RADIO
BALLER MOVE: Add in deep standard and dynasty leagues.
OWNED IN: 12% of Fleaflicker Leagues
ANALYSIS: Wilmer Flores made his debut for the New York Mets back in 2013 at the age of 21. He was in the Mets minor league system since he was 16 years old. Although Flores's MLB stats have not equaled his highly touted minor league career, the best is yet to come for Flores and the Mets.
The Mets shortstop position had been void of talent for several years before finally calling on Flores to be the full time answer. Obtaining power from the middle infield is rare and Flores has already shown that he can be every bit of a power hitter. He hit 77 HR and drove in 461 RBI in 7 seasons in the minors with a SLG% of .440 and an OPS of .774. In his first full season taking the reigns in Flushing he is hitting .254 with 3 HR and 8 RBI. The K and BB will both be low so creating contact will be his calling card which should lead to a solid batting average.
His fielding is still a major concern but unless your league counts errors fantasy owners will not despair from using him as their starting shortstop. Flores won't steal a ton of bases but if he can harness his power game the potential is close to 20 HR as early as 2015. Middle infield power hitters who do not strike out are quite rare and must be taken as a serious bonus to any team. If Flores really wants to make owners happy he can shorten his swing out to create more hits to the opposite field and become a doubles hitter to add to the long ball.
The closest hitter that compares to Wilmer Flores in the majors is Manny Machado. The BA, SLG, OBP and OPS are all similar and both can contribute across the board. Flores is not a sleeper anymore and he is only owned in 12% of leagues. The bandwagon is leaving the station so hop aboard!
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