Jason Kipnis: A Tale of Two Months

May 28, 2015; Seattle, WA, USA; Cleveland Indians second baseman

(22) hits an RBI-single against the Seattle Mariners during the fourth inning at Safeco Field. Mandatory Credit: Joe Nicholson-USA TODAY Sports

What a difference a month makes. Jason Kipnis had a terrible first month of the season and owners were looking to either trade or drop him. Then, the calendar turned to May and Kipnis flipped the switch. Now, he is back to being one of the best second baseman in the league. The question is, which Kipnis is the real Kipnis? 

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Kipnis had a great 2013 season – 17 HR, 84 RBI, 30 SB and a .284 batting average. His 2014 season was a bit disappointing – six HR, 41 RB, 22 SB and a .240 average. He did play in 20 fewer games last season compared to the year before.

Despite the drop in numbers, Kipnis was drafted as a top-10 second baseman (71.5 ADP), more due to the fact that second base was shallow entering the season. Unfortunately for everyone who drafted him, he was a big disappointment in April – 19 hits, one home run, eight RBI, two SB and a .218 batting average.

Luckily for Kipnis and his owners, May 1 came around and so did Kipnis’ game. In 29 games, he recorded 51 hits 22 extra-base hits (15 doubles, three triples and four home runs), 17 RBI, 16 walks, 17 strikeouts and a .429/.511/.706 line. His season batting average is now at .340.

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Now, what can we expect from Kipnis for the rest of the season? It may be looked at as a copout, but I expect something in the middle. The speed and power hasn’t been there, so I see them picking up while the batting average drops. Kipnis hitting .270 with 15 home runs and 12 stolen bases for the rest of the season is something likely to happen.

If you can afford to, I would try to trade for Kipnis. He is currently ranked fourth among second basemen on ESPN’s Player Rater. While his fantasy value is at an all-time high, he is worth the price. He’s been much better than other second baseman drafted ahead of him like Robinson Cano, Ian Kinsler and Anthony Rendon (injury).

Jason Kipnis has made his fantasy owners smile throughout the month of May. Those smiles will shine bright as long as he continues this hot streak this month as well.