Runs are often the one major offensive stat most overlooked during fantasy baseball drafts. Managers tend to assume that if a player hits enough home runs, posts a high batting average, or racks up stolen bases, the runs will naturally follow. And while that’s true in many cases, it’s not guaranteed. If you focus too heavily on the other categories without giving proper attention to runs scored, you may find yourself scrambling on the waiver wire to fill the gap.
Unlike sudden power surges or unexpected stolen-base spikes, high run totals are typically a bit more predictable. That makes them an edge worth targeting. The five players below have proven to be extremely efficient at crossing the plate. Whether it’s speed, lineup position, or simply an all-around offensive skill set driving the production, fantasy managers will gladly take those runs.
I’ve tried to avoid the more obvious names, so hopefully this helps you uncover some less-heralded run scorers as your draft unfolds. Without further ado, here are five value picks, including a pair of unexpected run producers, to target for runs scored.
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Fantasy Baseball Sleepers To Target for Runs
Josh Naylor (1B – SEA)
Josh Naylor isn’t the first name that comes to mind when discussing runs scored. He’s known more for his clutch hitting and timely home runs. However, don’t let his stocky frame fool you as Naylor is surprisingly light on his toes when it comes to running the bases.
The big man stole 30 bags last year on 32 attempts. He also rarely strikes out (13.7 K%) and hit .295 a season ago. The runs have come in bunches as well. Naylor scored 84 runs two years ago and 81 last season, split between the Diamondbacks and the Mariners. He’s currently slated to hit fourth for Seattle, sandwiched between Julio Rodriguez and Randy Arozarena which should help further his production.
During his time with Seattle last year, Naylor scored 32 runs, hit nine homers, drove in 33 RBIs, and stole 19 bases in just over 200 plate appearances, all while batting .299. Those numbers, prorated over a full season, would place him among the top overall players in the league.
Obviously, he won’t quite reach those heights, but hitting every day in the middle of what should be a productive lineup, Naylor could once again push for 85 runs with comparable RBI totals. He also has a real shot at another 30-homer, 20-steal campaign. Naylor is an excellent choice in the sixth round.
Brandon Nimmo (OF – TEX)
Batting atop the order for the new-look Rangers, Brandon Nimmo should continue to be a strong source of runs. He didn’t walk quite as much last year, but the longtime Met boosted his average back up to .262. Nimmo has traded a bit of patience for power in recent seasons, and while the free passes have dipped, the run production has held steady.
Fantasy managers will gladly take the 25 homers Nimmo now supplies over 75 walks. That said, he could regain a bit of patience as he settles into the leadoff spot in Texas. Even in a pitcher-friendly park, there’s little reason to expect a major power drop-off. Nimmo should still be good for around 85 runs, 23 homers, 80 RBIs, and 10-15 steals. Health is always part of the equation, but he’s well worth a look around Round 15, especially if you’re in need of runs.
Ian Happ (OF – CHC)
Ian Happ is one of those mid-round players who may not be flashy, but he does everything reasonably well, including scoring runs. The switch-hitting outfielder rarely takes a day off (averaging 155 games per year since 2022), walks at a strong clip (13.1 BB%), and hits in the middle of a solid lineup.
Happ has been especially consistent in the runs department, topping 85 runs in each of the past three seasons. The 32-year-old also cleared 20 homers in each of those campaigns. He probably won’t steal more than 10 bases or hit above .250, but Happ is nearly a lock for another 85-run season. He’s a steady option around pick 150.
Steven Kwan (OF – CLE)
Steven Kwan had a down year by his standards last season. The 28-year-old still hit .272 with 81 runs and 21 steals, but he had surpassed those marks in each of the previous three seasons. Kwan wasn’t alone, outside of Jose Ramirez and Kyle Manzardo, not a single Guardians regular posted an OPS above .700 (Kwan’s was .705).
With younger players gaining experience and the additions of George Valera, Chase DeLauter, and Rhys Hoskins, the offense should improve. Kwan’s strikeout rate consistently sits below 10%, so a return to a .300 average is well within reach.
With a few more hits and better production behind him, a 90-run season is easy to envision. Kwan missed some time in 2024, but he’s otherwise been durable throughout his career. If he returns to form, he’ll easily outperform his current 158 ADP.
Xavier Edwards (2B, SS – MIA)
Xavier Edwards is capable of hitting .300 and scoring close to 100 runs. The youthful infielder rarely strikes out (14%), sprays line drives all over the field (25% line-drive rate, 31% pull rate), and has speed to burn (27 steals). Edwards is a bit of a throwback, reminiscent of old-school leadoff hitters who simply get on base and score runs.
Whether he hits first or second in the lineup shouldn’t impact his run totals too much. Either way, Edwards should have enough support behind him to cross the plate consistently. The switch-hitter scored 75 runs last year in just 139 games. With another 10-15 games under his belt, the 26-year-old could be in for a banner year. He’s a nice sleeper once the top eight second basemen are off the board.
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Austin Lowell is a featured writer at FantasyPros. For more from Austin, check out his archive.