Matt Kartozian-USA TODAY Sports
The Chicago Cubs are doing everything they can to become contenders in the NL Central. With some young batters and a new pitching rotation, the Cubs are preparing for the future. One player that fantasy owners should keep an eye on and possibly add to their team in the near future is second baseman Arismendy Alcantara.
The Cubs called up Alcantara for his first game on July 9. He went 0-for-4, but the Cubs believed in him. The next day, Alcantara went 4-for-5 with two runs scored and three RBI. In his first eight major-league games, he has gone 10-for-35 (.286) with one home runs, six RBI and three stolen bases.
Alcantara was on a tear in the minor leagues, which forced the Cubs to call him up. With Triple-A Iowa, he hit .307 with 10 home runs, 41 RBI and 21 stolen bases in 89 games.
For fantasy purposes, Alcantara is shortstop eligible, which gives him a lot more fantasy value. However, he will be playing second base for the Cubs. He did start in center field on July 12 and had two hits as well. If, and that is a big if, Alcantara can gain outfield eligibility, then he has even more fantasy value in deeper leagues.
Right now, Alcantara is owned 34.6 percent of ESPN.com leagues. Owners are seeing the high average and upside. He has some power potential along with his speed. However, his strikeout numbers will be high as a result.
If you are playing in a deep or NL-only league, then Alcantara should be on your radar.
Bill Pivetz is a fantasy sports writer for Rant Sports. Follow him on Twitter @BPiv_Sports.
