Fansided

White Sox Matt Davidson and Cautious Fantasy Optimism

By Brad Kelly

May 11, 2017; Chicago, IL, USA; Chicago White Sox third baseman Matt Davidson (24) hits a solo home run during the sixth inning against the Minnesota Twins at Guaranteed Rate Field. Mandatory Credit: Caylor Arnold-USA TODAY Sports
May 11, 2017; Chicago, IL, USA; Chicago White Sox third baseman Matt Davidson (24) hits a solo home run during the sixth inning against the Minnesota Twins at Guaranteed Rate Field. Mandatory Credit: Caylor Arnold-USA TODAY Sports /
facebooktwitterreddit

Matt Davidson has been a nice revelation for the White Sox this season. But, can fantasy owners believe in him enough to make him a waiver wire add?

Prospects are a funny thing in fantasy baseball. We love to get enamored with those that are ‘can not miss’ players surely to become the next big thing. Matt Davidson once fell under that category, as he was once looked at as a power phenom with Arizona. He has never lived up to those lofty expectations but has swung the bat well this season for the White Sox. But, can fantasy owners trust him as a waiver wire add?

The book on Davidson has not changed. He has tremendous raw power, but the swings and misses are his downfall. So far in 2017, Davidson holds a .258/10 HR/25 RBI/.828 OPS line. A more than respectable line considering he has struck out 52 times compared to nine walks over 128 at-bats. While that staggering K rate will scare off most, there are some positives in his peripherals.

Even for his strikeout ways, he is holding his own verses righties, .250/7 HR/19 RBI, and lefties, .271/3 HR/6 RBI, this season. He also has both five homers on the road and home, showing that even though Guranteed Rate Field is a hitters paradise, his power plays everywhere.

More from Fantasy Baseball

His batted ball data reads as one would expect a power hitter would. He is posting 18% LD, 27% GB, 55% FB, 54% Med and 31% Hard contact rates. The LD could use a boost, but for Davidson, the 50%+ FB rate combined with his solid contact, is paying dividends.

In terms of his fantasy situation, Davidson has forced himself into regular playing time even though Todd Frazier is at third. Davidson can not only DH or play some first, he will surely be looked to hold down third when/if Frazier is dealt.

Chicago still serves as a fantasy friendly ballpark and the White Sox lineup is not completely devoid of a decent supporting staff. The counting stat potential is there moving forward.

Next: Diamondbacks Robbie Ray: Top-10 SP the rest of the season?

Matt Davidson came to the White Sox with the hope that all he needed was a change of scenery. While the ceiling may not be as high as some initially thought, that does not mean he can not be a fantasy value in 2017. The AVG may hover around the .250-.255 mark all season and their will be instances where he drives owners crazy, but there is real 20+ HR upside for a guy that is still out there on the waiver wire. Give him a closer look.

Home/Fantasy Baseball