👉 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 - Jake Odorizzi and Eric Hosmer

It took the better part of four months, but baseball's offseason is finally starting! Eric Hosmer signed a massive contract to vacation play baseball in San Diego, while Jake Odorizzi was traded to the Minnesota Twins for a ham sandwich and a few extra baseballs.

One of these players is capable of turning a substantial profit in 2018 fantasy leagues, and it's not the one who just inked a nine-figure deal.

Here's a closer look at Odorizzi and Hosmer's fantasy value for the upcoming season.

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

Jake Odorizzi (SP, MIN) ADP: 288.8

Odorizzi was roughly a league average pitcher in his 143 1/3 IP last season, posting a 4.14 ERA and 21% K%. His xFIP (5.10), BABIP allowed (.227), and extreme fly ball tendency (47.3% FB% last year, 45% for his career) have convinced fantasy owners that the season was a total fluke, making him an afterthought on most draft boards.

Expecting regression to the mean is one of the trademarks of this column, but Odorizzi may have landed in the perfect situation to keep it up. His extreme fly ball profile, combined with a slightly plus IFFB% (9.3% last year, 9.6% career), allow him to consistently post BABIPs under .300 (.269 career). His .227 BABIP may increase a little, but it won't be as bad as some are expecting.

His new team may also serve to mitigate any regression. The 2017 Tampa Bay Rays finished second in Statcast's Outs Above Average metric with 23. Byron Buxton of the Minnesota Twins topped that mark by himself with 25 OAA, helping his team finish first in the league with 31 total. Tampa Bay's superlative outfield defense likely played a role in Odorizzi's .067 BABIP on flies (and .528 on line drives), but his new team is even better.

Odorizzi allowed slightly more line drives last year (22.1% LD%) than he has over his career (21.3%), giving him room for positive regression. He'll likely need this to offset the deficiencies of Minnesota's infield, where the 3B tandem of Miguel Sano and Eduardo Escobar combined for -10 Defensive Runs Saved, 2B Brian Dozier was below average (-4), and SS Jorge Polanco was roughly average (-1). Joe Mauer has an excellent first baseman's mitt (seven DRS), but it's not enough to cover for everybody else.

By contrast, the Rays supported Odorizzi capably last year. Third baseman Evan Longoria compiled 11 DRS in his last season as a Ray, shortstop Adeiny Hechavarria added six more, and 1B Logan Morrison was solid (one). Brad Miller wasn't great at second (-4), but otherwise the infield was strong. This helped Odorizzi best his career .240 BABIP on ground balls with a .224 mark, but it may not have been entirely the work of his friends.

Odorizzi saw his grounders allowed get scorched in 2016, averaging 86.6 mph off of the bat. That number fell to 81.8 mph last year, suggesting that Odorizzi was doing a much better job controlling the quality of contact against him. It remains to be seen how sticky this will be, but there's at least some hope that he can repeat his 2017 BABIP on ground balls.

Many fly ball pitchers have an ability to limit damage on airborne baseballs, but Odorizzi's 15.5% HR/FB last season does not reflect this. He has historically been better (11.1% career HR/FB), and contact quality metrics suggest that he just ran into some bad luck last year. His average airborne exit velocity allowed decreased from 93.5 mph in 2016 to 91.9 mph last year, while his rate of Brls/BBE improved slightly (8.4% to 8.2%). Fly ball pitchers give up a few homers, but Odorizzi should be better in 2018.

Minnesota's outfield defense and Odorizzi's fly ball profile are his best traits, but the 28-year old's stuff offers some upside as well. His fastball played elite last year (12.5% SwStr%, 54.9% Zone%), but it lacks the elite spin rate typically associated with such a pitch (2,287 RPM). Still, any repeat could go a long way toward boosting his K%.

Odorizzi also introduced a cutter (7.4% usage in 2016, 16.5% last year) that proved very capable on balls in play (.188/.263/.471) even if its K% numbers weren't great (11.9% SwStr%, 40.3% Zone%, 25.5% chase). His split allows him to induce ground balls when needed (47.9% GB%), but its K% marks are also lacking (11.4% SwStr%, 37.4% Zone%, 37.6% chase). Odorizzi mixes in the occasional slider and curve, but both are more show pitches than legitimate weapons in his repertoire.

