👉 TAP TO SAVE 50% WITH CODE SPRING
X
Lost password?

Don't have an account?
Gain Access Now

X

Receive free daily analysis

NFL
NBA
NHL
NASCAR
CFB
MLB
MMA
PGA
ESPORTS
BETTING

Already have an account? Log In

X

Forgot Password


ADP Champs or Chumps: Yasmani Grandal & Rougned Odor

Isn't it amazing? We spend the entire offseason hatching grand plans about how we are going to dominate our leagues. No detail is left unexplored. When Opening Day comes around, we are mentally prepared to treat it as the first step in our inevitable march toward fantasy immortality.

Then, a few games are played and all of our preparation goes out the proverbial window. Tanaka got rocked! Stanton didn't hit a homer! My year is over! As much as we seem to enjoy fretting about our stars, we also take more notice of strong performances on Opening Day than we would on some random date in June.

Four different players hit two homers in their club's opener. One of them was a pitcher whose offensive statistics don't matter in fantasy. Another was Khris Davis, who I offered an opinion on during the offseason. That leaves catcher Yasmani Grandal and second sacker Rougned Odor for the analysis below. Let's get started!

Featured Promo: Save 50% the regular price with discount code SPRING, for a limited time. Exclusive access to our Team Sync platform, DFS cheat sheets, Lineup Optimizers, betting/prop picks, and exclusive content from Nick Mariano and Eric Cross! GAIN ACCESS NOW

 

The Fantasy Jury is Out

Yasmani Grandal (C, LAD) ADP: 147.5

It would be pointless to analyze a one game sample, so I'll use 2016 data until 2017 numbers become more relevant. Grandal's .228/.339/.477 triple slash line in 2016 wasn't spectacular, but 27 bombs in just 457 PAs caught everyone's attention. Grandal always flashed power, but he was more of a 25 homer guy until last year. What happened?

He did a lot to improve his power profile, actually. He hit a few more flies (37.3 percent FB% in 2015, 39.2 percent last year) and made them count with a HR/FB surge (16.3 percent in 2015 to 25.2 percent last year). HR/FB can be difficult to trust, but Grandal's spike seems mostly real. It is easiest to pull home runs, and Grandal pulled a lot more flies (27.1 percent) than he did the previous year (18.4 percent). Statcast also trusts his power, as Grandal's 13.9 percent Brls/BBE ranked 20th in all of MLB last year. He may not have a 25 percent HR/FB again, but Grandal seems to have taken his power game to another level.

Grandal's .228 average last year was poor, but the underlying .250 BABIP may inspire some to bet on a rebound. Don't. Grandal is vulnerable to the shift (.227 when shift was on, .289 when it wasn't), allergic to line drives (17.9 percent career LD%, 16.1 percent last year), and runs like the catcher he is. His career BABIP is .274, and I'd be shocked if it is even that high in 2017. He also struck out 25.4 percent of the time last year, further dragging down his average.

Thankfully, that stat should regress in his favor. Grandal has an excellent eye, posting a 14 percent BB% backed by a 23.3 percent O-Swing%. He is so patient that he frequently watches strike three go by, dooming him to a higher K% than his SwStr% seems to support. Still, his 10.1 percent SwStr% is nowhere near bad enough to sustain a K-rate over 25 percent.

Grandal hit seventh on Opening Day, suggesting that LA's endless depth may rob him of the counting stat opportunities a hitter of his caliber would get on another team. The net result is a talented, yet flawed, fantasy asset. Most of his owners paid for him accordingly, so he gets a Champ tag.

Verdict: Champ

 

Roughned Odor (2B, TEX) ADP: 43.3

I had no idea Odor was this popular on Draft Day. His 33 bombs and 14 steals combined for a nice fantasy package, but his .271 average wasn't special, his .296 OBP was terrible, and his seven CS took a big bite out of his value in leagues that use Net Steals. His 66 percent success rate also means that he probably won't run as often in 2017, especially if Texas stays in the race. If that is the case, all he has is power.

