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


POPULAR FANTASY TOOLS

Expert Advice
Articles & Tools
Import Your Leagues
Daily Stats & Leaders
All Pitcher Matchups
Compare Any Players
Compare Any Players
Rookies & Call-Ups
24x7 News and Alerts

Batting Average Risers - 2018 MLB Season Recap

Which MLB hitters saw their batting average improve unexpectedly in 2018? Chris Zolli looks at hitters whose fantasy baseball value increased based on better totals last season.

The 2018 season has now come and gone (so sad!), so it is now time to dive into trends and projections for next season! One of the main stats for measuring batters’ success is batting average.

Surprisingly, Jose Altuve is the only player that was a holdover in the top 10 of batting average from 2017 to 2018. Injuries to Daniel Murphy, Justin Turner, and Avisail Garcia saw them drop from the list while players like Eric Hosmer and Buster Posey had uncharacteristically poor seasons.

Here is the list of the top BA breakouts from 2018.

Be sure to check all of our fantasy baseball lineup tools and resources:

 

BA Breakouts of 2018

Mookie Betts (OF, BOS): BA Increase 2018(.346)-2017(.264) = +.82

Starting at the top, we have the best player in baseball for the 2018 season in Boston Red Sox outfielder Mookie Betts. There are a lot of reasons to stake that claim and there also could be a case made that he was the biggest comeback player in fantasy baseball (although the second player in this article has a case as well). While he was a 20/20 player in 2017 (24 homers and 26 stolen bases) with 46 doubles, Betts limped to a .264 batting average and saw his OPS drop from .897 to .803.

His 32 home runs, 30 stolen bases, and 129 runs scored were what made fantasy owners intrigued in Betts, but his .346 batting average was what made him the fantasy king. Maintaining his elite patience, 81 walks and 91 strikeouts, Betts topped his .318 batting average from 2016 and had a .438 OBP. His 1.037 OPS was a stark improvement on his career-best .897 from 2016 as well and his 32 home runs were also a career-high.

Betts will likely be in the discussion for the first pick with Mike Trout and there is good reason. He is coming off of the back of four straight 20 stolen base seasons and was two homers shy in 2015 from four straight 20/20 seasons. Betts also was over both 100 runs scored and RBI in 2016 and 2017 and is a safe bet to be a top-five player in 2019.

Trevor Story (SS, COL): BA Increase 2018(.291)-2017(.239) = +.52

Colorado Rockies shortstop Trevor Story broke onto the scene in his rookie 2016 season, hitting 27 home runs in just 97 games and was one of the top picks to break out in 2017. The power was there for Story, as he had 59 extra-base hits, but his batting average slumped from .272 in 2016 to .239 in his sophomore season. Considering that he struck out 191 times in 2017 as well, many thought that Story would be the prototypical all or nothing player.

That was not the case in 2018, though, as Story rounded out his profile with a .291 batting average to go along with his 37 homers, 42 doubles, and six triples. He also stole 27 bases and was the top SS in fantasy baseball by the end of the season. A more aggressive approach at the plate led to more success for Story, as his swing rate went to 50.3% in 2018 from 46.2% in 2016 and 48% in 2017. He also saw his contact rate boom to 77.4% in 2018, with his zone swinging rate at 74.6%.

It will be tough for Story to duplicate his 2018 season, but he did have a track record in the minors as a player with a strong average coupled with power and speed. While the minors are not the big leagues by any stretch, remember that Story had a .332 batting average in Double-A in 2014 and has stolen 15 bases at every level other than Triple-A. Maybe he is not the top SS in 2019 (though Coors will help), but, if he can keep his average around .280, Story should be a top-five SS.

Matt Chapman (3B, OAK): BA Increase 2018(.278)-2017(.234) = +.44

A player that could be destined for multiple Gold Gloves at third base, Oakland Athletics third baseman Matt Chapman had 39 extra-base hits in just 290 at-bats in 2017. He had 39 runs scored, 40 RBI, and looked like a good power source for the Athletics going forward. The only issue, though, was his .234 batting average that made him look like another Bash Brother without plate discipline (92 strikeouts did not help either).

