Manny Machado (3B-BAL)

Injury – He sustained a partially torn ligament in his right knee which required season-ending surgery.

2014 Season – Machado was limited to only 82 games before injuring his knee.  He finished the season hitting .278 with 12 home runs and 32 RBI in just 327 at bats.

Reason For Optimism  

  • Machado is healthy again and receiving extra at bats during spring training to make up for time that was lost in 2014.
  • He will be a more focal point of the Orioles’ lineup after losing Nelson Cruz and Nick Markakis.
  • At only 22-years old, Machado is already a veteran entering his fourth season and has enough upside to take a chance on later in drafts as a corner infield option.

Reason For Concern

  • In just three years, Machado has already sustained two serious knee injuries which both required surgery.
  • His mechanics and some bad habits have been blamed for making him so susceptible to knee injuries which increase the chances of further aggravation.
  • Machado does not provide much more than average production in any Roto category and carries around too much injury risk to be depended upon as a starting fantasy third baseman.

2015 OUTLOOK – It is hard to trust Machado after suffering two very serious knee injuries the past couple years.  He proved in 2013 that he can be a major league hitter batting .283 with a league-leading 51 doubles in 156 games.  But at this point in his career, Machado does not provide enough power or run production to be taken seriously as a starting third baseman in a 12-team fantasy league.  He has looked good in spring training thus far and he will be ready by Opening Day.  Machado will provide more value to a fantasy team as a late-round corner infield option or only as a starter in a bigger and deeper league. 

If you are wondering the best way to evaluate players such as Machado so that you can be prepared for your draft, then be sure to find out how to get your free copy of the incredible 2015 Fantasy Alarm Baseball Draft Guide.

Michael A. Stein, Esq. is the Chief Justice of Fantasy Judgment, the industry's premier dispute resolution service, and co-host of the Fantasy Alarm Podcast.  You can contact him at michael.stein@fantasyjudgment.com or on Facebook and Twitter (@FantasyJudgment),