Fantasy Alert: Evan Gattis Returning to Houston
DH Evan Gattis will have a bigger role for the Astros as he makes his return back up to the club from the minors.
Evan Gattis, since being called up to the big leagues back in 2013 by the Atlanta Braves, has played all over the field seemingly. He ultimately started as a catcher, then in more recent seasons, has had opportunities at both the outfield and as the Astros designated hitter. He was put in these positions in order to give his legs a rest, because as we all know, catchers legs do not last forever.
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Gattis was recently sent down to the minors by the Astros organization, and for good reason. He was sent down for about a week in order to get some playing time at catcher. Erik Kratz will be sent down for the Astros as they make the move.
The big thing of course to take from all of this, is that Gattis will be receiving a catcher tag very soon as he gets more starts behind the plate for Houston.
Evan Gattis being moved to catcher is huge for fantasy owners here in 2016. So far to start the season, there are only there are only a handful of catchers that are putting up quality fantasy numbers.
If you’re in need of a catcher, which most of you probably are, considering so few in the fantasy realm can put up solid numbers on a consistent basis at catcher, continue reading.
For the most part, it is the usual crew making noise at catcher this season. Players like Yadier Molina, Jonathan Lucroy, Buster Posey, and Brian McCann are the big names putting up quality fantasy numbers. Welington Castillo and Wilson Ramos are the only others averaging over two fantasy points per game. I have no doubt as well, that Salvador Perez will join that group in the near future.
If you’re an owner in a similar position like myself, drafting or keeping someone like Kyle Schwarber, and are seemingly out of luck at the moment at catcher, I would highly recommend looking at Gattis if he is available. He is currently owned in less than 30% of ESPN fantasy leagues out there, so he should be available at your immediate convenience.
Evan Gattis over the course of his four-year career has posted 71 home runs and 212 RBI while maintaining a .248 average. Just last year, Gattis had his most productive season yet. He hit for a .246 average with 27 bombs and 88 RBI. A very productive season for the then 28-year-old. His fantasy production always goes down though, due to the amount of strikeouts he can accumulate. However, K’s aside, Gattis is still your best free agent option at catcher for the moment.
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Evan Gattis has had a slow start to 2016 where he has a measly .203 batting average and just one home run with seven RBI in 64 plate appearances. Gattis, however, has been known for his slow starts. As he begins to get more and more comfortable at catcher for the Astros, look for Gattis to start hitting more of a stride both at the plate and behind it.
He is certainly a threat to have another 20 home run, 80 RBI season this year for Houston. For those of you in need of a catcher, Gattis should be the first on your fantasy radar in terms of free agents.