The season is rapidly approaching – odds are many of you are in the throngs of draft euphoria right about now and some of you may even be regretting signing up for as many leagues as you have this season. Hopefully this article can help break some ties you may have at that draft spot between certain players or give you some ideas for late round sleepers that your opponents may not be considering.
Week 3 may very well be the turning point of relevance for spring performance – we have real, meaningful regular season games by the time you read this and teams are starting to make the tough decisions regarding who makes the active team roster and who will start this season in the minors. Veteran and established players will likely start seeing reduced at-bats in favor of players either on-the-bubble or players that need more in-game experience in certain positions to help determine where they fit long-term. Next week’s wrap up article will likely feature these players with dynasty league potential as they grind through the minors this season.
Relevant Stats for This Series
Although the sample sizes are still relatively small, and the parks in spring training tend to favor hitting, there is still merit to using stats like wOBA and wRC+ to evaluate hitters during this period. In case you are unfamiliar with these terms, they are defined as follows:
wOBA (Weighted On Base Average): Combines all the different aspects of hitting into one metric, weighting each of them in proportion to their actual run value. While batting average, on-base percentage, and slugging percentage fall short in accuracy and scope, wOBA measures and captures offensive value more accurately and comprehensively.
wRC+ (Weighted Runs Created Plus): The most comprehensive rate statistic used to measure hitting performance because it takes into account the varying weights of each offensive action (like wOBA) and then adjusts them for the park and league context in which they took place.
There are two more basic ratios – average (Hits per AB) and slugging percentage (Bases per AB) – which can provide a raw evaluation of how much players are taking advantage of their limited opportunities and can be calculated easily even with limited stats available during this period. Full in-season Statcast data does a far better job of building hitter profiles, but given that Statcast data is not available for all parks and games in spring training, these are adequate stand-ins for evaluating players taking advantage of the at-bats they have been given.
Starting with week 2, wOBA and wRC+ will be tracked as a differential from week to week, as the more at-bats are evaluated for a hitter, the more accurate wOBA and wRC+ become. There will also be a new section of the article dedicated to risers/fallers, tracking the players who change the most as Spring Training goes on.
Data contained in this article is from spring training games played 3/9 – 3/16.
The Studs
Projected early draft picks who have already shown in-season form for their teams.
Elly De La Cruz (SS), CIN
Week 1
| G | AB | PA | H | 1B | 2B | 3B | HR | R | RBI | SO | SB | TB | AVG | SLG | wOBA | wRC+ |
| 5 | 12 | 14 | 6 | 1 | 2 | 0 | 3 | 5 | 5 | 3 | 1 | 17 | 0.5 | 1.4 | 0.780 | 378 |
Week 2
| G | AB | PA | H | 1B | 2B | 3B | HR | R | RBI | SO | SB | TB | AVG | SLG | wOBA | wRC+ |
| 3 | 7 | 9 | 4 | 3 | 1 | 0 | 0 | 2 | 2 | 3 | 2 | 5 | 0.571 | 0.714 | -0.074 | -45 |
Week 3
| G | AB | PA | H | 1B | 2B | 3B | HR | R | RBI | SO | SB | TB | AVG | SLG | wOBA | wRC+ |
| 6 | 14 | 18 | 4 | 4 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 3 | 1 | 3 | 3 | 4 | 0.286 | 0.286 | -0.241 | -98 |
Another week of regression for Elly, but the aggressiveness on the bases makes up for it. His six steals are tied with Zac Veen, Jackson Chourio, Brandon Lockridge, and Oneil Cruz for the second-most steals this spring but he leads them all in OBP, wOBA, and wRC+. See The Wildcards section below for the leader in steals this spring, which may not be a name you’re familiar with at all.
Juan Soto (OF), NYM
Week 1
| G | AB | PA | H | 1B | 2B | 3B | HR | R | RBI | SO | SB | TB | AVG | SLG | wOBA | wRC+ |
| 4 | 8 | 9 | 3 | 1 | 0 | 0 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 1 | 0 | 9 | 0.375 | 1.125 | 0.615 | 282 |
Week 2
| G | AB | PA | H | 1B | 2B | 3B | HR | R | RBI | SO | SB | TB | AVG | SLG | wOBA | wRC+ |
| 3 | 7 | 8 | 3 | 2 | 1 | 0 | 0 | 1 | 1 | 1 | 0 | 4 | 0.429 | 0.571 | -0.138 | -47 |
Week 3
| G | AB | PA | H | 1B | 2B | 3B | HR | R | RBI | SO | SB | TB | AVG | SLG | wOBA | wRC+ |
| 4 | 11 | 12 | 4 | 1 | 1 | 0 | 2 | 3 | 3 | 2 | 0 | 11 | 0.364 | 1.0 | +0.089 | +/-0 |
Mets fans hope that Soto is the savior their franchise needs, and early numbers suggest he’s ready to meet the moment. The bigger question is ‘Can he do it all by himself?’ The Mets are dead last in total bases, RBI, hits and runs scored this spring – not exactly “Maximum Effort”. Soto should be fine out of the gate, but the rest of the team will need to meet his intensity for him to stay engaged as the season goes on.
William Contreras (C), MIL
Week 1
| G | AB | PA | H | 1B | 2B | 3B | HR | R | RBI | SO | SB | TB | AVG | SLG | wOBA | wRC+ |
| 4 | 9 | 11 | 5 | 4 | 0 | 0 | 1 | 2 | 2 | 1 | 0 | 8 | 0.556 | 0.889 | 0.642 | 296 |
Week 2
| G | AB | PA | H | 1B | 2B | 3B | HR | R | RBI | SO | SB | TB | AVG | SLG | wOBA | wRC+ |
| 3 | 8 | 9 | 1 | 0 | 1 | 0 | 0 | 1 | 0 | 2 | 1 | 2 | 0.125 | 0.250 | -0.421 | -124 |
Week 3
| G | AB | PA | H | 1B | 2B | 3B | HR | R | RBI | SO | SB | TB | AVG | SLG | wOBA | wRC+ |
| 4 | 9 | 10 | 4 | 3 | 0 | 0 | 1 | 2 | 5 | 1 | 0 | 7 | 0.444 | 0.778 | +0.320 | +16 |
William Contreras has taken over the top catcher spot on many draft charts this spring, and his stats are justifying it. Steady hit-per-game production with 1.5 total bases/game is excellent production from a position that often has an uncomfortably low floor. The Brewers are ranked second overall in runs scored and third overall in total bases this spring, suggesting he will have plenty of opportunities in this offense.
