Versatile value: 10 multiposition fantasy options

The best-laid plans of mice and men often go awry.
Robert Burns was not playing fantasy baseball in the 1700s, but his poetic words give great insight into the game many of us have come to love.
For most owners, injuries and slumps cause a perfectly planned fantasy lineup to unravel at various times during the season. When plans need to change on the fly, having at least one player with multiposition eligibility can be a major asset. With the goal of creating a versatile lineup, the 10 players listed below are appealing late-round options (note: players were given eligibility at positions at which they appeared 10 or more times in 2016).
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Steve Pearce, 1B/2B/OF, Blue Jays
The Blue Jays did not generate major headlines when they signed Pearce to a two-year deal in December, as the slugger -- who owns a lifetime .852 OPS against southpaws (.728 vs. righties) -- seemed destined to end up on the short side of a first-base platoon with Justin Smoak. But Pearce became a mixed-league sleeper when general manager Ross Atkins noted in February that the club would be pleased to see him emerge as its regular left fielder. Having posted a solid .810 OPS vs. right-handers since the outset of '14, the 33-year-old could tally 25 homers and 75 RBIs if he accrues 500-plus at-bats in '17.
Jedd Gyorko, 1B/2B/3B/SS, Cardinals
Gyorko was an unlikely power source last season, when he provided owners with 30 round-trippers across 400 at-bats in a high-volume reserve role. The slugger is expected to be deployed by manager Mike Matheny in a similar fashion this season, and his ability to play four infield positions should enable him to have stretches of full-time use when the team deals with injuries to starters.

Howie Kendrick 1B/2B/3B/OF, Phillies
After playing mostly second base over his first 10 years in the Majors, Kendrick showed newfound versatility by making more than 10 appearances at four defensive positions last season. Traded from the Dodgers to the Phillies last November, the 33-year-old should get a chance to handle a regular role. While Kendrick's counting-stat contributions will likely remain unremarkable, the veteran could be a useful reserve player in mixed formats by providing a helpful batting mark and eligibility at four positions.
Travis Shaw, 1B/3B, Brewers
After hitting .269 with a .788 OPS in the first half of 2016, Shaw struggled after the All-Star break (.194 average, .619 OPS) and surrendered his hold on the hot corner in Boston. Now a member of the Brewers, the lefty slugger -- who owns balanced lifetime splits -- could enjoy an uptick of power production through his affiliation with hitter-friendly Miller Park.
Brandon Moss, 1B/OF, Royals
Despite experiencing a substantial late-season slump (three homers, .094/.169/.189 slash line in final 31 games), Moss rode 52.6 percent fly-ball rate and a 40.1 percent hard-hit rate to 28 long balls over 464 plate appearances in 2016. With a .260 ISO vs. righties since the outset of '12 (.156 vs. LHP), the 33-year-old could produce 25 home runs and 75 RBIs on the heavy side of a platoon at designated hitter.

Javier Báez, 2B/3B/SS, Cubs
While the lack of a starting role on a deep Cubs roster may cause Baez to slip in fantasy drafts, he still presents plenty of potential for those who can nab him with a late pick. A five-category contributor who is eligible at three infield positions, Baez should use his versatile fielding skills to get his name into Chicago's starting lineup at least four times per week. And if the Cubs deal with injuries to any of their projected starting players, the 24-year-old may have opportunities to make an impact in shallow leagues.
Brandon Drury, 2B/3B/OF, D-backs
Drury performed well in his first extended Major League trial, hitting .282 with 48 extra-base hits (16 long balls) across 461 at-bats last season. If he can increase his lifetime 28.8 percent fly-ball rate in 2017 -- when he is expected to compete to be the regular second baseman -- the 24-year-old could top 20 homers for the first time. His value will really soar if he can secure a premium lineup spot between fantasy studs A.J. Pollock and Paul Goldschmidt.
Hernán Pérez, 2B/3B/OF, Brewers
After spending the first half of 2016 on waivers in virtually every league, Perez made a major late-season impact by hitting .282 with nine homers and 24 steals after the All-Star break. Heading into this season, the versatile fielder is once again without a permanent home in Milwaukee's starting lineup. But his superior speed could enable him to overcome his inconsistent playing time and provide 30 stolen bases for those in deep-mixed formats.

Yangervis Solarte, 2B/3B, Padres
Although not yet an impact fantasy performer, Solarte quietly elevated his game when he produced career-best marks in home runs (15), RBIs (71) and batting average (.286) last season. Considering that he was limited to just 109 games due to stints on the disabled and bereavement lists, the 29-year-old is a strong candidate to supply more than 20 homers and 80 RBIs this year.
José Reyes, 3B/SS, Mets
Reyes returned to the Mets on July 5 and wound up helping those in deep mixed leagues by hitting .267 with eight homers and nine steals across 279 plate appearances last season. Set to serve as the regular third baseman until David Wright returns from injury, the speedster could join rosters in 12-team leagues by supplying solid totals of runs and steals from a premium lineup spot.