Fantasy Baseball Player Notes
2020 Fantasy Baseball Draft Notes
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1.
Ronald Acuna Jr.
ATL
We knew Acuna would develop into an elite fantasy option one day, but few saw it happening this quickly. He combined power (41 homers), speed (37 stolen bases), and his spot batting atop an outstanding lineup (127 runs, 101 RBI) to put up one of the all-around great seasons. He'll stick in the leadoff spot this year, which should ensure that he continues to run early and often, and there's little reason to expect his numbers to dip much from last year. In points leagues, where his strikeout rate is a bit of a negative, his stock falls just a tad, but otherwise, no one would fault you if you made him the top pick in the draft.
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2.
Christian Yelich
MIL
Yelich followed up his preposterous 2018 season with an even better one in 2019, batting .329 with 44 home runs and 30 steals in just 130 games. His ridiculous 35% HR/FB rate regressed as expected, but only to a still nonsensical 32.8%, best in MLB. The issue with Yelich for 2020 has nothing to do with his talent, but is instead all about the fractured kneecap that prematurely ended his season. He's reportedly on track to be ready by Opening Day, but there's obviously a modicum of risk to factor in.
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3.
Mike Trout
LAA
Trout may not be the clear-cut number one player in fantasy this year, but that's of no fault of his own, as he's coming off one of his best seasons ever, with a career-high 45 home runs in just 134 games. If you were desperate to find a knock on Trout, it's that he hasn't topped 140 games in any of his last three seasons, and his 11 stolen bases last year tied his low in a single season. But that's all window dressing on a truly special player who is obviously a top-three pick at worst.
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4.
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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5.
Mookie Betts
LAD
After weeks of rumors, Betts was finally traded to the Dodgers, but the move shouldn't impact his value much. His plate appearances and home runs, because of the less hitter-friendly parks in his new division, may downgrade his numbers ever so slightly. But Betts has essentially averaged a .305-120-30-95-25 line over his past four seasons. Even with a minor drop, he'll still earn his top-five draft position.
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6.
Juan Soto
WSH
It seemed impossible that Soto could be even better than his rookie year but that is just what we got with 34 homers, 110 RBIs, 110 runs and a .282 batting average to go with 12 steals. Considering how young he is, we may see even more in 2020 which would make his second round ADP a steal.
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7.
J.D. Martinez
BOS
Martinez won't steal any bases but with 40 homers, 100+ RBIs and a .300 batting average every year, fantasy owners are getting an absolute steal at any point in the second round of drafts. Don't be scared off by his dip in production, as underlying metrics suggest he was among the most unlucky hitters in baseball.
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8.
Bryce Harper
PHI
Unlike Aaron Judge, who is also going at the end of the second round, Harper has only missed 8 games in the last two seasons. He might not have as much power or the reliable batting average, but there is something to be said for health and the extra 10 steals.
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9.
Starling Marte
ARI
Marte set career-highs in home runs, runs scored, RBI, and slugging percentage in 2019, and now gets an upgrade in supporting cast and home park with the move to the Diamondbacks. The Pirates ranked 20th in 2019 in runs scored, while the Diamondbacks ranked 11th, and PNC Park was one of the worst parks for righty batters last season. Marte may not be able to grow his 2019 numbers at this point given his age, but his change in teams certainly doesn't hurt.
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10.
George Springer
HOU
If not for the 40 games missed, we might be talking about Springer as the reigning AL MVP. He was on pace for over 50 homers, 125 RBIs and 125 runs. There isn't much speed but the upside for the other four categories makes him an amazing value in the fourth round of drafts.
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11.
Charlie Blackmon
COL
Blackmon was one of the first players who was known to test positive for COVID-19. As of July 10, he still had not yet reported to Rockies camp. Given the lack of input into Blackmon's situation, it's certainly possible that he'll be healthy and ready to go by the time the season starts. But, for now, drop him at least a round or two in your rankings until you hear more.
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12.
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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13.
Austin Meadows
TB
Although we haven't seen it for an extended stretch, what Meadows did last year, hitting 33 homers with a .291 average and 12 steals makes him well worth considering if he lasts into the fifth round of your drafts. There may be room for more upside as well.
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14.
Aaron Judge
NYY
Judge has a stress fracture in his rib, which showed "slight improvement" based on a CT scan in mid-April. But he is also dealing with a collapsed lung, and there is still no timetable for when he may be ready for baseball activity. Even with the postponement of the season, there's no guarantee that Judge will be ready to play at any point this season. Draft him with a heavy dose of pessimism and you should be fine.