Jackson Chourio (OF), MIL
Week 1
| G | AB | PA | H | 1B | 2B | 3B | HR | R | RBI | SO | SB | TB | AVG | SLG | wOBA | wRC+ |
| 5 | 12 | 14 | 6 | 5 | 1 | 0 | 0 | 3 | 1 | 1 | 1 | 7 | 0.500 | 0.583 | 0.520 | 218 |
Week 2
| G | AB | PA | H | 1B | 2B | 3B | HR | R | RBI | SO | SB | TB | AVG | SLG | wOBA | wRC+ |
| 3 | 8 | 9 | 1 | 0 | 1 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 1 | 2 | 2 | 0.125 | 0.250 | -0.299 | -77 |
Week 3
| G | AB | PA | H | 1B | 2B | 3B | HR | R | RBI | SO | SB | TB | AVG | SLG | wOBA | wRC+ |
| 4 | 14 | 14 | 8 | 4 | 4 | 0 | 0 | 5 | 4 | 2 | 3 | 12 | 0.571 | 0.857 | +0.398 | +50 |
While the focus is on the Brewers’ offense, there is plenty to like about Chourio’s spring as well. No home runs so far, but he is a versatile fantasy performer, contributing to multiple stat categories – AVG/OBP, runs, RBI, and stolen bases. He’s a great second-round outfielder selection in drafts if you miss out on the studs in the first.
The Grinders
Returning players that aren’t top fantasy picks but are in their teams’ plans to have a role going into Opening Day.
Paul Goldschmidt (1B), NYY
Week 1
| G | AB | PA | H | 1B | 2B | 3B | HR | R | RBI | SO | SB | TB | AVG | SLG | wOBA | wRC+ |
| 4 | 10 | 10 | 2 | 1 | 1 | 0 | 0 | 1 | 2 | 6 | 0 | 3 | 0.200 | 0.300 | 0.217 | 25 |
Week 2
| G | AB | PA | H | 1B | 2B | 3B | HR | R | RBI | SO | SB | TB | AVG | SLG | wOBA | wRC+ |
| 4 | 12 | 12 | 2 | 1 | 0 | 0 | 1 | 1 | 2 | 4 | 0 | 5 | 0.167 | 0.417 | +0.021 | +4 |
Week 3
| G | AB | PA | H | 1B | 2B | 3B | HR | R | RBI | SO | SB | TB | AVG | SLG | wOBA | wRC+ |
| 4 | 9 | 12 | 6 | 2 | 2 | 0 | 2 | 5 | 6 | 0 | 0 | 14 | 0.667 | 1.556 | +0.631 | +141 |
Goldy went nuclear in week 3 – looking beyond the basic hitting numbers, the important stat is the reduction week-to-week in strikeouts. He still feels like a Giancarlo Stanton clone (who is expected to miss at least 2 months due to two tennis elbows and a calf injury) batting cleanup, but hitting for power and limiting whiffs is an upgrade. Unfortunately Goldy left Monday’s game with back pain but has zero concern about it long-term. It’s very likely his at-bats are limited for the remainder of the spring so it comes down to whether you feel the reward is worth the slight risk.
Gavin Sheets (1B/OF), SD
Week 1
| G | AB | PA | H | 1B | 2B | 3B | HR | R | RBI | SO | SB | TB | AVG | SLG | wOBA | wRC+ |
| 7 | 15 | 16 | 2 | 0 | 2 | 0 | 0 | 1 | 2 | 3 | 0 | 4 | 0.133 | 0.267 | 0.203 | 16 |
Week 2
| G | AB | PA | H | 1B | 2B | 3B | HR | R | RBI | SO | SB | TB | AVG | SLG | wOBA | wRC+ |
| 4 | 11 | 11 | 2 | 1 | 0 | 0 | 1 | 1 | 3 | 4 | 0 | 5 | 0.182 | 0.455 | +0.057 | +11 |
Week 3
| G | AB | PA | H | 1B | 2B | 3B | HR | R | RBI | SO | SB | TB | AVG | SLG | wOBA | wRC+ |
| 7 | 18 | 20 | 10 | 5 | 0 | 0 | 5 | 6 | 7 | 3 | 0 | 25 | 0.556 | 1.389 | +0.528 | +149 |
The battle for the OF spots in San Diego has been a tough one this spring with various players making a case for at-bats for different reasons – Jason Heyward and Connor Joe were signed for veteran depth, Brandon Lockridge has been impressive with stolen bases, Tirso Ornelas was considered early on as the in-house pet project, but Gavin Sheets has spoken the loudest with his bat. His 44 at-bat appearances this spring are tied for fourth most of all batters, his 34 total bases lead all batters, and his SLG/ISO/wOBA/wRC+ stats are dominant over the others that share that number. Given his success in both limited and starting roles, the Padres may be happy using him sparingly in a platoon or as a pinch hitter, but it’s highly unlikely he won’t factor into the Padres’ long-term plan this season.
