Astros in Fantasy: Fantasy Players of the Week- Week 17

Week 17 Hitter:

Jose Altuve (Owned in 99.2% of ESPN Fantasy leagues)

At this point in the regular season, why would a fantasy owner choose any other batter in the Astros lineup?

In only 98 games this season, Altuve has already eclipsed his career high in home runs, with 17, and walks, with 44. He leads the American League in batting average, with a .360 average, stolen bases, with 25, hits, with 139, and on base percentage, with a.428 OBP. His OPS is at a staggering 1.003. Altuve has hit himself into MVP consideration.

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Now with the call up of shortstop prospect Alex Bregman, Altuve may have the opportunity to drive in more runs. Marwin Gonzalez has done a nice job in the two-hole for the Astros, but with the way Bregman is hitting at the Triple-A level, he will provide more opportunities for Altuve to drive in more runners. He is already at 60 RBIs this season, six away from his career high set last season.

With George Springer leading off, and Bregman batting second, there are going to be ample opportunities for Altuve with runners in scoring position early on in the game. He already has a .341 average and a 1.047 OPS with runners in scoring position this season.

The fantastic part of the fantasy value of Altuve is that he is set for years. This young lineup is not going anywhere. For fantasy owners already looking forward to next season, the 5’6” second baseman may become your next first overall pick.

Next: Week 17 Pitcher