Nolan Arenado 2015 Projection
By Bill Pivetz
Jul 22, 2014; Denver, CO, USA; Colorado Rockies third baseman Nolan Arenado (28) rounds the bases after his home run in the third inning against the Washington Nationals at Coors Field. Mandatory Credit: Ron Chenoy-USA TODAY Sports
The Colorado Rockies haven’t had the fanfare a lot of other teams have had. With the development of younger players, the team now owns some of the top fantasy options in the league. Third baseman Nolan Arenado is one of those players. He is a top-10 third baseman with a lot of upside. If he can remain healthy, he will blow away all preseason projections this season.
When Arenado was called up, he was one of he most talked about prospects in Rockies history. His rookie reason was one to forget, but he shown fans across the country what potential he did have. His sophomore season, while missing more than a month with a broken finger, was much better.
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In 2013, he hit 10 home runs, 52 RBI wih a .267 average. The following year, he almost doubled his home run total with 18 on top of 61 RBI and a .287 average. Those stats are what fantasy owners can get behind. He also became more disciplined at the plate. He lowered his strikeout totals from 72 to 58 while taking two more walks.
With the teammates he has on the Rockies, Charlie Blackmon, Troy Tulowitzki, Carlos Gonzalez and the resurgent Justin Morneau, Arenado fits well in the No. 5 spot. This will give him plenty of opportunities to drive in runs.
As I mentioned earlier, he missed over a month due to injury and still put up top-10 numbers. If everything holds up, there is no question he could play 150 games and finish as a top-five third baseman.
Arenado also has the benefit of playing at Coors Field. It is one of the friendliest parks to hitters. In 2014, hitters playing at Coors Field scored 1.5 runs per game, first in the league, and 1.4 home runs, second behind Yankee Stadium.
In short, playing at Coors Field with the hitters around him will allow Arenado to put up big numbers this season.
Projection: 21 home runs, 80 RBI and .281 average. Drafted in Round 7.