Corey Ray (OF-MIL): While the night slate was beginning the Brewers took Louisville's Corey Ray with the #5 pick, a bat all keeper league players should keep in mind for 2017. While scouts continue to debate his defensive skills and ultimate landing position in the OF, most agree on one two items: he can hit and he can run. Ray elevated his game in his junior year, posting a 35:39 BB:K ratio, hitting 15 homers, and stealing 44 bases in 44 attempts in 62 games. While Mikey Moniak will garner the most attention in keeper/dynasty leagues, Ray has a similar ceiling and should be on the fast track to Milwaukee in the second-half of 2017.
D.J. LeMahieu (OF-COL): Monsieur LeMahieu took advantage of his matchup with Jeff Locke at Coors, going 2-for-3, scoring 3 runs, and driving in 3 to lead the Rockies' assault. D.J. is quietly turning himself into a big-time fantasy option, especially in points leagues. His hard hit rate (35%) and contact rate (92%) make for a lethal combination, and while his 20% FB-rate precludes a power surge, his batted ball speed supports a higher HR/FB rate than his current 8% mark. Buy.
Hernan Perez (3B-MIL); Hernan Perez went 2-for-3, drove in a run, and stole his 8th base on the season in a losing effort against the Mets. While Perez endured a rough first full season in the Bigs last year, posting a 5:59 BB:K ratio in 268 PA's, he's making adjustments in 2016 and the Brewers have taken notice. He's already walked 4 times in 84 PA's, has posted a 38% hard hit rate, and has begun to tap into his SB potential, stealing 8 bags in 10 attempts. While he'll continue to fight for playing time with Aaron Hill, look for that to change in the second half when the Brewers will want to take stock for 2017. Deep leaguers should buy now.
Yasmany Tomas (OF-ARI): Yasmany is set for a prime DFS matchup against Justin Nicolino. Tomas has posted a 44% hard hit rate and .430 wOBA against lefties; Nicolino has allowed a 40% hard hit rate and a .330 wOBA to righties while striking out fewer than 9%! Chase Field is 4th in MLB Park Factors for runs and 3rd for homers, making this an even tastier play at $2900 (just as tasty as Kike Hernandez, who FanDuel has listed for $220!).
Chris Coghlan (OF-CHC): The newly minted Cub, Chris Coghlan, looks primed for a big day against the friendly Bud Norris. While the surface stats look ugly for 2016, Coghlan posted a .181 BABIP against righties with the A's despite a 31% hard hit rate. He also hit all 5 of his homers against righties and on the road. Bud Norris has allowed a .411 wOBA against lefties in 2016 with a 8:14 K:BB ratio. Turner Field, which is 11th in Park Factors (runs), should feel like Coors to Coghlan now that he's free from the Coliseum. Provided Joe Maddon runs with him, at $2100, Coghlan makes for a great tournament play.
