Washington Nationals 2017 Fantasy Outlook: Hidden Gems

Adam Lind

I hate to go with an unintended injury theme with this piece, but let’s face it. The Washington Nationals have had some serious injury issues in the past. Ryan Zimmerman has been one of the most injured having only played in over 100 games once since 2014.

This leads to another chance for a player off the bench. Adam Lind was brought to the Nationals to be injury insurance and if he gets the chance he could be the same thing for your fantasy team.

Lind has hit well the past two years, posting 20 home runs in 2015 and 2016. This year, he will be coming off the bench and won’t help your fantasy team in that role. If Zimmerman does end up getting injured, that changes everything.

Lind will bring a good batting average to your fantasy team and home run power if you choose to pick him up. First base is deep, but let’s take a look at a player that will be owned in more leagues due to his roll. This player will also be on the waiver wire a lot and it could come down to a choice between him and Lind if Lind is given the time.

I’m talking about Brandon Belt. Belt has a clearer roll, but I’m not too sure that Belt is the clear run away choice. Belt had less home runs (17) in 2016 and a higher K% of 22.6% according to Fangraphs. Strikeouts hurt in fantasy baseball and Lind had a lot less last year. If Lind is there and Zimmerman is out, pick him up and his bat will be a nice piece for a fantasy team that is looking to fill in for a injury.