Fantasy Baseball: 5 Late-Round Players to Target in 2018
Jorge Alfaro, C, Philadelphia Phillies
The catcher position is generally a wasteland for fantasy owners. After Gary Sanchez, there really isn't a single one worth reaching on early. But there are some intriguing options late in the draft, the most intriguing of which is the Philadelphia Phillies' rookie Jorge Alfaro.
In his brief cup of coffee with the Phils last year, Alfaro was impressive with a .318/.360/.514 slash line in 114 plate appearances. He hit 5 homers and knocked in 14 and -- with no options left -- will be the team's everyday starter behind the plate. And he has power.
Look, Alfaro isn't going to help you win your on-base percentage category (career .321 minor league on-base) and has never posted a walk rate higher than 6% in any minor league season. In AAA last year, he walked in just 4.6% of his plate appearances and struck out in 32.3% of them. That walk rate fell to 2.6% in his 29 big league games. So yes, he's a hacker, but he has big-time power and is going to be a regular behind the dish. Alfaro has 20-homer potential and has the upside worthy of the 243rd pick (20th round in 12-team drafts).
