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As we (hopefully) inch closer and closer to the 2020 Major League Baseball season, we found this to be a good time to dive into some dynasty league content. This week, our writers conducted a two-round, dynasty startup draft for fantasy baseball purposes. This is for a 14-team league with each of our seven writers controlling two teams. They each provide a pick along with their reasoning for the selection.

Note: The mock draft was done under the assumption that this was a 5×5 H2H categories league. The main difference is OBP was used instead of batting average. The five hitting categories are OBP, HR, RBI, SB, and runs scored. The pitching categories are QS, ERA, WHIP, strikeouts, and saves.

2020 Draft Kit: View printable cheat sheets, sleepers & mistakes to avoid

June 2020 Dynasty Startup Mock Draft

Pick 1.01 – Ronald Acuña (OF – ATL)
Ronald Acuña is the consensus number one overall pick in dynasty-league formats and is only 22 years old. He was three stolen bases shy of pulling off a 40-40 season in his sophomore campaign. Barring injury, the sky is the limit for Acuña, who should produce in all five categories (OBP, HR, RBI, SB, R) for many years to come. He signed a seven-year, $100 million contract extension with the Braves in April of 2019, a deal that will keep him in a great situation for the foreseeable future. With everything Acuña brings to the table, he is no doubt the number one overall pick in any dynasty-league format.
– Brad Camara (@beerad30)

Pick 1.02 – Juan Soto (OF – WAS)
Picking second in a startup draft is tough because you have to decide between the three elite players. I decided to go with Juan Soto over Mike Trout here due to age and age only. There is still growth with Soto in the power department, and while he won’t give you the steals you need, his eye at the plate makes him one of the safest and highest-ceiling players you build your team around.
– Michael Waterloo (@MichaelWaterloo)

Pick 1.03 – Mike Trout (OF – LAA)
I can see the case being made for a handful of players to be the top choice in a dynasty draft, but there’s no one I’d personally select before Mike Trout. There are talented players in every era, but Trout will eventually be discussed among the greats of all eras. He won’t turn 30 until next August and, even if he slows down in a few years, he’ll make any dynasty team an immediate contender. He has finished each of the last four seasons in the top-two across all of MLB in offensive WAR and OBP. Trout will remain relevant far longer than many other options, and he has been nothing but dominant in his career, to date.
– Mario Mergola (@MarioMergola)

Pick 1.04 – Alex Bregman (3B – HOU) 
We operated this mock draft under the idea of it being an OBP league, which certainly gives Alex Bregman a slight bump. The 26-year-old has ranked ninth and third over the past two seasons respectively among the OBP leaders in baseball. The former number-two overall pick of the Astros continues to get better every year, culminating in a 41-homer/112 RBI/122 runs scored campaign in 2019. Bregman is everything I’m looking for in a first-round selection of a startup dynasty league. He’s young, has a proven track record, is surrounded by other elite hitters, can hit for average and power, and has a skillset (ability to get on base) that projects to age well.
– Brendan Tuma (@toomuchtuma)

Pick 1.05 – Cody Bellinger (1B/OF – LAD)
This pick was obviously between Bellinger, Yelich, and Betts, but I sided with Bellinger for a number of reasons. He’s younger than the other two, has positional flexibility that the others don’t have, and he is a perennial threat to lead the league in homers for the next ten years. Mookie can’t say that. As for Yelich, I’m expecting his steals to drop as he ages and his back injury keeps him off his feet. Plus, I’m expecting Bellinger’s walk rate to stick, bumping up his value in an OBP league. Finally, as it stands right now, the Dodgers’ lineup is substantially more powerful than the Brewers or Red Sox, which helps his run and RBI floor.
– Carmen Maiorano (@carmsclubhouse)

Pick 1.06 – Christian Yelich (OF – MIL)
At 1.06 it was a blessing to have Christian Yelich fall to me. He’s my 1.03 in dynasty startups, so the value was a no-brainer. He’s entering his MLB prime at just 28 years old, while really coming into his own as one of MLB’s premier hitters. In just 130 games in 2019, he hit 44 HRs, drove in 97, scored 100, and stole 30. Oh yeah, and he does this while hitting a touch under .330. The last two seasons, he had a .402 and .429 wOBA, while contributing 166 and 174 wRC+ respectively. There’s Trout; there’s Acuna; then there’s Yelich.
–  Joe Buttgereit (@JoeButter_)

Pick 1.07 – Mookie Betts (OF – LAD)
I was hoping for Christian Yelich to make it to me here, and I considered going with Francisco Lindor, but I ultimately was happy to snag Mookie Betts at seventh overall. In a “down year” in 2019, Betts still scored 135 runs, hit 29 home runs, drove in 80 runs, swiped 16 bags, and walked 97 times to go with a .295 AVG and .391 OBP. He’s still just 27 years old and is approaching free agency. If 2019 is his floor, sign me up for all of the Mookie Betts floors in dynasty.
– Mike Maher (@mikemaher)

