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Houston Astros: Three Astros Fantasy Baseball Sleepers

By Colin Gay

Mar 12, 2016; Jupiter, FL, USA; Houston Astros third baseman Tyler White (84) connects for a base hit against the St. Louis Cardinals during the game at Roger Dean Stadium. The Cardinals defeated the Astros 4-3. Mandatory Credit: Scott Rovak-USA TODAY Sports
Mar 12, 2016; Jupiter, FL, USA; Houston Astros third baseman Tyler White (84) connects for a base hit against the St. Louis Cardinals during the game at Roger Dean Stadium. The Cardinals defeated the Astros 4-3. Mandatory Credit: Scott Rovak-USA TODAY Sports /
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Sleeper 2: Colby Rasmus

Oct 12, 2015; Houston, TX, USA; Houston Astros left fielder Colby Rasmus (28) singles against the Kansas City Royals during the first inning in game four of the ALDS at Minute Maid Park. Mandatory Credit: Thomas B. Shea-USA TODAY Sports
Oct 12, 2015; Houston, TX, USA; Houston Astros left fielder Colby Rasmus (28) singles against the Kansas City Royals during the first inning in game four of the ALDS at Minute Maid Park. Mandatory Credit: Thomas B. Shea-USA TODAY Sports /

The Astros struck gold last offseason when they signed outfielder Colby Rasmus to a one-year $8 million contract. In return, Rasmus gave the Astros one of the best, and one of the most underrated, free agent pickups of 2015 that could help fantasy owners in 2016.

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Always a potential power threat, the left-handed Rasmus took advantage of a hitter-friendly Minute Maid Park and hit a career-high 25 home runs. He also drove in 61 runners and had an OPS of .789 which are his highest since 2013.

So why should fantasy gurus take a chance on Rasmus in the late rounds? If healthy, Rasmus is a definite power threat in the middle of any lineup and proves to be even more valuable with the talent around him and his home ballpark. According to Baseball Reference, if Rasmus were to play 162 games, he would average 25 home runs and 71 RBIs.

However, Rasmus struggles with what every power hitter in this game struggles with, strikeouts, batting average, and getting on base. Last season, Rasmus struck out a career-high 154 times and produced a .238 batting average and an on-base percentage on .314.

What should fantasy owners expect out of Rasmus in 2016? The same. A home run total in the 20’s and a batting average hovering below .250. What should grow with the talented offense around him is his RBI totals. Similar to White, Rasmus should have plenty of opportunities with runners in scoring position.

If Rasmus were to cut down on the strikeouts and get on base a bit more, he would be the steal of the draft in 2016.

Next: Sleeper 3

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