Throughout the month of March, theScore examines hitters who represent their team's most intriguing fantasy plays. This edition focuses on Atlanta Braves first baseman Freddie Freeman.
2015 in Review: 481 PA, .276/.370/.471, 62 R, 18 HR, 66 RBI, 3 SB
The Good: Freeman crushed right-handed pitching to the tune of a .298 batting average, 17 home runs and 19 doubles in 2015. He's typically a hot starter, hitting .288 with 167 of his 275 career extra-base hits coming in the first half of the season. He has modest power and gets on base with consistency.
The Bad: The Atlanta Braves. Freeman will only offer as much to fantasy owners as his teammates allow. OF Ender Inciarte, SS Erick Aybar and OF Nick Markakis will fill the 1-3 spots in the order, with Freeman hitting cleanup. None of the three had an OPS of .750 in 2015. RBI and runs will be infrequent.
Best Comparison: San Francisco Giants 1B Brandon Belt
What's in Store: Freeman was limited to just 118 games in 2015 due to a wrist injury, but he still managed 18 home runs for the second straight season. He has 20 homer potential in a full season, but with no proven threats behind him in the Braves' order, pitchers won't be scared to put him on base.
Draft Outlook: Freeman can be had as a sixth-round pick in standard 12-team leagues, but mixed-league owners shouldn't rush out to grab him. He's more of a top-15 player at his position than a top-10, with last season's wrist injury and a poor supporting cast limiting his upside.
