Fantasy Baseball Player Notes
2020 Fantasy Baseball Draft Notes
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1.
Cody Bellinger
LAD
Bellinger had a tremendous season, drastically improving his walk rate and cutting his strikeout rate, and setting career highs in each of the five standard rotisserie categories. If there's a knock on Bellinger's season, it's that so much of his production came in the first half, and particularly in March where he batted .431 with 14 home runs. Beginning in June, he batted .280 or lower in each month, and he batted just .261 in the second half. But the numbers all count, and although it's reasonable to expect Bellinger to take a slight step back from his overall 2019 numbers, it still leaves him as a top-five pick.
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2.
Freddie Freeman
ATL
Freeman tested positive for COVID-19 at the outset of renewed camp and has reportedly dealt with some difficult symptoms. It seems unlikely that he'll be able to begin the year with the Braves, though he is apparently on the road to recovery. When healthy, Freeman is a dynamic option, so long as he has recovered from the elbow soreness that plagued him in spring. Don't let Freeman slip too far, but he's out of the second round for now.
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3.
Pete Alonso
NYM
It feels odd that a rookie can hit 53 homers with 120 RBIs then end up draft towards the end of the third round but that's exactly what we have here. 60 homrs is a real possibility but then again, so are 35 homers with a .235 batting average, similar to the disappointment fantasy owners had with Hoskins last season.
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4.
Anthony Rizzo
CHC
We've never seen Rizzo hit 35 homers or bat .300 but his production has been so steady that fantasy owners can be certain they'll get 25 homers with 80+ runs, 90+ RBIs and a batting average north of .275. That makes him a worthwhile 4th or 5th round pick.
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5.
Paul Goldschmidt
STL
Goldschmidt's batting average may have dipped thanks to a slow start but he finished with 30+ homers for the third consecutive season and very nearly went for 100 runs and 100 RBIs. More than likely, that batting average will end up north of .280 again too which would make him a steal at the end of the fifth round.
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6.
Matt Olson
OAK
After two years of a low BABIP, Olson's BA finally jumped to .267. It isn't probable he will offer more than that but fantasy owners know 50 HRs and 120 RBIs is truly within reach if he doesn't miss a full month this season.
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7.
Jose Abreu
CWS
Abreu outperformed Anthony Rizzo and Paul Goldschmidt last season, knocking 33 homers with 122 RBIs and a solid as always .282 BA. He hasn't slowed down one bit despite the age so you can rely on him to produce once again if you grab him in the 7th round.
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8.
DJ LeMahieu
NYY
LeMahieu may have been the most shocking breakout last year, moving from a .276 hitter with limited power at Coors to all of a sudden 26 HRs, 102 RBIs and a .327 BA away from Coors. You can expect some regression but his 2019 campaign was just too great to discount him in the 6th or 7th round.
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9.
Josh Bell
PIT
Bell had a true breakout season in 2019, improving drastically in pretty much every measurable category. His increases in exit velocity (2.3 mph), launch angle (3.8 degrees), and barrels per plate appearance (3.8%) showed that his gains were not fluky, and he even recovered from what looked to be a second-half collapse with a .927 OPS in August. The issue for Bell is that even with the improvements, a first baseman who bats .277 and slugs 37 home runs is not blowing the fantasy world away. Buy many of the gains, but don't go crazy on draft day.
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10.
Max Muncy
LAD
Muncy now has 70 homers over the last two seasons and while fantasy owners know he won't be a source of help in the batting average department, he still managed 100+ runs because of the 90 walks. Multi-position eligibility certainly doesn't hurt either.
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11.
Rhys Hoskins
PHI
Hoskins' BA luck caught up to him and that BA dipped to .226. His power remained about the same rather than jumping to a new level like many seemed to be anticipating. He does still have upside for more but the floor, as we've seen, is a non-top 25 first basemen.
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12.
Carlos Santana
CLE
After a lousy 2018, it seemed Santana's bat had finally hit the end of career wall, but he bounced back to a tune of 34 homers, 110 runs and saw his batting average soar from .229 to .281. All are expected to regress in 2019, but not enough to make him worth passing on in the 12th round.
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13.
Edwin Encarnacion
CWS
Encarnacion is most certainly getting up there in age but his power persists as he knocked 30+ homers again for the eighth straight season. As we all know, the batting average won't be great but we can put up with that for 100+ RBIs and 80+ runs to go with the power.
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14.
Yuli Gurriel
HOU
Gurriel was unbelievable last season going from 13 homers and 85 RBIs to 31 and 104. Even with the power spike, he maintained his .290 BA for the third straight season. Although he is older, it is clear that fantasy owners can still rely on him for plenty of production.