James Wood (OF), WSH
Week 1
| G | AB | PA | H | 1B | 2B | 3B | HR | R | RBI | SO | SB | TB | AVG | SLG | wOBA | wRC+ |
| 1 | 2 | 3 | 1 | 1 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 1 | 0.500 | 0.500 | 0.549 | 235 |
Week 2
| G | AB | PA | H | 1B | 2B | 3B | HR | R | RBI | SO | SB | TB | AVG | SLG | wOBA | wRC+ |
| 3 | 10 | 11 | 3 | 1 | 0 | 0 | 2 | 3 | 3 | 3 | 0 | 9 | 0.300 | 0.900 | -0.046 | -24 |
Week 3
| G | AB | PA | H | 1B | 2B | 3B | HR | R | RBI | SO | SB | TB | AVG | SLG | wOBA | wRC+ |
| 6 | 17 | 19 | 7 | 1 | 4 | 0 | 2 | 6 | 6 | 6 | 0 | 17 | 0.412 | 1.0 | +0.091 | +26 |
Wood had a quad injury early in spring and was limited to hitting as DH but now he seems to be settling into his native spot in left field. The Nats are committed to him being an impact player, and he’s doing that through power and RBI. It feels like he’s still slightly overlooked, possibly since he’s on a young Nats team that average fantasy players don’t trust yet based on recent history.
Cody Bellinger (1B/OF), NYY
Week 1
| G | AB | PA | H | 1B | 2B | 3B | HR | R | RBI | SO | SB | TB | AVG | SLG | wOBA | wRC+ |
| 4 | 10 | 10 | 5 | 3 | 1 | 0 | 1 | 3 | 2 | 2 | 0 | 9 | 0.500 | 0.900 | 0.594 | 267 |
Week 2
| G | AB | PA | H | 1B | 2B | 3B | HR | R | RBI | SO | SB | TB | AVG | SLG | wOBA | wRC+ |
| 4 | 11 | 11 | 5 | 4 | 0 | 0 | 1 | 1 | 1 | 0 | 0 | 8 | 0.455 | 0.727 | -0.085 | -33 |
Week 3
| G | AB | PA | H | 1B | 2B | 3B | HR | R | RBI | SO | SB | TB | AVG | SLG | wOBA | wRC+ |
| 5 | 13 | 16 | 6 | 2 | 4 | 0 | 0 | 5 | 1 | 3 | 0 | 10 | 0.462 | 0.769 | +0.057 | +1 |
Cody Bellinger has had a very consistent spring even if the home run numbers aren’t exciting. Expectations are high for him in Yankee stadium this season – he’s essentially viewed as a drop-in replacement for Soto following Judge in the order. Holding him to that standard feels like a mistake, but if he stays healthy, he should be a stud. He tends to go a bit earlier in drafts than expected given these expectations, so plan accordingly.
Rhys Hoskins (1B), MIL
Week 1
| G | AB | PA | H | 1B | 2B | 3B | HR | R | RBI | SO | SB | TB | AVG | SLG | wOBA | wRC+ |
| 4 | 8 | 12 | 4 | 1 | 0 | 0 | 3 | 6 | 3 | 2 | 0 | 13 | 0.500 | 1.625 | 0.821 | 404 |
Week 2
| G | AB | PA | H | 1B | 2B | 3B | HR | R | RBI | SO | SB | TB | AVG | SLG | wOBA | wRC+ |
| 2 | 5 | 6 | 1 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 1 | 1 | 1 | 1 | 0 | 4 | 0.200 | 0.800 | -0.131 | -81 |
Week 3
| G | AB | PA | H | 1B | 2B | 3B | HR | R | RBI | SO | SB | TB | AVG | SLG | wOBA | wRC+ |
| 5 | 16 | 16 | 4 | 2 | 0 | 0 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 3 | 0 | 10 | 0.250 | 0.625 | -0.090 | -103 |
Another week, another two home runs for Hoskins as his number of at-bats are trending up. The batting average stat is a bit concerning, but the power is there and as long as he continues to hit somewhere from 4-6 in the lineup, there will be juicy runner-in-scoring position opportunities to cash in on with big hits.
Colton Cowser (OF), BAL
Week 1
| G | AB | PA | H | 1B | 2B | 3B | HR | R | RBI | SO | SB | TB | AVG | SLG | wOBA | wRC+ |
| 3 | 6 | 9 | 2 | 2 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 2 | 0 | 2 | 1 | 2 | 0.333 | 0.333 | 0.454 | 175 |
Week 2
| G | AB | PA | H | 1B | 2B | 3B | HR | R | RBI | SO | SB | TB | AVG | SLG | wOBA | wRC+ |
| 4 | 11 | 13 | 4 | 4 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 3 | 1 | 0 | 4 | 0.364 | 0.364 | -0.060 | -25 |
Week 3
| G | AB | PA | H | 1B | 2B | 3B | HR | R | RBI | SO | SB | TB | AVG | SLG | wOBA | wRC+ |
| 5 | 14 | 17 | 6 | 3 | 1 | 0 | 2 | 4 | 3 | 5 | 1 | 13 | 0.429 | 0.929 | +0.200 | +46 |
Cowser’s hitting wasn’t overly impressive the first two weeks with nothing but singles, but Week 3 finally added some power with a double and two home runs. The word for Cowser this spring has been consistency – he has at least one hit in every game where he’s had more than one at-bat (only two games he had a solo at-bat). He’s also being used all over the top half of the lineup which may suggest they’re looking at the best place to utilize his skills.
Ty France (1B), MIN
Week 1
| G | AB | PA | H | 1B | 2B | 3B | HR | R | RBI | SO | SB | TB | AVG | SLG | wOBA | wRC+ |
| 4 | 7 | 9 | 5 | 2 | 2 | 0 | 1 | 2 | 2 | 0 | 1 | 10 | 0.714 | 1.429 | 0.873 | 437 |
Week 2
| G | AB | PA | H | 1B | 2B | 3B | HR | R | RBI | SO | SB | TB | AVG | SLG | wOBA | wRC+ |
| 4 | 13 | 13 | 6 | 3 | 2 | 0 | 1 | 4 | 6 | 3 | 0 | 11 | 0.462 | 0.846 | -0.192 | -120 |
Week 3
| G | AB | PA | H | 1B | 2B | 3B | HR | R | RBI | SO | SB | TB | AVG | SLG | wOBA | wRC+ |
| 4 | 12 | 13 | 4 | 3 | 1 | 0 | 0 | 3 | 1 | 2 | 0 | 5 | 0.333 | 0.417 | -0.190 | -79 |
Similar story to Cowser’s, France is still a steady performer settling down into more of who he likely is long-term. The Twins players always seem to have a ceiling that’s defined (or perhaps limited) by the team’s overall performance, and the team currently sits at the league average for hits and slightly below average for total bases and runs scored this spring. Not a draft day priority for regular-sized leagues, but could be a solid stand-in for deeper leagues.
