RADIO
BALLER MOVE: Target ~200 Overall
ANALYSIS: Joc Pederson decimated the Pacific Coast League’s pitching last year, slugging 33 HR and stealing 30 bases. By jettisoning Matt Kemp to the rival Padres, the Dodgers have given the rookie Pederson a vote of confidence, as well as the everyday centerfield job.
Beyond his tools, Pederson gives the Dodgers a young player who wants to learn and has shown that he is capable of making adjustments in order to correct his shortcomings. He raised his batting average against lefties from .200 in 2013 to .290 last season, and has seen his power numbers increase in each of the past three seasons. Pederson will probably have his share of growing pains, and his high strikeout rate will likely keep him from reaching his .302 career minor league mark or stealing 30 bases, but with enough at-bats, he certainly can muster a 20/20 season. Expect him to be drafted in the 17th or 18th rounds of a standard 12-team draft.
Check out RotoBaller's entire fantasy baseball waiver wire pickups and sleepers list, updated daily!