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15.
Danny Santana
TEX
Santana's breakout season was absolutely ridiculous on paper. He finished with 28 homers, 21 steals, a .283 BA and 80+ RBIs and runs in just 474 at-bats. He may not be as efficient this season but even if he takes a step back, he would be a steal in the 13th round.
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16.
Christian Walker
ARI
Walker finished as a top 15 first basemen with a near-identical stat-line to Paul Goldschmidt. He slowed down in the second half and the batting average won't be useful but unless Seth Beer forces Arizona's hand, Walker should again get 25+ homers for fantasy owners this year.
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17.
Yasmani Grandal
CWS
In terms of overall game, Grandal may be the best catcher in all of baseball, as his OBP will hover just south of .400 and he plays excellent defense but the BA will be closer to that .240 mark and his HRs, RBIs and runs should dip in the ballpark and lineup moves from MIL to CWS.
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18.
Miguel Sano
MIN
Sano missed over 50 games but still hit 34 homers and drove in 79 runs. With a full season, 50/110/110 is a real possibility but let's not pretend that he hasn't let fantasy owners down a number of times so there is most definitely some risk as well.
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19.
Luke Voit
NYY
Voit wasn't anything near the short sample-size explosion we saw in 2018 but he still managed 21 homers, 72 runs and 62 RBIs in just 118 games. While the batting average won't be ideal, you can certainly put up with 30 homers, 90/90 RBis and runs in the 17th round.
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20.
Eric Hosmer
SD
Since Hosmer went to San Diego, his batting average hasn't been anywhere near as reliable as it once was. The power is still in the 20 homer per season range but his primary calling card is the durability that affords fantasy owners 90+ RBIs per season and plenty of runs.
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21.
C.J. Cron
DET
Cron had 30 homers in 2018 and followed it up with 25 last year despite just 125 games played. Should he see a full season of health, 35 or even 40 is a possibility but the cost is a medicore at best batting average.
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22.
Joey Votto
CIN
It has now been two seasons since Votto has displayed any power, and his batting average has dropped quite a bit each of the last two years. He might not be helpful in fantasy whatsoever, but there is, of course, a chance that he bounces back to become a top 12 first basemen once again.
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23.
Daniel Murphy
COL
Murphy didn't do all that much either of the last two seasons with just 12 and 13 homers plus 90 missed games combined, but his batting average has still be reliably good. If he can manage to stay healthy, .315 and 20 HRs is not out of the question.
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24.
Ryan McMahon
COL
McMahon didn't play every day as some expected but he still managed 24 homers. With more playing time this year, that could spike to 30+ and his .250 BA is likely to improve as well considering his aptitude in that department throughout the minors.
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25.
Joc Pederson
LAD
Joc has always had power but last year he kicked it up a notch, reaching 36 bombs in just 450 at-bats. He is one to monitor in the upcoming weeks as his playing time could spike if the Dodgers deal him to Boston in the possible Mookie Betts deal.
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26.
Hunter Dozier
KC
Dozier had a strong 2019, batting .279 with 26 homers, 75 runs and 84 RBIs. He won't swipe any bags, but that was good enough to outproduce Rhys Hoskins and Edwin Encarnacion from a fantasy perspective and fantasy owners can expect more four category production this year.
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27.
Brandon Lowe
TB
Lowe didn't have a high prospect pedigree nor did he perform in his rookie debut but he blew up last year for the Rays, hitting 17 homers and driving in 51 runs in just 296 at-bats. Don't be surprised if that grows to 25 and 10 with a solid batting average over a full year.
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28.
Mark Canha
OAK
Nobody seems to want to give Canha credit for the changes in his approach last year, but you're selling yourself short if you don't. Canha cut his swing percentage on pitches outside the zone way down last year, and the results were impressive, with 26 home runs and a .273 batting average in just 126 games. Slated to bat fifth for the A's, there's every reason for Canha to put up solid all-around numbers, and he's essentially forgotten in fantasy drafts.
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29.
Yandy Diaz
TB
Diaz finally received some playing time and the bat was strong as expected with 14 homers in just half a season. The batting average has room for growth too so don't be surprised if a full season gives fantasy owners 25 homers with a .280 average.
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30.
Renato Nunez
BAL
Nunez went from 8 homers and a .258 average in 2018 to a breakout performance with 31 homers and 90 RBIs. The batting average certainly won't help fantasy owners, however.
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31.
