RADIO
Jonathan Villar 2021 Fantasy Outlook: Late-Round Steals Target Despite Utility Role
4 years agoIt took the veteran infielder a while to find a home in free agency, but he finally settled on a one-year, $3.55 million deal to provide infield depth for the New York Mets. The 29-year-old utility man played second base, shortstop and center field last season with the Marlins and Blue Jays and hit a combined .232/.301/.292 with just two home runs, 15 RBI and 16 stolen bases in 52 games. The switch-hitter is expected to join Luis Guillorme in providing infield backup behind third baseman J.D. Davis, shortstop Francisco Lindor and second baseman Jeff McNeil. While Villar will see starts around the infield and can spell McNeil against tough left-handers at the keystone, it's clear that he won't be an everyday player in Queens, dropping his fantasy appeal in mixed leagues. Villar hit a career-high 24 home runs and stole 40 bags as recently as 2019 with the Orioles in 162 games, but the power/speed allure is lessened in a utility role for an improved Mets roster. The veteran middle infielder is a fine target around his current ADP of 145, though, as fantasy managers look for late-round speed.
