Fantasy Spotlight: Steven Souza Jr.
Throughout the month of March, theScore examines hitters who represent their team's most intriguing fantasy plays. This edition focuses on Tampa Bay Rays outfielder Steven Souza Jr.
2015 in Review: 426 PA, .225/.318/.399, 59 R, 16 HR, 40 RBI, 12 SB
The Good: Souza provided a solid mix of power and speed while appearing in 110 games. His numbers would have been better were it not for a 35-game absence with a fractured left hand toward the end of the season. Despite striking out prodigiously (see below), Souza's walk rate was a respectable 10.8 per cent, leading to a .318 OBP.
The Bad: Souza's 33.8 per cent strikeout rate was poor, even for a rookie, and his subsequent batting average didn't help many fantasy players.
Best Comparison: Milwaukee Brewers 1B Chris Carter
What's in Store: Despite more competition in the outfield thanks to the acquisition of Corey Dickerson from the Rockies, Souza is penciled in as the starting RF. If his struggles to make contact continue, though, the odd man out between Desmond Jennings, Kevin Kiermaier and Dickerson could make a case for Souza's spot.
Draft Outlook: Concerns over Souza's batting average and playing time will likely push him to the mid-to-late rounds of most mixed leagues. Players who offer power at the expense of rate stats can always be found at the end of a draft, so owners who select Souza will undoubtedly be hoping for improvement in his strikeout rate and thus his batting average.
HEADLINES
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- Hellebuyck's confidence 'locked in' after Game 2 shutout
- Panthers praise Marchand: 'He brings so much life and energy'
- Cardinals' Fedde throws 1st career shutout in rout of Nationals
- Marchand scores in OT, Panthers top Leafs to cut series deficit