Utility is the name of the game in baseball today. Now more than ever, teams want guys that can play everyday, play multi positions and accumulate at bats. Here are nine players who are valuable utility guys.
Enrique Hernandez, 2B/SS/OF, Dodgers: Hernandez is going to be the starting second baseman for the Dodgers but he will still continue to play shortstop and in the outfield as well. Dave Roberts like using the versatile Hernandez at as many positions as possible.
Marwin Gonzalez, 1B/2B/SS/OF, Twins: Gonzalez has moved onto the Twins but he is still the standard bearer when it comes to super utility players. Expect him to once again get 400 at bats with the Twins.
Chris Taylor, 2B/SS/OF, Dodgers: Taylor’s numbers dipped last season but he is still worth drafting because he can play three positions and will be in the line up most nights. If nothing else, Taylor is a worthy bench piece for you.
Hernan Perez, 2B/3B/SS/OF, Brewers: I would also Draft or add Perez in 12 team leagues. While he is versatile, he doesn’t produce enough despite getting 334 at bats last season. Perez mostly plays against lefties so that is another thing to consider when deciding whether or not to draft him. Perez might be worth playing in DFS against lefties.
Isiah Kiner-Falefa, 2B/3B/C, Rangers: Falefa’s value is in that he can catch. He carved out a role for himself last season on a bad Rangers team playing in 111 games and picking up 396 at bats. The production isn’t great offensively but in deeper leagues, Falafa is worth rostering because he makes consistent contact and steals the occasional base. He has averaged 9.7 steals per season in his career.
Yairo Munoz, 2B/3B/SS/OF, Cardinals: Munoz was acquired in the Stephen Piscotty deal with the A’s. He is known for his defense and speed but wasn’t as impressive in those two areas last season when he filled in for Paul DeJong. He did however impress the Cardinals offensively belting 8 home runs and stealing 11 bases. At this point, Munoz is only worth rostering in 12 team leagues at best.
Neil Walker, 1B/2B/3B, Marlins: The veteran Walker has turned into a journeyman of sorts but he does have value these days as a utility man. He can play three of the four infield positions and provides good power. The only issue with Walker. He doesn’t play against lefties. Walker could be a cheap match up play against righties in DFS.
Brock Holt, 2B/SS/OF, Red Sox: The Brock Star is one of the faces of the super utility movement. He got 367 at bats last season and played in 109 games. The playing time is there but the production is not.
Daniel Robertson, 2B/SS/3B, Rays: Robertson will play all three middle infield positions and play most nights. He hit nine home runs last season and he does draw walks. There is enough offensive potential there to consider adding him in deeper leagues or playing on occasion in DFS.