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Jon Denzler profiles Philadelphia Phillies C Jorge Alfaro as a waiver wire pickup and add in Week 2 of the 2018 MLB season for his secure role and playing time.
BALLER MOVE: Add in Two-Catcher Leagues
OWNED IN: 12% of Yahoo leagues
ANALYSIS: Jorge Alfaro represents the ultimate problem for fantasy owners: is a toolsy player without production worth rostering for the upside? To be fair, Alfaro last season was certainly passable with a .318 AVG, five home runs, and 127 WRC+ in 29 games. At the same time, a 28.9 K% compared to a 2.6 BB% limits the ability to keep that line going. So then why does he appear on this list? Andrew Knapp. Of the two, Alfaro has the clearer offensive profile, and his strong arm (Fangraphs 70 CV) makes him an excellent defensive player for manager Gabe Kapler. Expect Alfaro to get the ABs in a potent Phillies offense and rely on production by association when compared to a weak catcher pool in general.
Now the good on Alfaro: a 2018 14.3 BB% is promising and shows a better approach at the plate so far. Also, a 2.5 GB/FB ratio should end up dropping to his career line of 1.81 (including the minors), meaning an increase in his power profile. Is Alfaro a starting fantasy catcher? No. In two-catcher leagues is he worth the upside? The profile says yes.
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