Monday, February 8, 2016

Fantasy Focus: 2016 Breakout Shortstop- Addison Russell

Addison Russell, SS.  B-R, T-R.  DOB:  1/23/1994.  6'0", 195 lbs.  Organization: Cubs

2015:  .242/.307/.389, 29 2B, 13 HR, 8.0 BB%, 28.5 K%.

Addison Russell has been an acclaimed high-ceiling prospect for awhile now.  I'm not sure what Billy Beane was thinking when he let Russell go to the Cubs in the Samardzija trade, but it is increasingly looking like Russell will make Trader Billy regret that deal.  Those are decent enough numbers from 2015 put up while mostly playing 2B.  The Cubbies liked Russell so much they traded away Starlin Castro to make room at SS for him.  He'll have Ben Zobrist helping him out at 2B.  The numbers the Cubs may be looking at is the BA which increased from .226 to .259 in the second half of 2015 and the K rate which dropped from over 30% to around 25%.  Add in that 2016 will be just his age 22 season when players are generally on a steep part of their learning curve and you have a real breakout possibility.

BTW, I also think Carlos Correa is going to break out, but he's going to be no lower than a 2'nd round fantasy draftee this year, so he does not need any publicity.

1 comment:

  1. Shortstop position is thin this year and I like Russell a lot. I also like Castro for a bounceback year with the Yanks. The other guy that I have to think has a chance to be good is Trea Turner. The Nats let Ian Desmond go because they had enough faith in this kid. If he can hit even a little his speed should make him more than worth a late round pick.

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