San Francisco Giants Matt Duffy: 2016 Projections

Sometimes overlooked, rookie Matt Duffy became a star third baseman as a member of a top-tier offense. How will he fair in his sophomore season?

The 2015 season was filled with many talented rookies making their debut and a quick impact on the game. Any number of them could have won Rookie of the Year and no one would have argued. There is one player that many weren’t expecting to be as good as he was in 2015, and he is San Francisco Giants third baseman Matt Duffy.

Before this season, Duffy actually made some appearances in the 2014 season. He played in 34 games, recording 16 hits (two doubles), eight RBI and a .267 batting average. It wasn’t anything impressive, but it earned him an invite to Spring Training. After hitting .361, he was named a member of the 25-man roster.

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

Matt Duffy played all four infield positions during the first two months of the season. He did find a spot at third base with Casey McGehee struggling. He then became the permanent starter on May 24 as McGehee was designated for assignment.

At the end of the season, Duffy had 169 hits (28 2B, six 3B, 12 HR), 77 RBI and a .295 average with 12 stolen bases. He was a Gold Glove finalist and finished second in the National League Rookie of the Year voting.

Entering the 2015 season, Matt Duffy was eligible at second base. He earned third base eligibility after his 10th game (in standard ESPN leagues). At the end of the season, he only played nine games at second, which does not make him eligible at that position in the 2016 season.

Duffy went undrafted in ESPN leagues, but ended up being owned in 83.6 percent of leagues. He finished sixth among second basemen, seventh among third basemen and 80th overall on the Player Rater. The combination of contact, power and speed makes Duffy a very valuable fantasy player for 2016.

Matt Duffy will enter his sophomore season on a high note. He will be hitting in front of Buster Posey and star-in-the-making shortstop Brandon Crawford. While AT&T Park is a pitcher-friendly stadium, the Giants were able to finish in the top-12 in runs, hits and RBI. His value takes a bit of a hit with the loss of second base eligibility, he is a top-10 third baseman with top-five potential. He can easily hit 15 home runs and steal 15 bases.

Projections: 155 hits, 13 home runs, 75 RBI, 12 stolen bases, .290 average

Draft: Round 9