Pick 1.08 – Francisco Lindor (SS – CLE)
Francisco Lindor is one of the most consistent players in the majors. He logged his third straight 30-home run and second consecutive 20-steal campaign. I almost went Vlad Jr. with this selection but decided to go with a safe pick over upside. The 26-year-old has come up in trade rumors this off-season, but his fantasy value shouldn’t change even if he lands somewhere else. Lindor doesn’t particularly stand out in one category, but his skillset, durability, and consistency make him worthy of a first-round selection in dynasty-league formats.
– Brad Camara (@beerad30)

Pick 1.09 – Vladimir Guerrero Jr. (3B – TOR)
Shiny-toy syndrome has some people ready to downgrade Vladimir Guerrero, Jr, because of a “disappointing” rookie season. Guerrero was in elite company for hard-hit rate and had a low strikeout rate for a guy with his power. The one thing that Guerrero needs to work on is elevating the ball more. There’s a reason he was labeled a generational talent, and one good-not-great year doesn’t change that. He could be the No. 1 pick in leagues for years to come.
– Michael Waterloo (@MichaelWaterloo)

Pick 1.10 – Gerrit Cole (SP – NYY)
Age is always a major factor when making an early pick in a dynasty league, but it’s usually because longevity is a focal point of the discussion. What if we were to target a player who could immediately deliver three or four outstanding years while still pitching well for another two or three? That stretch of time is incredibly valuable, and it’s not exactly easy to find future value with immediate returns. Gerrit Cole fits this mold perfectly and proved his worth in the form of a massive — most notably, in years — contract from the New York Yankees. He’ll be a quality start machine for a long time, and he’s the perfect foundation for any dynasty franchise.
– Mario Mergola (@MarioMergola)

Pick 1.11 – Fernando Tatis Jr. (SS – SD)
It feels as if we can’t talk about Fernando Tatis Jr. as a fantasy asset without mentioning last year’s BABIP. He has a lot of swing-and-miss to his game (nearly a 30% strikeout rate last year) yet wound up hitting .317 as a rookie. That was certainly fueled by a .410 BABIP. Tatis’ xBA on Statcast was just .259. It is certainly possible that his speed will help him outperform his xBA numbers for his career, but it is ambitious to consider him a .300 hitter moving forward. Still, in just 84 games last season the 21-year-old (!!) hit 22 homers and stole 16 bases. He is so young and there is so much power/speed upside that it is alright if he settles in as more of a .270 hitter for the next five years. Tatis is probably being over-drafted in re-draft leagues this season. There’s a lot of risk in his profile. There’s also a chance he’s a top-three selection in 2021 drafts. I’m ecstatic to land him at this point in a dynasty startup.
– Brendan Tuma (@toomuchtuma)

Pick 1.12 – Trevor Story (SS – COL)
In both redraft and dynasty leagues, I’m prioritizing nabbing a five-category player, and Story clearly fits that mold. With 35+ homers and 20+ steals in back-to-back seasons, I’m expecting that to continue for the foreseeable future. I’m also expecting the Rockies to trade Arenado sooner rather than later, which frees up money to sign Story to a long-term deal. Yes, that means he is a potential lifer at Coors Field. While the walk rate could be higher, he has a safe floor in average, making OBP is less of a concern to me. Finally, the Rockies have plenty of young players who should afford Story some protection for years to come, giving him a safe floor in RBI and runs.
– Carmen Maiorano (@carmsclubhouse)

Pick 1.13 – Nolan Arenado (3B – COL)
Had Nolan Arenado left the friendly confines of Coors Field, perhaps I’d have gone Trea Turner here. However, he’s making a long-term home in Denver, making him the easy choice. His track record speaks for itself; five straight seasons with 155 or more games played. Five straight seasons of 37 or more home runs. Five straight seasons of 97 or more runs scored (four of which over 100). Five straight seasons of 110 or more RBI (three of which over 130). Four straight seasons with a batting average of .294 or above. He is the epitome of consistency and a slam dunk at the back of the first round.
–  Joe Buttgereit (@JoeButter_)

Pick 1.14 – Trea Turner (SS – WAS)
Speed is hard to find in today’s landscape, so when you can grab a 26-year-old shortstop who has averaged 41 stolen bases over the last three years while batting .284, it isn’t a hard decision. His biggest red flag is his inability to stay on the field, but he has always produced when healthy. Even in 2017 when Turner played in just 98 games, he stole 46 bases. A permanent move to the top of the batting order should only increase his value.
– Mike Maher (@mikemaher)