Odorizzi is moving to a division where three teams are rebuilding, presenting plenty of favorable matchups. He seems likely to serve as a streamable fantasy starter that is never far enough away from a usable week to drop, making him a name to remember toward the end of deeper drafts. You don't want to start him every time, but he'll help more than hurt if used judiciously.

Verdict: Champ

 

Eric Hosmer (1B, SD) ADP: 77.3

Hosmer was great to own in 2017, as he put up a .318/.385/.498 line with 25 HR and six stolen bases (one CS). Unfortunately, almost none of it appears sustainable moving forward.

Let's start with his league average power. Hosmer wouldn't know what a fly ball was if he tripped over one, posting a FB% of just 22.2% last year. His fantasy season was saved by a 22.5% HR/FB, but his average airborne exit velocity (94.2 mph vs. 95.4 in 2016) and rate of Brls/BBE (6.8% vs. 9.4% in 2016) both declined. He also pulled fewer of his flies (10.8%) than he has over his career (15.1%), meaning that all three of his power indicators are trending in the wrong direction.

Some analysts are expecting Hosmer's numbers to improve after escaping Kansas City, and San Diego was a slightly better ballpark for left-handed HR according to the newly updated FanGraphs ballpark factors (96 vs. 93). However, neither park is great and Hosmer already hit more homers at home (16) than on the road (nine) in 2017. Furthermore, the site's five year averages suggest that Kansas City is better for overall scoring (102) than San Diego (95). Essentially, Hosmer is exchanging one bad park for another.

His .318 batting average takes some of the sting out of power regression, but the .351 BABIP it's based upon is equally likely to decline (.316 career). Hosmer murders his ground balls (87.4 mph last year, 90.2 in 2016) and boasts an above average Statcast Sprint Speed (27.5 ft./sec), but last year's .259 BABIP on the ground (.251 career) was not the primary reason for his success.

Instead, he crushed his career BABIPs on both fly balls (.186 vs. .161) and line drives (.703 vs. .663). His LD% (22.2%) also exceeded his career number (20% LD%). Considering the above decline in airborne contact quality and the random fluctuations LD% is prone to, neither should be expected moving forward.

This is not to suggest that Hosmer is a completely lost cause. His airborne contact quality remains strong enough to produce sustainable power seasons if he hits more fly balls, and he seldom strikes out (15.5% K%, 9.3% SwStr% last year). Heck, he even has enough speed to swipe 10 or more bags! However, his current ADP takes growth as a given when the 28-year old has resisted change in the past. Let somebody else pay a premium.

Verdict: Chump

 

More 2018 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

Gradey Dick

Open to Trade Away From Toronto
Michael Porter Jr.

Wants to Stay in Brooklyn
NBA

Hornets Extend Charles Lee After 25-Win Improvement
Jarred Vanderbilt

Ruled Out for Game 2 Against Thunder
Luke Kennard

Cleared to Play Thursday
Ayo Dosunmu

Considered Questionable for Game 3 Against Spurs
Anthony Edwards

Remains Questionable on Injury Report Ahead of Game 3
Mitchell Robinson

Probable for Friday's Action
Kevin Huerter

Remains Out Thursday
Sam Merrill

Unavailable Thursday
OG Anunoby

Tagged as Questionable for Friday
Joel Embiid

Listed as Questionable for Game 3 Against Knicks
Dan Vladar

Looks to Return to Winning Ways Thursday
Connor Dewar

Penguins Re-Sign Connor Dewar for Two Years
Mikko Rantanen

Played Through Torn MCL Late in the Season
Rasmus Dahlin

Ready to Go Friday
Kyle Pitts Sr.

Signs Franchise Tender on Thursday
Alexander Nikishin

Set to Return Thursday
Joe Burrow

Attending Voluntary Workouts, Ready for Monster Season?
Christian Dvorak

Available Thursday
Owen Tippett

Remains Out Thursday
Roman Anthony

Heading for the Injured List
CFB

Sam Leavitt Expected to Be Full-Go for Fall Camp
T.J. Hockenson

Can T.J. Hockenson Bounce Back with Improved Quarterback Play in Minnesota?
Jordan Love