Matt Wallner (OF), MIN
Week 1
| G | AB | PA | H | 1B | 2B | 3B | HR | R | RBI | SO | SB | TB | AVG | SLG | wOBA | wRC+ |
| 4 | 11 | 12 | 1 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 1 | 1 | 3 | 2 | 0 | 4 | 0.091 | 0.364 | 0.226 | 32 |
Week 2
| G | AB | PA | H | 1B | 2B | 3B | HR | R | RBI | SO | SB | TB | AVG | SLG | wOBA | wRC+ |
| 4 | 13 | 16 | 1 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 1 | 1 | 3 | 5 | 0 | 4 | 0.077 | 0.308 | +0.035 | +9 |
Week 3
| G | AB | PA | H | 1B | 2B | 3B | HR | R | RBI | SO | SB | TB | AVG | SLG | wOBA | wRC+ |
| 5 | 20 | 20 | 9 | 4 | 2 | 0 | 3 | 5 | 7 | 6 | 0 | 20 | 0.450 | 1.0 | +0.338 | +91 |
While remaining focused on the Twins, their standout player for Week 3 has clearly been Matt Wallner. For the start of the season, he looks to be the leadoff hitter versus righties, but the concern will always be whether he can keep the strikeouts under control.
Trevor Story (SS), BOS
Week 1
| G | AB | PA | H | 1B | 2B | 3B | HR | R | RBI | SO | SB | TB | AVG | SLG | wOBA | wRC+ |
| 4 | 12 | 12 | 4 | 2 | 2 | 0 | 0 | 1 | 2 | 4 | 0 | 6 | 0.333 | 0.500 | 0.366 | 117 |
Week 2
| G | AB | PA | H | 1B | 2B | 3B | HR | R | RBI | SO | SB | TB | AVG | SLG | wOBA | wRC+ |
| 3 | 9 | 10 | 6 | 3 | 1 | 0 | 2 | 5 | 3 | 1 | 0 | 13 | 0.667 | 1.444 | +0.226 | +143 |
Week 3
| G | AB | PA | H | 1B | 2B | 3B | HR | R | RBI | SO | SB | TB | AVG | SLG | wOBA | wRC+ |
| 3 | 9 | 9 | 3 | 1 | 2 | 0 | 0 | 1 | 2 | 3 | 0 | 5 | 0.333 | 0.556 | -0.484 | -43 |
As noted last week, Story had a breakout performance in Week 2 and the optimistic stance was he could have a great year if he stays healthy. Shortly after that article was published, he was scratched with back tightness and has recently returned in their three most recent games, going 2-for-8 with a single and a double. Boston still appears committed to him as their Opening Day starter, but injuries have been a big problem for him since leaving Colorado which makes this a troubling development.
Alec Bohm (3B), PHI
Week 1
| G | AB | PA | H | 1B | 2B | 3B | HR | R | RBI | SO | SB | TB | AVG | SLG | wOBA | wRC+ |
| 3 | 8 | 9 | 1 | 1 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 1 | 0 | 2 | 0 | 1 | 0.125 | 0.125 | 0.184 | 3 |
Week 2
| G | AB | PA | H | 1B | 2B | 3B | HR | R | RBI | SO | SB | TB | AVG | SLG | wOBA | wRC+ |
| 4 | 13 | 13 | 5 | 1 | 1 | 0 | 3 | 4 | 3 | 2 | 0 | 15 | 0.385 | 1.154 | +0.257 | +161 |
Week 3
| G | AB | PA | H | 1B | 2B | 3B | HR | R | RBI | SO | SB | TB | AVG | SLG | wOBA | wRC+ |
| 4 | 11 | 14 | 5 | 3 | 2 | 0 | 0 | 5 | 2 | 4 | 0 | 7 | 0.455 | 0.636 | -0.136 | +6 |
Bohm broke into this series last week with his three homers and although he didn’t display as much power this week, the robust run totals keep him fantasy-relevant. Similar to the situation with the Twins, Bohm is highly dependent on which version of the Phillies shows up on a given day, and their spring totals have been tough to set expectations for the coming season – the Phillies are below average in total bases and hits, yet above average in total runs scored.
Joey Ortiz (3B/SS), MIL
Week 1
| G | AB | PA | H | 1B | 2B | 3B | HR | R | RBI | SO | SB | TB | AVG | SLG | wOBA | wRC+ |
| 5 | 12 | 14 | 2 | 1 | 0 | 0 | 1 | 3 | 2 | 4 | 0 | 5 | 0.167 | 0.417 | 0.309 | 84 |
Week 2
| G | AB | PA | H | 1B | 2B | 3B | HR | R | RBI | SO | SB | TB | AVG | SLG | wOBA | wRC+ |
| 3 | 8 | 9 | 4 | 3 | 0 | 1 | 0 | 2 | 0 | 1 | 3 | 6 | 0.500 | 0.750 | +0.251 | +59 |
Week 3
| G | AB | PA | H | 1B | 2B | 3B | HR | R | RBI | SO | SB | TB | AVG | SLG | wOBA | wRC+ |
| 4 | 9 | 13 | 4 | 0 | 2 | 1 | 1 | 3 | 4 | 1 | 0 | 11 | 0.444 | 1.222 | +0.134 | +63 |
Ortiz has been named the starting shortstop for Opening Day and he doesn’t seem to be on many fantasy radars. He’s been showing great improvement week-to-week in what is expected to be a productive offense. If you miss the top-tier shortstops or looking for middle/corner infielder depth, he’s a nice sleeper pick in your drafts.
