Spring Training Dynasty Notes: March 18 & 19

Chris Clegg breaks down all the weekend action with what you need to know for your dynasty leagues.

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Dylan Dodd, LHP, ATL

Dylan Dodd continues to make his case for the fifth rotation spot in Atlanta. Jared Shuster wow’ed last Friday, but Dodd did not feel the pressure on Saturday facing the Phillies. He pitched 4.2 innings, allowing two hits and striking out four. He allowed just one earned run which brought his ERA up to 0.69 on the spring.

Dodd features a three-pitch mix that includes a four-seam fastball that he throws for a high amount of strikes. His velocity is averaging two mph higher than where it sat last year in the Minors. He mixes in a slider and changeup as well, which are both solid secondaries. Dodd actually has a lot of similarities to Shuster. But Shuster gets the edge when it comes to best pitch with his changeup.

I think Shuster currently has the edge for the fifth spot, but don’t be surprised when Dodd makes some starts in Atlanta this year and provides solid production. He is a must-own in dynasty leagues where he is not rostered.

Scott Kingery, UT, PHI

Scott Kingery has taken a hard fall from when he signed an extension of six-years, $24 million before he even debuted with the team in 2018. The Phillies also have three years of club options coming up from 2024 through 2026 worth $13, $14, and $15 million dollars. This contract may not seem significant, but at the time, these sort of deals before a player ever put on a big league jersey was a big unheard of.

Kingery is making a strong case to be on the Phillies roster. He probably does not see significant playing time without an injury, but his spring performance warrants him at least getting a part-time role. After that, who knows what could happen?

Kingery is currently slashing .394/.358/.506 with one home run and stolen base each. He is not a must add, but just watch and see what happens here.

Vaughn Grissom, SS, ATL

Vaughn Grissom is finally back at shortstop on Monday for the Braves. After going six days between playing in the field and much speculation swirling, many are afraid Grissom has lost the reigns on the starting shortstop position.

I have been an adamant defender of Grissom this offseason. Im not sure many have questioned his bat. He posted consistently good numbers in the Minors and performed at a high level as a 21 year old with the Braves over his 141 plate appearance sample.

The questions have surrounded his ability to play shortstop. Grissom did not grade out well metrically at second base last year. But he was young and playing out of position. Watching Grissom come up through the Minors, I can say I believe he is capable of playing shortstop. Is it Gold Glove defense? No, but I don’t think it needs to be.

If the Braves role with Braden Shewmake or Orlando Arcia as their everyday shortstop, I will own up to it. I’ll take a lap. I still think it’s Grissom’s job to lose and if he does lose it, I think something else is going on behind the scenes.

Braden Shewmake, SS, ATL

With all that being said, what does Braden Shewmake bring to the table? Shewmake has hit well this spring. He is slashing .323/.382/.452 this spring. Shewmake only played in 76 games last season in Triple-A, slashing .259/.316/.399 with seven home runs and nine stolen bases. His glove is an upgrade over Grissom, but it’s marginal, in my opinion.

Shewmake did make strides in his power and exit velocities last year. He posted a 103.7 mph 90th percentile exit velocity which is above average for the minors and right at MLB average. His average exit velocity of 88.1 mph and 37 percent hard-hit rate were also solid.

Shewmake posted a 79 percent zone-contact rate and a 73.8 percent overall contact rate. He can expand the zone some and had a 33 percent chase rate. If Shewmake plays every day, you are likely looking at a .250-type hitter with a low OBP. He might read 15 home runs and nab ten stolen bases. If the Braves go with Shewmake, I will set my pride aside, admit I was wrong and trust them. Hopefully this helps give you an idea of what Shewmake can bring from a fantasy standpoint.

David Hensley, 2B, HOU

I wrote about David Hensley at the beginning of March. I said this:

Okay, I cannot ignore David Hensley any longer. If you aren’t familiar with the name, it’s likely because Hensley was never considered a top prospect. He was older when he was drafted in the 26th round of the 2018 draft and the lost COVID year really set him back.

In Triple-A last year, Hensley slashed .298/.420/.478 with ten home runs. He also made his debut with the Astros and had a solid showing slashing .345/.441/.568 in 34 plate appearances. Hensley is smoking the ball this spring and added his second home run to pair with a 1.247 OPS.

Maybe you question the power a bit because he only hit ten home runs last year. I will ease your mind a bit because he had a 106.6 mph 90th percentile exit velocity and a 50 percent hard-hit rate.

I am not sure where Hensley will play. He has played some in the outfield, at first base, and designated hitter. The bat will play, the question is can he find a spot in Houston?

Well, now he has found a spot with the Altuve injury. Barring the Astros making a move it looks like Hensley will be the Astros second baseman. Since I wrote that, Hensley has continued his strong spring. He has two home runs and two stolen bases in addition to a .286/.412/.500 slash. Go grab Hensley and see where it takes you.

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