Fantasy Baseball Player Notes
2024 Fantasy Baseball Draft Notes
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1.
Mookie Betts
LAD
Mookie Betts, at 30, continues to be an elite asset in fantasy baseball with a .307/.408/.579 slash line, 39 homers, 126 runs, and 107 RBIs in 2023. Though his 14 stolen bases are modest, Betts compensates with power and a superb eye, boasting a 13.9% walk rate and an elite 15.4% strikeout rate. He continued to be durable, playing in 152 games with 693 plate appearances. As Betts ages, expect a trade-off of speed for power, yet with a sustained high average. The Dodgers' strong lineup bolsters him, and his multi-position eligibility makes him a dependable, Top-6 fantasy asset.
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2.
Ozzie Albies
ATL
After an injury-marred 2022 season, Ozzie Albies made a triumphant return in 2023, reasserting himself as one of the premier second basemen in the league. At just 26, Albies has already etched his name as a three-time All-Star and two-time Silver Slugger recipient. The 2023 season saw him play 148 games, boasting a robust 124 OPS+, and delivering a .280/.336/.513 slash line. Albies' power was on full display, with a career-high 33 home runs and 109 RBIs, part of his 68 extra-base hits. This marked improvement in power numbers was complemented by a more patient approach at the plate, evident in his on-base percentage. He also contributed 13 stolen bases. Albie's blend of power, speed, and defense makes him a top fantasy pick, especially at a position not typically known for such prolific power numbers.
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3.
Marcus Semien
TEX
Marcus Semien excelled in the 2023 season with a .276 batting average across 670 at-bats. He demonstrated notable power, hitting 28 home runs and driving in 100 RBIs. Over his career, Semien has a .258 average with 215 home runs and 120 stolen bases. For the 2024 season, fantasy managers can look to Semien for consistent power and run production in a powerful lineup that should get even better as the young hitters come into their own. His ability to contribute in multiple categories and projections in the 25 HR and 100 RBI range, along with double-digit steals, should make him the top 2B off the board after Mookie Betts.
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4.
Jose Altuve
HOU
Jose Altuve began the season dealing with an injury he sustained in the World Baseball Classic. Upon his return, he delivered a stellar .311 batting average and .915 OPS in the 2023 season over 360 at-bats. His 14 home runs and 51 RBIs showcased his power, while 14 stolen bases highlighted his agility on the basepaths. Altuve's career stats, with a .307 average, 209 home runs, and 293 stolen bases, emphasize his long-term consistency and multi-dimensional play. In the 2023 postseason, he maintained a solid .286 average, adding to his reputation for performing in high-pressure situations. Altuve remains a prime fantasy pick in 2024, offering reliability in batting average and diverse category contributions.
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5.
Gleyber Torres
NYY
Gleyber Torres rewarded fantasy managers who took a chance on him in 2023. He hit 25 home runs, stole 13 bases, and scored 90 runs in an offense that lacked Aaron Judge for two-thirds of the season. Now that Juan Soto is in tow, Torres should creep to the century mark in runs, and he no longer comes with the baggage of a bad K%. He reduced his strikeout rate from 22.6 percent to 14.6, and he used that increased contact to raise his batting average to .273 (xBA .283) and his OBP to .347 without losing anything in his slugging. Torres is a Top 10 second baseman in 2024.
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6.
Nico Hoerner
CHC
Nico Hoerner impressed in 2023 with a .283 batting average and 43 stolen bases, highlighting his speed and versatility. Earning a Rawlings NL Gold Glove, he excelled defensively while being a consistent offensive contributor, scoring 98 runs and amassing 175 hits. His ability to consistently reach base reflected in 688 plate appearances, and his prowess on the basepaths make him a valuable fantasy asset. Going into 2024, Hoerner is poised to continue his multi-category contributions, with a particular emphasis on stolen bases and runs, making him a solid pick in fantasy baseball.
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7.
Ha-Seong Kim
SD
Entering the 2024 season, Ha-Seong Kim has established himself as a valuable asset for fantasy baseball managers. At 28 years old, Kim's versatility on the field is evident with his multi-positional eligibility. His performance in 2023 was impressive, as he racked up 84 runs, 140 hits, 17 home runs, and an exceptional 38 stolen bases, ranking fifth in the NL for steals. This was a significant increase from his 12 stolen bases in 2022. Kim had 626 plate appearances and 538 at-bats during the season, highlighting his consistent presence in the lineup. His advanced metrics indicate an increased comfort at the plate, reflected in his improved walk and strikeout rates and his on-base plus slugging (OPS) reaching .749. Kim's blend of speed, improving power, and position versatility make him a strong asset for fantasy teams. His growth at the plate and on the field suggests the potential for an even more impactful 2024 season.
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8.
