small

Signs Two-Way Deal
Dustin Hopkins

Browns Still Counting on Dustin Hopkins
Ryan Reaves

Traded to Sharks
Vladislav Kolyachonok

Moves to Dallas
Matt Dumba

Lands in Pittsburgh
Mackie Samoskevich

Re-Signs with Panthers on One-Year Deal
Josh Manson

Inks Two-Year Extension with Avalanche
EDM

Isaac Howard Signs Three-Year, Entry-Level Contract With Oilers
Tallison Teixeira

Set For His First UFC Main Event
Derrick Lewis

Set To Headline UFC Nashville
Gabriel Bonfim

Looks For His Third UFC Win
Stephen Thompson

Returns At UFC Nashville
Steve Garcia

Looks To Extend His Win Streak
Calvin Kattar

In Dire Need Of Victory
Morgan Charrière

Morgan Charriere A Favorite At UFC Nashville
Nate Landwehr

Aims To Bounce Back
MMA

Austen Lane Looks To Get Back In The Win Column
Vitor Petrino

Set For His Heavyweight Debut
Tuco Tokkos

Set To Open Up UFC Nashville Main Card
Junior Tafa

Set For Light-Heavyweight Bout
Jalen Williams

Signs Contract Extension With Thunder
Alijah Martin

Agrees to Two-Way Deal With Raptors
Tristan Vukcevic

Set to Return to Washington
Anfernee Simons

Celtics Are "Actively Trying to Trade" Anfernee Simons
NBA

Alex Ducas Heading to Australia
Dominick Barlow

Inks Two-Way Deal With 76ers
Jordan McLaughlin

Spurs Re-Sign Jordan McLaughlin to One-Year Deal
Dylan Harper

Out Thursday, Expected to Play Saturday
VJ Edgecombe

Diagnosed with a Sprained Thumb
Gary Woodland

Looking to Find Rhythm at Scottish Open
Aaron Rai

Brings Consistent Play to Scottish Open
Maverick McNealy

a Solid Value Play at Scottish Open
Aldrich Potgieter

Making Scottish Open Debut
Tom Kim

Looks to Rebound at Scottish Open
Brian Harman

a Safe Option at Scottish Open
Luke Clanton

a Sneaky Value Play at Scottish Open
Sam Burns

Looking to Stay Hot at Scottish Open
Nicolai Hojgaard

May Feel More at Home in Europe
Harry Hall

Showing Fine Form Heading to Scotland
Ryan Fox

Playing Well Since Early Spring Struggles
Max Greyserman

has Solid History at the Genesis Scottish Open
Harris English

Aims High for Scotland Next
Corey Conners

Primed for the Genesis Scottish Open
Daniel Brown

Attempts the Scottish Swing Again
Jacob Bridgeman

Needs Putter to Work at Genesis Scottish Open
Scottie Scheffler

Headlines Field at Genesis Scottish Open
Rory McIlroy

a Smart Play for Scottish Open
Adam Scott

Looking to Build on History at The Renaissance Club
NASCAR

Sepp Straka Not Likely to Find Momentum at Scottish Open
Justin Rose

Hopes Month Hiatus Helps Him Bounce Back at Scottish Open
NHL

Tyler Johnson Retires After 13 NHL Seasons
Jack McBain

Inks New Five-Year Deal with Mammoth
Cam York

Re-Signs with Flyers for Five Years
Jake Knapp

Fits the Mold for Success at The Renaissance Club
Ty Gibbs

Finishes Second at Chicago and Advances in In-Season Challenge
Alex Bowman

Defeats Bubba Wallace in In-Season Challenge, but Not Without Controversy
Alex Bowman

Bubba Wallace Wrecked by Alex Bowman Again, Putting Playoffs in Doubt
Michael McDowell

Throttle Failure Ends Michael McDowell's Chances to Win at Chicago
Austin Hill

Earns First NASCAR Cup Series Top Ten at Chicago
Tyler Reddick

Scores a Strong Third-Place Run at Chicago
Kyle Busch

Matches his Best Career Finish At Chicago on Sunday
Denny Hamlin

Fights his Way to a Top-5 Finish at Chicago
William Byron

has his Worst Weekend of the Season at Chicago
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