In 2018, Chapman put up a whole season of numbers and the power was still there; he clubbed 42 doubles, three triples, and 24 homers as the everyday 3B in Oakland. A pleasant surprise was his .278 batting average and .356 OBP that made him a 3B option in all formats. He scored 100 runs, tallied 68 RBI and the 25-year-old looks like the whole package for 2019 and beyond.

Chapman saw his contact rate jump from 73.2% to 78.7%, his swinging strike rate drop from 11.5% to 8.8%, and his zone contact rate go from 81.8% to 86.4%. A jump in hard hit ball rate to 43.2% shows that he made better contact as well and his strikeout rate went from 28.2% to 23.7% year over year as well. All of these things are very good to say the least and it would not be shocking at all if Chapman is a top-10 3B in 2019.

Matt Duffy (3B, TB): BA Increase 2018(.294)-2016* (.258) = +.36

After missing the 2017 season, Tampa Bay Rays third baseman Matt Duffy had to rest on his poor 2016 season where he had a .253 batting average in 257 at-bats. He did have a .295 batting average in 573 at-bats in 2015, but his weak 2016 and injury-riddled 2017 had him off of the fantasy radar. To boot, he only had a .762 OPS in 2015 because of a .426 slugging percentage.

Healthier in 2018, Duffy solidified his role for the Rays, posting a .294 batting average and stealing 12 bases as well. Like in 2015, though, Duffy had a low slugging percentage (lower at .366 actually) and only hit four home runs. This season, though, he had a strong .361 OBP, which could put him in a better place for runs scored in the future.

Through two full seasons, it is clear what we can get from Duffy: a good amount of average with little to no power. For those looking for average to pair with a good slugger, Duffy makes a decent late round pick. At the end of the day, though, you need to remember that he will hit for basically zero power.

Jose Peraza (2B, CIN): BA Increase 2018(.288)-2017(.259) = +.29

While he is not the sexiest of players, and might not even be the best surprising player from his own team (see: Scooter Gennett), Cincinnati Reds second baseman Jose Peraza still had a nice bounce-back season in 2018. Peraza had a .324 batting average in 241 at-bats in 2016, but slipped to a .259 batting average in 487 at-bats in 2017. He had a sub-.300 OBP as well (.297) and only had 18 extra-base hits.

In 2018, however, Peraza had a .288 batting average and saw his power numbers jump as well, to 49 extra-base hits that included a career-best 31 doubles and 14 home runs. He stole 23 bases in 2018, tying his career-best from the season prior, and scored 85 runs as well.

Peraza might not be the best of options as a 2B, but his solid average, stolen base tallies, and a strong offensive ballpark make him an interesting MI option. If his power surge from 2018 extends to 2019, he could be a good pickup in the later rounds.

More 2018 MLB Year In Review Articles




POPULAR FANTASY TOOLS

Expert Advice
Articles & Tools
Import Your Leagues
Daily Stats & Leaders
All Pitcher Matchups
Compare Any Players
Compare Any Players
Rookies & Call-Ups
24x7 News and Alerts

REAL-TIME FANTASY NEWS

Chandler Simpson10 mins ago

Batting Leadoff In MLB Debut
John Brebbia18 mins ago

Placed On 15-Day Injured List
Julio Rodríguez25 mins ago

Julio Rodriguez Sitting On Saturday
Irv Smith28 mins ago

Houston Re-Signs Irv Smith Jr.
George Soriano36 mins ago

Patrick Monteverde Promoted To Major Leagues, George Soriano Optioned
MJ Melendez43 mins ago

Optioned To Triple-A
Mark Canha49 mins ago

Activated Off Injured List
Jake Cronenworth4 hours ago

Targeting Earlier Return
Liam Hendriks4 hours ago

Set To Return On Saturday
Jackson Merrill5 hours ago

Not Expected To Return Next Week
Martín Pérez5 hours ago

Martin Perez Will Undergo MRI On Saturday
Casey Schmitt5 hours ago

Expected To Hit Injured List
Brock Stewart5 hours ago

Expected To Return On Sunday
Luke Keaschall5 hours ago

Busy In MLB Debut
Jose Fleury6 hours ago

Continues Strong Start On Friday
AJ Smith-Shawver6 hours ago

Strikes Out Eight In Defeat
Marcelo Mayer6 hours ago

Tallies Seven RBI On Friday
Zyhir Hope6 hours ago

Hits Two Home Runs On Friday
Andrew Painter6 hours ago

Sharp In Second Rehab Outing
Tyler Anderson11 hours ago

Keeps Hot Streak Rolling Friday
Logan Webb11 hours ago

Fans 12 In Tough-Luck Loss
Carlos Rodón12 hours ago

Carlos Rodon Goes Six Scoreless To Snap Personal Losing Streak
Ja Morant16 hours ago