Ketel Marte
ARI
Ketel Marte posted a .276 batting average, hit 25 home runs, and contributed 82 RBIs over 150 games. He also notched 94 runs, eight stolen bases, and an OPS of .843. While his power and hitting haven't always peaked simultaneously, his overall performance, including an OPS+ over 100 in the last five full MLB seasons, underscores his reliability. Marte's overall hitting profile lands in the 90th percentile on Statcast. He should continue batting near the top of an exciting Arizona lineup, and another 20/90/80 season should be on its way.
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9.
Andres Gimenez
CLE
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10.
Bryson Stott
PHI
Bryson Stott took quite the leap in 2023, richly rewarding fantasy managers who probably grabbed him on waivers. He played in 151 games, smacking 15 home runs and stealing 31 bases. He scored 78 runs, knocked in 62, and slashed .280/.329/.419. How much can this production be trusted going forward? The 15 HR and 25+ SB are sustainable, but fantasy managers should expect a drop in batting average, though not to an extreme degree. Second base looks a little shallow this season, leaving Stott as an acceptable 2B1 who you can get in the ninth round or later.
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11.
Zack Gelof
OAK
Zack Gelof arrived on the scene in Oakland and appeared in 69 games, grabbing 300 plate appearances and demonstrating his future 20/20 ability. While it is difficult to have faith in any player in the Athletics organization, the advantage there is that it creates a discounted market for his services. Gelof is worth targeting in the 12th round or later, depending on how sharp your league is.
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12.
Luis Arraez
SD
Last season was a landmark year for Luis Arraez. He became one of baseball's best hitters known for his exceptional contact skills, underlined by his .354 batting average, .393 on-base percentage, and .469 slugging percentage. He tallied 203 hits and 10 home runs over 617 plate appearances. Arraez's success is attributed to his elite strike-zone recognition and smart swing decisions. While chances are high that he won't hit .354 again, his xBA was still .325, and he is in the 100th percentile in K% and Whiff%. Arraez is THE stereotypical "empty batting average" player, but he is a nice offset to a power-only guy.
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13.
Thairo Estrada
SF
Thairo Estrada played in 120 games last season for the Giants, and he took a step back in many of the hitting metrics. His BB% went from 6.1 to 4.2, and his K% went from 16.5 to 22.6. He managed a .271 batting average, though an unsustainable .331 BABIP boosted this. His numbers will probably land in between these two seasons, but he doesn't offer much in the way of upside.
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14.
Spencer Steer
CIN
Spencer Steer is expected to be eligible for 1B/3B/OF, and possibly even 2B in some formats. With a solid 2023 season of 156 games, 23 homers, and 15 steals for the Reds, Steer is a promising fantasy pick. Batting in the middle of an exciting lineup with huge potential, he's on track to surpass his 86 RBI from last year. While not standing out in advanced metrics, Steer's consistent performance offers value in Round 9 and beyond, and the fact he plays half his games at Great American Ballpark is a plus for fantasy managers.
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15.
Nolan Gorman
STL
Nolan Gorman offers the possibility of 30 home runs from the second base position, and you can have him past pick 180. The question is how many opportunities he will have, given that his K% is north of 30. Gorman feels like the type of fantasy player who hits most of his home runs while on your bench because you benched him after a week of 40 strikeouts. If your ratios are protected elsewhere, Gorman can provide pop in your MI slot.
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16.
Edouard Julien
MIN
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17.
Isaac Paredes
TB
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18.
Jonathan India
CIN
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19.
Jorge Polanco
SEA
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20.
Christopher Morel
CHC
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21.
Brandon Drury
LAA
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22.
Brandon Lowe
TB
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23.
Ryan McMahon
COL
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24.
Jackson Holliday
BAL
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25.
Luis Rengifo
LAA
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26.
Tommy Edman
STL
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27.
Justin Turner
TOR
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28.
Brendan Donovan
STL
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29.
Gavin Lux
LAD
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30.
Jeff McNeil
NYM
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31.
Whit Merrifield
PHI
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32.
Matt McLain
CIN
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33.
Jordan Westburg
BAL
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34.
Jake Cronenworth
SD
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35.
Colt Keith
DET
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36.
Amed Rosario
TB
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37.
Brendan Rodgers
COL
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38.
DJ LeMahieu
NYY
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39.
Willi Castro
MIN
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40.
Brice Turang
MIL
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41.
Luis Garcia
WSH
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42.
Davis Schneider
TOR
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43.
Michael Massey
KC
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44.
Jon Berti
NYY
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45.
Zach McKinstry
DET
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46.
Miguel Vargas
LAD
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47.
Jose Caballero
TB
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48.
Geraldo Perdomo
ARI
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49.
Joey Ortiz
MIL
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50.
Cavan Biggio
TOR
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51.
Mauricio Dubon
HOU
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52.
Jared Triolo
PIT
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53.
Liover Peguero
PIT
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54.
Josh Rojas
SEA
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55.
Tyler Black
MIL
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56.
