David Manning-USA TODAY Sports
There aren’t many rookie outfielders worth grabbing in one-and-done fantasy baseball leagues this season, especially players that haven’t even earned a spot on a major league squad yet. One outfielder that is worth sitting on all spring, though, is OF George Springer of the Houston Astros.
Springer was the 11th overall pick in the MLB Amateur Draft back in 2011 and he has flown through the team’s farm system. He has posted back-to-back seasons with a batting average over .300 to go along with 61 homers and 77 stolen bases. The outfielder has played like a veteran in the minors and has quickly become one of the top prospects in all of fantasy.
This spring, the 24-year-old posted an awful .161 batting average and seriously struggled at the plate. Despite his problems making contact, Springer still posted a respectable .333 On Base Percentage and has consistently found ways to get on base. He showed glimpses of being a legitimate contributor in OBP formats.
Springer was unfortunately optioned back to the minors this week, but he can still have value this fantasy season. It is only a matter of time until he is called up for good, and with his polished skill set, Springer could be a huge second half contributor. Springer has 20-plus homer potential and should quickly join the league’s 20-20 club with his above average speed.
Springer is obviously a long-term option, but he is a superstar in the making. It would be wiser to stash him away now before the fantasy world discovers just how much value this kid has.
Adam McGill is the Senior Fantasy Sports Writer at Rant Sports. Follow him on Twitter @adammcgill83, like him on Facebook, or add him to you networks on Google here or here.