Cleared To Play Friday
Brandon Williams16 hours ago

Available Against Grizzlies
Anthony Davis16 hours ago

Will Play Friday Night
Gary Trent Jr.16 hours ago

Available For Game 1 Against Pacers
Taurean Prince16 hours ago

Returns To Bucks Lineup Saturday
NFL17 hours ago

Justin Hardee Sr. Waived With Non-Football Injury
Isaiah Stewart17 hours ago

To Return For Game 1
Ausar Thompson17 hours ago

Available For Game 1
Rui Hachimura17 hours ago

On Track To Play Saturday
Austin Reaves17 hours ago

Ready To Go For Game 1
NFL17 hours ago

Bills Release Armani Rogers, Branson Deen
Luka Dončić17 hours ago

Luka Doncic Removed From Injury Report
LeBron James17 hours ago

Listed As Probable For Game 1
Ben Sheppard17 hours ago

Probable For Saturday's Game 1
NFL17 hours ago

Kolton Miller Absent From Raiders' Voluntary Offseason Program
Kevin Durant17 hours ago

To Houston Already Losing Steam
Lauri Markkanen17 hours ago

Wants To Stay With The Jazz
NFL18 hours ago

Ross Blacklock Let Go By New York
Bennedict Mathurin18 hours ago

Expected To Play In Game 1 Saturday
Pascal Siakam18 hours ago

Available For Playoff Opener
Tyrese Haliburton18 hours ago

Returning From Two-Game Absence Saturday
Cade Cunningham18 hours ago

Available For Game 1 Against Knicks
Josh Hart18 hours ago

Back In Knicks Lineup Saturday
OG Anunoby18 hours ago

Good To Go For Game 1
Jalen Brunson18 hours ago

Available For Saturday's Game 1
NFL19 hours ago

Raiders Considering Drafting A Quarterback
Irv Smith19 hours ago

Sticking With Texans
Ryan Lindgren19 hours ago

Set To Return Saturday
NFL19 hours ago

Texans Expected To Draft Wide Receivers
Greg Dortch20 hours ago

Returning To Cardinals
Josh Manson20 hours ago

Available For Game 1
Mark Andrews20 hours ago

Could Be Traded Soon
Ondrej Palat20 hours ago

To Return For Start Of Playoffs
David Savard20 hours ago

Will Retire After Playoffs
NFL20 hours ago

Raiders, Falcons Could Have Interest In Jalen Ramsey
Robert Thomas20 hours ago

Good To Go Saturday
Matthew Tkachuk20 hours ago

Expected To Return For Game 1
20 hours ago

Raiders Are High On Ashton Jeanty
Jason Robertson20 hours ago

Considered Week-To-Week
Rome Odunze20 hours ago

To Hopefully Get More Involved
NFL20 hours ago

Dolphins Could Draft A Quarterback
James Cook21 hours ago

Could Stay Away From Voluntary Workouts
Leon Draisaitl1 day ago

Wins First Rocket Richard Trophy
Nikita Kucherov1 day ago

Bags Third Art Ross Trophy
Bryan Rust1 day ago

Scores Twice In Season-Ending Win
Igor Shesterkin1 day ago

Shuts Out Lightning With 27 Saves
Dylan Cozens1 day ago

Picks Up Three Points In Regular-Season Finale
Matvei Michkov1 day ago

Caps Off Rookie Campaign With Three-Point Effort
Brady Tkachuk1 day ago

Makes Early Exit For Precautionary Reasons
Jake Tonges2 days ago

Signs Exclusive-Rights Tender
Denver Broncos2 days ago

Broncos To Focus On RB Position In Next Week's Draft
Drew Lock2 days ago

Sam Howell, Drew Lock Expected To Compete For Backup Job
New York Giants2 days ago