Oswald Peraza
NYY
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57.
Xavier Edwards
MIA
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58.
Luis Urias
SEA
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59.
Kike Hernandez
LAD
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60.
Kyle Farmer
MIN
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61.
Justin Foscue
TEX
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62.
Adam Frazier
KC
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63.
Darell Hernaiz
OAK
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64.
Nick Gordon
MIA
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65.
Ronny Mauricio
NYM
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66.
Taylor Walls
TB
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67.
Nick Madrigal
CHC
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68.
Oswaldo Cabrera
NYY
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69.
Blaze Alexander
ARI
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70.
Thomas Saggese
STL
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71.
Tyler Freeman
CLE
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72.
Orelvis Martinez
TOR
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73.
Nicky Lopez
CWS
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74.
Ji Hwan Bae
PIT
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75.
Luisangel Acuna
NYM
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76.
Joey Loperfido
HOU
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77.
Enmanuel Valdez
BOS
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78.
Jordan Diaz
OAK
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79.
Andy Ibanez
DET
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80.
Nick Gonzales
PIT
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81.
Jace Jung
DET
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82.
Matt Shaw
CHC
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83.
Ramon Urias
BAL
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84.
Garrett Hampson
KC
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85.
Samad Taylor
SEA
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86.
Andruw Monasterio
MIL
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87.
Connor Norby
BAL
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88.
Romy Gonzalez
BOS
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89.
Vidal Brujan
MIA
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90.
Owen Miller
MIL
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91.
Kolten Wong
ARI
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92.
Santiago Espinal
CIN
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93.
Ernie Clement
TOR
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94.
Adael Amador
COL
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95.
Nick Loftin
KC
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96.
Casey Schmitt
SF
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97.
Dylan Moore
SEA
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98.
Elvis Andrus
FA
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99.
Richard Palacios
CLE
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100.
Rodolfo Castro
PHI
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101.
Abraham Toro
OAK
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102.
Donovan Solano
SD
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103.
Coco Montes
COL
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104.
Jace Peterson
FA
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105.
Tony Kemp
MIN
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106.
Termarr Johnson
PIT
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107.
Jean Segura
FA
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108.
Lenyn Sosa
CWS
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109.
Juan Brito
CLE
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110.
Aledmys Diaz
OAK
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111.
Braden Shewmake
CWS
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112.
Zack Short
ATL
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113.
Eduardo Escobar
FA
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114.
Ryan Bliss
SEA
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115.
Jake Alu
WSH
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116.
Miles Mastrobuoni
CHC
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117.
Jorbit Vivas
NYY
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118.
Austin Martin
MIN
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119.
Ildemaro Vargas
WSH
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120.
Keston Hiura
DET
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121.
Michael Stefanic
LAA
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122.
Oliver Dunn
MIL
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123.
Nick Maton
BAL
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124.
Alan Trejo
COL
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125.
Jonathan Schoop
FA
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126.
Harold Castro
FA
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127.
James Triantos
CHC
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128.
Pablo Reyes
BOS
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129.
David Fletcher
ATL
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130.
Sam Haggerty
SEA
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131.
Rougned Odor
NYY
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132.
Luis Guillorme
LAA
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133.
Michael Chavis
SEA
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134.
Matthew Batten
SD
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135.
Nasim Nunez
WSH
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136.
Yu Chang
TB
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137.
Tucupita Marcano
SD
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138.
Josh Harrison
FA
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139.
Hanser Alberto
FA
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140.
Christian Arroyo
MIL
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141.
Andrew Velazquez
ATL
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142.
Leury Garcia
ATL
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143.
Kevin Newman
ARI
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144.
Matt Duffy
FA
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145.
Jeter Downs
NYY
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146.
David Villar
SF
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147.
Zach Remillard
CWS
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148.
Diego Castillo
MIN
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149.
Danny Mendick
CWS
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150.
Terrin Vavra
BAL
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151.
Jose Fermin
STL
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152.
Brett Wisely
SF
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153.
Mark Mathias
CIN
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154.
Angel Martinez
CLE
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155.
Jonathan Arauz
LAD
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156.
Otto Lopez
MIA
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157.
Hoy Park
OAK
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158.
Charles Leblanc
LAA
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159.
David Hensley
HOU
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160.
Aaron Schunk
COL
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161.
Jahmai Jones
NYY
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162.
Livan Soto
CIN
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163.
Yunior Severino
MIN
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164.
Wenceel Perez
DET
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165.
Niko Goodrum
LAA
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166.
Irving Lopez
FA
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167.
Pedro Leon
HOU
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168.
Adam Kennedy
FA
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169.
David Bote
CHC
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170.
Hunter Stovall
COL
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171.
Alejo Lopez
ATL
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172.
Yonny Hernandez
MIL
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173.
Chris Owings
LAD
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174.
Cole Tucker
LAA
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175.
Logan Davidson
OAK
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