New York Mets Fantasy Baseball preview of Francisco Lindor. Play StatementGames alternative Fantasy MLB for FREE throughout the 2021 season and WIN CASH Rewards.
The New York Mets made arguably the biggest addition this offseason in Francisco Lindor. He has been the most consistent hitting/fielding shortstop in the Major Leagues since Derek Jeter.
Of course, with any player moving from stadium to stadium, and especially from the American League to the National, there will be an element of risk. Here are three reasons why he’s still a safe pick for your MLB fantasy team.
Francisco Lindor Offensive Production
Lindor has easily been the most consistent offensive producer at his position, shortstop. Comparing him to Javier Baez, we find that Lindor excels above Baez in every category from 2016-2019.
Comparing Lindor to Carlos Correa we find much the same thing; albeit Lindor has twice as many plate appearances.
Defense Wins Championships
There is little to affect defense from team to team. He has been the second best defensive shortstop in the American League, after Andrelton Simmons.
Comparing Lindor to Correa, according to UZR, or Ultimate Zone Rating, Lindor holds a significant edge with a 6.4, contrasted with Correa’s 0.9.
Using the same metric, UZR, this time pitting Lindor against Xander Bogaerts we find that Bogaerts holds a 1.1 UZR, again far worse than Lindor’s 6.4.
His range will truly be allowed to shine in New York, where he will no longer have the above-average Jose Ramirez playing 3rd base, but the grossly below-average J.D. Davis.
Overall Fantasy Value
The combination of offense, defense, and smiles, makes Lindor one of the best all-around fantasy players you could draft. He will add the most overall points to your team, comparable to Nolan Arenado; article found here.
I would not let Lindor fall below the 2nd round of your draft; do not draft him #1 overall, but if you pick later in the first round, keep your eyes open for his smiling face. He is one of the safest, most valuable picks you can make.
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