Marcus Stroman (SP, NYM) - Fantasy Baseball Draft Sleepers

BALLER MOVE: Draft target ~ 180

CURRENT ADP: ~208 overall

ANALYSIS: Marcus Stroman was traded to the New York Mets at the trade deadline and took some time to adjust to a much different team and league. However, he improved during the month of September, likely because he began to feel more comfortable in his new situation. The most intriguing aspect of his improvement is his strikeout-to-walk ratio, as his 16.4 K-BB% would be a career-high. We can reasonably project improvement here over a full season since Stroman will no longer have to pitch in hitter havens like Camden Yards or Rogers’ Centre.

Stroman induces ground-balls at a high rate (four seasons with a GB% greater than 60%), so leaving the Rogers’ Centre turf will help. While the Mets’ infield defense has been much-maligned, there should be improvements here - shortstop Amed Rosario is still only 24, plus Jeff McNeil is projected to play third base full-time, which is his best defensive position.

Even if the infield defense remains mediocre, the ballpark and league upgrade will outweigh this negative factor. Stroman is motivated to perform at a high level after a slow start to his Mets career. The team will rely on him more with the season-ending injury to Noah Syndergaard, so Stroman looks like a nice target as a high-volume option, which is extra important in this short season.