Michael Chavis
BOS
Chavis came out blazing after he made his MLB debut and many were calling him the next great star but he cooled off in a huge way and ended up only hitting .254 but with 18 homers in 347 at-bats. With multi-position eligibility, this is a premiere breakout candidate to target late in drafts.
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32.
Wil Myers
SD
The 29-year-old Myers has been disappointing each of the last two seasons but let's not forget that he is not far removed from 58 HRs and 48 SBs in two seasons combined. The average will never be there but the power/speed combo is worth a late-round gamble.
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33.
Trey Mancini
BAL
Mancini was terrific last year but he is unlikely to play in 2020 because of Stage 3 cancer.
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34.
Miguel Cabrera
DET
If you play in a deeper league and are looking for a source of batting average in the later rounds, Cabrera is as solid of a bet as you'll find. Durability is a concern and he won't hit for power anymore though.
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35.
Justin Smoak
MIL
Smoak batted just .208 but underlying metrics suggest he may have been the most unlucky hitter in all of baseball. Expect .240 at least this year with another 25+ homers in Milwaukee.
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36.
Jesus Aguilar
MIA
Aguilar had a rough 2019 but was only given 314 at-bats. Now that he is with Miami, we can expect him to play near every game and if he does, those 35 homers fantasy owners saw in 2018 may return.
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37.
Brandon Belt
SF
Belt's batting average is not likely to jump back up to the .275 mark we grew used to seeing earlier in his career but there is something to be said for 15+ homers every year and all the runs that come with his high OBP.
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38.
Nate Lowe
TB
Lowe didn't do a ton in his 152 at bats last year but in the minor leagues he made it clear that he is a masher through and through. It would be no surprise if he ended the year batting .290 with 25 homers much like we saw in Trey Mancini's breakout 2019.
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39.
Christian Vazquez
BOS
Vasquez is being drafted as the ninth catcher off the board this season but finished 2019 as the #4 catcher in fantasy with 23 homers and a solid .276 average. Playing in Boston's treacherous lineup certainly dosn't hurt either. His upside isn't as sexy but this is a good bat well worth using as a top 12 catcher.
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40.
Daniel Vogelbach
SEA
Vogelbach did manage 30 homers as many thought he might but the batting average was so horrendous that there are talks that he may lose his job at some point this season. With that said, with the risk comes upside for 40 bombs and a Joey Gallo like season.
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41.
Howie Kendrick
WSH
At-bat for at-bat, Kendrick was one of the best hitters in the MLB last season despite his old age. He somehow went from a 4 home run hitter to 17 bombs with a .344 batting average. It is hard to tell if it will stick around for a full year but he is well worth a late-round investment.
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42.
Niko Goodrum
DET
Goodrum isn't going to hit even .250 but this a multi-position guy for your bench that will hit a dozen homers and steal a dozen bases.
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43.
Eric Thames
WSH
Thames probably won't play every day for Washington but even with just 396 at-bats last year, he managed 25 homers, 67 runs and 61 RBIs. Fantasy owners would love that production repeated out of a last round pick.
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44.
Evan White
SEA
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45.
Ji-Man Choi
TB
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46.
Jose Martinez
TB
Martinez was only given 334 at-bats last year even though he batted .305 in 2018. His batting average dipped but all of the underlying metrics suggest that was a fluke. If he plays the full season in Tampa, he could prove to be one of the great steals in 2020.
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47.
Albert Pujols
LAA
Pujols is nowhere near where he once was and has some durability concerns but this is still a 20+ homer hitter for the end of your bench with a BA that won't entirely kill you.
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48.
Travis d'Arnaud
ATL
d'Arnaud is not likely to help with batting average but as long as he can manage to stay healthy, fantasy owners can again expect 15+ homers with 60+ RBIs in this potent Atlanta offense.
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49.
Garrett Cooper
MIA
Cooper has a solid bat that could again bat .280 with 20+ homers if he plays a full season in the middle of Miami's lineup. There isn't a ton of upside, however, and there is risk he would lose his job if he doesn't start well.
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50.
Rowdy Tellez
TOR
Tellez has power galore, as evidenced by his 21 homers in just 370 at-bats. Now, the BA will hurt a bit, but you can afford to deal with that if his homers jump to 35 over a full season.
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51.
Marwin Gonzalez
MIN
Marwin is a long way removed from batting .303 with 90 RBIs for the Astros in the now infamous 2017 Astros' season, but he still has 20 homer power if he can stay on the field and the batting average shouldn't hurt.
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52.
