It was
Shohei Ohtani and
Tarik Skubal who went in the top-two in this mock, making Judge the no-brainer selection here. He won’t fall outside the top-2 in many drafts.
I was deciding between several players at 2.10, including both Alvarez and Chourio. I wound up being able to draft both of them. I was hesitant on starting the draft with three straight outfielders, but I elected to go that route in this mock.
Ragans is one of my favorite starting pitcher targets in this range. He is coming off an injury-riddled season, but he ended last year on a high note. He’ll look to pick up where he left off. I believe he’s a sleeper Cy Young candidate this season.
Coming off being one of the more disappointing players last year, Betts posted the lowest batting average of his career. That is baked into him falling this far as he was once a first-round pick.
Quickly re-signing with the Mariners this offseason, Naylor returns to Seattle where he hit .299 in the final 54 games last season after he was traded. He also stole a career-high 30 stolen bases last season. He’s the perfect middle-round steady hitter in Roto leagues.
After drafting just one pitcher in the first six rounds, I elected to go three straight starters in this range.
I elected to target a mix of upside (McLean), security (Gausman), and a bit of both (Bradish) in this range with the three of them.
Keaschall was impressive in 49 games last season, slashing 302/.382/.445 with an impressive 14 percent strikeout rate. His balance of contact and speed makes him a safe second base target for those who wait on the position.
I waited on the closer position as I usually do here with Fairbanks and Palencia, both who are expected to open the season as the closers in their respective bullpens.
In category and roto leagues, I’ll usually target two closers in drafts and then look to grab another 1-2 on waivers during the season.
I punted the catcher position as I always do and ended up with Rutschman.
He enters this year as a clear bounce-back candidate.
I wound up with three starting pitchers in Cabrera, McClanahan, and Miller on my bench.
McClanahan is a pure upside flier late. Miller ended last season on a high note in the postseason and has already upped his velocity to begin spring training.
Draft Wizard Insights
I received a B- grade (80/100). I did not love not drafting my second pitcher till the seventh round, but that’s how the draft played out for me not forcing a specific position.
I also didn’t love drafting three outfielders to begin the draft. I probably would have went elsewhere in the second or third round if I could go back.