Nicholas Castellanos (3B/OF, DET) - 2018 Fantasy Baseball Sleepers & Draft Values

BALLER MOVE: Target ~80

CURRENT ADP: 103

ANALYSIS: The Detroit Tigers offense is aging and showed a significant drop-off from their 2016 season. In 2017, while most of the roster was struggling, Nicholas Castellanos was the lone bright spot as he continued to improve his offensive ability.

Castellanos had a .272 average with 26 home runs and 101 runs batted in. The one thing that separated him from other hitters was his hard-hit rate (43.4%); he ranked fifth overall among players with at least 500 plate appearances. Castellanos also had 72 extra-base hits, which gives him plenty of room for his stat lines to grow with a healthy offense around him. He improved his plate approach and dropped his strikeout rate down to 21.4%. Some areas for continued improvement are his .193 isolated power and 22.9% strikeout rate against right-handed pitchers.

In 2018, Nick Castellanos is fully expected to hit in the heart of the Tigers’ lineup and to continue making offensive improvements. He also gives your roster flexibility with both third base and outfield eligibility. Castellanos can be drafted a round or two later than his actual value, making him a great choice if you pass on elite third base options.