Mitch Moreland
BOS
Moreland has never been a source of batting average but he does offer power and last year it was plus power with 19 homers in just 91 games. That could become 30-35 with a full season of health this year.
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53.
Ryan Mountcastle
BAL
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54.
Wilmer Flores
SF
Flores finally signed and with Scooter Gennett out of San Francisco, Flores has a solid path to consistent playing time for the first time in years. This reliable bat is a solid late-round investment.
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55.
Ryan O'Hearn
KC
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56.
Jake Lamb
ARI
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57.
Jake Bauers
CLE
Bauers has not produced at the level many prospect hounds expected but he does have upside to break out this year to a tune of 20 homers, 10 steals and a .250 batting average if he hangs onto the job.
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58.
Kevin Cron
ARI
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59.
Jay Bruce
PHI
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60.
Ronald Guzman
TEX
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61.
Chris Davis
BAL
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62.
Mike Ford
NYY
Ford hit 12 bombs in just 143 at-bats last year after destroying Triple-A pitching to open the year, but there doesn't seem to be a spot in the lineup for him versus righties.
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63.
Willians Astudillo
MIN
If Astudillo gets more playing time this year, fantasy owners can expect a useful batting average but not much in the way of power or speed.
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64.
Jeimer Candelario
DET
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65.
Matt Beaty
LAD
Beaty offered fantasy owners a jolt last season with both power and speed. It was a small sample-size and there is no guarantee for playing time but he may be worth a late-round investment.
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66.
Dominic Smith
NYM
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67.
Victor Caratini
CHC
Caratini is almost certain to be the backup once again to Contreras this season, but should he suffer an injury or the Cubs trade him, Caratini would likely morph into a low-end C1 or high-end C2.
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68.
Austin Nola
SEA
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69.
Rio Ruiz
BAL
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70.
Jose Osuna
PIT
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71.
Aledmys Diaz
HOU
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72.
Josh VanMeter
CIN
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73.
Tyler White
LAD
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74.
Ryon Healy
MIL
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75.
Alex Kirilloff
MIN
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76.
Yonder Alonso
ATL
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77.
Kendrys Morales
FA
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78.
Brandon Drury
TOR
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79.
Andrew Vaughn
CWS
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80.
Matt Adams
NYM
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81.
Ryan McBroom
KC
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82.
Josh Fuentes
COL
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83.
Ehire Adrianza
MIN
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84.
Greg Bird
TEX
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85.
Kyle Farmer
CIN
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86.
Pablo Sandoval
SF
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87.
Brandon Dixon
DET
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88.
Austin Slater
SF
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89.
Brock Holt
MIL
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90.
Neil Walker
PHI
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91.
Ronny Rodriguez
MIL
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92.
Sam Travis
TEX
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93.
Darin Ruf
SF
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94.
Triston Casas
BOS
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95.
Rangel Ravelo
STL
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96.
Derek Dietrich
CIN
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97.
Charlie Culberson
ATL
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98.
Brent Rooker
MIN
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99.
Lucas Duda
FA
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100.
Jordy Mercer
DET
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101.
Logan Forsythe
PHI
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102.
John Hicks
ARI
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103.
Aramis Garcia
SF
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104.
Matt Thaiss
LAA
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105.
Logan Morrison
MIL
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106.
Cheslor Cuthbert
CWS
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107.
Bobby Bradley
CLE
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108.
Mark Reynolds
COL
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109.
Chris Gittens
NYY
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110.
Hanley Ramirez
CLE
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111.
Steve Pearce
FA
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112.
Jose Marmolejos
SEA
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113.
Gavin Sheets
CWS
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114.
Chris Shaw
SF
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115.
Jared Walsh
LAA
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116.
Seth Beer
ARI
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117.
Edwin Rios
LAD
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118.
Tyler Austin
FA
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119.
Patrick Wisdom
SEA
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120.
Colton Welker
COL
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121.
Lewin Diaz
MIA
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122.
Tyler Nevin
COL
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123.
Josh Ockimey
BOS
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124.
Zach Green
SF
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125.
Seth Mejias-Brean
SD
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126.
Frank Schwindel
DET
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127.
Jake Noll
WSH
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128.
Peter O'Brien
FA
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129.
Corban Joseph
FA
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130.
AJ Reed
CWS
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131.
Will Craig
PIT
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132.
Ryan Court
OAK
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133.
Taylor Jones
HOU
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134.
Jose Pirela
FA
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135.
Jim Adduci
FA
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136.
Matt Davidson
CIN
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137.
Patrick Kivlehan
TOR
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138.
Matt Skole
FA
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139.
Justin Bour
LAA
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