Sep 15, 2014; Atlanta, GA, USA; Atlanta Braves left fielder Justin Upton (8) hits an RBI double scoring Atlanta Braves shortstop Andrelton Simmons (not pictured) in the ninth inning of their game against the Washington Nationals at Turner Field. The Nationals won 4-2. Mandatory Credit: Jason Getz-USA TODAY Sports
The Atlanta Braves lost a big part of their offense when Justin Upton left and signed with the San Diego Padres. As a result, the team needs the rest of its players to step up and provide run support. One of those players has a lot of pressure to reveal what kind of hitter he will be in 2015.
More from FanSided
- Joe Burrow owes Justin Herbert a thank you note after new contract
- Chiefs gamble at wide receiver could already be biting them back
- Braves-Red Sox start time: Braves rain delay in Boston on July 25
- Yankees: Aaron Boone gives optimistic return date for Aaron Judge
- MLB Rumors: Yankees-Phillies trade showdown, Mariners swoop, India goes to Seattle
Shortstop Andrelton Simmons is entering his third full season and has some low expectations. With the right training, he should be able to outplay his projections.
Once known as a contact hitter, a .299 hitter in the minors, Simmons changed his game and tried to become a power hitter. In 2013, he hit 17 home runs, but his batting average severely dropped. Things got worse in 2014 when Simmons couldn’t do either. In 2014, he hit seven home runs, 46 RBI and a .244 average.
Fantasy owners are okay drafting a player who is really good at one thing. Billy Hamilton and steals, Chris Carter and home runs, Fernando Rodney and saves. However, when a player is bad across the board, you are better off leaving that player alone unless you are in a very, very deep league.
More from Fantasy Baseball
- 5 fantasy baseball waiver wire pivots to replace Triston McKenzie
- Fantasy baseball mock draft 2023, 12-team: Aaron Judge over Trea Turner?
- 3 fantasy baseball sleepers being drafted too late
- NBA DFS picks December 25: Merry Bucking Christmas
- Fantasy Baseball: Hot pitchers worthy of starting this weekend
That is the category Simmons finds himself in. New Braves’ hitting coach Kevin Seitzer will have to figure out if Simmons reaching for power ruined his performance at the plate. It will be up to him if he develops Simmons into a power-hitting shortstop or a hitting machine and gets on base.
NFBC has Simmons with an ADP of 285.93 (29th round). With the lack of production across the board, Simmons’ fantasy value is extremely low. Unless you are in a 16-team league or in need of a third middle infielder, he should remain off your radar.
Projections: 10 HR, 52 RBI, 6 SB, .247/.300/.368. Waiver wire pickup.