Ask The Experts: Shelly Verougstraete
Shelly Verougstraete tackles the tough questions at the shortstop position that dynasty managers need to know.
We’ve recruited a star-studded lineup of fantasy analysts for the remainder of The Buzz’s ongoing positional preview series to tackle pivotal questions at each position group that include their draft strategy tips, insights on top prospects and favorite sleeper candidates, arming savvy fantasy managers with the insider knowledge required to dominate their leagues.
Shelly Verougstraete is one of my all-time favorite former co-workers and her knowledge of the dynasty landscape is unparalleled. She is first and foremost a Red Sox fan. She is also a fantasy baseball analyst that you can hear on Fantasy Fued as part of the Pitcher List podcast network. She has previously written for Pitcher List, Rotoworld, and BaseballHQ. In her spare time she loves painting and spending time with husband and two French Bulldogs, Orsillo (named after Don Orsillo, ex announcer of the Boston Red Sox and current announcer of the San Diego Padres) and Joey (named after Joey Votto).
What is the most important thing you’ve learned from a process standpoint when it comes to evaluating shortstop prospects from a dynasty perspective?
The biggest thing that I have learned is not all prospect lists are created equal. Most of the prospect lists you might see/hear about on MLB Network are real life lists. This means defense is weighted very heavily. Read the write-up and be weary of the slick fielding shortstop in Low-A that has very little power! — Shelly Verougstraete
Where do you stand on how much to weigh actual statistical production relative to age and level versus scouting evaluations? Basically does it matter more if a prospect is producing at a younger age against more advanced competition?
As with everything, it depends! If there is a prospect who is younger than most of the other players in his league and is producing above-average power with excellent plate discipline, you have to run to the waiver wire and see if he is available to pick up off waivers. I tend to be more cautious when a prospect with an extremely high walk rate or is producing counting stats despite a high strikeout rate. To me, those whiffs might be exploited by major league pitchers. — Shelly Verougstraete
How concerned should dynasty managers be when it comes to top prospects with contact issues like Carson Williams?
The first couple of seasons will be a rough go for Carson Williams, especially in the batting average category. He had the lowest strikeout rate of his career with an 11-game sample in 2021, during the summer of his draft year. That said, he is an elite defender and will surely be one of the only Rays players to play full-time. Add that to the high power output; he has all the makings of being a star. — Shelly Verougstraete
What are you looking for in a shortstop prospect from a dynasty standpoint if you had to identify one common variable in your evaluation?
A great hit tool is something that I really look for any prospect. That is probably why I have Xander Bogaerts on many of my dynasty roster instead of Javier Báez. That being said, I can become too attached to hit and lose out on the big boppers. — Shelly Verougstraete
Who is your favorite off-the-radar long-term shortstop prospect for fantasy purposes?
Angel Genao had an incredible 2024 season as a 20-year-old prospect in the Guardians organization. The switch-hitting shortstop hit .330/.379/.499 across two levels, Low-A and High-A. He is aggressive at the plate but has the talent to consistently put the bat on the ball. While he will never be considered a power hitter, he put 10 balls in the outfield bleachers this season, which was the first time Genao hit double-digit bombs in a season and shows he is making strides in impacting the ball. He will likely begin the season with Double-A Akron, and fantasy managers will see if the power gains stick around against upper-level pitching. — Shelly Verougstraete