Nicholas Castellanos Looks To Build On Strong 2017 Campaign
7 years agoDetroit Tigers right fielder Nicholas Castellanos had a breakout campaign in 2017, posting a triple slash line of .272/.320/.490 while slugging 26 HR and collecting 101 RBI. It was actually his second consecutive "breakout" year, if there even is such a thing: Castellanos was on his way to a career year before suffering a broken left hand that effectively ended his season the year prior. Castellanos has spent much of his career at third base, but will man the outfield in 2018 for the Tigers due to his defensive ineptitude at the hot corner. But unlike his defense, all signs point to Castellanos continuing to improve his offensive production, as his improvements have been part of a continued progression. Castellanos cut his strikeouts to a career-low 21.4% last year and ramped-up his hard contact rate to an elite 43.4%. At just 25 years of age, Castellanos has the potential to become a 30 HR, 100 RBI guy for years to come. The question is, for whom? Apart from Michael Fulmer, Castellanos is Detroit's best trade chip, and some reports indicate he could land elsewhere sooner rather than later. Any move would obviously impact fantasy implications, but for now you should target Castellanos somewhere between rounds 12 and 15 if he tickles your fancy.