Fantasy Baseball Player Notes
2020 Fantasy Baseball Draft Notes
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1.
Jose Altuve
HOU
Altuve hit a career-high 31 homers last year but still only finished as the #10 fantasy second basemen because the steals have disappeared and his batting average has continued to drop. With that said, he has been so consistent for long enough that he may still be the top second basemen for 2020.
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2.
Gleyber Torres
NYY
As a 22-year-old, Gleyber managed 38 homers, 96 runs and 91 RBIs with a .280 batting average. There is still room for more growth and it would no surprise if he became an MVP candidate this year as a 23-year-old. There isn't enough speed to make him the top fantasy second basemen yet though.
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3.
Ozzie Albies
ATL
Albies was remarkable last year with a .295 batting average to go with 24 homers, 15 steals and over 100 runs. He did all of that as a 22-year-old so you'd have to think there is room for even more growth in 2020. He is well worth a fourth-round pick at this point.
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4.
Ketel Marte
ARI
Marte suddenly went from being a career .263 hitter with 22 home runs in 1,548 plate appearances to batting .329 with 32 home runs in 628 plate appearances. And while he made many overall gains, such as a massive increase in launch angle, his expected batting average was just .299 and that .030 difference was 10th-highest in MLB. He also upped his pull percentage by a significant amount, and pulled all but one of his home runs, which should be something that pitchers can exploit in 2020. Buy some of the gains, but consider Marte closer to a .290-25 type of hitter.
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5.
Keston Hiura
MIL
In his first year with the big league club, Hiura was every bit as good as advertised, going for 19 homers, 9 steals and a .303 BA in just half a season. We could very well see him among the top three in the position by year's end, but he isn't quite as safe as any of the options above him.
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6.
Whit Merrifield
KC
Merrifield leads off the second tier of fantasy second basemen after Altuve, Torres and Albies. He won't hit 20 bombs, but we can expect a batting average near or above .300 plus 20-30 steals once again, making him a great fifth round pick.
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7.
Jonathan Villar
MIA
Villar is moving from a great hitter's park to one of the worst but we are still talking about someone who went 24/40 homers/steals with 111 runs and a .273 batting average. There is some risk, as we saw in the 2017 disappointment
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8.
DJ LeMahieu
NYY
LeMahieu tested positive for COVID-19 and is asymptomatic, according to the Yankees. Assuming he rejoins the team by the start of the season - a big "if" but somewhat likely given his early positive test - then he should have little difficulty getting ready for the season.
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9.
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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10.
Jeff McNeil
NYM
There were many skeptics after McNeil's strong rookie performance but it now clear that he is a hitter through and through. He'll again compete for the batting crown and seems likely to his 20+ homers once agin for the Mets this season.
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11.
Mike Moustakas
CIN
Moustakas is a virtual lock to hit 30+ homers with 80+ RBIs but he doesn't steal any bags and with the power will likely come a sub-optimal batting average. You could do worse in the 9th round, however, because at the very least, he is a reliable three-category contributor.
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12.
Eduardo Escobar
ARI
Escobar had a heck of a breakout season, driving in 118 RBIs thanks to 35 homers. The batting average will never be great but he certainly won't hurt you in that category. What's more, is that he'll qualify for 2B and 3B so that you can slide him around during the week.
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13.
Cavan Biggio
TOR
Biggio might not help in batting average, as we saw last year, but there is no doubt about it that he is a source of both power and speed. 20/20 seems like a near-certainty and there is room for more which sounds great with his 12th round price tag.
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14.
Yoan Moncada
CWS
The former top overall prospect had a heck of a season in 2019 but his .400 BABIP is almost certainly not going to repeat in 2020. Even still, this young stud has room for more growth and could provide 30 homers plus 10 steals for fantasy owners.
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15.
Tommy Edman
STL
Edman had a tidy little rookie season for the Cardinals, as he batted over .300 and put up 11 home runs and 15 steals in 92 games. He looks destined for a super-utility role in 2020, but that should still mean plenty of playing time. With batting average and steals at a premium, Edman is a solid target as you get into the double-digit rounds.
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16.
Lourdes Gurriel Jr.
TOR
After starting the season slow, Toronto sent Gurriel back to the minors but once he was called back up, he was one of the best hitters in baseball with a nearly 50-homer pace. That won't keep up, but 35 with a strong batting average is entirely possible.