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15.
Kris Bryant
CHC
Bryant is an excellent player, of course, but his fourth round ADP is a classic case of the name driving the price. He should hit .275 with 30 homers if he stays healthy, but you can find that out of Eddie Rosario and several others a few rounds later.
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16.
Eloy Jimenez
CWS
Eloy started out rough for the White Sox last year but he turned it on to close the season, displaying the legitimate 45 homer power that he was thought to eventually morph into in the MLB. Don't be shocked if that batting average jumps 20 more points to .290 as well.
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17.
Giancarlo Stanton
NYY
Stanton's Grade-1 hamstring strain was going to keep him out of action for Opening Day, but he now should be ready to go whenever the season begins. Stanton will always be an injury risk, but for now, view him as a healthy option heading into the season. His power potential therefore makes him an option in Round 3 or 4, depending on your risk tolerance.
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18.
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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19.
Yordan Alvarez
HOU
It was just an 87 game sample size but in that time, Yordan was clearly one of the top five hitters in baseball. He won't steal any bags, but 50 homers, 140 RBIs and a .320 batting average is within the realm of realistic possibilities. He comes with some risk, however, since we haven't seen it for an extended time.
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20.
Tommy Pham
SD
Pham tested positive for COVID-19 but has since cleared protocol with two negative tests and has rejoined his team. He was reportedly asymptomatic in any event, and it does not appear that he'll have limitations heading into the season.
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21.
Marcell Ozuna
ATL
Ozuna didn't have a terrible 2019, but his .241 batting average and injuries certainly put a damper on his year. And although he was due for a rebound anyway (his .259 BABIP was preposterously low), moving to the Braves on a one-year deal should be just what the doctor ordered. Not only will he be batting in the middle of an incredible strong lineup. but he'll also be playing in a much more favorable home park. With plenty of motivation as he looks for a multi-year deal, expect a big season from Ozuna.
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22.
Eddie Rosario
MIN
Even despite missing 25 games, Rosario still drove in 109 runs thanks to 32 homers. With a full season and his steady .280 batting average, drafting him at his eighth-round ADP is pure thievery. He won't steal any bags but there is certainly something to be said for his consistent bat.
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23.
Victor Robles
WSH
Robles did not help from a batting average standpoint but he is still young enough that progress can be expected. Where he did help, however, was on the basepaths with nearly 30 steals to go with 86 runs. He has sufficient power and should grow into more so his seventh-round ADP seems perfect.
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24.
Nick Castellanos
CIN
Castellanos' numbers were continually deflated batting in the middle of a bad Tigers lineup and in a home park that greatly depressed power numbers. A move to Cincinnati should be just what the doctor ordered, and allow Castellanos to continue to build on his monster finish with the Cubs last year. While he may not hit the 50 homers he was on pace for with the Cubs or total the same 1.000 OPS, his numbers should look much closer to his 2019 second half than his first.
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25.
Jorge Soler
KC
Soler did swat a ridiculous 48 homers with 117 RBIs and a decent batting average last year but let's not forget that he has missed considerable time due to injury every season prior. If he can stay healthy, that eighth round ADP will be a bargain, but it's a big if.
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26.
Ramon Laureano
OAK
Laureano was never a big-time prospect but he certainly put on a show in just 123 games last year, knocking 24 homers with 13 steals and a .286 batting average. Over a full season, he could potentially end up around 30/20 but he does come with some risk.
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27.
Joey Gallo
TEX
Gallo reportedly tested positive for COVID-19, but the accuracy of his tests have been questioned. Regardless, Gallo is back in camp with his teammates and should have no restrictions going forward.
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28.
Luis Robert
CWS
Don't look now, but Robert was better than even Fernando Tatis in the minors. Much better. He does have holes in his swing but in 200 games, has still managed to bat .312. He has future 40/40 potential and could be a superstar even as a rookie this year.
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29.
Michael Brantley
HOU
Brantley had injury troubles for a while but has now played virtually every day for two straight years. In that time, he has returned to the steal .310 hitter with 20 homers. Although the steals are long gone, that profile still works great with a tenth-round pick.
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30.
Andrew Benintendi
BOS
Benintendi had a disappointing offensive season in 2019, hitting just 13 homers with 10 steals and a .266 batting average. There is upside, sure, but if he repeats that production, he is barely worth drafting, let alone all the way up in the top 100 picks where his ADP currently is.
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31.
