RADIO
BALLER MOVE: Target ~220
CURRENT ADP: 266
ANALYSIS: Regarded as a top-shelf defensive catcher, Austin Hedges bucked his one-sided reputation in 2017 by hitting 18 homeruns, tied eighth-best for signal-callers. Unfortunately, the power did not translate into other fantasy-useful categories. Hedges finished outside the top-20 for backstops with a meager 36 runs, 55 RBI and .214/.262/.398 slash.
Entering 2018, the 25-year-old Hedges spent his offseason working on a steadier swing and plate discipline. Last year's power surge wasn't a complete surprise. In 2016, Hedges mashed in Triple-A with 21 homers, 82 RBI and a .951 OPS in 334 PAs. A leap in ISO from .042 to .183 last season supported encouraging trends observed in the minors. His 33.1% Hard% also put him top-10 amongst catchers. His average in 2017 was depressed by a .260 BABIP. A lingering head injury undoubtedly affected performance for months. Hedges projects to bat sixth or seventh in an improved Padres offense and has a shot to surpass last year's runs and RBI totals.
Because of his defense, Hedges will play regularly. Catchers share the same structural risks: injuries, playing time, and a dearth of speed. However, Hedges possesses growth potential, a trait hardened veterans Salvador Perez and Yadier Molina lack. He's not Perez or Molina, but Hedges' basement-level ADP presents a free option for managers reluctant to bear catcher risk early in drafts.
Check out RotoBaller's entire fantasy baseball waiver wire pickups and sleepers list, updated daily!
