Cardinals Matt Holliday: Possible Fantasy Rebirth in 2017?

Matt Holliday did not have his option picked up by the Cardinals today, likely ending his days in St. Louis. But, could he be in store for a fantasy rebirth if he lands in the right situation?

Matt Holliday has quietly strung together a fantastic career, that will more than likely see him eclipse the 300 HR milestone next season. He has produced at every place he has called home, but thanks to injuries and his cap number, the Cards were forced to close his chapter with the club after eight years. But, did Holliday show enough last season to intrigue fantasy owners in 2017?

The 2017 season will be Holliday’s 14th professional season, and he will turn 37 in January Holliday has battled his fair share of injuries over the course of his career, and over the last two seasons, he has only played in 183 out of a possible 324 games. He finished the 2016 season with a, .246/20 HR/62 RBI/.782 OPS line, and never really got things going. In August, his season was basically ended, after his thumb was broken when he was hit by a pitch.

He would only play three more games after August 11th, and outside of a solid month of May, he was well off the fantasy radar for most of the year. A 37-year-old coming off a rough season, marred by another injury, does not exactly scream potential fantasy value. Yet, there were encouraging signs in his batted ball data, and why there should be some fantasy intrigue.

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His 16% K, and 80% Contact rates, were right in line with his career norms. His LD rate did dip to a career low 14%, but he offset that with the upticks in his FB rate, up 7% to a 36% clip, and 6% jump in his Hard contact rate, up to 39%.

The lack of LD more than likely led to his terrible .253 BABIP, but there is hope that the AVG will bounce back, this is a guy after all that has not batted lower than .272 in any one season during his entire career. Take away an injury shortened 2015, and Holliday also has at least 20 HR per season since 2006!

Even though the batted ball data speaks to a hitter that can still drive the ball with authority, where he lands in free agency may be the most important factor when it comes to his fantasy value. Holliday’s days as an everyday OF have to be over, meaning most of his interest should come from AL teams. Teams like the Orioles, Blue Jays, or Yankees, are just a few teams that may be in need for a right handed power bat. If Holliday can become an everyday DH, which should help him stay healthy, he could very easily post a .270/25+ HR/80 RBI line, even at this stage of his career.

The Cardinals did sport a decent lineup, but if he could find himself in the middle of the more potent AL offenses, his counting stats will solid as usual. Busch Stadium has always played more of a pitchers ballpark as well, and we have seen what he can do in a hitters haven like Colorado, so the HR potential could be further boosted by the right landing spot.

Nelson Cruz led MLB in AVG Exit Velocity last season, with a 96 MPH clip. How many would have guessed that Matt Holliday ranked fifth in 2016, with a 94.7 MPH rate, showing that he is far from being done as a force at the plate.

Next: Angels Acquire Cameron Maybin: Fantasy Fallout

Keep a keen eye on where Holliday lands this offseason. The Cardinals had to cut him based on the cap hit, and their need for youth, but that does not mean he is done being a contributor. If he lands in the AL, make him a priority late round value pick.

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