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Harris Yudin recommends Red Sox 3B super prospect Rafael Devers as a fantasy baseball waiver wire pickup and add since the MLB rookie is getting called up.
BALLER MOVE: Add in All Leagues
OWNED IN: 29% of Yahoo! leagues
ANALYSIS: On Aug. 9, 2013, Rafael Devers signed on with the Red Sox as a highly-regarded, 16-year-old international phenom. Less than four years later, at just 20 years old, Boston’s top prospect — and the No. 6 overall prospect in baseball according to Baseball America’s midseason Top 100 list — is headed to the big leagues.
Devers began the year in Double-A, and proceeded to slash .300/.369/.575 with 18 homers and 56 RBI across 287 at-bats. Following a promotion to Triple-A Pawtucket earlier this month, the young lefty posted a massive 1.047 OPS with two homers in just nine games played, earning a quick jump to the majors.
Boston’s collective .591 OPS from the third base position is far and away the worst mark in baseball, and Devers offers an immediate potential for improvement. He possesses immense power, as well as the ability to drive the ball to all fields. Scouts compare his offensive skill set to those of Robinson Cano and Adrian Beltre— .300 AVG, 25-30 HR on a consistent basis. Despite his age, the third baseman could produce at the plate this year, and with only Brock Holt and Devin Marrero standing in his way, playing time could present itself right away.
Devers is one of the quickest risers and most advanced hitters to have come through the ranks in years, and his upside is limitless. He is worth a speculative add in just about all formats, and has become a must-add in keeper and dynasty leagues.
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