RADIO
Kerry Carpenter 2026 Fantasy Baseball Outlook: Impact Power Bat Hinges on Health
Detroit Tigers outfielder Kerry Carpenter has struggled to stay healthy over a full MLB season, but when he's on the field, he profiles as an elite platoon power bat. Across a career-high 464 career plate appearances in 2025, Carpenter launched 26 home runs while posting a .252 batting average, .493 xSLG (87th percentile), and a 12.5% barrel rate (78th percentile). However, durability remains the primary concern. The 28-year-old has dealt with multiple hamstring and oblique injuries, along with a spinal injury in 2024, and even when healthy, he's largely limited to a strong-side platoon role. These injuries have kept Carpenter from playing more than 130 games in a single season. Still, Carpenter ranks among the league's most productive platoon hitters, despite walking just 4% of the time (2nd percentile). Looking ahead to 2026, the former Virginia State outfielder is expected to bat fourth or fifth against right-handed pitching, with rare exposure against southpaws. If Carpenter can finally stay on the field, he brings 30-home-run upside, ample RBI opportunities, and a batting average around .250. At his current ADP of 215, Carpenter is the 50th outfielder off the board, but he represents one of the last legitimate power bats that won't destroy your batting average.
Read More News