Michael Conforto
NYM
It is clear at this point that Conforto won't be a source of useful batting average or steals, but he crushes in the other three categories, hitting 33 homers with 90+ RBIs and runs scored last season. That is a quality stat-line around round nine.
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32.
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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33.
Franmil Reyes
CLE
Franmil played most of his season with San Diego's pitcher-friendly park as his home venue but still managed 37 homers in just 494 total at-bats. The batting average will likely end up south of .270 but 50 homers is a possibility out of the 13th round, so you know what to do.
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34.
Oscar Mercado
CLE
Mercado impressed as a rookie, hitting 15 homers, stealing 15 bags and scoring 70 runs in just 115 games. His production slowed at the end of the year, though, and the overall batting average will likely dip so don't expect the same useful pace for all of 2020.
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35.
Max Kepler
MIN
Most seem to recall Kepler knocking 36 homers but did you realize he did it while missing 30 games. The batting average will almost definitely be under .260 but if he plays the full season, you can bet on 90+ runs and 90+ RBIs this season.
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36.
Kyle Schwarber
CHC
There has been some hype fatigue on Schwarber so you can now get him in the 13th round even though he jacked 38 homers with 92 RBIs last season. In fact, the batting average even leaped up to .250 and is projected to remain there for the 2020 season.
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37.
David Dahl
COL
Dahl has always had trouble staying healthy even while he is was in the minors but while he is on the field, you know you'll get strong production. Think of him in the same light as Michael Brantley, who should bat around .300 with about 20 homers and a handful of steals.
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38.
Lorenzo Cain
MIL
If you get into the 14th round and need either steals or batting average, Cain will make for an excellent investment. He should again steal 15-20 bags and you can expect the batting average to jump back up closer to that .300 mark he sat at for 4 of the past 6 seasons.
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39.
Bryan Reynolds
PIT
Reynolds was an excellent surprise last year as a rookie, batting .316 with 16 homers and 83 runs despite being down in the minors for the first month of the season. There is some risk in drafting him but more than likely, this is a solid source of batting average in the middle of your draft.
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40.
Byron Buxton
MIN
Buxton has never managed to stay healthy for a full season but while he is healthy, fantasy owners get a source of power and great speed. Should he finally stay on the field all year, fantasy owners could receive 20 homers, 25 steals and a decent batting average out of the 14th round.
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41.
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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42.
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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43.
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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44.
Andrew McCutchen
PHI
McCutchen's career with the Phillies was off to a promising start until he tore his ACL running the bases. Although the Phillies were only "hopeful" for April, it now seems likely that McCutchen will be ready for the start of the season. When healthy, McCutchen has developed into a low-batting average, solid overall contributor, and he can still help fantasy owners in 2020. Far from a star, but draftable.
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45.
Adam Eaton
WSH
Eaton missed a lot of time in 2017 and 2018 but has played three complete seasons in the last five years and gave fantasy owners 15/15, .280 with 90+ runs in all of them. With his ADP still sitting outside the top 200, he makes for an excellent fifth fantasy outfielder.
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46.
Kyle Tucker
HOU
Tucker hasn't lived up to the hype in his first 130 big league at-bats but don't sour on him quite yet. This is a legitimate five-category asset who could go 40/25 HR/SB with a .280 batting average within the next few years. It is tough to tell how quickly it will come but he has to get playing time first.
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47.
Mallex Smith
SEA
Stolen bases throughout the game are at an all-time low, and yet Smith, who has stolen 86 bases over the past two seasons, doesn't get a whiff until late in drafts. Yes, his average won't help you, he barely contributes any power, he'll likely bat ninth, and he could lose his job. But owners used to fall all over themselves to draft Billy Hamilton because he could single-handedly keep a fantasy team competitive in steals. Smith can do the same, and on a team with nothing to play for, he's likely to run at every possible opportunity.
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48.
Justin Upton
LAA
It seems strange to call a veteran like Upton a sleeper, but that's exactly what his ADP shows he is. Throw out last year where he battled a toe injury early and was limited to just 63 mediocre games. Prior to last year, he had hit at least 30 home runs and stolen eight bases in three straight seasons. With Anthony Rendon in tow, there should be even more RBI opportunities for Upton. Still just 32 years old, there's plenty left in the tank.
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49.
Alex Verdugo
BOS
Verdugo finally got regular playing time last year, and turned it into a .294/.342/.475 season with 12 home runs in 106 games. Now ready to bat atop the Red Sox lineup, Verdugo should easily challenge a .300 batting average in Fenway Park. but with a reported stress fracture in his back and Opening Day looking doubtful, don't push Verdugo too far up your draft board.
