BATTERS: Early bench targets, 2022

As is the case with starting pitchers, owners often overvalue Opening Day starting lineups. As such, bats who start the season on the bench often can be rostered at a nice discount. Especially those with hidden or emerging skills, since they are likely to carve out a full-time role once an opportunity arises.

In this space last season, we highlighted Akil Baddoo (CF, DET), Amed Rosario (SS, CLE), and Jared Walsh (1B, LAA) as bench bats worth targeting.

Here are a bunch of bench bats whose value could increase as the 2022 season moves along.
 

AMERICAN LEAGUE

Zack Collins (C, TOR) has an uphill battle for playing time after his trade to TOR. Still, he could hit his way into their C/1B/DH mix if he can tap into the power/patience profile...

Almost!

You’re just a few clicks away from accessing this feature and hundreds more throughout the year that have a singular goal in mind: Winning your league. Subscribe to BaseballHQ.com here!

Already a subscriber? Sign in here

More From Batters

Alec Burleson's elite stats and skills against RHers and struggles vs. LHers suggest he hasn't maxed out his results yet.
Aug 24 2026 3:15am
Henry Bolte and Chandler Simpson are leading off for their respective teams, and were we too high on Max Clark?
Aug 21 2026 3:06am
Esmerlyn Valdez's elite batted ball quality at home confirms his significant untapped upside.
Aug 17 2026 3:15am
Royce Lewis looks like an elite bat in stretches, including during the heater he's been on since returning from the minors.
Aug 10 2026 3:07am
Lawrence Butler may be reclaiming the leadoff spot for the A's, and other hitters are benefiting from moving up in the batting order.
Aug 7 2026 3:06am

Tools