Tigers J.D. Martinez Needs More Respect: 2017 Fantasy Value
By Brad Kelly
J.D. Martinez has become one of the best run producers in the game over the last three seasons for the Tigers. But, does he get enough respect in fantasy circles?
Three straight seasons of 30+ 2B and 20+ HR, while also posting at a .282 AVG. All J.D. Martinez has done for the Tigers is become one of the best power sources in the game. But, fantasy owners seem to overlook him on draft day.
A year after his monster .307/38 HR/102 RBI, Martinez was well on his way to posting another dominant performance in 2016. But, a fractured elbow in June halted his momentum. Looking at his monthly splits, he was a consistent force. Outside of his shortened June and lost August, he had least 3 HR/11 RBI per month all season.
Even in May, the one month where he did not post at least a .260 AVG, he notched 8 HR/17 RBI. He was always offering fantasy owners stats week in and week out. His injury was a big blow for a lot of owners, but thankfully he recovered from it smoothly.
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He still posted 21% LD, 36% FB, 48% Med contact, and a 41% Hard contact rate, all solid totals. Especially when you take into account that he was hitting the ball with that level of force last season, while homering nearly evenly to both left and right field. He simply has power to all sides of the diamond.
The Tigers need Martinez’s production in the middle of their lineup as he remains a key cog. The counting stats will be there as usual with Ian Kinsler, Victor Martinez, and that Miguel Cabrera guy, flanking him.
Without the injury, he was on pace to post another 30+ HR season and was going to flirt with the 100 RBI mark. He amazingly surpassed his double total in his breakout 2015 season, 33, with 35 doubles in 38 fewer games in 2016. Further showing that he is still splitting gaps with ease.
J.D. Martinez has eased the minds of doubters who thought his 2015 season was a flash in the pan. While a fluke injury prevented him from a great follow-up campaign, the continual batted ball data should show fantasy owners that he is legit.
Martinez should be looked at as a fringe 1st round pick, or early 2nd round value. There are not a lot of players anymore that can go out and post .280+/30 HR/100 RBI seasons, but he is one. Do not allow Martinez to fall past those who draft at the back-end of the first round in 12 to 14 player leagues, and he should certainly be one of the first names taken in the 2nd round.
Next: Marlins Christian Yelich: Believing in the Power Surge
It is now time to show J.D. Martinez the respect he deserves.