Odor's power seems similar to Grandal's at first. He had a modest increase in FB% (39.7 percent to 42.2 percent) relative to the year before, making most of his gains in the HR/FB department (11.8 percent vs. 17 percent). Unlike Grandal, however, nothing in his profile supports the spike. He pulled an impressive number of fly balls (31.4 percent), but he did that in 2015 too (27.2 percent). Statcast was also unimpressed, as Odor's 8.4 percent Brls/BBE was very meh. The fly ball-heavy profile supports 20 HR or so, but his price requires a lot more to make up for the expected loss of speed.

Did I mention he's a batting average risk? Last year's .297 BABIP was close to the league average despite a low 17.6 percent LD% (career 15.9 percent). He also kept his IFFB% under control for the first time in his young career (8.2 percent last year, career 13.7 percent). Both figures could regress, turning him into a .250 hitter before his atrocious plate discipline is even considered.

His 3 percent BB% was horrific, and the underlying 41.8 percent O-Swing% suggests that it is a fairly accurate representation of Odor's ability. His 21.4 percent K% was league average despite this, but his SwStr% (12 percent) was not as fortunate. His aggressiveness at the plate (54.3 percent Swing%) can help him end PAs before he has a chance to strikeout, but this is the kind of profile that surges to an unacceptable K% in a hurry.

Odor hit 5th on Opening Day, the last batting order slot with any real fantasy value. If he hits like I think he will, he'll lose it before June. Heck, Jurickson Profar may even force him to the bench so speedster Delino DeShields Jr. can play everyday. If you own Odor, all is not lost. His two-homer opener should allow you to trade him for value before everyone realizes just how shaky his profile really is.

Verdict: Chump

 

More Player Outlooks




REAL-TIME FANTASY NEWS

Deiveson Figueiredo

Suffers Second-Round Submission Loss
Song Yadong

Gets Second-Round Submission Win
Russell Wilson

Taking a Job with CBS for 2026 Season
JuJu Smith-Schuster

Giants Adding JuJu Smith-Schuster on a One-Year Deal
Zhang Mingyang

Suffers Back-To-Back Losses
Alonzo Menifield

Gets Back In The Win Column
Braxton Berrios

New York Giants Agree to One-Year Deal with Braxton Berrios
Odell Beckham Jr.

Signing with Giants
Tallison Teixeira

Suffers First-Round Knockout Loss
Myles Garrett

and Jared Verse Swap Teams in Blockbuster Deal
Sergei Pavlovich

Scores First-Round Knockout Win
Cameron Smotherman

Suffers Third Loss In A Row
Edwin Arroyo

Reds Promote Top Infield Prospect Edwin Arroyo, Viewed as Priority Pick Up Ahead of MLB Debut
Kai Asakura

Earns His First UFC Win
Elly De La Cruz

Placed on IL with Right Hamstring Tightness
Mason Taylor

Dynasty Value Takes a Hit for Now
Denny Hamlin

Earns the first Nashville Cup Series Victory of his Career on Sunday
Zachariah Branch

a Steal in the Second Round of Rookie Drafts?
Christopher Bell

Finishes as the Runner-Up at Nashville
Chase Briscoe

Earns First Career Podium Finish at Nashville
Ryan Blaney

Scores A Solid Top-10 Finish at Nashville
Eli Stowers

Worth Targeting Now Before Eventual Breakout?
Kyle Larson

Top-10 Streak at Nashville Ends after Late Flat Tire Spin
Germie Bernard

Expected to Require Some Patience in Dynasty Leagues
Denzel Boston

a First-Round Target in Dynasty Rookie Drafts
Bryce Young

Dynasty Value Impacted by Inconsistency
Jeremiyah Love

Can Jeremiyah Love Become an Instant Fantasy Contributor?
Odell Beckham Jr.

Giants Working Out JuJu Smith-Schuster and Braxton Berrios in Addition to Odell Beckham Jr.
Odell Beckham Jr.

