ICYMI - Trevor Story: Top 10 Fantasy Shortstop for 2016?

Trevor Story looks like the front-runner for the starting shortstop job for the Colorado Rockies, so does he carry significant value heading into fantasy baseball?

The Colorado Rockies took a hit this offseason when Jose Reyes was arrested for domestic violence while in Hawaii. With Reyes’ court date set for Opening Day, the Colorado Rockies entered Spring Training looking for an alternative option to fill the void. Before Spring Training commenced, the Colorado Rockies were linked with free agent shortstop Ian Desmond, but Desmond opted to sign a one-year deal with the Texas Rangers, where he will play mostly outfield.

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With Ian Desmond out of the picture, the Colorado Rockies wanted to promote from within, with Trevor Story, Cristhian Adames, and Rafael Ynoa seen as the favorites for the job. Last season, Trevor Story spent time between Double-A and Triple-A, but he seemed like a long-shot to win the starting shortstop job. However, after an impressive start to Spring Training, Trevor Story looks like a lock to win the job, with Adames and Ynoa serving more of a utilitarian-type role.

So far in Spring Training, Trevor Story made 16 appearances, logging 42 at-bats along the way. Through those 42 at-bats, Trevor Story owns an impressive .381/.458/.881 slash line, with five home runs and 12 RBI. In addition to dominating at the plate, Trevor Story is adapting to an MLB-level of play in the field. With Trevor Story proving to be capable both in the field and at the plate, the Colorado Rockies have no choice but to give him the reins to the vacated shortstop job.

With Trevor Story all-but-locked into the starting shortstop job to open the 2016 season, he sees an uptick in fantasy value heading into the season. From a fantasy perspective, the shortstop position is relatively thin, and Trevor Story provides an offensively minded bat to the mix. Last year, in the minors, Trevor Story owned a respectable .279/.350/.514 slash line, while hitting 20 home runs and driving in 80 RBI.

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In 2015, Trevor Story’s production was nearly identical from Double-A to Triple-A; however, Story’s walk rate dropped drastically, leading to an OBP 50 points lower with the jump from Double-A to Triple-A. Despite an aggressive approach at the plate, Trevor Story entered the 2016 season looking to refine his swing, essentially cutting down his strikeout rate while improving his walk rate. So far in Spring Training, Trevor Story has walked six times while striking out nine times, which should help at the MLB level.

If Trevor Story were to hit out of the gate, he could be the starting shortstop for the Colorado Rockies for the entirety of the 2016 season, even if Reyes returns. Moreover, if Story were able to log 150+ games at the MLB level, he should be valued as a top 10 fantasy shortstop option. While Trevor Story does not carry the same pedigree as Corey Seager, the duo might have similar fantasy seasons in 2016. Corey Seager is currently being drafted as the third-best shortstop of the board, but Story offers similar upside for pennies on the dollar.

Trevor Story, more than likely, will not help your team out in terms of batting average; however, he looks poised to hit in the top third of the Colorado Rockies’ lineup. If that is the case, he should be a fantastic source of runs, home runs, RBI, and stolen bases, especially from a shortstop eligible player. Trevor Story possess 100/20/80/15 (R, HR, RBI, SB) potential, but he is currently going undrafted in fantasy baseball drafts.

If Trevor Story reaches his potential in his rookie campaign, he should be a lock for a top 10 fantasy baseball finish for shortstops, so draft accordingly. There is a possibility that Trevor Story endures a similar season to Joc Pederson, where he finds success early on but struggles to make adjustments. However, as a four category contributor, Trevor Story offers immense upside in the later rounds of fantasy baseball drafts. Story is no joke, and he should be a bargain pick in drafts this season.

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Trevor Story’s make-up looks a lot like a young Troy Tulowitzki. While Troy Tulowitzki might be a generational type shortstop, Trevor Story might be ready to make his name known around the league. Do not be the guy who passes on Story; he just might be the N.L. Rookie of the Year.

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