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Thairo Estrada 2024 Outlook: Don’t Overpay For Underwhelming Talent
12 months agoSan Francisco Giants infielder Thairo Estrada finished 2023 with a .271 batting average, 14 home runs, 49 RBI, 63 runs, and 23 stolen bases. His season was interrupted by injuries that limited him to 120 games, including a hand fracture that took him out of action for a month after getting hit by a pitch on July 3. Estrada's batting average was buoyed by a .331 BABIP and his average exit velocity of 85.9 MPH ranked him in the fourth percentile of qualified major leaguers. His walk rate decreased from 6.1% in 2022 to 4.2%, putting him in the third percentile of that category. He is projected to hit second in the Giants' lineup in 2024 but he will not last long there if he cannot get on base. Another 20-steal season is in reach, and he has eligibility at three positions (2B, SS, and OF) but that is where Estrada's fantasy appeal ends. Taking a chance on Estrada at his 144.3 ADP is unnecessary when there are plenty of other second basemen that fit his profile available further down the board.
