RADIO
BALLER MOVE: Target ~70
Current ADP: 77
ANALYSIS: Eric Hosmer set career-highs in runs (98), RBI (93), on-base percentage (.363), wRC+ (125) and wOBA (.355) for the 2015 World Series champion Royals. He finished the year as the No. 7 fantasy first baseman, ahead of Jose Abreu, Prince Fielder, Albert Pujols and Adrian Gonzalez, all of whom were drafted ahead of Hosmer.
It was Hosmer's most complete season to date. He showed significant improvement with his plate approach-- he swung at 12% fewer pitches outside the strike zone, which helped increase his walk rate (9.1%). By being more selective, he was able to hone in on his pitches, as evidenced by his improved line drive rate (23.4%). Batting average is the one stat that could regress for Hosmer in 2016. His .297 average was boosted by a spectacular July, during which he batted .385. Take that out and he hit .279, right on par with his career average of .280.
It'd be nice for Hosmer to nab double-digit steals like he did from 2011-'13, but fantasy owners will let that slide if he reaches 90 R/90 RBI again. Steamer has him projected for a .285/.348/.448 split with 75 R, 18 HR and 82 RBI, but just six stolen bases.
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