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50.
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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51.
J.D. Davis
NYM
If you are looking for this year's breakout player, Davis might just be your guy. He finished the season on an absolute terror once the Mets finally implanted him in the everyday lineup. What's more, is that the underlying metrics suggest it should have been even better.
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52.
Avisail Garcia
MIL
If you are scrambling to find a useful late-round outfielder, look no further. Garcia has an excellent bat, hiting 20 homers with a .282 batting average and incredible statcast data in just 125 games last year. The sizeable ballpark upgrade could drive that to 30, .290 this season and his price is the 21st round.
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53.
Shin-Soo Choo
TEX
It never feels exciting to draft Choo, but he now has 20+ homers with a .260+ average and 80+ runs in each of the past three seasons. In fact, he stole 15 bases last year even despite his older age. This is a killer value in the 21st round of drafts.
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54.
Willie Calhoun
TEX
Calhoun suffered a fractured jaw on March 8th, but he'll benefit from the postponement of the season. Given the speculation that the season may not begin until June, that leaves Calhoun with plenty of time to get ready. With a high batting average floor and decent power, Calhoun makes a stable add to a fantasy outfield.
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55.
David Peralta
ARI
Peralta missed 70 games last year but still hit 12 homers with 57 RBIs and a strong batting average. If he can stay healthy the full year, fantasy owners may see a return to that great 2018 line of 30 homers, 87 RBIs and a .293 batting average. In round 20, he's an absolute steal.
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56.
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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57.
Ryan Braun
MIL
Braun doesn't have 500 at-bats in any of the last three seasons and isn't likely to reach that figure in 2020 but he still provides 20 homers, double-digit steals and a useful batting average year in and year out. His ADP is unbelievably outside the top 300 this season.
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58.
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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59.
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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60.
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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61.
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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62.
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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63.
Brian Anderson
MIA
Anderson won't hurt you anywhere. He'll likely put up 20 home runs with passable runs and RBI, chip in a few steals, and have a batting average that you can live with. It's not exciting, but filling your roster with players like Anderson provide stability, which is worth considering on draft day.
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64.
Yasiel Puig
FA
Puig may not be signed yet but it is inevitable that he will be end up starting every day for some new team and when he does, you can bank on 20+ homers, 15+ steals and a .260+ batting average as he always seems to give us.
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65.
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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66.
AJ Pollock
LAD
Pollock hasn't reached 450 at-bats in any of the past four seasons but while he is on the field, fantasy owners are still getting both power and speed. Should he finally stay healthy for the full year, 25 homers and 15 steals is a realistic possibility.
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67.
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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68.
Randal Grichuk
TOR
You know what you're going to get from Grichuk at this point - roughly 30 home runs and around a .240 batting average. But he won't cost you anything, and assuming you have batting average and steals covered earlier in your draft, he'll provide cheap power toward the later rounds.
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69.
Nomar Mazara
CWS
An oblique strain derailed what was looking like Mazara's best fantasy season of his career. He elevated the ball more and made more hard contact than ever. Now in a strong White Sox lineup, he should have every opportunity to finally surpass the 20-homer barrier and hopefully be a late-round outfielder who can fill a starting spot in your deeper mixed league lineup.
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70.
Trent Grisham
SD
Grisham wasn't overly impressive in his 51-game cameo with the Brewers last season, but his minor league track record suggests he has a lot more in the tank. Now with the Padres and with a clear path to the starting center fielder job, Grisham makes an intriguing fantasy option.He has enough speed and power to matter in fantasy, and is the exact type of upside player to snag at the end of your drafts.
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71.
Hunter Renfroe
TB
Renfroe's power is undeniable, but so is his ability to drain your batting average. He'll get a chance to play every day with the Rays, and so another 30-homer season is well within reach. Just make sure you can withstand elsewhere.
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72.
Corey Dickerson
MIA
Dickerson isn't special, but he almost always helps in batting average and should be batting in the middle of the Marlins lineup. Dickerson should contribute, albeit not excel, in four of the five rotisserie categories, which makes him ownable in all leagues 12 teams or deeper.
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73.
Mike Yastrzemski
SF
Yastrzemski will enter the season as the Giants' everyday right-fielder, likely batting fifth. That's a prime spot for a hitter who slugged 33 home runs n 147 games between the majors and minors last season. Yastrzemski had never shown that kind of power prior to 2019, but his batted ball data largely backed it up. You won't have to pay the price for a 30-homer hitter, so just scoop him up late and hope for a repeat.
