Players Who Could Get Cheap Eligibility
Jason Heyward – RF/CF
Heyward has been seen in center field on a few occasions this year, and it is clear that the Braves would rather have Heyward as the backup centerfielder than carry a weak hitting bench bat. He plays top notch defense in right field, so he can likely handle the position in a pinch without any issues. In a league that accounts for outfield positions rather than outfield in general, Heyward could be very beneficial if he eventually does earn enough games to qualify in center. This is not a given, but it something to keep an eye on as the season progresses.
Eric Hosmer – 1B/OF
Ned Yost put Hosmer in right field for a game just a few days ago, in what could be Yost’s game plan when the Royals play in National League parks. One of the team’s best hitters, Billy Butler, will be forced to sit on the bench in NL parks otherwise, so Hosmer getting some work in the outfield makes a decent amount of sense as he is certainly athletic enough to handle a corner outfield spot. It will depend on the eligibility roles in your league, but Hosmer could end up with cheap OF eligibility which could really be beneficial as first base is consistently extremely deep. This, like Heyward’s situation, is not a given but is worth following to see if he does end up getting OF eligibility.
Chris Parmelee – 1B/OF
Parmelee is probably going to play first base more than anywhere else, but he should also get some games in right field. Having the added 1B/OF label should increase his value, as he is not expected to be too great of a performer. Having some extra flexibility should help him land on some more rosters and be used as a bench bat in deeper leagues. Parmelee is certainly not as talented as Heyward or Hosmer, but his eligibility should make him a bit more useful in fantasy formats.
Jeff Keppinger – 1B/2B/3B/SS
Keppinger has received time at every infield position this year, which could make him a decent bench player for a fantasy team. He’ll never be a guy you stick in every day at any position, as he’ll likely be a platoon player unless the Rays suffer a rash of injuries, but he has a chance to have eligibility at every position and he hits lefties very well. In AL only formats he is an even better target due to his extra eligibility.
If there is anyone I looked over that might end up getting some surprise eligibility, mention them in the comments section so we can discuss further about their potential value.
Ben has been at RotoGraphs since 2012 and focuses most of his fantasy baseball attention toward dynasty and keeper leagues.
How do you feel about Brent Lillibridge this year? Possible Zobrist-like breakout season?
I like Lillibridge, but I don’t see that. Unsustainable HR/FB and not talented enough to hold up that type of season for a full year.
What about me? 3B, 2B, SS, OF.
And equally craptastic, no matter where you play.
having never owned figgins before, i just picked him up off waivers on the offchance that he can add some speed to my bench, assuming his hip is healed.
@soupman hopefully that’s the only place to where he adds speed for you.
Jordan Pacheco plays C, 3B and can play all over. If he’s got a 300+ AB role that’s another nice deep league/NL only play.
I really hope Ian Desmond plays his way out of SS so Espinosa could pick up dual eligibility.
Allen Craig could sneak in 10 games at 2B for ESPN leagues
Craig’s a good one. Matt Carpenter could end up getting OF and even 1B eligibility as well. With how old/injury prone the Cardinals are in the corner spots, he could end up being a decent play if he gets 1B/3B/OF eligibility. Also a decent trade target for some teams, where hopefully he would already have received the excess eligibility.
The cheapest eligibility has already been granted by Yahoo, who decided Kendrys Morales is a “1B/RF”
The same people who made Jesus Montero a Util only player.
Well hopefully you picked him up at a lower draft slot and can deal him for a profit when he does get the C.
I saw that, thanks for my brand spankin new stud OF3, Yahoo!
I like Scutaro, he’s a SS in all my leagues but he’s going to be playing 2B for the rockies. He’s a guy who can have a slightly above average bat, will play everyday, so 2B/SS makes him a killer utlity bench guy.
Trevor Plouffe has SS eligibility and will soon have OF eligibility in all leagues if he starts/platoons in RF as expected. In a deep league like my 12-team AL, a cheap source of power at two positions that are often lacking (SS and 5th OF)
Tyler Greene for STL 2b, ss, of; Eduardo Nunez for NYY 2b, ss, 3b – could get enough AB’s behind Arod and Jeter.
Ryan Doumit will get 1B and OF eligibility.
and C
Yeah, he already has C
If Morneau is healthy I would expect Parmelee to get the majority of his starts in RF since 1B will be crowded with Morneau/Doumit/Mauer. RF is possibly Plouffe/Parmelee/Revere. If healthy Morneau, Doumit, and Mauer are basically guaranteed AB’s in the lineup whereas the trio in RF are not. For what its worth Morneau hit 2 HR’s in a game against the Rays a few days ago.
Trumbo could eventually snag 3B & OF
Just like Kendrys Morales, Trumbo already has OF in Yahoo leagues.
Don’t be too hard on Yahoo. Scioscia can’t even figure out where all his corner guys play.
Mike Aviles, already at 2B/3B and soon to get eligibilty at SS?