Over the last few years, there has been a boom of talented fantasy baseball shortstops. Former breakout darlings like Brandon Crawford have been relegated to back-end status as the position has grown up around them. Fortunately for fantasy baseball players, that means that a bevy of talent exists on the waiver wire in most leagues. Multi-position eligibility with shortstops saps some of these players, but there are still good options available. Below are three free agent shortstops who could be worth scooping up off your waiver wire. As always, we explore options for your league available in 50% or more of Yahoo! leagues. One of the three has availability in 90% or more.
[Jeff]
Jedd Gyorko, St. Louis (49% owned)
Gyorko knocked 30 dingers last year, but fantasy baseball drafters mostly forgot him coming into this season. The power revolution devalued power, but it went too far with Gyorko this draft season. He’s a man without a position in St. Louis, but he led the team in homers last year. He plays everywhere, and has position eligibility around the infield in Y! leagues. He’s a boon for daily leaguers, as he can slot in any time someone in your infield gets a rest day. He started off slowly but has hits in three straight games and a home run and stolen base in the same timeframe. Gyorko is the kind of unsexy glue guy that can make the difference in your fantasy baseball daily lineup leagues.
Asdrubal Cabrera, Mets (38% owned)
No player better signifies the talent boost at the position than Cabrera. Half a decade ago he was a starting option for most leagues, and now he’s available in over 60% of leagues. He never quite developed into the perennial 15-15 player we hoped he could be, but he is still valuable. He popped 23 home runs last year, the most since 2011. He’s hit his first of the season this week and should provide a solid average at the plate. He isn’t someone you run out and get, but he has appeal.
Didi Gregorius, Yankees (17% owned)
Gregorius took steps forward to return from his WBC-induced shoulder injury. He’s a grab and stash for now, as the Yankees expect him to return in mid-May (currently). Gregorius took a step forward last season but his injury left him mostly forgotten during draft season. As Gregorius approaches a return, fantasy baseball players are smart to remember his 2016: 20 home runs, 68 R, 70 RBI, 7 SB and a .276 average. That’s a deep league option worth a stash.