👉 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


POPULAR FANTASY TOOLS

#1 Expert Projections
Save 50% Now
Import Your Leagues
Props Tool
Compare Any Players
Compare Any Players
24x7 News and Alerts

Champ or Chump - Brandon Kintzler & Yasiel Puig

Regular readers may notice that "ADP" is no longer in the title. The first week of the season has come and gone, so if you still have not completed your fantasy draft, it is looking likely that you are not playing fantasy baseball this year. That said, I liked the idea of ADP conveying how available and/or costly a given player is, so I'm replacing it with ownership rates. They should give you a rough idea of if a given guy is on your waiver wire or his cost to acquire via a trade.

This week, we look at two players whose current ownership rates are way out of line with their fantasy value. Minnesota closer Brandon Kintzler is owned in just 19 percent of leagues despite clearly holding the closer role. Yasiel Puig is owned in 69 percent of leagues despite having the talent and future playing time of a fourth outfielder.

Let's take a closer look at how I reached the above conclusions.

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

Brandon Kintzler (RP, MIN) 19% Owned

Kintzler has three 2017 saves as of this writing to go with the 17 he compiled with a 3.15 ERA last season. He doesn't get many Ks (15.6 percent K% last year), but plenty of pitchers get those in bunches. Only 30 generate saves at any given time, and most of them are costly to acquire after the season starts. Kintzler's ERA is good enough to not hurt you, allowing his saves to help you compete in the category.

Many owners expect Kintzler to lose the gig because of his lack of Ks, but I don't think he will. Kintzler throws his sinker a whopping 82.2 percent of the time, relying on its 63.8 percent GB% to induce easy grounder after easy grounder. This extreme ground ball tendency (61.9 percent GB% last year, 62.5 percent in 2015) protects Kintzler from allowing a dramatic late-inning home run, the event most likely to push a manager to make a change. He'll still blow the occasional opportunity, but three singles aren't as traumatizing as a big blast.

It may also be possible for Kintzler to up his K% a little. He features a slider (18.2 percent SwStr%, 45.7 percent chase last year) and changeup (15.6 percent SwStr%, 53.9 percent chase), both of which seem to offer considerable K upside. It is possible that these pitches succeed only because batters are not expecting them, as Kintzler threw just 55 sliders and 32 changes all of last season. Still, they should enable Kintzler to get a strikeout when he really needs one.

Finally, replacing Kintzler would force the Twins to name a successor to the role. The rookies most frequently cited as possibilities would receive significantly higher arbitration salaries if they could point to saves, an expense that the rebuilding Twins have no reason to take on right now. Ryan Pressler looks more like a closer than Kintzler does, but his 3.70 ERA, 1.35 WHIP, and 20.4 percent K% last season seem unlikely to force a move. That leaves only uninspiring options like Matt Belisle and Craig Breslow in Minnesota's pen. Kintzler's job, and roto value, are safe.

Verdict: Champ

 

Yasiel Puig (OF, LAD) 69% Owned

I have consistently panned Puig since I started contributing to RotoBaller, but his ADP of 218.5 this year had me convinced that fantasy owners finally realized his early career success was luck-based and never coming back. Then he hit three homers in two days, causing everyone to assume he made a Justin Turner-style adjustment to finally tap into his limitless potential. He has not.

Justin Turner went from 25th man to All-Star slugger by elevating the ball more, allowing him to hit fly balls that offered a much higher slugging percentage than his grounder-heavy profile was previously generating. Puig's FB% is 33.3 percent so far in 2017, a little lower than last year's 35.1 percent mark. I also question the common wisdom that Puig has a ton of untapped power potential, as his 6.7 percent Brls/BBE was well below average last year. Puig hit for some power because Jered Weaver threw him BP during a game. Trevor Cahill, Puig's other victim, isn't exactly an ace either.

If Puig has to face MLB-caliber pitching, he will revert to the uninspiring .263/.323/.416 line with 11 homers and five steals he posted last year. That's not enough power or speed to interest fantasy owners, and he needed a favorable 20.1 percent K-rate to produce that average. In all likelihood, his 13.5 percent SwStr% will produce more Ks going forward. It would take much more than last year's .306 BABIP to prevent Puig's average from being a negative in that case.

LA's enviable depth could also rob Puig of a starting gig. The team has the makings of two strong outfield platoons with Andrew Toles and Andre Ethier as lefties and Franklin Gutierrez and Scott Van Slyke from the right side, which is a full outfield after Joc Pederson is considered. Puig started out the 2017 season by hitting eighth, suggesting that the team had less confidence in him than all of their other Opening Day players. They've also tried to trade him at every opportunity. Puig spent a portion of 2016 in the minors, and will return there this year if the Dodgers are again unable to trade him.

Trade this clubhouse cancer if you can, but you'll probably need to dump him for nothing if you bought into his hot start. At least you'll get the roster spot back, right?