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17.
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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18.
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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19.
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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20.
Kevin Newman
PIT
A leadoff hitter who bat .308 last year with 12 home runs and 16 steals in just 130 games? What's not to like? Fine, he is one of the worst in the league in terms of barrel percentage and hard hit rate but even still, he had an expected batting average of .291 last year. Newman won't blow you away, but he'll chip in everywhere, especially the scarce categories. Don't forget about him on draft day.
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21.
Gavin Lux
LAD
There is a chance Lux is dealt to Boston but it seems most likely that he'll stay. If he does, the most likely fantasy outcome is a Daniel Murphy-lite from day one but with upside for more. He hit .347 with 26 homers last year in just 113 minor league games.
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22.
Rougned Odor
TEX
We know by now that Odor is going to kill us in the batting average department but he once again swatted 30 homers with 93 RBIs and double-digit steals. You'll either need to target BA early or just punt the category altogether, but Odor is great for the other four categories.
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23.
Kolten Wong
STL
Don't look now, but Wong was actually great last year, hitting .285 with 24 steals and a dozen homers. While he hasn't exactly been consistent in his career, repeating those type of numbers would make him a downright steal late in drafts.
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24.
Cesar Hernandez
CLE
There is nothing sexy about grabbing Hernandez in the 22nd round as your #3 middle infielder but he has been as consistent as you'll find over the last few years. He is a safe bet for 15 homers, 10 steals and useful batting average while playing just about every game.
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25.
Garrett Hampson
COL
Hampson was everyone's favorite late-round sleeper last year but the Rockies fiddled around with their lineup and he was only given 299 at-bats. In that time, he showed some power and great speed, but that batting average struggled. Unless they trade Arenado, he might struggle for playing time again.
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26.
Scott Kingery
PHI
Kingery has reported to camp after initially dealing with COVID-19. He says that he's still dealing with his recovery, including some shortness of breath, but it appears likely that he'll be ready to go when the season begins.
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27.
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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28.
Starlin Castro
WSH
Castro never developed into the fantasy stud he looked like he might become earlier in his career, but he quietly set a career high in home runs and RBI last year with the Marlins. Now with the Nationals, where he'll bat anywhere from third to fifth, there are going to be RBI opportunities aplenty for the veteran. A career .336/.358/.513 hitter in Nationals Park, Castro makes a fine middle infield option in mixed leagues.
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29.
Nick Senzel
CIN
Senzel was expected to be an immediate five-category contributor but has run into some injury issues then struggled with a .256 batting average. The upside is still there but compared to others being drafted in the 15th round, he comes with more risk.
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30.
Luis Arraez
MIN
Arraez came to the majors and did exactly what he has done throughout his minor-league career. He hit for a high average (.334), rarely struck out (7.9%), and offered nearly no power or speed. Even though his expected batting average was nearly 45 points lower than his actual average, he still should be a major contributor in the category. Is that worth the complete lack of production he offers in three other categories? All depends on your team construction.
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31.
Tommy La Stella
LAA
After hitting 1 homer in 123 games during the 2018 season, La Stella completely changed his game and caught fire in 2019. He swatted 16 of them in just 292 at-bats and prior to injury, he was batting .295 as well. There is a chance he continues that performance over a full season this year.
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32.
Robinson Cano
NYM
Cano may be old and coming off a rough season, but he missed 55 games again and had some rough BA luck. He is a prime bounceback candidate who could jump to 20 homers, .280 at the plate and you can grab him in the last few rounds.
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33.
Nick Solak
TEX
Solak was never a big prospect but he always raked in the minors then continued that trend upon being called up for Texas. He finished the year with 32 combined homers, 91 RBIs and a .290 batting average. That seems unlikely in his full rookie season, but the kid can surely hit.
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34.
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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35.
Dee Gordon
SEA
Gordon only played half a season and fantasy owners still received 22 steals from him. With a full season, 40 and 100 runs is not out of the question. Although he won't help with homers or RBIs, steals are hard enough to get that he is worth a 20th round pick.
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36.
Jonathan Schoop
DET
Say what you want about Schoop's batting average risk but this is a middle infielder who has hit 76 homers in his last three seasons despite missing 80 games over the last two years. With a full bill of health, we could see 30 bombs with 100 RBIs out of a late-round second baseman.
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37.
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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38.