Giants Leaning Toward Taking Best Player Available At No. 3
New Orleans Saints2 days ago

Ryan Ramczyk Announces His Retirement
Buffalo Bills2 days ago

Tre'Davious White Reunites With Buffalo
Jakob Chychrun2 days ago

Returns Against Penguins
Rasmus Andersson2 days ago

Out Against Kings
Jonathan Huberdeau2 days ago

Sits Out Regular-Season Finale
Ryan Pulock2 days ago

Out On Thursday
Jake Sanderson2 days ago

Back In Action Thursday
Thomas Chabot2 days ago

To Be Rested Against Hurricanes
Claude Giroux2 days ago

Active On Thursday
Lucas Glover3 days ago

Looks To Rebound After Poor Performance
Daniel Berger3 days ago

Looking To Continue Solid Play At RBC
Sepp Straka3 days ago

Looking To Bounce Back At RBC
Justin Thomas3 days ago

Looking To Shake Off Poor Masters At RBC Heritage
Xander Schauffele3 days ago

Still Looking For Year's First Win At RBC Heritage
Maverick McNealy3 days ago

Is An Intriguing Play At RBC Heritage
Shane Lowry3 days ago

Looks To Shake Off Poor Masters Sunday At RBC Heritage
Will Zalatoris3 days ago

Eyes A Bounce-Back At RBC Heritage
Gary Woodland3 days ago

Could Add Some Surprise At Hilton Head
Sam Burns3 days ago

Hoping For Better Times At RBC Heritage
Sahith Theegala3 days ago

Still Trying To Put It All Together
Aaron Rai3 days ago

Might Be That Guy For Hilton Head
Robert MacIntyre3 days ago

All Or Nothing At RBC Heritage
Tom Hoge3 days ago

Still Playing Solid Heading To Hilton Head
Nick Dunlap3 days ago

Continues To Have Rough Stretch
Keegan Bradley3 days ago

Looks To Move On From Masters Performance
Matt Fitzpatrick3 days ago

A Boom-Or-Bust Option At RBC Heritage
Patrick Cantlay3 days ago

A Strong Play At RBC Heritage
Jordan Spieth3 days ago

Targets Another Strong RBC Heritage Showing
Collin Morikawa4 days ago

Eyeing Victory At RBC Heritage
Max Homa4 days ago

Breaks Through At The Masters
Alexander Volkanovski4 days ago

Reclaims Featherweight Title
Diego Lopes4 days ago

Drops Decision At UFC 314
Paddy Pimblett4 days ago

Remains Undefeated In The UFC
Michael Chandler4 days ago

Suffers TKO Loss
MMA4 days ago

Patricio Freire Gets Dominated In His UFC Debut
Yair Rodriguez4 days ago

Gets Back In The Win Column
Bryce Mitchell4 days ago

Gets Submitted At UFC 314
Jean Silva4 days ago

Gets Submission Win At UFC 314
Dominick Reyes4 days ago

Wins Third Fight In A Row
5 days ago

Austin Dillon Nabs His First Top-10 Finish Of The 2025 Season At Bristol
5 days ago

Ryan Blaney's Bold Strategies Fall Flat, Still Musters A Top-Five Finish At Bristol
5 days ago

Christopher Bell Finishes In The Top 10 After Falling Back Midway At Bristol
5 days ago

Ty Gibbs Earns His First Top-Five Finish Of The 2025 Season At Bristol
5 days ago

Chase Briscoe Quietly Scores First Career Top-Five Finish At Bristol
5 days ago

Denny Hamlin Cuts Into William Byron's Points Lead
5 days ago

William Byron Makes Best Of His Mediocre Qualifying Run With Sixth-Place Finish
5 days ago

Despite Engine Failure, Alex Bowman's Improved Speed Looks Promising
NASCAR5 days ago

A.J. Allmendinger Enters Playoff Picture With Surprise Bristol Top-10 Finish
RANKINGS
C
1B
2B
3B
SS
OF
SP
RP

RANKINGS

QB
RB
WR
TE
K
DEF