BATTERS: Early 2017 targets
Sep 12 2016
Our last Batters Buyers Guide column of the regular season will help you identify some early 2017 speculative and breakout targets.
Since a breakout target in one league might be a speculative target in another, we'll try to provide an extensive cross-section of guys who could fit either bill.
Here are 10 guys in each league who could be in store for big gains in 2017.
AMERICAN LEAGUE
Greg Bird (1B, NYY) missed the 2016 season due to a labrum tear in his shoulder. Shrewd owners will tuck away the immense power he flashed in September 2015 (252 xPX), along with a double-digit walk rate and strong 109 BPV. If he can close down some of the holes in his swing, his flyball stroke and power ceiling make him an immediate 30-HR threat in...
Almost!
You’re just a few clicks away from accessing this feature and hundreds more throughout the year that have a singular goal in mind: Winning your league. Subscribe to BaseballHQ.com here!
Already a subscriber? Sign in here
More From Batters
Elly De La Cruz's good start to the season has been even better than it appears on the surface.
Apr 27 2026 3:15am
Apr 27 2026 3:15am
Chandler Simpson's hitting leadoff versus RHP, more Atlanta movement, and Rice getting run against LHP.
Apr 24 2026 3:05am
Apr 24 2026 3:05am
Nick Castellanos isn't showing any underlying signs that he can rebound from his slow start to the season.
Apr 20 2026 3:05am
Apr 20 2026 3:05am
Tyler Stephenson's modest early surface results are overshadowing some electric batted ball quality.
Apr 13 2026 3:06am
Apr 13 2026 3:06am
Drake Baldwin has entrenched himself in the second spot in the lineup, plus other hitters seeing a rise or decline in value based on the batting order.
Apr 10 2026 3:06am
Apr 10 2026 3:06am