Jeremy Peña (SS), HOU
Week 1
| G | AB | PA | H | 1B | 2B | 3B | HR | R | RBI | SO | SB | TB | AVG | SLG | wOBA | wRC+ |
| 2 | 5 | 5 | 1 | 1 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 1 | 0 | 0 | 1 | 0.200 | 0.200 | 0.182 | 3 |
Week 2
| G | AB | PA | H | 1B | 2B | 3B | HR | R | RBI | SO | SB | TB | AVG | SLG | wOBA | wRC+ |
| 3 | 8 | 8 | 5 | 3 | 1 | 0 | 1 | 1 | 2 | 1 | 0 | 9 | 0.625 | 1.125 | +0.560 | +217 |
Week 3
| G | AB | PA | H | 1B | 2B | 3B | HR | R | RBI | SO | SB | TB | AVG | SLG | wOBA | wRC+ |
| 5 | 14 | 14 | 6 | 4 | 0 | 0 | 2 | 4 | 5 | 2 | 1 | 12 | 0.429 | 0.857 | -0.204 | +/-0 |
Peña has quietly had a productive spring with slight improvements week-to-week. He’s averaging a hit per game and the RBI numbers are solid even as the Astros have been moving him all over the lineup. The concern around the Astros is the loss of Kyle Tucker has put their offensive production in the bottom third in hits/runs/total bases and it’s not clear who will step up.
Miguel Andujar (OF), ATH
Week 1
| G | AB | PA | H | 1B | 2B | 3B | HR | R | RBI | SO | SB | TB | AVG | SLG | wOBA | wRC+ |
| 4 | 10 | 11 | 4 | 3 | 0 | 0 | 1 | 3 | 2 | 1 | 0 | 7 | 0.400 | 0.700 | 0.499 | 201 |
Week 2
| G | AB | PA | H | 1B | 2B | 3B | HR | R | RBI | SO | SB | TB | AVG | SLG | wOBA | wRC+ |
| 4 | 12 | 15 | 7 | 4 | 2 | 0 | 1 | 3 | 3 | 0 | 0 | 12 | 0.583 | 1.0 | +0.107 | +68 |
Week 3
| G | AB | PA | H | 1B | 2B | 3B | HR | R | RBI | SO | SB | TB | AVG | SLG | wOBA | wRC+ |
| 4 | 12 | 13 | 4 | 2 | 2 | 0 | 0 | 2 | 0 | 3 | 0 | 6 | 0.333 | 0.500 | -0.297 | -49 |
Andujar is a carryover from Week 2 and as with others in this category, he may not be flashy but he’s a steady performer. The Athletics are surprisingly right at the league average in all offensive categories (hits/runs/total bases) and Butler/Rooker tend to go high in drafts, while Andujar is largely not considered at all.
The Wildcards
Players are either on the roster bubble or outside current team plans for inclusion on Opening Day but are making a solid case for more at-bats or consideration. Watch for updates on these players from week to week in this space.
Jac Caglianone (1B/DH), KC
Week 1
| G | AB | PA | H | 1B | 2B | 3B | HR | R | RBI | SO | SB | TB | AVG | SLG | wOBA | wRC+ |
| 4 | 7 | 7 | 3 | 2 | 0 | 0 | 1 | 1 | 2 | 1 | 0 | 6 | 0.429 | 0.857 | 0.538 | 232 |
Week 2
| G | AB | PA | H | 1B | 2B | 3B | HR | R | RBI | SO | SB | TB | AVG | SLG | wOBA | wRC+ |
| 4 | 2 | 5 | 1 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 1 | 1 | 2 | 0 | 0 | 4 | 0.500 | 2.0 | +0.292 | +73 |
Week 3
| G | AB | PA | H | 1B | 2B | 3B | HR | R | RBI | SO | SB | TB | AVG | SLG | wOBA | wRC+ |
| 5 | 8 | 10 | 5 | 1 | 3 | 0 | 1 | 3 | 3 | 2 | 0 | 11 | 0.625 | 1.375 | -0.020 | +39 |
Caglianone has already been told he won’t make the Opening Day roster, making him more of a player to watch than a priority in drafts. This is probably more of a personnel decision rather than a need to prove himself – the Royals have been very successful offensively this spring, and they have a lot of talent available at first base/DH. Therefore, they can be patient with Caglianone by sending him down and letting him continue to gel in the minors (KC did this with Nick Pratto last year after dominating in the spring). It would probably take a significant injury for him to get a call-up in-season, but he deserves a shout-out in this series for his achievements thus far.
Andruw Monasterio (2B/3B), MIL
Week 1
| G | AB | PA | H | 1B | 2B | 3B | HR | R | RBI | SO | SB | TB | AVG | SLG | wOBA | wRC+ |
| 6 | 11 | 14 | 4 | 3 | 1 | 0 | 0 | 2 | 0 | 2 | 1 | 5 | 0.364 | 0.455 | 0.445 | 169 |
Week 2
| G | AB | PA | H | 1B | 2B | 3B | HR | R | RBI | SO | SB | TB | AVG | SLG | wOBA | wRC+ |
| 2 | 1 | 4 | 1 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 1 | 2 | 2 | 0 | 0 | 4 | 1.0 | 4.0 | +0.593 | +81 |
Week 3
| G | AB | PA | H | 1B | 2B | 3B | HR | R | RBI | SO | SB | TB | AVG | SLG | wOBA | wRC+ |
| 5 | 10 | 11 | 6 | 4 | 1 | 1 | 0 | 5 | 1 | 1 | 2 | 9 | 0.600 | 0.900 | -0.382 | +16 |
With the shoulder injury to Brice Turang, the Brewers have been evaluating a lot of their depth utility infielders. Monasterio has been the main beneficiary of extra time, possibly because he had major league experience from last year, and has been successful as a base-stealing threat. Turang is expected to recover fully by Opening Day so it remains to be seen how much Monasterio works himself onto the active roster (see below for his main competition). One notable stat where he has shown development from last year is patience at the plate with only three strikeouts in 22 at-bats.
