December 28, 2018

After two seasons with a full-time gig, Milwaukee Brewers third baseman Travis Shaw has proven his power is durable. Shaw surpassed 30 homers for the second consecutive season in 2018 with a nearly-identical ISO year-over-year (.239). However, his average (.241) and run production slipped (159 runs+RBI) after enduring a career-low in BABIP (.242). Entering his age-29 season, Shaw has added second base eligibility to his resume and should continue being a serviceable utility man on fantasy squads. Shaw has cut down on strikeouts and increased walks in three consecutive years, registering an elite BB/K of 0.72. His on-base prowess and flyball tendencies (45% FB%) are an attractive combination in a loaded Brewers lineup. Shaw’s current ADP of 106 slots him as the 13th-best third baseman and eighth-highest second baseman. The positional versatility and favorable team situation are being credited with minimal value. He’s essentially a lock for another 30-dinger campaign while an uptick in BABIP to his historical norm of .300 should boost the average to around .275. More balls in play also mean increased run-producing opportunities. Shaw is a potential top-5 second baseman and top-10 third baseman being assigned an unreasonable discount. He’s not flashy but a rock-solid option, a blue-collared stalwart that should provide stable returns for any fantasy lineup.--Andrew Le - RotoBaller