Alcides Escobar is the 9th rated fantasy shortstop as we head into the month of May.
Analysis: Alcides continues to be one of the most underrated fantasy options at shortstop. He’s currently batting .287 with 5 stolen bases, 13 runs scored and 10 runs batted in. The 5 stolen bases is 2nd among shortstops this season. Escobar’s isolated power is up this year- he ranks 7th among major league shortstops in extra base hits. His walk rate is up to 7.5% this year as opposed to his career mark of 4.4%. We are still in the early stages of the season but these are all very good signs.
Even in an off year Escobar still managed to finish in the top 20 among fantasy shortstops last season. He’s off to a fast start and we may see him outperform his 2012 season- .293 batting average, 35 stolen bases, 5 home runs, 68 runs. Regardless, he’s playing better than some of the bigger names out there like Derek Jeter, JJ Hardy, Asdrubal Cabrera and Everth Cabrera.
Alcides Escobar is available in 50-60% of fantasy leagues. Expect top 15 fantasy shortstop numbers going forward.