In the world of fantasy baseball, one of the most exciting and challenging things is managing the young players. There is an incredible opportunity as players are discounted because of the potential variety they bring to our game. Whether it’s a lack of track record at the major league level or the uncertainty of playing time, the market just doesn’t work well for these youngsters. For most managers, the potential for a rookie starter is too much to pass up. These young players can make or break a dream season. Let’s check out a few young players trying to establish themselves as mainstays in our fantasy programs in this week’s edition of Hitter Profiles.
Joey Loperfido
At 25 years old, Loperfido is on the outer edge of being a prospect, but he still stands tall at 6’4″ and 195 pounds. This year he showed significant promise with 13 homers in 25 AAA games and a 25-homer, 27-steal season at three minor league levels in 2023. However, his transition to the majors has been difficult, averaging around a 40% strikeout rate. in his first 14 games. Although this adjustment period is risky, Houston seems willing to give Loperfido the time he needs. To all the players out there today radar, he may have the highest upside due to his power-speed combination, but also the worst if his hitting issues continue. This is the type of player who plays matchups and sticks on the bench as we find out if he can adjust. I believe there is a bright future for Joey, it’s just a question of when he gets here.
2024 All Season: Catch
Miguel Vargas
The 24-year-old outfielder made a name for himself last season by taking bats without swinging due to injury. As an unsurprisingly clear connection, his 2023 season was largely a waste. Throughout his minor league career, Vargas has displayed a .300 hitting profile with 25 homers and a handful of steals. He rarely hits more than 20% of the time and gets an above-average clip, giving him the upper hand. With a chance on the Dodgers’ roster, especially given the performances of Gavin Lux and Enrique Hernandez, there’s a lot to like about his future in Los Angeles.
2024 Season Break: Buy
Jordan Beck
Any exciting young hitter for the Rockies is a significant check, given that Coors Field has been the best hitter’s park for the past three years and remains in the top three in 2024. 23-year-old Jordan Beck is fourth. -Limited hope in the Colorado program. Through 21 games, he’s hitting 38% without a single walk, but he’s shown plenty of power, including back-to-back games with long balls. While the adjustment period may take some time, the Rockies should have plenty of playing time to develop. There’s a lot to like in the long run as his power starts to translate, though the near term may be streaky. We have to remember that Colorado’s hitting record is mixed and it will take a special prospect to break through.
2024 Season Break: Sell
Luis Matos
The youngest player on our list at 22 years old, Luis Matos could be the most exciting if the playing time lasts. In just 11 games this season, Matos has hit two homers and collected a career-high 18 RBIs. It’s his profile that’s really interesting—Matos projects as a 20/20 hitter with a high rating, thanks to his strong plate approach. Throughout his minor league career, he often walked more than his first baseman, his highest strikeout rate was just 16% for the A’s. While San Francisco isn’t a hitter’s park and players like Austin Slater and Michael Conforto will eventually return and force the Giants to make a decision, Matos has a chance to make that decision difficult. If he can maintain his hot start and perform like he did in spring training, where he hit over .300 with four homers and multiple counts, Matos could solidify his spot on the roster.
2024 Season Break: Buy
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