BATTERS: Early bench targets, 2022

As is the case with starting pitchers, owners often overvalue Opening Day starting lineups. As such, bats 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 this space last season, we highlighted Akil Baddoo (CF, DET), Amed Rosario (SS, CLE), and Jared Walsh (1B, LAA) as bench bats worth targeting.

Here are a bunch of bench bats whose value could increase as the 2022 season moves along.
 

AMERICAN LEAGUE

Zack Collins (C, TOR) has an uphill battle for playing time after his trade to TOR. Still, he could hit his way into their C/1B/DH mix if he can tap into the power/patience profile...

Almost!

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