Fantasy sports is often a game where there are comers and goers, and players that we often forget about. In 2013, Jedd Gyorko came onto the scene and absolutely mashed 23 bombs, while driving in 63 RBI for the Padres.
The average was never pretty, but for a MI to post those kind of power numbers in this age of baseball, is worth notice. However, he never really capitalized on that rookie season, as he struggled in 2014 and for most of 2015.
Last season was marred by injuries as Gyorko couldn’t ever get into a groove. He battled nagging injuries the whole year, so I was willing to write it off as a loss season. But 2015, I expected some type of rebound as he seemed healthy and in what was perceived as a decent lineup.
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Even out of the gates it seemed that Gyorko wasn’t back to what we saw in 2013. The AVG was still pathetic and the power was nearly non-existent. He even found himself in the minors, after the emergence of Yangervis Solarte. What brings me to always be intrigued by Gyorko, is the power potential.
Clearly he inst the powerhouse that we may have seen in 2013, but that doesn’t mean he lacks value at the MI spot. The Padres have had a miserable year, put they made it a point to get Gyorko everyday starts. They have even been slotting him at SS, which is either a sign of desperation or willingness to keep his stick in the lineup.
The season on the whole has been underwhelming, he has a .246/12 HR/44 RBI. But, his recent surge has piqued my interest. With the fantasy playoffs basically here, owners could always use the infusion of power. Over the last 14 days, he has posted a .313/4 HR/10 RBI line.
He looks better at the plate and the power uptick is a welcome sight. I’ve harped all season, about owners capitalizing on power options at the MI spots. Gyorko is still widely available in over 80% of leagues. Fantasy owners should look for incremental gains across all categories. Gyorko offers help in the HR, RBI, and OPS spots.
His average won’t stay north of .300, but it doesn’t have to value wise. Usually, MI will be the weaker spot in our lineups, so adding a potential power option is ideal. I concede that owners are probably weary on adding Gyorko again, but these are the types of fliers that can carry us in the postseason.
I like that his OPS is back on par with his 2013 season, a .301 clip. His LD% and FB%, are more in line with 2013, so I take it as an optimistic factor going forward. Gyorko won’t go on a crazy power tear, but he offers enough upside that I’m willing to recommend him as an addition. He’s worth the gamble, so why not take the it chance?