Verdict: Chump

 

 

More Player Outlooks




POPULAR FANTASY TOOLS

#1 Expert Projections
Save 50% Now
Import Your Leagues
Props Tool
Compare Any Players
Compare Any Players
24x7 News and Alerts

REAL-TIME FANTASY NEWS

George Springer

Being Activated From Injured List, Won't Start on Wednesday
Wyatt Langford

Expected to be Activated on Saturday
Garrett Crochet

Goes on Injured List With Shoulder Inflammation
CFB

Jameson Williams Files Lawsuit Against NCAA, SEC, Big Ten
Junior Caminero

Back in Wednesday's Lineup After Injury Scare
Harry Hall

Volatility Continues at Cadillac Championship
Tommy Fleetwood

Looks to Rebound at Trump National Doral
Pierceson Coody

a Risky Value Play at Cadillac Championship
Deebo Samuel Sr.

Will Deebo Samuel Sr. Find a New Team Before Training Camps Open?
Jalen Johnson

Collects Second Playoff Double-Double
Akshay Bhatia

Offers Upside with Risk at Cadillac Championship
Elic Ayomanor

Dynasty Stock Way Down After NFL Draft
Jalen Brunson

Pours 39 Points on Hawks in Game 5
Darius Slayton

Dynasty Value Fading After Busy Giants Offseason
Jaylen Brown

Struggles From the Field in Game 5
Jayson Tatum

Picks Up Another Double-Double
David Njoku

With the NFL Draft Over, David Njoku Could Soon Find a Team
Tyrese Maxey

Records Double-Double With Rebounds
Tyler Warren

a Major Offseason Winner
Joel Embiid

Tallies 33 Points as 76ers Stave Off Elimination
Victor Wembanyama

Posts Second Straight Double-Double
Connor McDavid

Extends Multi-Point Streak Tuesday
Justin Thomas

a Scary Proposition at Cadillac Championship
Nikolaj Ehlers

Hurricanes Hope to Have Nikolaj Ehlers Back for Second Round
Alexander Nikishin

Could Be Available in Round 2
Victor Hedman

Logs Full Practice
Scottie Scheffler

The Leading Favorite at Cadillac Championship
Noah Ostlund

Likely to Miss Time Due to Lower-Body Injury
Arttu Hyry

Unlikely to Play Thursday
Collin Morikawa

Still a Smash Play at Cadillac Championship
Jonas Brodin

Spotted Using Crutches After Game 5
Viktor Hovland

Showed at Augusta He Can Finish Well
Sepp Straka

Attempting to Finish Better in Miami
PGA

J.J Spaun Enduring Roller Coaster Start to 2026
Min Woo Lee

Seeks to Make Adjustments at Cadillac Championship
Max Homa

May Struggle at Old Doral This Weekend
Ben Griffin

Rebounds From Rough Stretch as Miami Looms
Shane Lowry

Searching For Answers at Cadillac Championship
Russell Wilson

Jets Host Russell Wilson for a Visit, Considering him as Backup Option
Russell Henley

Daunting Test at Doral Likely Not a Place For Russell Henley
Jonathon Brooks

Fully Cleared for Offseason Program
Christian Gonzalez

Patriots Exercise Christian Gonzalez's Fifth-Year Option
Tyler Allgeier

One of the Biggest Losers After NFL Draft
A.J. Brown

Eagles to Receive a First-Round Pick if They Trade A.J. Brown?
Justin Rose

Returns to Action After Finishing Third at Masters Tournament
Hideki Matsuyama

Has The Approach Game to Win at Cadillac Championship
Si Woo Kim

Rolling Back Into Form For Cadillac Championship
Nicolai Hojgaard

Struggling to Find Consistency
Harris English

In Excellent Form Heading to Cadillac Championship
Corey Conners

Continues Playing Well Heading to Cadillac Championship
Aaron Rodgers

Steelers Place Right-of-First-Refusal Tender on Aaron Rodgers
Jauan Jennings

Visiting With Vikings
Quentin Johnston

Chargers Exercise Fifth-Year Option on Quentin Johnston
Jahmyr Gibbs

Lions Picking Up Jahmyr Gibbs' Fifth-Year Option
Bo Nix

Undergoes Cleanup Procedure on his Ankle
Junior Caminero

Suffers Jaw Contusion on Tuesday, Considered Day-to-Day
Scottie Barnes

Leading Raptors' Comeback Effort in Round 1
Pete Fairbanks

Going on Injured List With Nerve Irritation
Tobias Harris

a Bright Spot for Pistons in Tough Series
Jalen Duren

Struggling in First-Round Matchup
Austin Reaves

Officially Listed as Questionable for Game 5
Kevin Durant

Officially Out Wednesday
Collin Gillespie

Wants to Stick With Suns
Jonathan Isaac

Expected to Remain Out Wednesday
Kevin Huerter

Iffy for Wednesday Night
Franz Wagner

Considered Questionable for Game 5
Austin Reaves

on Track to Return Wednesday
Spencer Strider

to Make Season Debut This Weekend
Kevin Durant

Unlikely to Play Wednesday
Joel Embiid

Cleared for Game 5
Roope Hintz

Likely to Miss Entire First-Round Series
Jason Zucker

Good to Go for Game 5
Josh Norris

Won't Play Tuesday
Colton Dach

Available Tuesday
Connor Ingram

Returns to Oilers Net for Game 5
Luis Robert Jr.