Pick 2.01 – Ozzie Albies (2B – ATL)
I was hoping Fernando Tatis Jr. would fall to me here but once he was drafted I opted to select Ozzie Albies. The 23-year-old has recorded back-to-back 24-home run seasons in his first two years in the majors. Albies also swiped at least 14 bags and scored 102 runs during that span. In the second half of last year, Albies slashed .302/.354/.517 with 10 homers, 46 runs, 37 RBI and nine stolen bases across 314 plate appearances. He has the skill set to be the top second baseman in fantasy and should be locked in the number two lineup spot in a loaded Braves lineup. Albies signed a seven-year deal with the Braves in 2019, he will be hitting in front of Braves’ star Ronald Acuña for the foreseeable future. The 23-year-old has all making to be consistent top-three second baseman year in and year out.
– Brad Camara (@beerad30)

Pick 2.02 – Rafael Devers (3B – BOS)
This was a tough decision, and it felt like I settled for Rafael Devers after Ozzie Albies was taken. Devers is a nice pairing with Juan Soto for this team, and being in the American League East helps him going forward. The loss of Mookie Betts hurts slightly, but we are looking at the long term here. If Devers can continue to improve against lefties, his 2019 production should stick long term, even if he moves across the diamond to play first base.
– Michael Waterloo (@MichaelWaterloo)

Pick 2.03 – Walker Buehler (SP – LAD)
I don’t think it’s a stretch to argue that Walker Buehler is in the conversation among the best starting pitchers in baseball right now. Why, then, shouldn’t he remain among the best for the foreseeable future? The Los Angeles Dodgers have proven excellent in developing their young assets, and they will certainly continue to pour resources into their 25-year-old future ace. Buehler’s arrow is pointing up — his FIP decreased and strikeout rate increased from 2018 to 2019 — and the future is extremely bright. Pitching carries a major premium in dynasty leagues, and I’d make an effort to spend draft capital on one with tremendous potential. Buehler is the perfect target.
– Mario Mergola (@MarioMergola)

Pick 2.04 – Gleyber Torres (2B/SS – NYY)
After selecting Bregman in the first round I took another young but proven infielder here with Gleyber Torres. Still just 23 years old, Torres might not have the on-base ability of Bregman, but he certainly has a similar power profile and talent around him. Torres doesn’t stand out according to any Statcast metrics but this is a former top prospect who has yet to struggle at the big league level. He may not hit 38 homers again as he did in 2019 (since a disproportionate number of those came versus the Orioles), but he still increased his barrel% while decreasing his strikeout rate from his rookie year. There’s still more upside for him to develop as a hitter.
– Brendan Tuma (@toomuchtuma)

Pick 2.05 – Jose Ramirez (3B – CLE)
I’m surprised that Ramirez lasted this long, but everyone is still souring over his 2019 first half. Before breaking his hamate bone he had 16 homers and six steals in the second half by returning to what got him into elite status in the first place – pulling the ball with authority. Now with his hamate bone healed and a strong spring training, I’m expecting several five-category seasons from Ramirez. In fact, if I had to, I would have picked him over Story – but I knew I didn’t have to. I’m certainly higher than the industry on him, but his above-average walk rate makes him a no-doubt top-two round buy in dynasty. Along with Bellinger, my corner infielders are certainly locked in.
– Carmen Maiorano (@carmsclubhouse)

Pick 2.06 – Jack Flaherty (SP – STL)
Jack Flaherty is perhaps my favorite dynasty pitcher in baseball. Between him and Walker Buehler, I’d imagine the two will be fighting over Cy Youngs for the next decade. He’s steadily improved each season he’s been in the bigs, finishing 2019 with a 2.75 ERA in 196.1 innings. His K/9 is consistently in the mid-10’s, while his walk rate has dropped a full walk per nine in each of his three seasons. He also put together perhaps the best 2nd half we’ve seen in a very long time a year ago. In 15 post-all-star break starts, he went 7-2 with 0.91 ERA, 0.72 WHIP, and had 124 strikeouts in 99.1 innings.
–  Joe Buttgereit (@JoeButter_)

Pick 2.07 – Bryce Harper (OF – PHI)
I love Bryce Harper, especially in OBP leagues. I don’t care who knows it. Even while going through some rolling struggles at the plate the last two seasons, Harper has set career highs in RBI in back-to-back years. In an OBP league with Harper, the worst-case scenario is 30 home runs and an OBP of around .375 (in a full season, obviously). If he gets hot for an extended period, he could become a player who carries your fantasy squad again. It feels like he has been in the league forever, but he’s still just 27.
– Mike Maher (@mikemaher)

