It’s an All-Star edition of the Monday market movers, as all of our upgrades have been selected for the summer showcase in Philadelphia next Tuesday. Hey now, you’re an All-Star, get your game on, go play.
As always, use this column as you see fit — for self-scouting, pickup advice, trade counsel. And if you have a respectful piece of disagreement, I’m all ears — catch me on social media.
Otto Lopez, 2B/SS, Marlins: He’s this year’s winner of the Geraldo Perdomo/Maikel Garcia Award, the most improved player in the league. Lopez has always had elite bat control, but this year he’s made technical improvements and ***** ped his quality of contact as well. Sure, the slash line is a little over his skis, but only slightly — the Statcast data suggests a .300 average and .464 slugging. And the cherry on the top of the sundae is the steals, with Lopez motoring for 30 or more this year. Lopez will justly get some down-ballot MVP love this year, an amazing turnaround for someone who was cut by the Blue Jays and Giants.
Freddie Freeman, 1B, Dodgers: I couldn’t view Freeman as a proactive pick in March, given that he was entering an age-36 season. But he continues to be remarkably consistent — note that his OPS+ is 141, 143 and 144 the last three years. Last year, Freeman slashed .295/.367/.502, this year it’s .293/.383/.502. Sometimes we have to consider different aging curves for future Hall of Famers.
Sal Stewart, 1B/2B/3B, Reds: He’s the runaway leader in challenges won among hitters, showcasing his elite eye. In line with that, Stewart has a modest strikeout rate and an excellent walk rate, while maintaining an exciting hard-hit profile. Stewart also checks the versatility box, stealing bases and covering three infield spots for Yahoo managers. Impressive stuff from someone in their age-22 season.
As always, use this column as you see fit — for self-scouting, pickup advice, trade counsel. And if you have a respectful piece of disagreement, I’m all ears — catch me on social media.
Otto Lopez, 2B/SS, Marlins: He’s this year’s winner of the Geraldo Perdomo/Maikel Garcia Award, the most improved player in the league. Lopez has always had elite bat control, but this year he’s made technical improvements and ***** ped his quality of contact as well. Sure, the slash line is a little over his skis, but only slightly — the Statcast data suggests a .300 average and .464 slugging. And the cherry on the top of the sundae is the steals, with Lopez motoring for 30 or more this year. Lopez will justly get some down-ballot MVP love this year, an amazing turnaround for someone who was cut by the Blue Jays and Giants.
Freddie Freeman, 1B, Dodgers: I couldn’t view Freeman as a proactive pick in March, given that he was entering an age-36 season. But he continues to be remarkably consistent — note that his OPS+ is 141, 143 and 144 the last three years. Last year, Freeman slashed .295/.367/.502, this year it’s .293/.383/.502. Sometimes we have to consider different aging curves for future Hall of Famers.
Sal Stewart, 1B/2B/3B, Reds: He’s the runaway leader in challenges won among hitters, showcasing his elite eye. In line with that, Stewart has a modest strikeout rate and an excellent walk rate, while maintaining an exciting hard-hit profile. Stewart also checks the versatility box, stealing bases and covering three infield spots for Yahoo managers. Impressive stuff from someone in their age-22 season.
3 months ago
