Fantasy Baseball: Los Angeles Dodgers Chris Taylor has more to prove

In 2017, fantasy baseball owners who capitalized on Chris Taylor’s success and ran with him for the year played the season smartly. Those who draft him in 2018 may not run into the same luck.

The 2017 Los Angeles Dodgers had an amazing year thanks in large part to some standout performances. One of those noteworthy seasons came from the bat of Chris Taylor.

In his first full season with the Dodgers, Taylor managed to win an everyday role, playing multiple positions. He eventually settled into regular outfield duty, earning his place among fantasy baseball sleeper picks throughout the season.

No one could have guessed Taylor would breakout in 2017 the way that he did. A good batting line was understandable, but the 21 home runs came as a huge surprise. In his professional career, Taylor never finished a season with more than eight. Where did all of this power come from?

It’s not unusual for a player to shock us with a performance like Taylor’s in 2017. A few years back, Matt Carpenter did the same with the St. Louis Cardinals. A similar thing happened with Charlie Blackmon of the Colorado Rockies before he became a regular MVP candidate. Now, each is a mainstay in fantasy baseball lineups. Blackmon is also first-round material.

More from Call to the Pen

• Philadelphia Phillies, ready for a stretch run, bomb St. Louis Cardinals
• Philadelphia Phillies: The 4 players on the franchise’s Mount Rushmore
• Boston Red Sox fans should be upset over Mookie Betts’ comment
• Analyzing the Boston Red Sox trade for Dave Henderson and Spike Owen
• 2023 MLB postseason likely to have a strange look without Yankees, Red Sox, Cardinals

While I don’t think Taylor will ever reach those same heights as Blackmon, he is definitely about to open the year owned by a high percentage of fantasy baseball owners. However, it’s essential for those preparing for the drafts to take note that last year is the only positive MLB sample-size from him. Taylor needs to repeat the success of 2017 in order to gain trust across all leagues.

Fortunately, Taylor isn’t a limited player who will only earn points with home runs or stolen bases. He can offer owners both. His 17 stolen bases last season added a nice bonus to his already favorable offensive statistics.

Because the Dodgers should field another potent lineup this season, Taylor will find points. He won’t put up the glamorous numbers of power hitters like J.D. Martinez or sweep you off your feet with stolen bases like Dee Gordon. Taylor can, however, offer fantasy baseball owners a high-ceiling.

Let’s face it; wise fantasy baseball owners are not going to take Chris Taylor over the familiar names. Those hopeful to grab a steal may regret it soon after. Taylor struck out more than once per game last year. With so many other options in their outfield, the Dodgers may have a short leash with Taylor should he go through a lengthy slump.

Next: 3 Overlooked Storylines Heading Into Spring Training

The only thing worse than a player on your fantasy team putting up bad numbers is one who doesn’t have a chance to contribute anything at all.