Vinny Capra (2B/3B/SS), MIL
Week 1
| G | AB | PA | H | 1B | 2B | 3B | HR | R | RBI | SO | SB | TB | AVG | SLG | wOBA | wRC+ |
| 6 | 14 | 14 | 5 | 2 | 0 | 0 | 3 | 3 | 7 | 6 | 1 | 14 | 0.357 | 1.0 | 0.559 | 239 |
Week 2
| G | AB | PA | H | 1B | 2B | 3B | HR | R | RBI | SO | SB | TB | AVG | SLG | wOBA | wRC+ |
| 3 | 6 | 8 | 2 | 0 | 1 | 0 | 1 | 1 | 1 | 0 | 1 | 6 | 0.333 | 1.0 | -0.003 | -2 |
Week 3
| G | AB | PA | H | 1B | 2B | 3B | HR | R | RBI | SO | SB | TB | AVG | SLG | wOBA | wRC+ |
| 5 | 13 | 17 | 4 | 1 | 2 | 0 | 1 | 3 | 4 | 3 | 0 | 9 | 0.308 | 0.692 | -0.089 | -26 |
The leverage that Capra still holds over Monasterio is that he does not have minor league options left, so it’s more likely that he remains the primary depth option behind the trio of Brice Turang/Joey Ortiz/Oliver Dunn. He’s steadily productive enough and defensively strong enough that he just feels like the prototypical Brewer player. Since this series is more focused on the fantasy impact, Capra is your AVG/OBP/RBI producer, Monasterio is your stolen-base/runs performer.
Ben Rice (1B/DH), NYY
Week 1
| G | AB | PA | H | 1B | 2B | 3B | HR | R | RBI | SO | SB | TB | AVG | SLG | wOBA | wRC+ |
| 4 | 12 | 12 | 3 | 2 | 0 | 0 | 1 | 2 | 2 | 5 | 0 | 6 | 0.250 | 0.500 | 0.314 | 88 |
Week 2
| G | AB | PA | H | 1B | 2B | 3B | HR | R | RBI | SO | SB | TB | AVG | SLG | wOBA | wRC+ |
| 3 | 7 | 9 | 1 | 1 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 1 | 0 | 1 | 0 | 1 | 0.143 | 0.143 | -0.049 | -18 |
Week 3
| G | AB | PA | H | 1B | 2B | 3B | HR | R | RBI | SO | SB | TB | AVG | SLG | wOBA | wRC+ |
| 6 | 20 | 23 | 6 | 4 | 0 | 0 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 6 | 1 | 12 | 0.300 | 0.600 | +0.145 | +36 |
Rice is seeing more at-bats with Paul Goldschmidt dealing with his back injury; Ben Rice is mainly being tested as a leadoff hitter and has shown some power with those chances. He also had many opportunities last year, debuting strong with a triple-homer game but faded due to plate discipline down the stretch. This boom-bust profile is showing again this spring, so the Yankees probably know what they have in Rice, and it’s just a question of how patient they are with him related to their options.
Cam Smith (3B), HOU
Week 1
| G | AB | PA | H | 1B | 2B | 3B | HR | R | RBI | SO | SB | TB | AVG | SLG | wOBA | wRC+ |
| 4 | 6 | 9 | 3 | 1 | 0 | 0 | 2 | 4 | 3 | 1 | 0 | 9 | 0.500 | 1.5 | 0.791 | 385 |
Week 2
| G | AB | PA | H | 1B | 2B | 3B | HR | R | RBI | SO | SB | TB | AVG | SLG | wOBA | wRC+ |
| 3 | 7 | 9 | 5 | 4 | 0 | 1 | 0 | 1 | 4 | 1 | 0 | 7 | 0.714 | 1.0 | -0.028 | -16 |
Week 3
| G | AB | PA | H | 1B | 2B | 3B | HR | R | RBI | SO | SB | TB | AVG | SLG | wOBA | wRC+ |
| 4 | 13 | 13 | 3 | 2 | 0 | 0 | 1 | 2 | 2 | 4 | 0 | 6 | 0.231 | 0.462 | -0.453 | -129 |
The campaign for Cam Smith as Opening Day starter has gotten tougher as the bat has cooled off going into Week 3. The main factor will be whether he can competently play right fieldas the coaching staff continues to strongly suggest the job is his if he can succeed at it. They’re fully committed to Altuve in the outfield as well, so anybody who can play competent defense in the outfield seems to have a free pass to a roster spot and this is what can help them overlook Smith’s lack of MLB experience. The alternative option is most likely Chas McCormick, who is struggling a bit with 0.167 AVG and 0.347 wOBA/102 wRC+ this spring (his nine walks and four steals are keeping his statline respectable).
