RADIO
BALLER MOVE: Target ~205
CURRENT ADP: 255
ANALYSIS: Chicago Cubs shortstop Addison Russell is coming off a tough offensive season in 2017, but is a candidate for a bounce-back season. A foot injury and off the field issues seemed to have factored in Russell's offensive decline this past season. The shortstop hit a disappointing .239 with 12 home runs and 43 RBI, a big drop from his 95 RBI in 2016.
Despite the regression, he is still just 23 years old and seemed to be on his way offensively after the 2016 season. Factoring in the injury and off the field issues, Russell is likely to slip in 2018 drafts. While his counting stats dropped heavily, his OPS only dropped from .738 to .722, showing that his 2017 season was not as awful as first assumed.
Given his age, potential and lineup, Russell, who plays shortstop is at a rare position to find talent at in fantasy leagues and is worth taking the gamble on. He will not provide much speed, and has only topped 54 RBI in a season once, but the Cubs lineup is good enough for him to take a risk on Russell.
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