Kolten Wong (2B, STL) - 2015 Fantasy Baseball Sleeper

BALLER MOVE: Target as High-End 2B2

ANALYSIS: Kolten Wong started the 2014 season ice-cold and was sent down briefly, but he raked when he came back before injuring his shoulder. Steamer projects just 11 HR and 17 SB for Wong in 2015. Even with the ups and down of his rookie year and a shoulder injury, his 12 homers in 2014 ranked seventh among all second basemen, and his 20 stolen bases ranked sixth. These totals came in only 433 plate appearances, so it’s reasonable to expect more in a full, healthy season. Also, with an 85% success SB rate in the big leagues and an OBP that should improve from the .292 mark he posted in 2014, I’d put him in the 25-30 range.

Wong reportedly would like to bat leadoff. While Matt Carpenter or Jason Heyward will likely do the honors, that would certainly be a welcome development for his fantasy owners. Wong was well-regarded as a prospect and showed a solid all-around skill-set as a rookie, despite struggling with consistency and injury. He has quick hands, surprising pop and the ability to steal bases. Wong is already mixed-league relevant and with reasonable improvements in his sophomore season, he could be a valuable contributor at a shallow position. His upside is worth chasing late in your draft.