With spring training underway, prospects across the league are being closely watched every day. One that feels a bit underrated right now is dynasty baseball prospect, Addison Barger.
Fantrax lists him at shortstop. Baseball America has third base on his profile. Fangraphs says he's a second baseman. It's clear the Blue Jays infielder can play multiple positions in the dirt, and he should get the opportunity to show what he can do in the majors in 2023.
His breakout last season showed his potential power output. We could be looking at a multi-position infielder who hits 25+ HRs if all goes well for him at the next level.
Barger failed to make an appearance on Dave Eddy's latest dynasty rankings on F6P. Out of the top 100 in some prospect rankings and as high as No. 53 in others, now would be a good time to add or buy Barger in your league. Especially before he hits more bombs like this one.
This is Addison Barger.
He hits BOMBS 💪 pic.twitter.com/huB53a4V42
— Toronto Blue Jays (@BlueJays) February 25, 2023
Under-the-Radar Dynasty Baseball Prospect: Addison Barger
Become an All-Access Member to get access to our award-winning rankings, draft tools and more.
If you are already a member, sign in.
2022 in Review
Barger made the most of the canceled 2020 season. He reportedly put on 50 pounds and changed his approach as a hitter.
“I decided that I want to be a power hitter, I wanted to be an aggressive hitter and I worked really hard to try to become that and it's working for me," Barger told Baseball America.
That paid off in 2022. Across three levels in the minors, Barger slashed .308/.555/.933 with 26 HRs, 91 RBIs and 151 wRC+. He ended the year on a hot streak, bumping up to Triple-A for eight games and slugging .677 in that small sample.
Only five minor league batters hit above .300 with at least 25 HRS and 150 wRC+ last season. That group included Endy Rodriguez, Matt Mervis, Christian Encarnacion-Strand, Elly De La Cruz and Barger.
He slowed down a bit in the Arizona Fall League (another small sample), but he did get off to a quick start.
Addison Barger had a very underrated season in the Blue Jays org. The 22 year old SS/3B slashed .308/.378/.555 with 26 HR/9 SB and 33 2B between 3 levels.
He’s off to a hot start in the AFL with 3 hits in 9 PA including 2 HR/5 RBI. pic.twitter.com/YqAPaUSNWa— Chris Clegg (@RotoClegg) October 6, 2022
Looking Ahead
Barger's future depends on what needs come up for the Blue Jays. Bo Bichette is locked in at shortstop. Matt Chapman saw a slight resurgence offensively last year, but will become a free agent in 2024. Then you have a declining Whit Merrifield at second base coming off a career-low 88 wRC+.
All scouting reports on Barger agree he plays solid defense and should be capable of playing whatever position Toronto puts him at. So far he's played at third and shortstop in spring training.
He might open the season at Triple-A depending on how the rest of March goes. The flashy home run highlights are impressive, but he needs to keep his strikeout rate in check. He also only saw a glimpse of action in the upper minors last year, so the team could want more development for him there.
Regardless of where he starts the 2023 season, it's worth investing in Barger and his wild leg kick if you're in need of power in your infield. The Rogers Centre moved in the wall in right center to 359 feet (previously 375 feet). Maybe that will be another plus for Barger's long-term outlook in Toronto.
Be prepared for your Baseball drafts by checking out all the Fantasy Baseball content on Fantasy Six Pack.
