In Roto leagues, every fantasy player is searching for that all-category contributor that will give you value in all areas. This mindset is great early in the draft, but inevitably there is a search in those later rounds for category specialists, players that perform well in only one or two categories. Today, I’m going to look at a category that is often overlooked, the ability to score runs. It’s not the most predictable aspect of the game, but theoretically they are usually guys that play in decent lineups, bat near the top of the order, and get on base.
Here are some players to target late in drafts for runs.
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Adam Eaton (OF – WAS)
Eaton currently has an ADP of 194 and is going outside of the top 50 outfielders, but he also is slated to start the season as the leadoff hitter or in the No. 2 hole for the Nationals. Even without Bryce Harper, this is a lineup that will do some damage with a core of Trea Turner, Anthony Rendon, and Juan Soto. Eaton’s problems have always been centered around health, but that risk is baked into the price. If he plays a full season, he could hit close to .300 and give you nearly 90 runs.
Jesse Winker (OF – CIN)
It looks like Winker’s shoulder is healthy in spring training, and he has already started climbing up draft boards as a sleeper that everyone knows about. The ranking here is contingent on his spot in the lineup, but Winker has incredible plate skills and put up a .405 OBP in 334 at-bats in 2018. Cincinnati has improved an offense that was already stellar, so there should be plenty of runs scored at the top of this order. Unfortunately, there’s also plenty of competition for those outfield spots with Matt Kemp, Nick Senzel, and Scott Schebler needing playing time. I think the Reds know what they have in Winker, and he’ll be a steal at his 211 ADP.
Cedric Mullins (OF – BAL)
Mullins really has a shot to contribute across several categories including steals and home runs, but the drain on your average likely lands him down here. The good news is that he’s only 24 and is currently projected to hit first in the Orioles lineup this year. No one is projecting the Orioles to be an offensive powerhouse, but many of the runs they do score could come through Cedric Mullins. He is being drafted all the way down at 292, so there’s not much risk involved in snagging him.
Jurickson Profar (SS – OAK)
Profar was the ultimate post-hype sleeper in 2018 almost six years after his MLB debut. He finally hit 20 homers and scored 82 runs in Texas. While the Oakland Coliseum isn’t the hitter’s park that Global Life Park in Arlington is, Profar’s ability to score runs should not take a huge hit. His ADP is sitting at 139, but he is the 17th shortstop coming off the board. That ranking suggests the depth of the middle infield position as most fantasy teams could benefit from having a Profar slide into their MI spot. There is still upside here, especially if he continues to bat first or second in the lineup.
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Shane McDonald is a correspondent at FantasyPros. For more from Shane, check out his archive or follow him @coachshanemac.
