Luis Valbuena and Rougned Odor should be added in deep leagues

Welcome back to “Off The Deep End”, where I will give you fantasy baseball tips on who to pick up in deeper leagues. For people who play standard leagues, drop/add columns are easy for you to find, but for those of you that love deeper leagues, advice can be harder to come by. That is where I can help. All of these players are available in 85% or more of ESPN leagues.

This portion will focus on middle infielders.  The corner infielders are here.

Chicago Cubs infielder Luis Valbuena hits a single during the fourth inning at Wrigley Field. Mandatory Credit: Jerry Lai-USA TODAY Sports

Second Basemen:

Luis Valbuena, Cubs: Valbuena has been a very pleasant surprise for the Cubs so far this year.  In fact, it could be argued that he is the reason that Kris Bryant has not been called up yet.  He is at least part of the reason.  Valbuena has a ridiculous .902 OPS in May.  He is one of the few bright spots on the Cubs right now.

Rougned Odor, Rangers: Odor has played well enough that he should stick in the majors once Jurickson Profar is called up.  Odor is hitting .344 in the last two weeks to raise his season mark to .278.  He hasn’t shown a lot of power or speed yet, but that can’t be far off.  He hit 11 homers and stole 32 bags last year between high A and AA ball.

Brian Roberts, Yankees: Roberts continues to see most of the playing time at second base, and he is in a dangerous lineup.  His .275 average over the last two weeks have raised his average to .248 on the season.  He doesn’t have much speed or power anymore, but he can still help you in average or runs scored.

Minnesota Twins shortstop Eduardo Escobar (5) prior to the game against the San Diego Padres at Petco Park. Mandatory Credit: Christopher Hanewinckel-USA TODAY Sports

Shortstops:

Chris Owings, Diamondbacks: Owings has pretty much pushed Cliff Pennington to the bench in the desert.  His three homers, six steals, and 17 runs scored can be very useful in deep leagues.

Yunel Escobar, Rays: Escobar’s average has been ticking upward all month.  Unfortunately, he is not offering anything else of substance.  He only has three homers and 13 RBI on the year.  That said, five of his RBI have come in the last two weeks.

Eduardo Escobar, Twins: His .322 average is enticing, but he only has one homer and one steal.  The 11 runs scored and 10 RBI are very nice for owners in deep leagues though.  The multi-position eligibility is helpful in deep leagues as well.  He won’t be relevant in standard leagues anytime soon, but there is value to be had in most other leagues.

Come back tomorrow for the outfielders and catchers who can help you in deep leagues.