Billy McKinney

Though he drew hype as a prospect in the Yankees' organization, McKinney failed to command regular playing time in the Blue Jays' outfield. As a result, McKinney was DFA'd by the Blue Jays and joined his third organization after being claimed by the Brewers. Due to Milwaukee's lack of offseason moves, McKinney could be called into a relatively large role as an outfielder or first baseman in 2021. However, even if he manages to fall into playing time, McKinney has given little indication that he'll produce anything worthwhile in fantasy. Across 411 plate appearances in the big leagues, he's posted just a .231/.291/.437 line. With a 25.8 K%, he's failed to make consistent contact. More problematic, even when he does get the bat on the ball, McKinney has posted below-average exit velocity and hard-hit rates. Entering his age-26 season, McKinney is running out of chances to prove he's a viable major-leaguer.

McKinney has done little with his major-league opportunities so far, and his spot on the Blue Jays' 40-man roster should be considered tenuous, at best. The 25-year-old amassed just a .696 OPS with 12 home runs in 84 games in 2019. Although McKinney is still only 25, the 2013 first-round pick is already onto his fourth different major-league organization. The outfielder recorded a 26.4 K% while his walk rate dropped to 6.9%, showing a decline in plate discipline from an already-shaky level. His below-average power and lack of speed make him a weak fantasy outfielder even when he is getting the playing time. If he doesn't tear it up in Dunedin this spring, McKinney could find himself on the outs in favor of Derek Fisher or someone else who can play center field, which McKinney cannot.

With the trade from New York to Toronto at the deadline, McKinney moved onto his fourth different major-league organization in six years since he was drafted with the 24th overall pick by the A's in 2013. It's not a great sign when three teams throw in the towel on you before your 23rd birthday. It's not like McKinney is a total scrub, but he can't play center field and the bat is light for a corner spot. McKinney got his first real look in the majors down the stretch and the results were respectable, as McKinney slugged .470 and posted a .338 wOBA in 128 plate appearances with the Blue Jays. However, he also struck out a quarter of the time and went just 3-for-21 (.143 AVG) against left-handed pitching. On a rebuilding Blue Jays team, McKinney will likely get a chance to prove himself further, but if he's not hitting for average he will need to keep up a similar homer pace to maintain steady playing time.

The Yankees have so much position player depth that McKinney, who is 23 and was 40 percent better than the average International League hitter last year, has no obvious path to make the big-league roster this spring. After dominating Triple-A pitching over the second half of the season, McKinney slashed .279/.373/.426 in the Arizona Fall League, where he was playing first base, as the Yankees have more outfielders than they know what to do with. If Greg Bird were to struggle significantly or get hurt, McKinney could take over the strong side of a first base platoon with Tyler Austin. He could also be called upon to DH against righties if injuries strike the big-league roster, but those are the only two obvious paths to 2018 at-bats. While he excelled at Triple-A, his performance over 269 games at Double-A was rarely inspiring, so this will serve as a prove-it year against Triple-A pitching. While he may never get the chance in New York, McKinney could provide 20-homer pop and a .260 or .270 average over a full season.

McKinney was acquired by the Yankees from the Cubs as part of the Aroldis Chapman deal, but he has seen his prospect luster fade over the last two seasons. Perhaps McKinney's best tool is his strike-zone judgment, as he drew 59 walks in 123 games in 2016 at Double-A Tennessee and Trenton. However, he hit just .246 with four home runs and four steals over that span. The 22-year-old lefty has never stolen more than eight bases in a season, while clubbing just 11 home runs combined over the past two seasons. If McKinney cannot hit closer to .300, as he did in 2015, his upside is extremely limited, as he does not possess plus power or plus speed on the basepaths. McKinney may be a better real-life player than fantasy contributor, but the Yankees can afford to send him back to Double-A to begin 2017 with the hope that he will push his way to Triple-A Scranton/Wilkes-Barre over the course of the year.

Addison Russell was the big prize from Oakland in the Jeff Samardzija trade in 2014, but McKinney's no second banana. The numbers don't jump off the page, but they were still very good for a 20-year-old, including a .976 OPS for High-A Myrtle Beach and 26 doubles in 274 at-bats for Double-A Tennessee, and he may be the Cubs' best prospect at this point. Unfortunately, a hairline fracture in his knee ended his 2015 season prematurely. He's shown good contact in his three years in the minors, topping 75 percent contact rate at every stop and drawing walks at a decent clip. If those doubles turn into home runs, look out. One area of concern, however: after stealing 14 bases over his first two years in the minors, he had zero (in just two attempts) last year. While the future is bright, a lack of stolen bases limits his fantasy upside.

Though Addison Russell was the big prize in the July trade for Jeff Samardzija and Jason Hammel, savvy dynasty leaguers noted the change of scenery for McKinney, a first-round draft pick in 2013. Still just 20, McKinney already has almost 800 plate appearances in the minors and has a good power/speed combination. Coupled with a decent batting eye (61:100 BB:K ratio in High-A last year), he has the potential to be a star for the Cubs if they can find room for him.

McKinney was the A's first-round draft pick in 2013 out of high school in Plano, Texas. The 18-year-old outfielder amassed 215 at-bats across Rookie Ball and Low-A and hit .326 with three homers and eight steals. Most scouts' take on McKinney is that his quick and short swing will translate well to professional baseball and while he does not truly excel in any particular area, he is a very complete and well-rounded player. McKinney only turned 19 in August, so he is a long ways from the majors, but he will be watched closely this year in High-A and could progress through the system fairly rapidly, especially for a player drafted out of high school.