Every day that passes by is one day closer to baseball. As we march toward Opening Day on March 30, fantasy baseball drafts continue to unfold. These are the hitters and pitchers that I don’t want to leave my draft without for the 2023 season.
Joe Pisapia’s Must-Have Players for 2023 (Fantasy Baseball)
So, let me get this straight… you’re giving me a top-five overall talent in the second round? Yeah, I’m taking that every time. In fact, ignore the 20 overall ADP, and take Fernando Tatis Jr. at the turn in every snake draft. Heck, take him before the turn!
Every day that passes by is one day closer to baseball. As we march toward Opening Day on March 30, fantasy baseball drafts continue to unfold. These are the hitters and pitchers that I don’t want to leave my draft without for the 2023 season.
Joe Pisapia’s Must-Have Players for 2023 (Fantasy Baseball)
So, let me get this straight… you’re giving me a top-five overall talent in the second round? Yeah, I’m taking that every time. In fact, ignore the 20 overall ADP, and take Fernando Tatis Jr. at the turn in every snake draft. Heck, take him before the turn!
In 2021, Tatis Jr. played just 130 games, but what a 130 they were. He hit 42 bombs, stole 25 bags and hit .282. Oh, and he nearly scored and drove in 100 runs. Yes, 2022 was a lost season. Yes, he’ll miss the first few weeks with a suspension. However, the hope is that this incredible talent has matured and learned from his mistakes. He’s also square in the middle of arguably the best lineup in baseball and likely to see more time in the outfield with the addition of Xander Bogaerts this off-season. That’s a good decision and a way to keep Tatis healthy.
Ignore the suspension, and draft him aggressively at the discount. I recently stole him for $35 in a salary cap draft myself. This may also be the last time the window is open to steal him away in keeper/dynasty formats. One last note, don’t be concerned with any slow start. He missed an entire season, and there’s bound to be some rust. Before you know it, Tatis Jr. will again be in the “best player in the game” conservation.
Corbin Carroll played just 32 games for the Diamondbacks last year, but I saw all I needed to see. Carroll tore up the Minors, posting an elite .310/.426/.588 slash with 28 HR and 52 steals over 142 games. That’s insane! Don’t dismiss the power of Carroll. He has incredibly explosive hands and, like Jose Altuve, deceiving pop for a smaller player.
The outfield position is rough this year, so you might as well be forward-thinking and invest in a player like Carroll. He has the potential for a 20/30 rookie season. If he delivers that from a 76 overall ADP, you have a league-winner on your hands. His swing is so quick, and his athleticism is so great that he’s one of those nearly slump-proof players. I want to be ahead of the curve with Carroll, and so should you!
Sometimes, the numbers speak for themselves.
All that stands in the way of Andres Munoz becoming an elite reliever is… Paul Sewald. No knock on Sewald, he’s a journeyman reliever coming off a strong season, but he’s not Munoz. Now, Munoz is working his way back from foot surgery, but he’s already throwing, and ramp-up for a reliever is far easier compared to a starter.
Can you imagine 30 saves with a 43% K rate!? I can, and it’s glorious. That’s what Munoz can give you in 2023. He’s currently being drafted in the 168 ADP range, but sharper leaguemates will not let him slip that far. You should be that smarter person and draft him.
Andrew Vaughn deserves some respect! The White Sox gave him just 57 games in the Minors, and that means all his development has practically been against elite Major League pitching (except when playing the Tigers, BURN). But seriously, that’s tough! Vaughn didn’t crumble under these circumstances, and this once prolific college bat (.374 BA/1.183 OPS in NCAA) has been respectable learning on the fly. Oh, and the White Sox tried to make him an outfielder and a DH during that period too! Jerks!
Now, he gets to play his natural position, first base. Psychologically, this is a big deal for a young player. With first base being very top-heavy this year, Vaughn has breakout potential in his third season. The 25-year-old could give you a 20-25 HR season with a .275 BA and 80 R and RBI if the team around him stays intact. Projections are quite moderate on Vaughn and aren’t considering his time in the Majors and the moderate success under near-impossible circumstances he’s had. He’s a great target at a 138 ADP.
Beyond our fantasy baseball content, be sure to check out our award-winning slate of Fantasy Baseball Tools as you prepare for your draft this season. From our free mock Draft Simulator – which allows you to mock draft against realistic opponents – to our Draft Assistant – which optimizes your picks with expert advice – we’ve got you covered this fantasy baseball draft season.
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