Scott Schebler

Schebler was one of 41 players that hit 30-plus homers in 2017, which helps illustrate why players like he and Adam Duvall were less valuable than initially perceived. Despite the 30 homers, Schebler couldn't reach 70 runs scored or batted in. Mix in a .233 batting average, and he earned just $5 in standard 12-team mixed leagues, using RotoWire's Earned Auction Value tool. The good news is, that still was a profit compared to his draft-day price, as he was a reserve or went undrafted in most leagues (ADP: 374). Schebler dramatically changed his launch angle last year, increasing his FB% from 29.1 percent to 38.2 percent. Even if he can maintain that flyball percentage, he might still end up with fewer homers, as his HR/FB% was 22.4 percent. One positive from Schebler's breakout season was that much of it occurred away from the friendly dimensions at Great American Ballpark -- he had an .885 OPS on the road, against a .686 OPS at home. Playing time isn't guaranteed for Schebler, however, as something will have to give between him, Adam Duvall, Billy Hamilton and Jesse Winker.

The Reds acquired Schebler from the Dodgers prior to the 2016 season and immediately deployed him as part of the outfield rotation. He failed to capitalize on the opportunity, batting just .188 in his first 27 games before being sent down to Triple-A. There he found his form at the plate, slashing .311/.370/.564 in 75 games. His adjustments carried over after he was called up to replace Jay Bruce in right, as he finished the season with a .290/.357/.461 line in his final 55 games, bringing his major league season line to a respectable level. He was the starter for the rest of the season after Bruce was dealt, but with his weak numbers against lefties, Schebler will likely find himself as part of a platoon in the outfield to begin 2017. Jesse Winker could start eating into Schebler's opportunities by midseason.

Schebler took a little step back at the plate last year after knocking a combined 55 home runs the prior two seasons (17.6 AB/HR) in the Dodgers' minor league system. He hit just .241/.322/.410 for Triple-A Oklahoma City before going 9-for-36 (.250) with three home runs in a late-season run with the big club. Schebler did steal 15 bases for Oklahoma City and two with the Dodgers and has shown double-digit potential in that area. However, with no real use for him, the Dodgers included Schebler in a trade to the Reds this offseason. At 25, the clock is ticking for Schebler to show enough to be a big league regular, but he may get an extended opportunity in 2015, possibly filling the void in left field to open the campaign. Given the park, playing time, and his power from the left side, Schebler could emerge as a viable NL-only and deep-mixed outfield option.

To this point, Schebler’s prospect stock has always been well behind his on-field production. After blasting 27 home runs with 16 steals at High-A Rancho Cucamonga in 2013, he raked his way to 28 home runs and a .280/.365/.556 slash line in 135 games at Double-A Chattanooga last season. As a 24-year-old former 26th-round draft pick, there are plenty of reasons to discount Schebler, but at some point he will get a chance to prove his stick can handle big-league caliber pitching. As a left field prospect, he will have to keep crushing the ball, otherwise he will end up being a fourth outfielder. It also does not help that he is in the Dodgers' system, as Joc Pederson stands between Schebler and an everyday job. He might be worth a flier at this point in deeper dynasty leagues, but it should not come as a surprise if he fails to replicate his recent success as he faces better pitching.