White Sox Matt Davidson: More power available on the wire
By Bill Pivetz
The White Sox may not be competing but their players are still trying. Designated hitter Matt Davidson is slugging the ball and should be added all over.
The Chicago White Sox have dealt with a lot of injuries and poor performances from their starters all season. However, the top players are hitting and providing a lot of value to their fantasy owners. Yet, there’s one player hitting well and not owned in many leagues. That player is Matt Davidson.
My colleague, Brad Kelly wrote about Davidson just about a month ago, being on the side of cautious optimism with his value. At the time, he was hitting .258 with 10 home runs, 25 RBI and 18 runs in 132 at-bats. He had a 52:9 K:BB ratio as well.
Since then, Davidson continued his power and improved his batting average a bit. He hit seven homers, 13 RBI and 12 runs in 76 at-bats so far this month. Davidson continues to strike out at an alarming rate, 32 times to just three walks. You can do the math to solve for his season stats. The fact is, Davidson needs to be owned in more leagues.
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While his season average is a little low, his counting stats are as good as any to be worth a roster spot. He is tied for 21st in home runs, T-72 in RBI and T-135 in runs scored.
Some of the other hitters tied with him in runs are Matt Kemp, Justin Bour and Carlos Gomez just to name a few.
The 38.7 strikeout and 5.4 walk rates are going to keep his average below .270. Davidson is swinging at just under 50 percent of all pitches thrown at him and has a 63.1 first pitch strike rate.
Though, he has the raw power to maintain his fantasy value. His 52.8 fly ball and 26.2 HR/FB rates are proof. When Davidson makes contact with the ball, he hit it hard. He has a 48.0 medium and 40.9 hard hit rate this season.
As the White Sox DH, Davidson is getting consistent at-bats, so there is an opportunity to improve. I just wouldn’t get my hopes up. If you are down in power, he’s the man to target off of the waiver wire.
Next: Michael Taylor worth a roster spot?
Fantasy owners are noticing Davidson’s power and adding him to their rosters. He’s been added in 15.2 percent of ESPN leagues over the last week. Yet, his ownership percentage is still before 27 percent. There are plenty of injured players so you may have room for Davidson on your roster.