Fantasy Profile: J.D. Martinez, OF, Detroit Tigers

Welcome back to the 2015 Last Word on Fantasy Baseball Guide.  Over the next several months we will be releasing player profiles, projections, position rankings, and a number of other articles that will help you dominate your fantasy league this season.  Whether you play rotisserie or head-to-head; whether you have a standard draft, a snake or an auction league, and whether its keeper league or a one-year deal; we have all the fantasy information you need.

For the rest of our fantasy baseball profiles and articles please check out our Fantasy Baseball Guide Page.

FANTASY PROFILE: J.D. Martinez, OF, Detroit Tigers

LWOS Ranking: 46, Captain’s Value: $7.48

J.D. Martinez blasted onto the scene in 2014 for the Detroit Tigers, and was a shining star for fantasy owners that picked him up from free agency.  Martinez was once a top prospect for the Houston Astros, and for good reason.  Over his 3 full seasons of minor league work, Martinez carried a .342 BA, and a .964 OPS.  Martinez however was unable to immediately carry that success over to the majors as he was only able to manage a .251/.300/.387 line over sporadic at bats for the Astros from 2011-2013 and was eventually released.

He started the 2014 season in AAA ball but quickly asserted himself over minor league pitching, and was rewarded with a call up to the Tigers.  Martinez started strong and never stopped in 2014 clubbing 23 HR and slugging .553 for the season.  Many fantasy owners may doubt his ability to repeat his success of a season ago due to his exceedingly high strikeout rate (26.3%), and his enormous BABIP (.389) of a year ago.  However, Martinez is entering the 2015 season at age 27 and has a strong minor league track record of production.  Although fantasy owners may be able to expect some production decline in 2015, Martinez may yet be a draft day value if he falls to the right price.

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