BATTERS: Early 2017 targets

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

Travis Bazzana looks like a frontline 2B with the bat when righties are on the mound.
Jun 8 2026 3:07am
Joc Pederson and two other batters have moved into leadoff for their teams, enhancing their fantasy value.
Jun 5 2026 3:07am
No one hit the ball harder on average than Drake Baldwin in May, which helped him produce at an elite clip for the month.
Jun 1 2026 3:06am
Bryson Stott and Liam Hicks have enhanced their profiles this year by pulling the ball, in different ways.
May 29 2026 3:06am
JJ Bleday's combination of surging batted ball quality and plate discipline gives him the tools to become an impact bat.
May 25 2026 3:10am

Tools