Nick Madrigal
CWS
Madrigal is a talented prospect but probably not quite worth drafting and stashing in a standard-sized league. From the moment he is called up, though, Madrigal should be owned everywhere.
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39.
Jurickson Profar
SD
Profar may have batted .218 but he is still young enough that we can expect some improvement. Even if we don't get it, he is strong enough in the other four categories that you can use a late-round pick on him knowing you'll get steady production.
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40.
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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41.
Ian Happ
CHC
It wasn't long ago that Happ was being drafted within the first 10 rounds because of his power/speed combo. Playing time needs to come back and the BA is an issue but he has upside worth monitoring.
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42.
Luis Urias
MIL
Urias tested positive for COVID-19, but is reportedly asymptomatic. Nevertheless, he remains in quarantine and can only rejoin the team after two positive tests. Urias has upside, but given his performance and current health situation, there's almost no reason to bother drafting him in anything but deep NL-only leagues.
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43.
Jon Berti
MIA
Berti was never much of a prospect and is actually already 29 years old. He won't ever hit for power, but 25+ steals with a solid batting average and perhaps even 85 or 90 runs is a legitimate possibility. Plus, he plays most positions and has limited competition for playing time.
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44.
Mauricio Dubon
SF
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45.
Jose Peraza
BOS
Peraza is a long way removed from batting .234 as a rookie with 21 steals in half a season, but he is very young still and should start in Boston's great offense so don't be surprised if he breaks out in 2020.
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46.
Travis Shaw
TOR
Shaw was awful last year, batting .157 and losing his job but he was playing through injuries. Don't forget that he hit 30+ homers in back to back seasons before last year's struggles.
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47.
Hanser Alberto
BAL
Alberto doesn't walk much but fortunately for fantasy owners, all that matters is his .305 batting average. That might not stick around though and he certainly won't help you with power or speed.
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48.
Adam Frazier
PIT
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49.
David Fletcher
LAA
It is clear that Fletcher won't provide much in the way of homers or RBIs but this a guy who should boost your BA and provide 75+ runs in the final few rounds while playing multiple positions.
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50.
Shed Long Jr.
SEA
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51.
Asdrubal Cabrera
WSH
Cabrera never feels exciting to draft but there is much to be said for someone who you can count on for 15 homers, 80 RBIs, 65 runs and a batting average that won't kill you late in drafts.
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52.
Freddy Galvis
CIN
Galvis is quietly one of the most consistent offensive shortstops. His upside is limited, of course, but you can count on him for 20 homers, 65 runs, 65 RBIs and a decent average.
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53.
Isan Diaz
MIA
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54.
Chris Taylor
LAD
Taylor's at-bats dropped 200 last season but he was every bit as efficient as we've seen. 20 homers, 15 steals and a quality batting average is within reach to go with his multi-position eligibility.
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55.
Franklin Barreto
OAK
Barreto may not be the favorite to start on opening day, but he has legitimate five-tool talent and should be owned everywhere from the moment he takes his spot in the starting lineup.
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56.
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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57.
Brendan Rodgers
COL
Rodgers hasn't shown it at the big league level yet but there is a reason he has been a top 20 prospect for four straight years. His bat should provide a strong batting average with sufficient power but that won't happen until the Rockies finally give him some playing time.
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58.
Colin Moran
PIT
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59.
Kike Hernandez
LAD
The Dodgers' depth chart always makes it seem like Kike will have trouble finding playing time but they will again carve out 400 at-bats for him one way or another and fantasy owners can expect 15+ homers, 60+ RBIs and 55+ runs.
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60.
Eric Sogard
MIL
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61.
Joey Wendle
TB
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62.
Nicky Lopez
KC
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63.
Jason Kipnis
CHC
Kipnis is nowhere near where he once was but at the very least, you know you'll get 15 homers, a handful of steals and 50+ runs and RBIs with a late-round investment.
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64.
Josh Rojas
ARI
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65.
David Bote
CHC
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66.
Austin Nola
SEA
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67.
Jed Lowrie
NYM
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68.
Brian Dozier
NYM
Dozier has now hit 20+ homers in six straight seasons and he did it last year despite missing nearly 30 games. Yes, the batting average will be rough but he is also a source of RBIs and runs too.
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69.
Scooter Gennett
FA
For deeper leagues, Gennett is a tremendous bounceback candidate. He was banged up last year and struggled in 133 at-bats, but is just one year removed from a .310 batting average with 23 HRs, 92 RBIs and 86 runs.
