RADIO
BALLER MOVE: Draft target ~70-80
CURRENT ADP: ~88 overall
ANALYSIS: Josh Donaldson is ready to feast within a monstrous Minnesota offense, and he comes with greater power numbers than a premium third-base target like Anthony Rendon. Of course, you trade roughly 50 points of batting average for the 70-pick discount on Donaldson, but the added pop really helps.
RotoBaller is projecting a stat line of .261-36-96-102-3 for Donaldson in the 2020 season. If you think the R+RBI projection is optimistic, Steamer calls for 199 R+RBI. The injury risk remains after shortened 2017 and 2018 campaigns, but a 155-game 2019 without the DH to hide away in is encouraging.
We aren’t here for on-base percentage leagues, but Donaldson's average walk rate of 15% over the last four seasons could yield well over 100 runs in such a potent offense. Hitting in the heart of the order usually leaves you leaning on the 5-8 hitters to drive you in, but Minnesota has Eddie Rosario, Mitch Garver, and Miguel Sano there. That could be several teams’ 3-5 in the order! Donaldson gets the best of both worlds at the cleanup slot. Draft a decent backup in case injury strikes, but the upside is enormous and the median makes him a strong buy.
Check out RotoBaller's entire fantasy baseball waiver wire pickups and sleepers list, updated daily!
