Hitter Profiles: Youth Movement

In the world of fantasy baseball, one of the most exciting and challenging aspects is managing young players. There is incredible opportunity as players are discounted due to the potential variability they bring to our game.  Whether it is a lack of track record at the major league level or the uncertainty of playing time, the market is simply not efficient with these youngsters.  For many managers, the potential to find an upstart rookie is just too much to pass up. These up-and-coming players can make or break a fantasy season. Let’s delve into a few young players that are trying to establish themselves as mainstays in our fantasy lineup in this week’s version of Hitter Profiles.

Joey Loperfido

At 25-years-old, Loperfido is on the outer bounds of being a prospect, but still standing tall at 6’4″ and 195 pounds.  This year he has shown significant promise with 13 homers in 25 AAA games and a 25-homer, 27-steal season across three minor league levels in 2023. However, his transition to the majors has been rocky, with a near 40% strikeout rate in his first 14 games. While this adjustment period poses a risk, Houston appears committed to giving Loperfido the time he needs. Of all the players on today’s radar, he potentially has the highest upside due to his power-speed combination, but also the largest downside if his strikeout issues persist.  This is the kind of player to play matchups and hold on the bench as we find out if he can adjust.  I believe there is a bright future for Joey, it is just a question of when it gets here.

2024 Rest of Season Status: Hold

Miguel Vargas

This 24-year-old second baseman made a name for himself last spring training by taking at-bats without swinging due to an injury. As an unsurprisingly clear connection, his 2023 season was largely a throwaway. Throughout his minor league career, Vargas has shown a profile that could hit .300 with 25-homer power and a handful of steals. Rarely striking out more than 20% of the time and getting on base at an above-average clip, he offers a high floor. With the opportunity in the Dodgers lineup, especially given the underwhelming performances of Gavin Lux and Enrique Hernandez, there is a lot to like about his future in Los Angeles.

2024 Rest of Season Status: Buy

Jordan Beck

Any young, exciting hitter for the Rockies is a noteworthy check, given that Coors Field has been the best hitters’ park over the last three years and remains in the top three for 2024. The 23-year-old Jordan Beck is the number four-rated prospect in the Colorado system. Through 21 games, he’s striking out 38% of the time without a single walk, but he has shown big power, including recent back-to-back games with long balls. While the adjustment period might take some time, the Rockies should have plenty of playing time for him to grow. There’s a lot to like long-term as his power starts to translate, though the near term will likely be streaky. We have to remember that Colorado’s track record with hitting prospects is mixed and it will take a special prospect to break-through.

2024 Rest of Season Status: Sell

Luis Matos

The youngest player on our list at 22 years old, Luis Matos might be the most exciting if the playing time remains. In just 11 games this season, Matos has already hit two homers and racked up an eye-popping 18 RBIs. His profile is what truly intrigues—Matos projects as a potential 20/20 hitter with a high average, thanks to his steady plate approach. Throughout his minor league career, he often walked more than he struck out, with his highest strikeout rate being just 16% at high-A. While San Francisco is not the best hitters’ park and players like Austin Slater and Michael Conforto will eventually return and force the Giants to make a decision, Matos has the opportunity to make that decision tough. If he can maintain his hot start and show off like he did in spring training, where he hit over .300 with four homers and plentiful counting stats, Matos could solidify his place in the lineup.

2024 Rest of Season Status: Buy