Fantasy Spotlight: Byung-ho Park
Throughout the month of March, theScore examines hitters who represent their team's most intriguing fantasy plays. This edition focuses on Minnesota Twins first baseman / designated hitter Byung-ho Park.
2015 in Review: 622 PA, .343/.436/.714, 129 R, 53 HR, 146 RBI, 10 SB with the Nexen Heroes of the Korean Baseball Organization.
The Good: Judging from his Korean league stats, everything. Park provided exceptional production in both power and rate stats, and even threw in 10 stolen bases for good measure.
The Bad: The 29-year-old's KBO numbers can't possibly carry over into his first season in Minnesota, but he doesn't have a clear weakness in his game aside from his 25.9% strikeout rate in 2015. Given everything he provides, it's hard to quibble with just over one strikeout per game.
Best Comparison: Chicago White Sox first baseman Jose Abreu, who came to the majors from Cuba at age 27 in 2014. In his first two seasons, Abreu has averaged 33 home runs and 104 RBI, with a batting average of .303 and an OBP of .364. The Twins (and fantasy owners) would certainly be happy with similar production from Park.
What's in Store: It's obviously hard to project how Park will adjust to life in the major leagues, but given that he's still in the prime of his career, his power and batting eye should translate adequately - though his days of putting up video game stats are likely over.
Despite the presence of Miguel Sano, Park seems assured of the everyday DH role. Given the four-year contract the Twins handed him, he'll likely have ample opportunity to show that his power can carry over to Target Field.
Draft Outlook: Park will be a mid-to-late-round pick in mixed leagues based on his prodigious power, though there's obviously some risk based on his lack of a major-league track record.
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