Pick 2.08 – Bo Bichette (SS – TOR)
Bo Bichette has the skillset to be a future star for a long time in the majors. He slashed .311/.358/.571 with 11 homers, 21 RBI, 32 runs, and four stolen bases across 196 at-bats last season. The 22-year-old also set a franchise high with 61 hits in his first 45 games in the majors. He was one of the key young players that I wanted to build my team around. Barring injury, Bichette should be a top-5 shortstop year-in and year-out. All the tools are there for Bichette to be a fantasy force and a top-20 player to target in dynasty-league formats.
– Brad Camara (@beerad30)

Pick 2.09 – Wander Franco (SS – TB)
The best part of startup dynasty drafts is to see where the top prospect goes each year, and with Wander Franco this year, he typically goes within the top 24 picks. I wasn’t going to miss my chance at getting him here, although Eloy Jimenez was tempting. Franco, paired with Guerrero, is an ideal start for a team that is looking to compete within the first two years. Franco has an 80-grade FV and will offer elite production across the board. Don’t be afraid to take him early.
– Michael Waterloo (@MichaelWaterloo)

Pick 2.10 – Jacob deGrom (SP – NYM)
We can’t hide from the fact that age will soon be a factor — at this point, he will start the 2020 season at age 32 — but it’s simply undeniable how much Jacob deGrom can provide before the decline begins. It’s also unfair to pin an expected drop in production on deGrom simply due to his age, as he already fought off the forces of regression by following a Cy Young season with another Cy Young season. He’s pitching at such an elite level right now that he would be irreplaceable for a dynasty team as soon as the season begins. He’d also carry tremendous trade value in such a format, as someone will want his second-half production when making a fantasy playoff push.
– Mario Mergola (@MarioMergola)

Pick 2.11 – Keston Hiura (2B – MIL)
Hiura joins my first-round selection of Fernando Tatis Jr. to form one of the most elite middle infield combinations one can acquire in fantasy baseball. It could be risky to gamble the future of this startup team on two youngsters who have yet to play a full season in the majors, but Hiura impressed us immediately after getting called up to the bigs in 2019. A former first-round pick and top prospect, Hiura hit .303 with 19 homers, nine stolen bases, and a .938 OPS as a rookie. That came in just 84 games. The Statcast numbers really back him up as he ranked in the 90th percentile in exit velocity, hard-hit rate, and barrel%. The only concerns are that he struck out over 30% of the time and his expected batting average was roughly 40 points lower than what he actually hit. However, I’m willing to bet on the talent at a thin position in fantasy. The power/speed upside pairs well with that of Tatis.
– Brendan Tuma (@toomuchtuma)

Pick 2.12 – Yoan Moncada (3B – CWS)
I was choosing between Yoan Moncada, Eloy Jimenez, and Yordan Alvarez here, but I loved the gains Moncada made last year, and they are all backed-up by a change in approach and quality of contact. Yes, Moncada’s BABIP was over .400, which is unsustainable. However, Alvarez had an also hard-to-repeat .366 BABIP last year. I also know that Jimenez and Alvarez will never approach double-digit steals – something that Moncada has done the last two seasons. I’m also expecting the walk rate to continually increase as he strikes out less and pitchers pitch around him more going forward, plus his double-digit walk rate in the minors suggests positive regression. Lastly, I’m expecting Alvarez to be no more than a utility player, while Moncada is likely to give me positional flexibility at both second and third base. This pick shores up the left side of my infield for a long time.
– Carmen Maiorano (@carmsclubhouse)

Pick 2.13 – Xander Bogaerts (SS – BOS)
In my opinion, Xander Bogaerts is one of the most under-appreciated offensive players in baseball. He’s the perfect hitter for Fenway Park. A doubles machine, who can also hit for power and a high average. I wish he’d go back to stealing the double-digit bags he stole between 2015-2017, but he’s effective nevertheless. He’s coming off his best all-around season in 2019, slashing .309/.384/.555, with 33 bombs, 110 runs, and 117 RBI. He hits at the top of a lineup that will never lack firepower, and he’s just entering his prime years, at just 27 years old.
–  Joe Buttgereit (@JoeButter_)

Pick 2.14 – Yordan Alvarez (UTIL – HOU)
Yordan Alvarez might just be the best prospect in baseball, at least from a purely hitting perspective. After being called up last year he batted .313 with a .412 OBP while swatting 27 home runs in just 87 games. When you add the 23 home runs he hit in 56 Triple-A games, Alvarez hit 50 long balls in 143 games in 2019. The metrics support what we can all see: an elite power-hitter who might just dominate for the next decade or longer.
– Mike Maher (@mikemaher)

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