Opening Day is basically here, less than 24 hours away from the time of me writing this, and that means spring is in the air and the excitement of a new MLB season is at a high.
With Prediction Strike, we can buy and sell players stocks much like the actual stock market, and in doing so we are able to create portfolios. However, unlike DFS or sports betting, these can also be long-term investments. Considering that long-term angle, we can take advantage of some of the things unique to baseball, such as players changing teams at an incredibly high rate over the offseason and hundreds of exciting prospects, some of whom may even make big impacts in the MLB this season. But with the increased size of MLB rosters and players who receive regular playing time, we get increased opportunity to find some overlooked diamonds in the rough.
With all of that said, I have two names for you to take a look at over on Prediction Strike.
Prediction Strike Pick: Oneil Cruz
This name is not necessarily one that is off the radar, but more just someone who is undervalued. Oneil Cruz currently sits at $5.21. For context, this is two dollars cheaper than guys like Dansby Swanson, Brendan Rodgers and Luis Arraez. All good players in their own right, but Cruz possesses an upside that most hitters simply do not have. Last year he posted a .218 ISO and a 106 WRC+, and keep in mind he is still just 24 years old.
Prediction Strike Pick: Julio Rodríguez
Much like Cruz, Julio Rodríguez is definitely not an unknown name, but with a stock price of just $6.59, there is tons of room for growth here. Rodriguez has legit MVP upside as he is just 22 years old and posted 28 HRs and 75 RBIs in his rookie of the year debut campaign. Not to mention he is also an elite threat on the bases as he also added 25 stolen bases last season. Rodríguez has the upside to be one of the best fantasy outfielders in all of baseball yet guys like Michael Conforto, Steven Kwan, Brandon Nimmo and Harrison Bader are all at least four dollars more expensive than JRod right now. Get in on these stars while you can.