Erick Aybar

Aybar's steady decline continued in 2017. For years, Aybar was a steady source of steals and batting average at shortstop, but his early 30s have not been kind to him. Aybar hasn't posted an OPS of .700 or better since 2014. Over the past three years, he owns just a .253/.301/.335 batting line, has just 29 steals and has been caught stealing 15 times. Aybar had to wait for a one-year deal from the Padres and will likely find himself in a similar situation on the free-agent market this season. Anybody with his experience at shortstop -- now over 11 years in the big leagues -- will likely attract interest, but it would be surprising if Aybar managed to land a starting role out of camp.

Aybar's declining wheels and the influx of power across the league has severely impacted his fantasy stock. At his best, he was a solid-if-unspectacular shortstop capable of a strong batting average, 20 or so stolen bases, 70 or so runs and a handful of homers. In the three seasons prior to 2016, he failed to reach 20 steals and managed just a 66 percent success rate on the basepaths. In 2016, he was just 3-for-8 on the bases -- a bruised foot injury in late-May likely didn't help matters -- and his .243 average was his lowest since a .237 mark in 211 plate appearances back in 2007. He joined the Tigers in mid-August and had a little rejuvenation. Very little. He walked 11 times in his 91 plate appearances, but didn't attempt a single steal with the club. He's 33, lacks a significant fantasy tool and doesn't look like a top-20 shortstop even if he beats out Luis Sardinas for the starting shortstop job in San Diego.

Aybar came into 2015 on the fringes of the fantasy radar after three consecutive sub-20 stolen base seasons, and didn't do much to re-establish himself as an asset, as he hit just .270 with a .639 OPS and 15 swipes in 156 games. Hitting in the Angels lineup offered a glimpse of upside for runs scored, and his 74 trips across the plate ranked third among all shortstops, but his 44 RBI landed him outside the top-10 at the position. Throw in his lowest home run total since a 98-game season in 2008 (3), and the upside appears to be limited. Moreover, Aybar's value is trending down after he was traded to the Braves in a package for Andrelton Simmons, as Atlanta was tied for last in the league in wRC+ in 2014, but he could have an outside chance to return to 20-plus steals if he is inserted near the top of the lineup.

Aybar lost his familiar role in the leadoff spot to Kole Calhoun for most of last season, but the 31-year-old took well to his new surroundings in the middle of the order, posting career highs in both RBI (68) and runs scored (77). Aybar showed decent power coming into the All-Star break, notching a .411 slugging percentage in 360 at-bats, but he hit just one home run and eight doubles in the second half, causing him to finish the season with a .700 OPS. Owners were likely hoping that Aybar's speed would return after he missed time in 2013 with leg injuries, but he failed to steal 20 bases for the second consecutive year, despite playing in 156 games – the highest total of his career. If the Halos' shortstop can't get back into the 20-30 stolen base range, his upside could be limited heading into 2015, especially if he slugs less than .400 for the third straight season.

Aybar began 2013 with a stint on the disabled list due to heel soreness, and subsequently dealt with minor injuries to his knee, calf, and hamstring throughout the course of the season. Though the shortstop was able to log 589 plate appearances during the campaign, it may be said that these maladies contributed to a down year for Aybar, as the speedster stole just 12 bases, saw his slugging percentage dip below .400 for the first time since 2010, and posted a .301 on-base percentage, his worst mark since 2007. Aybar was able to finish his year on a positive note, slugging .447 in September, and looks to be a bounce-back candidate as he heads into 2014 with his legs healthy once again.

Aybar will never be mistaken for a superstar, but he's an incredibly consistent player with no obvious flaws who seems to fly under the radar every year. After setting career highs in home runs, runs and RBI in 2011, he regressed a bit in 2012, but partially made up for it with a .290 batting average that represented his best mark since 2009. He offers strong offensive production for a defensive-minded shortstop, batting .283 with per-season averages of 140 games played, seven homers, 69 runs, 48 RBI and 21.5 steals over the past four years. Those numbers won't make him a highly sought after commodity on draft day, but he should be a nice late-round steal for anybody who misses out on the name-brand shortstops.

Aybar set career highs last season in nearly every counting category, finishing with 10 home runs and 30 stolen bases. He posted just a .320 OBP from the top spot in the order, but without a prototypical leadoff hitter on the roster, he'll likely fill the same role again in 2012. If Aybar is able to get on base more often, he could be primed for an even better 2012 thanks to the addition of Albert Pujols to the lineup. With a bit more consistency, Aybar should be considered a sleeper at the shallow shortstop position.

Aybar really struggled at the plate in 2010, as evidenced by the .130 drop in his OPS to .636. He hit from the leadoff spot a lot, but his .306 OBP did not do his fantasy owners, or the Angels, any favors. Aybar's 22 stolen bases in 30 attempts were a bonus, but not big enough to make up for his offensive ineptitude. It remains to be seen if the Angels will keep Aybar atop the order; but either way, he will have to do more with the bat to be a fantasy regular.

Aybar's strong glove enabled him to separate from Brandon Wood and Maicer Izturis and become the No. 1 shortstop - he started 65 of 70 games between the All-Star break and the Angels' clinching of the AL West. That glove guarantees him playing time even when he slips back to the .275 batting average that is his level. He may inherit the leadoff spot, which would add runs to his total even with an OBP slip.

Aybar batted .277 with three home runs and 39 RBI in his first season as the Angels' regular shortstop. Aybar was limited by injuries throughout the season and only played in 98 games. He didn't really stand out in any one category and will have to be more patient at the plate before he can be counted on as a consistent fantasy player. Once again, he'll have to beat out Maicer Izturis for the starting shortstop job, and perhaps Brandon Wood lurking around the corner in case Aybar gets off to a slow start.

Aybar only played in 79 major league games last season, and though his offensive numbers weren't impressive, he showed his versatility by playing five different spots defensively. With Orlando Cabrera moving on to Chicago, Aybar should finally get a chance to be the Angels' everyday shortstop this season. Aybar is a good hitter for average and can fly around the bases, so he should be a good source of steals and runs if he bats near the top of the lineup.

Off year--his first below a .300 BA--had more to do with being up and down between Salt Lake and L.A. as any change in skills. Aybar is a legitimate .300 hitter, comparable to a young Mark Grudzielanek, albeit with much more speed and defense than Grudz had. Opportunity is a huge problem, and will remain so for two years or until a trade.

Aybar was the best known of the Angels stellar middle infielder prospect group coming into 2005. A Dominican signed in 2002, Aybar has a career batting average of .316, including a .303/.350/.445 mark in 2005 for Double-A Arkansas. He also has 147 career steals. Aybar's best tool is his pure quickness, which holds him in good stead both in the field and on the bases. He has gap power, and while he doesn't draw a lot of walks, he seldom strikes out, and should be able to maintain a good batting average and OBP at the major league level. Just 22, he should be ready to play in the majors by the end of 2006.

Aybar had another great year in the Anaheim organization at High-A Rancho Cucamonga, posting a .855 OPS to go with his speed. He's showing gap power but still isn't taking many walks. At 5-11, 160 lbs., many scouts question whether he can hit for adequate power at higher levels, so he'll need to fill out significantly in the next couple of seasons.

Aybar has a strong arm and batted .308 in Single-A ball last year.