Working Out for Giants
A.J. Brown

Could Be Dealt Within Next 24 Hours
Parker Washington

Set to Play "Most Important Role" of His Career in Jaguars Offense
Elly De La Cruz

Exits with Hamstring Tightness
Tyler Reddick

Is One of the Top Favorites to Win at Nashville
Kyle Larson

May Continue his Top-10 Consistency at Nashville this week
Christopher Bell

Is One of the Top Competitors for the Win at Nashville
Chase Briscoe

Is A Must Start for Nashville DFS Lineups
Chase Elliott

has Plenty of Upside for Nashville DFS Lineups
William Byron

Is William Byron A Playable DFS Option for Nashville Lineups?
Wan'Dale Robinson

Dynasty Value May Have Peaked in 2025
Carson Hocevar

Is Likely to have Another Solid Result at Nashville
Tyler Shough

Should Dynasty Managers Consider Selling High on Tyler Shough?
NASCAR

Should Fantasy Players Roster Bubba Wallace at Nashville?
Garrett Wilson

Dynasty Upside Remains High Despite Questionable Offensive Environment in New York
Chris Buescher

Is A Decent All-Around DFS Option for Nashville Lineups
Daniel Suarez

is Likely to Drop Positions during the Cracker Barrel 400
Kenneth Gainwell

Carries Dynasty Sell-High Appeal After Breakout 2025 Campaign
Emeka Egbuka

Undervalued in Dynasty Formats After Underwhelming Close to 2025?
Garrett Crochet

