BATTERS: Early 2017 bench targets

As is the case with starting pitchers, owners often overvalue Opening Day starting lineups. Guys who start the season on the bench often can be rostered at a nice discount. Especially those with hidden or emerging skills, since they are likely to carve out a full-time role once an opportunity arises.

In fact, José Ramírez (3B/LF, CLE) was on the CLE bench at this time last year before producing a $30 season.

Here are a bunch of bench bats whose values could increase as the season moves along.
 

AMERICAN LEAGUE

Chris Carter (1B, NYY) has become an after-thought after being dumped by MIL and being overshadowed by the fantastic spring of Greg Bird (1B, NYY). That said, Carter has proven elite power over multiple seasons, and Bird needs...

Almost!

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