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70.
Tony Kemp
OAK
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71.
Aledmys Diaz
HOU
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72.
Josh VanMeter
CIN
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73.
Ty France
SD
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74.
Chad Pinder
OAK
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75.
Brandon Drury
TOR
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76.
Dawel Lugo
DET
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77.
Luis Rengifo
LAA
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78.
Brad Miller
STL
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79.
Brock Holt
MIL
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80.
Joe Panik
TOR
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81.
Josh Harrison
WSH
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82.
Sheldon Neuse
OAK
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83.
Addison Russell
FA
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84.
Tyler Wade
NYY
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85.
Robel Garcia
CIN
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86.
Ehire Adrianza
MIN
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87.
Neil Walker
PHI
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88.
Ronny Rodriguez
MIL
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89.
Thairo Estrada
NYY
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90.
Donovan Solano
SF
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91.
Harold Castro
DET
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92.
Daniel Robertson
TB
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93.
Mike Brosseau
TB
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94.
Ildemaro Vargas
ARI
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95.
Adeiny Hechavarria
ATL
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96.
Daniel Descalso
CHC
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97.
Greg Garcia
SD
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98.
Jordy Mercer
DET
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99.
Tim Beckham
FA
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100.
Yolmer Sanchez
FA
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101.
Eli White
TEX
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102.
Andrew Velazquez
BAL
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103.
Derek Dietrich
CHC
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104.
Logan Forsythe
MIA
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105.
Kyle Farmer
CIN
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106.
Erik Gonzalez
PIT
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107.
Edmundo Sosa
STL
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108.
Eduardo Nunez
NYM
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109.
Vidal Brujan
TB
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110.
Christian Arroyo
CLE
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111.
Wilmer Difo
WSH
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112.
Tim Lopes
SEA
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113.
Marco Hernandez
BOS
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114.
Jonathan Arauz
BOS
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115.
Dylan Moore
SEA
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116.
Tzu-Wei Lin
BOS
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117.
Domingo Leyba
ARI
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118.
Chris Owings
COL
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119.
Pat Valaika
BAL
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120.
Alex Blandino
CIN
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121.
Hernan Perez
CHC
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122.
Stevie Wilkerson
BAL
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123.
Max Schrock
STL
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124.
Sean Rodriguez
MIA
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125.
Jeter Downs
BOS
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126.
Devon Travis
FA
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127.
Jack Mayfield
HOU
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128.
Dilson Herrera
BAL
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129.
Mark Mathias
MIL
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130.
Ryan Goins
CWS
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131.
Richard Urena
FA
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132.
Erick Mejia
KC
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133.
Dustin Pedroia
BOS
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134.
Rob Refsnyder
TEX
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135.
Jake Noll
WSH
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136.
Ben Zobrist
FA
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137.
Mike Freeman
CLE
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138.
Adrian Sanchez
WSH
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139.
Jake Cronenworth
SD
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140.
Breyvic Valera
TOR
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141.
Wyatt Mathisen
ARI
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142.
Alen Hanson
SEA
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143.
Travis Blankenhorn
MIN
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144.
Matt Reynolds
KC
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145.
Kean Wong
SF
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146.
Gordon Beckham
FA
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147.
Andy Young
ARI
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148.
Ronald Torreyes
PHI
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149.
Jahmai Jones
LAA
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150.
Yangervis Solarte
ATL
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151.
Zach McKinstry
LAD
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152.
Sam Haggerty
SEA
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153.
Max Moroff
NYM
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154.
Cristhian Adames
SF
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155.
Jose Pirela
FA
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156.
Jake Elmore
CLE
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157.
Jose Rondon
BAL
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158.
Gosuke Katoh
MIA
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159.
Carlos Asuaje
FA
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160.
Emilio Bonifacio
WSH
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161.
Ruben Tejada
TOR
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162.
Eric Stamets
COL
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163.
Forrest Wall
TOR
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164.
Luis Garcia
WSH
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165.
Andrew Romine
CWS
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166.
Corban Joseph
FA
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167.
Andy Ibanez
TEX
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168.
Arismendy Alcantara
LAA
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169.
Gift Ngoepe
PHI
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170.
Christian Colon
CIN
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171.
Cory Spangenberg
FA
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172.
Ramon Torres
FA
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