- Commissioner’s statement on Ventura, Marte
- Ronnie O’Sullivan: Masters champion ‘felt so vulnerable’ in final
- Arron Fletcher Wins 2017 WSOP International Circuit Marrakech Main Event ($140,224)
- Smith challenges Warner to go big in India
- Moncada No. 1 on MLB Pipeline’s Top 10 2B Prospects list
- Braves land 2 on MLB Pipeline’s Top 10 2B Prospects list
- Kingery makes MLB Pipeline’s Top 10 2B Prospects list
- New Zealand wrap up 2-0 after Bangladesh implosion
- Mathews, Pradeep, Gunathilaka to return to Sri Lanka
- Elliott hopes for rain for Poli
9 players primed to shine with larger roles
- Updated: November 30, 2016
After a fairly quiet November, transactions could come at a fast and furious pace in December. With many executives likely on the verge of reshaping their rosters through a series of trades and free-agent signings, the following nine players could have enhanced 2017 fantasy value if their teams make the necessary moves to shift them into more prominent roles.
Jedd Gyorko, 2B/3B/SS, Cardinals: Gyorko was the only player in baseball this past season to hit 30 homers without registering more than 400 at-bats. But while his power should make him a coveted fantasy asset in most formats, his lack of a stable role — he made more than 10 appearances at all four infield positions last season — could cause the slugger to open the year on waivers in shallow leagues. Gyorko will see his value skyrocket if the Cards shift him into the starting lineup by parting ways with second baseman Kolten Wong or third baseman Jhonny Peralta.
• Hot Stove Tracker
Jurickson Profar, 1B/2B/3B/SS/OF, Rangers: Profar returned from a two-year absence in 2016, showing his versatility by making more than 10 appearances at five defensive positions. But after posting a promising .323/.363/.465 slash line over his first 37 games (30 starts), the switch-hitter slipped to .166/.288/.228 while starting just 37 of his final 53 contests. Profar could dent mixed-league rosters if a more consistent role enables him to find the form that once made him the consensus top prospect in baseball.
Jose Peraza, 2B/SS/OF, Reds: One of the fastest youngsters in baseball, Peraza needed just 256 plate appearances to finish among the 27 players who swiped more than 20 bases last season. Looking ahead, the …
