We will be running a fantasy baseball mock draft using FantasyPros’ Draft Wizard tool. For this mock draft, I want to focus on drafting starting pitchers early.
We’ll draft for a 12-team, head-to-head points league with the following rosters: 1-C, 1-1B, 1-2B, 1-3B, 1-SS, 3-OF, 1-UTIL, 6-Pitchers and three bench spots. I’m drafting from the four-slot.
Fantasy Baseball Mock Draft
1.04: Tarik Skubal (SP – DET)
I elected to grab a starting pitcher first in a points league here after Aaron Judge, Shohei Ohtani and Bobby Witt Jr. were off the board. Tarik Skubal is as safe as it gets.
2.09: Vladimir Guerrero Jr. (1B – TOR)
In points leagues, I’m typically aiming for power upside with hitters. The power was a bit down for Vladimir Guerrero Jr. in the regular season last year, but he helped carry the Blue Jays all the way to the World Series in large part due to his clutch hitting. I’m expecting his power numbers to get back to where they once were.
3.04: Ketel Marte (2B – ARI)
There have been trade rumors surrounding Ketel Marte, but he’ll remain in Arizona to open the season. He has hit at least 25 home runs in three straight seasons, remaining one of the top second basemen in baseball.
4.09: Jacob deGrom (SP – TEX)
5.04: Cole Ragans (SP – KC)
I’m typically prioritizing starting pitchers in points leagues, and that’s what I did here with these two selections.
The big knock on Jacob deGrom remains his health, but the 172.2 innings he pitched last season were his most since 2019, when he threw 204 innings for the Mets.
It was a down season last year for Cole Ragans, missing three months with a rotator cuff strain. He looks to bounce back at the top of the Royals’ starting rotation.
6.09: Geraldo Perdomo (SS – ARI)
One of the most underrated hitters in baseball last season, Geraldo Perdomo broke out and had a career year. He offers a bit of everything when it comes to hitting for average and power, while also being able to run on the basepaths.
7.04: Cody Bellinger (OF – NYY)
This is another power target. Cody Bellinger returns to the Yankees, where he hit 29 home runs last year, his best mark since launching 47 home runs for the Dodgers in 2019. His 98 RBI were also his best mark since that same season.
8.09: Tyler Soderstrom (OF – ATH)
Fresh off a breakout season and a contract extension with the Athletics, Tyler Soderstrom remains one of the top hitters in a young and exciting lineup.
9.04: Kevin Gausman (SP – TOR)
10.09: Robbie Ray (SP – SF)
11.04: Eury Perez (SP – MIA)
I attacked starting pitching heavy here with these three selections.
Kevin Gausman has been the definition of consistency for the Blue Jays the past few seasons as a workhorse.
Robbie Ray excelled in his first full season since 2022. Eury Perez struggled at times last year, but I like the value for the potential to get back to what he showed two years ago.
12.09: Andy Pages (OF – LAD)
13.04: Jacob Wilson (SS – ATH)
14.09: Royce Lewis (3B – MIN)
15.04: Trevor Megill (RP – MIL)
In points leagues, I rarely draft more than one or two relievers with how valuable starters are. I’ll usually find a closer or two off the waiver wire at some point during the season.
16.09: Edward Cabrera (SP – CHC)
17.04: Merrill Kelly (SP – ARI)
18.09: Kyle Teel (C – CWS)
I usually punt the catcher position. Getting his first taste of the Majors last season, Kyle Teel slashed .286/.384/.438 with seven home runs and 29 RBI in his first 238 plate appearances.
Draft Wizard Insights
Draft Wizard awarded me a B grade (83/100 score). I liked this fantasy baseball mock draft a tad bit more for a points league. I’m prioritizing starting pitchers early as well as power hitters in my lineup, which I feel I did a fairly good job of following through on.
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