Jake Mangum (OF), TB
Week 1
| G | AB | PA | H | 1B | 2B | 3B | HR | R | RBI | SO | SB | TB | AVG | SLG | wOBA | wRC+ |
| 5 | 7 | 8 | 3 | 2 | 1 | 0 | 0 | 2 | 0 | 1 | 0 | 4 | 0.429 | 0.571 | 0.477 | 190 |
Week 2
| G | AB | PA | H | 1B | 2B | 3B | HR | R | RBI | SO | SB | TB | AVG | SLG | wOBA | wRC+ |
| 4 | 7 | 8 | 3 | 1 | 2 | 0 | 0 | 1 | 4 | 0 | 0 | 5 | 0.429 | 0.714 | +0.012 | +1 |
Week 3
| G | AB | PA | H | 1B | 2B | 3B | HR | R | RBI | SO | SB | TB | AVG | SLG | wOBA | wRC+ |
| 5 | 12 | 13 | 6 | 4 | 0 | 0 | 2 | 2 | 5 | 2 | 1 | 12 | 0.500 | 1.0 | +0.147 | +42 |
The Rays have another position battle going on with their outfield. Jake Mangum is probably on the outside looking in right now, but he has the strongest spring stats of all their currently penciled-in starters. Manager Kevin Cash has said positive things about his play but the at-bat volume isn’t quite there to suggest he’s ready to finally move out of Triple-A. Returning to the stats of the established starters – Christopher Morel, Jonny DeLuca, and Josh Lowe – Lowe is the only one with wOBA or AVG over 0.300. Morel has 14 strikeouts and a wRC+ of 24 over 33 at-bats. Likewise, DeLuca’s wRC+ is 44 over 29 at-bats (but with more plate discipline). It’s highly likely this situation is not sustainable making Mangum one to watch.
Brett Baty (2B), NYM
Luisangel Acuña (2B), NYM
Week 1
Baty
| G | AB | PA | H | 1B | 2B | 3B | HR | R | RBI | SO | SB | TB | AVG | SLG | wOBA | wRC+ |
| 5 | 13 | 14 | 7 | 4 | 1 | 0 | 2 | 5 | 3 | 0 | 0 | 14 | 0.538 | 1.077 | 0.681 | 322 |
Acuña
| G | AB | PA | H | 1B | 2B | 3B | HR | R | RBI | SO | SB | TB | AVG | SLG | wOBA | wRC+ |
| 5 | 10 | 11 | 2 | 2 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 2 | 1 | 2 | 2 | 2 | 0.200 | 0.200 | 0.235 | 36 |
Week 2
Baty
| G | AB | PA | H | 1B | 2B | 3B | HR | R | RBI | SO | SB | TB | AVG | SLG | wOBA | wRC+ |
| 5 | 11 | 13 | 2 | 1 | 1 | 0 | 0 | 1 | 2 | 3 | 0 | 3 | 0.182 | 0.273 | -0.401 | -128 |
Acuña
| G | AB | PA | H | 1B | 2B | 3B | HR | R | RBI | SO | SB | TB | AVG | SLG | wOBA | wRC+ |
| 4 | 9 | 9 | 1 | 1 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 1 | 0 | 2 | 0 | 1 | 0.111 | 0.111 | -0.134 | -41 |
Week 3
Baty
| G | AB | PA | H | 1B | 2B | 3B | HR | R | RBI | SO | SB | TB | AVG | SLG | wOBA | wRC+ |
| 4 | 11 | 12 | 3 | 2 | 1 | 0 | 0 | 1 | 0 | 2 | 1 | 4 | 0.273 | 0.364 | +0.038 | -36 |
Acuña
| G | AB | PA | H | 1B | 2B | 3B | HR | R | RBI | SO | SB | TB | AVG | SLG | wOBA | wRC+ |
| 5 | 12 | 12 | 4 | 3 | 1 | 0 | 0 | 1 | 1 | 2 | 1 | 5 | 0.333 | 0.417 | +0.231 | +36 |
Jeff McNeil’s oblique injury opens up an opportunity for Baty/Acuña at second base to start the season. For now, the rumor is they both will play as part of a platoon, but Baty has been the more productive hitter this spring. Quite a lot of that production came in Week 1 when he was featured in this series. As stated earlier, the Mets offense overall isn’t that exciting so far, and unless one of these two really makes a strong push over the next few weeks (McNeil is expected to start on the 15-day IL) they may both find themselves either sent down to Triple-A or reduced to a depth role.
Alejandro Osuna (OF), TEX
Week 1
| G | AB | PA | H | 1B | 2B | 3B | HR | R | RBI | SO | SB | TB | AVG | SLG | wOBA | wRC+ |
| 8 | 13 | 17 | 4 | 4 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 1 | 2 | 3 | 2 | 4 | 0.308 | 0.308 | 0.344 | 105 |
Week 2
| G | AB | PA | H | 1B | 2B | 3B | HR | R | RBI | SO | SB | TB | AVG | SLG | wOBA | wRC+ |
| 5 | 9 | 9 | 5 | 2 | 2 | 1 | 0 | 0 | 1 | 1 | 0 | 9 | 0.556 | 1.0 | +0.311 | +66 |
Week 3
| G | AB | PA | H | 1B | 2B | 3B | HR | R | RBI | SO | SB | TB | AVG | SLG | wOBA | wRC+ |
| 6 | 6 | 10 | 3 | 1 | 1 | 0 | 1 | 2 | 4 | 2 | 0 | 7 | 0.500 | 1.167 | +0.052 | +43 |
This is a deep reach, but Osuna continues to get looks in the Rangers offense and he’s making the most out of them. Manager Bruce Bochy had a lot of praise for his at-bat in the bottom of the ninth with two outs:
“He doesn’t stop impressing you…I was glad he got up there at that moment. I wanted to see it. He was aggressive, but he still took pitches. He’s a ball player. This guy’s done everything so well on both sides, running the bases. He ended up getting a big walk there. You are hoping he gets a pitch because he’s our hottest hitter.”
He’s been seeing most of his playtime in left field as Wyatt Langford gets eased back from an oblique injury but has also been brought in for a number of pinch-runner/hitter opportunities as Bochy seems to be evaluating him from many different angles. The Rangers seem to be open to new talent and the fact that Osuna has not been sent down in early cuts is an encouraging sign for the future. Look for a final update on him in next week’s wrap-up.