Out on Tuesday With Back Tightness
Jason Dickinson

Considered a Game-Time Decision for Tuesday's Action
Connor McDavid

a Game-Time Call Tuesday
Juan Soto

Dealing With Forearm Tightness, Serving as DH on Tuesday
Isaiah Likely

Remains Well-Positioned for Mid-Career Breakout Following NFL Draft
Jauan Jennings

' Dynasty Value Fading Following NFL Draft?
Luther Burden III

Poised for Breakout Season in Chicago?
CFB

Brendan Sorsby Facing Potential Permanent Loss of Eligibility
MarShawn Lloyd

Is MarShawn Lloyd a Dynasty Buy-Low Candidate Following NFL Draft?
Emanuel Wilson

Dynasty Value Fading After Seahawks' Draft Addition
Jalen Nailor

Remains Poised for Prominent Role in Las Vegas Following NFL Draft
Manny Machado

Departs Early With Undisclosed Injury on Monday
Philadelphia Phillies

Phillies Fire Manager Rob Thomson
Elmer Rodríguez

Yankees to Promote Top Pitching Prospect Elmer Rodriguez
Pete Fairbanks

Pulled on Monday With "Unusual Sensation" in his Thumb
Mikhail Sergachev

Has Three Assists in Overtime Loss
Brett Howden

Records Three Points in Vital Win
Rasmus Ristolainen

Registers Two Assists in Game 5 Loss
Arturs Silovs

Helps Penguins Survive for Second Time
Sidney Crosby

Delivers Two Assists in Elimination-Game Win
NAS

Predators Pick Up KHL Standout Vitali Pinchuk
Paolo Banchero

Efficiency Woes Continue in Game 4
Julius Randle

Leads Timberwolves With 27 Points Monday
Giancarlo Stanton

Heading to Injured List With Calf Strain
Travis Bazzana

Guardians Calling Up Former First Overall Pick Travis Bazzana
Will Smith

Back in Action in Series Opener Against Marlins
Josh Naylor

Back in Starting Lineup on Monday
Jason Zucker

Probable for Game 5 Against Bruins
Carson Hocevar

Scores his First Career NASCAR Cup Series Victory at Talladega
Chris Buescher

Misses out on Winning at Talladega by Finishing Second
Alex Bowman

Earns First Top-Five Finish at Talladega Since Returning From Injury
Chase Elliott

Scores A Fourth-Place Finish at Talladega
Zane Smith

Nabs First Top-Five Finish of the 2026 Season at Talladega
CFB

Texas Tech Quarterback Brendan Sorsby Enters Rehab
Youssef Zalal

Suffers Unanimous-Decision Loss
Aljamain Sterling

Wins Back-To-Back Fights
Norma Dumont

Drops Decision At UFC Vegas 116
Joselyne Edwards

Scores Upset Win
Alexander Hernandez

Gets Dominated
Alexander Hernandez

Rafa Garcia Dominates Alexander Hernandez
Adrian Luna Martinetti

Unsuccessful In His UFC Debut
Davey Grant

Gets Back In The Win Column
Manny Machado

Clubs Two Homers, Starting to Turn Things Around?
Logan O'Hoppe

Placed on 10-Day Injured List Due to Left-Wrist Fracture
Denny Hamlin

Is Denny Hamlin Worth Rostering for Talladega?
NASCAR

Is Bubba Wallace Playable in Talladega DFS Lineups?
Josh Naylor

Absent on Sunday With Quad Tightness
Ryan Helsley

Returns From Bereavement List on Sunday
Tyler Reddick

Stay Away From Tyler Reddick at Talladega
Ryan Blaney

Can Ryan Blaney Shake Off The Bad Luck at Talladega?
Austin Cindric

Could Contend For Another Talladega Win
Kyle Busch

an Easy DFS Pick at Talladega
Ricky Stenhouse Jr

. a High-Risk, High-Reward Pick at Talladega
Todd Gilliland

a Sleeper to Watch at Talladega
Brad Keselowski

Is Brad Keselowski Worth Rostering for Talladega Lineups?
Chase Briscoe

Could Chase Briscoe be A Sneaky Tournament Play for Talladega Lineups?
Christopher Bell

Should DFS Managers Trust Christopher Bell at Talladega?
Ty Gibbs

Is A DFS Risk for Talladega Lineups
Youssef Zalal

Set For UFC Vegas 116 Main Event
Aljamain Sterling

An Underdog At UFC Vegas 116
Joselyne Edwards

Set For UFC Vegas 116 Co-Main Event
Norma Dumont

Looks To Extend Her Win Streak
Alexander Hernandez

A Favorite At UFC Vegas 116
Rafa Garcia

Looks For His Third Consecutive Win
Adrian Luna Martinetti

Set For His UFC Debut
Davey Grant

Looks To Get Back In The Win Column
RANKINGS
C
1B
2B
3B
SS
OF
SP
RP

RANKINGS

QB
RB
WR
TE
K
DEF