4 days agoLos Angeles Dodgers shortstop/outfielder Mookie Betts is slated to be LAD's everyday shortstop thanks to his incredible versatility as fantasy managers hope for a resurgence of his 2023 batting form. That year saw Betts slug 39 home runs with a .307 batting average, 126 runs scored, and 107 RBI, but he backslid in 2024, particularly in the power department. While a fractured left hand suffered on a hit by pitch in June did not help matters, the power slip started in May when Betts hit just four home runs with one steal in 40 games between May 1 and mid-June's injury. This caused major whiplash after he started red-hot, hitting six homers amongst 18 total extra-base hits and eight swipes in March/April. He finished closer to his usual form, swatting nine HRs with seven steals in 44 second-half games. His overall barrel rate more than halved to 6 percent from 12.4 percent in '23, with his hard-hit rate falling below 40 percent for the first time since 2017. At 32 years old, Betts still has plus potential in all five major fantasy categories, with overall run production boosted by being a Dodger. Late January ATC projections give him 103 runs scored in 147 games, with 28 home runs and 15 steals to boot. Some drafts may see him sneak into the early second round, but late first is more likely with an early NFBC ADP and RotoBaller rank around the 11th pick.--Nick Mariano - RotoBaller