Suffers Setback, Likely to Undergo MRI for Lat Tightness
Denny Hamlin

Could Denny Hamlin Dominate at Nashville?
Ryan Blaney

Is a DFS Tournament Option at Nashville
Ty Gibbs

Don't Overlook Ty Gibbs at Nashville
Joey Logano

Could Show Life at Nashville
Ross Chastain

Needs a Good Run at Nashville
Chet Holmgren

Fails to Step Up in the Season Finale
Cason Wallace

Ends Postseason with Strong Showing
Shai Gilgeous-Alexander

Caps MVP Season with Game 7 Exit
Stephon Castle

Continues Postseason Run with 16 Points
Julian Champagnie

Shines in Series-Clinching Win
De'Aaron Fox

Provides Secondary Punch in Game 7 Triumph
Victor Wembanyama

Earns Conference Finals MVP in Spurs' Game 7 Win
NBA

Warriors Prioritize Depth Around Returning Steve Kerr
Donovan Mitchell

Remains Cleveland's Top Priority
Adou Thiero

Remains a Lakers Development Project
NBA

76ers Hire Mike Gansey as President of Basketball Operations
NBA

Chicago Bulls Explore Kevin Young as Coaching Candidate
Kyrie Irving

Reports He's Nearing Full Strength in ACL Recovery
Lane Hutson

Posts a Power-Play Assist in Game 5 Loss
Cole Caufield

Nets a Power-Play Goal in Season-Ending Loss
Seth Jarvis

Closes Out East Finals With Multi-Point Game
Logan Stankoven

Notches Three Points in Big Game 5 Win
Taylor Hall

Racks Up Three Points in Series-Clinching Win
Frederik Andersen

Remains Stellar as Hurricanes Clinch Finals Berth
Jacob Gonzalez

is Heading to the Big Leagues
Munetaka Murakami

Exits with Hamstring Tightness
Mitchell Robinson

Plans to Play in Game 1 After Finger Surgery
Ajay Mitchell

Ruled Out for Game 7
Jalen Williams

Unavailable in Decisive Game 7
NBA

Magic Finalizing Hire of Sean Sweeney as Head Coach
Eury Pérez

Eury Perez is Placed on 15-Day Injured List
Deiveson Figueiredo

Set For UFC Macau Main Event
MMA

Yadong Song Returns At UFC Macau
Alonzo Menifield

An Underdog At UFC Macau
Zhang Mingyang

Set For UFC Macau Co-Main Event
Tallison Teixeira

Looks To Win Back-To-Back Fights
Sergei Pavlovich

A Favorite At UFC Macau
Cameron Smotherman

Looks To Bounce Back
Kai Asakura

Looks To Get Back In The Win Column
CFB

Faizon Brandon In Position to Start Week 1
CFB

Dane Weber Commits to Cal
CFB

Joey McGuire Attempts to Add Texas to Schedule
CFB

Mike Leach on 2027 College Football Hall of Fame Ballot
CFB

Maryland, Baylor Schedule Home-and-Home
CFB

Taron Dickens Decommits From North Carolina
Jalen Williams

Limited in Game 6 Return
Jared McCain

Provides Bench Spark in Game 6 Loss
Shai Gilgeous-Alexander

Posts Lowest-Scoring Night of His MVP Season
De'Aaron Fox

Struggles From the Field Thursday
MLB

MLB Proposes Hard Salary Cap as Part of Next CBA
Kenley Jansen

Tigers Place Kenley Jansen on Injured List With Pelvic Inflammation
Teoscar Hernández

Teoscar Hernandez Heading to Injured List With Hamstring Strain
MON

Lane Hutson Struggles in Game 4 Loss
CAR

Logan Stankoven Nets Eighth Postseason Goal
CAR

Sebastian Aho Pots Game-Winner on Power Play
CAR

Nikolaj Ehlers Tallies Two Helpers in Impressive Road Win
CAR

Shayne Gostisbehere Records Two Assists in Game 4 Win
CAR

Frederik Andersen Establishes Hurricanes New Postseason Shutout Record
Yordan Alvarez

Continues Homer Barrage With Two More Long Balls on Wednesday
Cristopher Sánchez

Cristopher Sanchez Makes History With Seven More Shutout Innings Against Padres
Teoscar Hernández

Teoscar Hernandez Lifted From Wednesday's Game Early With Hamstring Strain
Kenley Jansen

Exits Relief Appearance on Wednesday With Groin Injury
Eury Pérez

Eury Perez Pulled Early on Wednesday With Hamstring Issue
CFB

Drew Mestemaker a Top Big 12 Quarterback Right Away?
PGA

Sungjae Im Remains Boom-or-Bust at Colonial
PGA

Michael Thorbjornsen Trending in Wrong Direction Entering Colonial
Russell Henley

a Top Option at Colonial
Harry Hall

Hoping Putter Carries Him at Colonial
Rickie Fowler

Looks to Regain Momentum at Colonial
Pierceson Coody

Looking to Stay Hot at Colonial
Martin Necas

Collects an Assist in Game 4 Loss to Golden Knights
Gabriel Landeskog

Scores Only Avalanche Goal in Season-Ending Loss
Carter Hart

Finishes Series-Clincher With 20 Saves
Dylan Coghlan

Continues Unlikely Success Story
Cole Smith

Scores Series-Clincher Tuesday Night
Mark Stone

Nets Another Goal as Golden Knights Finish Off Avalanche
Ludvig Aberg

Looking to Exchange Momentum for a Victory in Fort Worth
Stephan Jaeger

Trending Upward as PGA Heads to Fort Worth
Max Homa

Comes Off Awful Putting Performance at PGA Championship
Tony Finau

Faces Different Test at the Colonial
Robert MacIntyre

Seeks Better Beginning in Fort Worth
Tom Hoge

Ups and Downs Could Continue at Colonial
Brian Harman

Not Having the Best Golf Season in 2026
Austin Eckroat

Struggling Too Often Heading to Charles Schwab Challenge
Zach Bauchou

Tries to Keep Momentum Rolling at Colonial
Keegan Bradley

Looking to Rebound at Colonial
Claude Giroux

Planning to Return for 20th NHL Campaign
Carter Hart

Aiming for Sixth Consecutive Win Tuesday
Evgeni Malkin

Inks New One-Year Deal With Penguins
RANKINGS
C
1B
2B
3B
SS
OF
SP
RP

RANKINGS

QB
RB
WR
TE
K
DEF