Austin Riley: A Fantasy Baseball Powerhouse

Hello, baseball enthusiasts! Today, we're diving deep into the world of fantasy baseball to discuss one of the hottest prospects in the game - Austin Riley. If you're a fantasy baseball manager, you've probably heard the name, and for good reason. So, buckle up as we explore why Austin Riley should be on your radar in 2023. Guys, explore more in Guides And Explainers and austin riley fantasy.

Who is Austin Riley?

Before we delve into why Austin Riley is a fantasy baseball powerhouse, let's quickly introduce him. Austin Riley is a right-handed hitting third baseman for the Atlanta Braves. Drafted in the first round of the 2015 MLB draft, Riley has been making waves in the minor leagues and finally got his chance in the big leagues in 2019.

Why Austin Riley is a Fantasy Baseball Powerhouse

Power Hitting

Riley's most enticing fantasy asset is his power hitting. In his rookie season, he hit 18 home runs in just 80 games. While that's impressive, it's his minor league numbers that truly showcase his power potential. In 2018, he hit 39 home runs in the minors, and in 2017, he hit 20. That's a lot of home runs, folks!

Average Hitting

Riley isn't just a one-trick pony, though. He can hit for average too. His career minor league average is .295, and he's shown signs of that in the majors as well. In 2021, he hit .303, and while his average dipped in 2022, there's no reason to believe he can't get back to his career average.

Runs and RBI

With power comes runs and RBI, and Riley delivers in those categories too. In his rookie season, he drove in 46 runs and scored 43. While his RBI numbers dipped in 2022, he still drove in 61 runs. With a full season under his belt and a potent Braves lineup around him, expect those numbers to rise.

The Future is Bright

So, why is Austin Riley a fantasy powerhouse for the future? Well, he's young (he'll turn 26 in April), he's got power, he can hit for average, and he's in a great lineup. The Braves have a lot of talent around him, which should lead to plenty of runs and RBI opportunities.

Plus, there's the fact that he plays third base. That's a premium fantasy position, and there aren't many young, power-hitting third basemen out there. Riley could be the next big thing at the hot corner.

The Downside

Of course, there are some potential downsides to consider. Riley has struggled with strikeouts at times, and he's not the fastest player on the basepaths. He also has some injury history, though he's played in at least 120 games in each of the past two seasons.

But here's the thing: every player has flaws. The key is finding players whose strengths outweigh their weaknesses. And with Riley, his power and average hitting make him a valuable fantasy asset.

Draft Strategy

So, how should you approach drafting Austin Riley? That depends on your league size and format. In standard 12-team leagues, Riley should be a mid-to-late round pick. He's not going to go in the first few rounds, but he's definitely worth a pick in the 8-12 range.

In deeper leagues or dynasty formats, Riley's value increases. He could be a top-50 pick in a 15-team league or a top-100 pick in a 20-team league. In dynasty leagues, he's a must-own asset.

Conclusion

Austin Riley is a fantasy baseball powerhouse. He's got power, he can hit for average, and he's in a great lineup. Sure, he's got some flaws, but his strengths make him a valuable fantasy asset. If you're looking for a young, power-hitting third baseman, Riley is your man.

So, what are you waiting for? Go out there and draft Austin Riley. Your fantasy team will thank you!

And remember, folks, fantasy baseball is all about finding those diamonds in the rough. Austin Riley is one of those diamonds. Don't miss out on him!

Happy drafting, and here's to a fantastic 2023 fantasy baseball season!