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Fantasy baseball: 2 shortstops to buy low and 2 to sell high

By Beau Adams

DETROIT, MI - APRIL 30: Jorge Mateo #3 of the Baltimore Orioles flips his bat after hitting a solo home run against the Detroit Tigers during the ninth inning at Comerica Park on April 30, 2023 in Detroit, Michigan. (Photo by Duane Burleson/Getty Images)
DETROIT, MI - APRIL 30: Jorge Mateo #3 of the Baltimore Orioles flips his bat after hitting a solo home run against the Detroit Tigers during the ninth inning at Comerica Park on April 30, 2023 in Detroit, Michigan. (Photo by Duane Burleson/Getty Images) /
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DETROIT, MI – APRIL 30: Jorge Mateo #3 of the Baltimore Orioles drinks from the celebration hose after hitting a solo home run against the Detroit Tigers during the ninth inning at Comerica Park on April 30, 2023 in Detroit, Michigan. (Photo by Duane Burleson/Getty Images)
DETROIT, MI – APRIL 30: Jorge Mateo #3 of the Baltimore Orioles drinks from the celebration hose after hitting a solo home run against the Detroit Tigers during the ninth inning at Comerica Park on April 30, 2023 in Detroit, Michigan. (Photo by Duane Burleson/Getty Images) /

Sell: Jorge Mateo is the No. 1 among fantasy baseball shortstops

Jorge Mateo has asserted himself into all AL MVP conversations. He put together an unbelievable April, and with his solo shot Monday, he also looks to have a remarkable May potentially in store as well. He is currently ranked sixth in Yahoo’s ranking of all fantasy players, and No.1 among fantasy shortstops. Additionally, his slash line of .338/.386/.636 tops fantasy shortstops.

Roto-wise, he is second in home runs (six) and runs (21), third in RBI, and leading in stolen base (10). Entering his prime at 27, he is a fantasy monster right now. Yet, oddly, he is only owned in 87 percent of Yahoo fantasy leagues.

A deeper look reveals a .297 xBA (highest of career), improvement in K percentage (17 percent from 28 percent last year), and an increase in quality of contact (92 mph average exit velocity from 86 mph). It’s all too good to be true.

So will Jorge Mateo put together one of the all-time great seasons for a shortstop? The internet seems to think so; watch this clip here.

Unfortunately, there is no chance he would continue this hot streak. If he did, he would end the season as a 40/60 guy with 140 runs and a .330 average. It’s unrealistic. Sell high right now. Mateo will be coming back to earth soon; a trade for George Springer or Kyle Tucker is possible, and fantasy owners would be wise to start shopping him.

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