Is Jordan Love's Dynasty Upside Fading Entering 2026?
Dalton Schultz

Facing Increased Playing Time Competition in Houston Entering 2026
Kimani Vidal

Dynasty Value in Question Due to Uncertain Playing Time Outlook
Juwan Johnson

Facing Reduced Role in New Orleans Following NFL Draft?
Chuba Hubbard

a Prime Bounce-Back Candidate Following Offseason Moves
Indianapolis Colts

Kenny Moore Granted his Release by Colts
Minnesota Vikings

Chad Alexander a Candidate for Vikings GM Job
Tarik Skubal

Could Return in 4-6 Weeks After Successful Elbow Surgery
Minnesota Vikings

Vikings Request to Interview RJ Gillen for GM Job
Drake Maye

Shoulder Doing "Great"
Gunnar Helm

a Clear Breakout Candidate Despite Crowded Offense?
Travis Hunter

Dynasty Managers Regret Drafting Travis Hunter?
Khalil Shakir

Offseason Addition a Threat to Khalil Shakir's Consistency?
Christian Watson

Can Christian Watson Overcome Injury History?
Pat Freiermuth

a Bounce-Back Candidate in New System
Tua Tagovailoa

Lacks Long-Term Appeal in Dynasty Leagues
Cole Ragans

Royals Hopeful That Cole Ragans Makes his Next Start
Jordan Mason

Still Holding Dynasty Value
Aaron Rodgers

Planning a Visit With Steelers
Dontayvion Wicks

What is Dontayvion Wicks' Dynasty Ceiling?
Paul George

Does a Little Bit of Everything in Game 2 Loss
Tyrese Maxey

Tallies Team-High 26 Points in Wednesday's Loss
Jalen Brunson

Leads Knicks With 26 Points Wednesday
Victor Wembanyama

Notches Another Double-Double
Stephon Castle

Scores Game-High 21 Points in Blowout Win
Ayo Dosunmu

Exits Game 2 With Heel Issue
OG Anunoby

Suffers Apparent Leg Injury Wednesday
Mark Stone

Nets Late Power-Play Goal in Losing Effort
Leo Carlsson

Pots Game-Winner Wednesday Night
Juraj Slafkovsky

Ends Point Drought in Game 1 Loss
Bowen Byram

Ties Franchise Record With Fourth Postseason Goal
Zach Benson

Posts Second Consecutive Multi-Point Game
Rasmus Dahlin

"Seems Fine" After Early Exit on Wednesday
Sam Merrill

Listed as Questionable for Thursday
Luke Kennard

Tagged as Questionable for Game 2 Against Thunder
Emilio Pagán

Emilio Pagan has Grade 2 Hamstring Strain, Expected to Miss 4-8 Weeks
Joe Ryan

Listed as Scheduled Starter for Saturday Against Cleveland
Tyler Glasnow

Not Expected to Land on the Injured List
Framber Valdez

Suspension Reduced to Five Games
Nils Hoglander

Will Miss World Championship Due to Injury
Christian Dvorak

Likely to Play in Game 3 Against Hurricanes
Owen Tippett

a Game-Time Decision Thursday
Noah Cates

to Miss Rest of Round 2
Arber Xhekaj

Rejoins Canadiens Lineup Wednesday
Brendan Gallagher

Scratched on Wednesday
Logan Stanley

Returns to Action Wednesday
Framber Valdez

Suspended Six Games
Tyler Glasnow

Exits Early on Wednesday With Back Pain
CFB

Brauntae Johnson the Next Star in Notre Dame's Secondary?
CFB

Ethan Barbour a Name to Know in Georgia's Tight End Room
CFB

Payton Pierce Next Up at Linebacker for Ohio State
CFB

Javin Gordon to Play Significant Role for Tennessee?
CFB

Tanook Hines Stepping into WR1 Role for USC
CFB

Rueben Owens II has "Star Potential" in Fourth Campaign
Brandon Woodruff

has Fluid Drained From his Right Shoulder
Brandon Woodruff

to Resume Throwing on Saturday, Return Imminent?
Carlos Correa

to Have Season-Ending Ankle Surgery
Jacob Misiorowski

Listed as Friday's Probable Starter
Logan Webb

Dealing With Knee Discomfort
Carlos Correa

Expected to Miss Significant Time With Ankle Injury
Collin Morikawa

Withdraws From Truist Championship
Xander Schauffele

Carries Elite Form Into Quail Hollow
