Can the Brewers' Jonathan Villar repeat his sensational 2016?
As the 2017 fantasy baseball season approaches, we take a look at the biggest news and story lines from each club. We'll feature one team each weekday ... and we'll finish up on Feb. 15, the first day all teams will have their pitchers and catchers on the field for workouts.
Over the past two seasons, the Milwaukee Brewers have focused primarily on building for the future. In doing so, they've acquired some interesting young talent. Jonathan Villar became a breakout star in 2016 -- going from utilityman in Houston to one of the game's most valuable fantasy players. Are there others who could do the same this season?
2016 at a glance
Record: 73-89 (4th in NL Central)
Hitting: 25th (4.14 R/G)
MLB SALARIES: Baseball's top 25 highest-paid players in 2024
Pitching: 13th (4.08 ERA)
Arrivals
1B Eric Thames
3B/1B Travis Shaw
RP Neftali Feliz
Thames, 30, could be one of the most interesting players to watch this spring. He last played in the majors in 2012, but hit 40 home runs last season in Korea -- a year after putting up 47 homers and 40 steals. While those numbers don't necessarily translate to comparable stats in the majors, his upside is very intriguing.
Thames and Shaw give the Brewers some much-needed pop from the left side. Shaw's arrival means Villar will change positions once again, moving from third base to second base.
Feliz is a low-cost veteran closer who was effective for most of the season in Pittsburgh. He did yield 10 homers in just 53 2/3 innings so he'll likely blow a few more save chances than the average closer.
Players to watch
SS/3B Jonathan Villar
OF Ryan Braun
Villar moves to second base, which will give him a third position of fantasy eligibility. His speed on the bases is his greatest asset with a major league-leading 62 stolen bases in 80 attempts. Beyond that, he also hit for power with 19 home runs. With so many ways to contribute, Villar shouldn't last past the third round in mixed leagues.
Even at age 33, Braun is still an elite outfielder. His combination of power (30 HR) and speed (16 SB) helps fantasy owners keep their teams balanced without having to rely on one-category specialists.
Sleepers
OF Keon Broxton
OF Domingo Santana
Broxton, 26, fizzled in his first attempt to win the starting center field job, going hitless in his first 18 at-bats of the season. But he was much more impressive the second time around. After reclaiming the role on July 26, he hit .294/.399/.538 with eight homers and 16 steals over his final 46 games. Two reasons not to go all-in on a breakout: a 36% strikeout rate and a .373 average on balls in play.
Santana spent two months on the disabled list with an elbow injury, but (like his new teammate Thames) he offers an intriguing mix of power and plate patience. At age 24, there's plenty of room for growth, especially if he can stay healthy for a full season.
Bullpen
Closer: Neftali Feliz
Next: Corey Knebel
Rebuilding teams don't necessarily need a big-time closer, so getting Feliz on a one-year deal works perfectly for the Brewers after they traded away Jeremy Jeffress in July and Tyler Thornburg in December. Knebel has the velocity (95 mph) and strikeout rate (10.5 K/9) to close, but he needs to improve his control (4.4 BB/9) before he can be trusted in the ninth.
Position battles
Catcher will be the biggest question mark this spring. The Brewers traded away last year's starter Jonathan Lucroy and backup Martin Maldonado, replacing them with a younger duo of Andrew Susac and Jett Bandy. Both hit right-handed so there's no strict platoon -- and neither is likely to be a fantasy factor, even in two-catcher leagues.
Every slot in the starting rotation could be up for grabs in spring training. For example, Jimmy Nelson could be the team's opening day starter or begin the season in the minors. Most likely, Zach Davies, Matt Garza, Wily Peralta and Chase Anderson will battle for the final three rotation spots.
Hernan Perez had an outstanding season in a utility role, hitting .272 with 13 home runs and 34 stolen bases in 404 at-bats. Although Perez saw action at seven different positions (all but pitcher and catcher), he only qualifies at third base and outfield in fantasy. If Shaw struggles or needs a platoon partner (he hit just .187 vs. lefties in 2016), Perez could see a significant number of at-bats.
Prospects
SP Josh Hader
OF Lewis Brinson
SS Isan Diaz
Milwaukee's three most intriguing prospects are all products of savvy trades. Hader wasn't highly regarded when he was part of the Carlos Gomez trade with Houston, but he has been dominant at the lower levels of the minors. He struggled to a 5.22 ERA in his first taste of Class AAA, but still struck out 11.5 batters per nine. He could quickly work his way into the rotation with a strong start in the minors.
Brinson came over from Texas in the Lucroy trade and immediately became the Brewers' No. 1 prospect and center fielder of the future. He could debut at some point this season.
Diaz hit 20 homers as a 20-year-old in Class A last season. Dynasty leaguers should keep him on their radar; power-hitting shortstops are rare commodities, especially one as young as Diaz is.
Projected batting order
1. CF Keon Broxton
2. 2B Jonathan Villar
3. LF Ryan Braun
4. 1B Eric Thames
5. RF Domingo Santana
6. 3B Travis Shaw
7. SS Orlando Arcia
8. C Andrew Susac/Jett Bandy
Projected rotation
1. RHP Junior Guerra
2. RHP Jimmy Nelson
3. RHP Matt Garza
4. RHP Zach Davies
5. RHP Chase Anderson