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Fantasy Baseball: New Leadoff Man in Miami

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Last week, I pushed Xavier Edwards hard as a sleeper in fantasy leagues. Now he’s the new leadoff man in Miami. If you were lucky enough to pick Edwards up on the 19th, you saw his slash line rise from .345/.415/.414 to .379/.462/.494. You also benefitted from five stolen bases, a triple, and a rare home run. However, you may be running out of time to roster him in your league, as his ownership has ballooned from 7% on the 19th to his current 45%. His value has increased even more with Jazz Chisholm headed off to New York.  So, who is this utility man from Coconut Creek, Florida?

New Leadoff Man in Miami

The San Diego Padres selected Edwards in the first round of the 2018 draft. Between 2018 and 2023, he spent time in farm systems with the Padres, Tampa Bay Rays, and Miami Marlins. Despite being traded multiple times in his young career, Edwards has excelled at every level. With over 2000 at-bats in the minors, Edwards has a lifetime minor league batting average of .313. Edwards also brings above-average speed to the Miami lineup, with 119 stolen bases through the minors.

 

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Xavier Edwards Gets Recalled

Edwards was recalled on July 2 by the Marlins. The middle infielder (who qualifies at both second base and shortstop) hit safely in 13 of his first 14 games after his recall. Since rejoining the Marlins, Edwards has gone 31 for 78 with six extra-base hits. Edwards did most of his damage from the middle of the order.  Since Jazz Chisholm Jr. was traded to the New York Yankees, Edwards has moved into the number one spot. With eight stolen bases, Edwards is beginning to look like a perennial lead-off man.

 

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Miami Rookie Hits For The Cycle

In his second game batting lead-off, Edwards hit for the second cycle in Marlins franchise history. On July 28, 2024, the 5’10 switch hitter started the game with a lead-off home run in the first inning.  By the end of the game Edwards had compiled ten total bases in a losing effort against the Milwaukee Brewers.  Despite the loss, Edwards had given fantasy owners 34 points on yahoo! For those that play DFS, Edwards also racked up 34 points on DraftKings for those that rostered him at only $3400.

 

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Fantasy Expectations

This was a career day for the minor league journeyman and is about as high as the ceiling can get for Edwards.  Marlins fans and fantasy owners should not expect this type of power output.  Edwards only has fourteen home runs in the minors to his name, and his home run on the 28th was his first in the majors. Once Edwards comes down to Earth, expect his slugging percentage to come down about twenty points to align with his career numbers.  Instead, you should expect Edwards to get his points from on-base percentage and stolen bases. Then, a wish and prayer that someone in the Miami lineup can drive him in, but don’t count on it.

Main Photo Credits: Benny Sieu-USA TODAY Sports

The post Fantasy Baseball: New Leadoff Man in Miami appeared first on Last Word On Baseball.