Hideki Matsuyama

Looks to Bounce Back at Truist Championship
Matt Fitzpatrick

Secures Third Win of 2026 Season
Patrick Cantlay

Continues Playing Well Heading to Truist Championship
Ludvig Aberg

Returns to Action For Truist Championship
Justin Thomas

Searching for Consistency at Quail Hollow
Jordan Spieth

Looks to Break Through at Quail Hollow
Adam Scott

Brings Strong Form to Quail Hollow
Robert MacIntyre

a Steady Option at Truist Championship
Jason Day

Looks to Overcome Approach Struggles at Quail Hollow
Akshay Bhatia

Looks for Complete Game at Truist Championship
Mats Zuccarello

Extends Point Streak to Five Games
Emilio Pagán

Emilio Pagan Headed for Injured List With Hamstring Injury
Emilio Pagán

Emilio Pagan Carted Off With Apparent Hamstring Injury on Tuesday
Justin Rose

to Continue Mid-Season Club Change at Truist Championship
Si Woo Kim

is Back to Peak Form Ahead of Truist Championship
Sam Burns

to Bounce Back at Truist Championship
Cameron Young

Looks to Carry Dominance to Quail Hollow
Rory McIlroy

Returns to Familiar Stomping Grounds This Week at Quail Hollow
Chris Gotterup

Looking to Bounce Back at Quail Hollow
MLB

Cardinals-Brewers Game Postponed on Tuesday
Roman Anthony

Day-to-Day With Wrist Sprain
Jacob Misiorowski

"All Things Look Good" for Jacob Misiorowski to Start on Wednesday
Tommy Fleetwood

Looking For Better Iron Play at Quail Hollow
MLB

Rockies-Mets Game Postponed Due to Inclement Weather
CFB

Mario Craver Enters No. 1 Wide Receiver Role for Marcel Reed
CFB

LaNorris Sellers a Strong Rebound Candidate in 2026
CFB

Cam Coleman Poised for Monster Year at Texas?
CFB

Will Hammond Pushing to Be Ready for Week 1
Alex Fitzpatrick

Looking to Keep Up Ball-Striking Output at Quail Hollow
CFB

Notre Dame Leads College Football in Returning Snaps
CFB

Two Ole Miss Football Players Arrested, Charged with DUI
Ben Griffin

Looks Solid on the Surface Heading to Charlotte
Chase Elliott

Earns his Second Texas Motor Speedway Victory
Denny Hamlin

Misses Out on Winning at Texas
Alex Bowman

Finishes Third for the Second Week in a Row at Texas
Tyler Reddick

Earns Seventh Top-Five Finish of the Season at Texas
Chris Buescher

Scores his First Career Texas Finish in the Top Five
CFB

Bryce Underwood in Better Situation Entering Sophomore Season
CFB

Nico Iamaleava Emerging as Leader, Playmaker for UCLA
Jack Della Maddalena

Gets Dominated At UFC Perth
Carlos Prates

Shines At UFC Perth
Beneil Dariush

Suffers A First-Round TKO Loss
Quillan Salkilld

Remains Unbeaten In The UFC
Tim Elliott

Drops Decision At UFC Perth
Steve Erceg

Wins Back-To-Back Fights
Ollie Schmid

Suffers First-Round TKO Loss
Marwan Rahiki

Remains Unbeaten
Christopher Bell

Is Christopher Bell Worth Rostering for Texas Lineups?
William Byron

Might have the Speed to Compete for the Win at Texas
Joey Logano

Provides Solid Upside for Texas DFS Lineups
Chase Briscoe

Could Chase Briscoe be A Sneaky Pick for Texas Lineups?
Ty Gibbs

Should DFS Managers Roster Ty Gibbs at Texas?
Daniel Suarez

Is Daniel Suarez Worth Rostering After Career-Best Starting Position at Texas?
Kyle Busch

Is a DFS Risk Starting in the Top 10 at Texas
Tyler Reddick

One of the Favorites to Win at Texas
Chase Elliott

Could Contend for Another Win at Texas
Carson Hocevar

on Pole at Texas
NASCAR

Bubba Wallace Wrecks in Practice at Texas
Chris Buescher

Looking to Continue Strong Run at Texas
Austin Dillon

Blows Engine in Practice at Texas
RANKINGS
C
1B
2B
3B
SS
OF
SP
RP

RANKINGS

QB
RB
WR
TE
K
DEF