Nasim Nuñez (SS), WSH
Week 1
| G | AB | PA | H | 1B | 2B | 3B | HR | R | RBI | SO | SB | TB | AVG | SLG | wOBA | wRC+ |
| 5 | 7 | 9 | 2 | 2 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 3 | 0 | 1 | 1 | 2 | 0.286 | 0.286 | 0.369 | 121 |
Week 2
| G | AB | PA | H | 1B | 2B | 3B | HR | R | RBI | SO | SB | TB | AVG | SLG | wOBA | wRC+ |
| 5 | 8 | 9 | 4 | 3 | 1 | 0 | 0 | 3 | 1 | 0 | 4 | 5 | 0.500 | 0.625 | +0.156 | +47 |
Week 3
| G | AB | PA | H | 1B | 2B | 3B | HR | R | RBI | SO | SB | TB | AVG | SLG | wOBA | wRC+ |
| 7 | 12 | 13 | 7 | 6 | 1 | 0 | 0 | 5 | 3 | 1 | 2 | 8 | 0.583 | 0.667 | +0.049 | +32 |
Another obscure name to remember from this spring is Nasim Nuñez – your solo stolen base leader (7). Nuñez made the opening day roster last season for the Nats and played in 51 games with 8 stolen bases. He’s been used often as a pinch runner but has started six games and currently is listed on the depth chart as CJ Abrams’s primary backup. Speculation from late last year was if Ildemaro Vargas left the Nats to free agency (which he did) that would free up a larger role for someone like Nuñez, and the concern with Abrams has always been his defense (17 errors last season) as well as possible off-field issues. He’s another player to watch for in next week’s wrap-up.
Week 3 Risers/Fallers
Top 10 wOBA/wRC+ Risers in Week 3 (> 5 AB):
| Player | Team | G | AB | PA | H | 1B | 2B | 3B | HR | R | RBI | SO | SB | TB | AVG | SLG | wOBA | wRC+ |
| Paul Goldschmidt | NYY | 4 | 9 | 12 | 6 | 2 | 2 | 0 | 2 | 5 | 6 | 0 | 0 | 14 | 0.667 | 1.556 | +0.631 | +141 |
| Gavin Sheets | SD | 7 | 18 | 20 | 10 | 5 | 0 | 0 | 5 | 6 | 7 | 3 | 0 | 25 | 0.556 | 1.389 | +0.528 | +149 |
| Jacob Amaya | CHW | 4 | 6 | 8 | 3 | 1 | 2 | 0 | 0 | 2 | 0 | 1 | 0 | 5 | 0.500 | 0.833 | +0.498 | +97 |
| Joe Mack | MIA | 3 | 6 | 7 | 3 | 3 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 1 | 1 | 1 | 0 | 3 | 0.500 | 0.500 | +0.496 | +40 |
| Nick Loftin | KC | 5 | 14 | 17 | 6 | 4 | 2 | 0 | 0 | 2 | 2 | 3 | 0 | 8 | 0.429 | 0.571 | +0.492 | -23 |
| Jordan Westburg | BAL | 4 | 12 | 14 | 5 | 3 | 2 | 0 | 0 | 2 | 1 | 3 | 0 | 7 | 0.417 | 0.583 | +0.480 | +146 |
| Edmundo Sosa | PHI | 4 | 11 | 13 | 6 | 3 | 2 | 0 | 1 | 2 | 5 | 0 | 1 | 11 | 0.545 | 1.0 | +0.465 | +107 |
| Zach Dezenzo | HOU | 5 | 13 | 15 | 7 | 4 | 1 | 0 | 2 | 5 | 4 | 2 | 1 | 14 | 0.538 | 1.077 | +0.456 | +106 |
| Jacob Stallings | COL | 5 | 12 | 13 | 6 | 4 | 0 | 0 | 2 | 4 | 5 | 2 | 0 | 12 | 0.500 | 1.0 | +0.454 | +148 |
| Cal Stevenson | PHI | 6 | 10 | 15 | 3 | 2 | 0 | 0 | 1 | 5 | 4 | 2 | 0 | 6 | 0.300 | 0.600 | +0.447 | +81 |
Top 10 wOBR/wRC+ Fallers in Week 3 (> 5 AB):
| Player | Team | G | AB | PA | H | 1B | 2B | 3B | HR | R | RBI | SO | SB | TB | AVG | SLG | wOBA | wRC+ |
| Daniel Schneemann | CLE | 6 | 14 | 16 | 5 | 3 | 2 | 0 | 0 | 2 | 0 | 2 | 0 | 7 | 0.357 | 0.500 | -0.763 | -26 |
| Matt Chapman | SF | 5 | 14 | 15 | 5 | 5 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 2 | 3 | 3 | 0 | 5 | 0.357 | 0.357 | -0.626 | -114 |
| Nick Sogard | BOS | 7 | 14 | 16 | 1 | 1 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 1 | 1 | 7 | 1 | 1 | 0.071 | 0.071 | -0.596 | -78 |
| Nick Ahmed | TEX | 5 | 12 | 12 | 3 | 3 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 2 | 0 | 5 | 1 | 3 | 0.250 | 0.250 | -0.550 | -85 |
| Ryan McMahon | COL | 5 | 16 | 17 | 2 | 2 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 1 | 1 | 8 | 0 | 2 | 0.125 | 0.125 | -0.515 | -82 |
| Korey Lee | CHW | 4 | 10 | 11 | 4 | 3 | 1 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 1 | 0 | 0 | 5 | 0.400 | 0.500 | -0.511 | -22 |
| Jose Herrera | ARI | 3 | 10 | 10 | 1 | 0 | 1 | 0 | 0 | 1 | 1 | 2 | 0 | 2 | 0.100 | 0.200 | -0.510 | -75 |
| Trevor Story | BOS | 3 | 9 | 9 | 3 | 1 | 2 | 0 | 0 | 1 | 2 | 3 | 0 | 5 | 0.333 | 0.556 | -0.484 | -43 |
| Nathan Lukes | TOR | 4 | 7 | 7 | 1 | 1 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 1 | 3 | 0 | 1 | 0.143 | 0.143 | -0.480 | -45 |
| Austin Hedges | CLE | 5 | 14 | 14 | 1 | 1 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 5 | 0 | 1 | 0.071 | 0.071 | -0.468 | -78 |