Fantasy Baseball Player Notes
2024 Fantasy Baseball Draft Notes
7.
Fernando Tatis Jr.
RF
In 2023, Fernando Tatis Jr. showed a deceiving decline, batting .257/.322/.449 post-suspension. Yet, a deeper look reveals a promising expected slash line of .282/.332/.511, with a low BABIP (.299) impacting his performance. Tatis achieved a career-low strikeout rate (22.2%), hitting 25 homers and swiping 29 bases. A weaker team offense hinders him, so his overall stats don't reflect his potential. Avoiding off-field mishaps, Tatis, at 25, is a strong candidate for a significant rebound. He's a steal in drafts if available at a reduced price.
|
33.
Manny Machado
3B,DH
Manny Machado had a down year by his standards and by the standards of fantasy managers who took him early in 2023 drafts. In 138 games, he hit 30 home runs and drove in 91, which is in line with his career average. However, his batting average (.258) and OBP (.319) did not hold up their end of the bargain. Of course, neither did the Padres All-Star lineup. According to Statcast, he is right around average in Batting Run Value, which should drop his draft cost considerably, and his counting numbers may not hold steady with the departure of Juan Soto in the offseason. When you take into consideration the overall increase in talent at 3B and couple it with an aging Machado (he will turn 32 in July), there may be better value on the board in 2024.
|
55.
Xander Bogaerts
2B,SS
Xander Bogaerts signed an 11-year contract with the Padres to join what looked like a deep lineup but turned out to be disappointing. The 31-year-old had 19 home runs and 19 stolen bases (a career-high), but his other counting stats took a hit. He slashed .285/.350/.440, but his expected slash numbers were .255/.318/.401. Those red flags should steer fantasy managers off the shortstop until later rounds at the earliest. With news he will gain second-base eligibility in 2024, his value gets a slight boost, but only if he falls to you.
|
58.
Ha-Seong Kim
2B,3B,SS
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.
|
163.
Luis Campusano
C
|
183.
Jake Cronenworth
1B,2B
|
191.
Jackson Merrill
SS,CF
|
337.
Jurickson Profar
LF
|
358.
Kyle Higashioka
C
|
366.
Tyler Wade
3B,SS
|
380.
Jose Azocar
LF,RF
|
396.
Graham Pauley
3B
|
402.
Donovan Solano
1B,2B
|
403.
Jakob Marsee
CF
|
494.
Eguy Rosario
3B
|
513.
Cal Mitchell
RF
|
523.
Brett Sullivan
C
|
551.
Ethan Salas
C
|
577.
Matthew Batten
3B
|
583.
Tucupita Marcano
SS
|
634.
Tim Locastro
LF
|
635.
Brad Miller
DH
|
643.
Oscar Mercado
RF
|
653.
Nathan Martorella
1B
|
694.
Tirso Ornelas
LF
|
736.
Bryce Johnson
CF
|
756.
Mason McCoy
SS
|