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74.
Brett Gardner
NYY
Gardner has a little Rodney Dangerfield going on, in that he gets no respect from fantasy owners. Although he'll be entering his age-37 season, Gardner popped a career-high 28 home runs lat year. The power comes and goes, but he's stolen double-digit bases in every season of his career, and hasn't scored fewer than 80 runs in a full season since 2010. He lacks the upside of many other late-round outfielders but offers a higher floor.
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75.
Gregory Polanco
PIT
Polanco was never able to fully recover from his 2018 shoulder surgery, playing in only 42 games last year. He has seemed on the cusp of a breakout for years, but the bottom line is that he has never hit better than .258 or slugged more than 23 homers. He's expected to be ready for the start of the season, whenever that is, and there is still untapped potential, meaning you should draft Polanco late and hope everything finally comes together.
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76.
Austin Hays
BAL
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77.
Domingo Santana
CLE
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78.
Shogo Akiyama
CIN
Akiyama should represent a fairly high-floor outfield option that you can get at a bargain basement price. He'll likely bat leadoff for the Reds, potentially hit 20 home runs and steal 10 bases, and pile on the runs scored. There's no Shohei Ohtani upside with the bat, particularly given Akiyama's age, but he'll likely be a decent five-category contributor who is basically free in drafts.
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79.
Austin Riley
ATL
Riley has impressive power without question, hitting 18 homers in just half a season but the batting average will kill fantasy owners if he doesn't cut down on the strikeouts. Still, you could do worse than a lottery ticket in the last rounds.
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80.
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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81.
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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82.
Brandon Nimmo
NYM
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83.
Kole Calhoun
ARI
Calhoun had returned to camp after originally testing positive for COVID-19, but had yet to play in an intrasquad game when he was again missing from camp. It's unclear if Calhoun's absence is again related to COVID-19 but, at this point, it's best to look elsewhere for a late-round outfielder unless there is further news.
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84.
Sam Hilliard
COL
With the addition of the designated hitter and with Ian Desmond opting out of playing in 2020, Hilliard should see everyday at-bats with the Rockies. In Triple-A last year, Hilliard hit 35 home runs and stole 22 bases in just 126 games, and he popped seven home runs in 27 MLB games. That's a player who you should have been grabbing at the end of every one of your drafts given his enormous upside, and should now be moving fast up your draft board.
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85.
Aristides Aquino
CIN
Aquino came out of the gate absolutely blazing but came to a screeching halt. Even so, he finished the year with 19 homers and 7 steals in just 56 games played. His ceiling is obviously immense but if he doesn't hit from the start, he may end up back in the minors before long.
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86.
Jesse Winker
CIN
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87.
Teoscar Hernandez
TOR
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88.
Anthony Santander
BAL
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89.
Dylan Carlson
STL
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90.
Jo Adell
LAA
Adell might just have the brightest future of any prospect in baseball, but he is nowhere near as polished as someone like Luis Robert. Rather, the power may take some time to develop and he'll never be a source of steals. You can stash him, but he isn't expected to be a star right away.
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91.
Stephen Piscotty
OAK
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92.
Yoenis Cespedes
NYM
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93.
Kevin Pillar
BOS
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94.
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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95.
Jackie Bradley Jr.
BOS
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96.
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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|
97.
Kevin Kiermaier
TB
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|
98.
Jason Heyward
CHC
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|
99.
Ender Inciarte
ATL
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|
100.
Tyler O'Neill
STL
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101.
Harrison Bader
STL
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102.
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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|
103.
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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|
104.
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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|
105.
Aaron Hicks
NYY
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106.
Victor Reyes
DET
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107.
Kyle Lewis
SEA
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|
108.
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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|
109.
Manuel Margot
TB
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|
110.
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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|
111.
Josh Reddick
HOU
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|
112.
Mike Tauchman
NYY
|
|
113.
Alex Dickerson
SF
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|
114.
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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|
115.
Yoshi Tsutsugo
TB
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|
116.
Mitch Haniger
SEA
Prior to last year's injury, Haniger batted .285 with 26 homers, 90+ runs and 90+ RBIs. There is a chance he returns to that level of production in 2020 but he only batted .220 last season so drafting him even in the middle of your draft comes with considerable risk.
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|
117.
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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|
118.
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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|
119.
Leury Garcia
CWS
Although Garcia should again end up south of 10 homers and 50 RBIs, we are talking about a consistent .270+ hitter who should have no trouble notching 15 steals.
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|
120.
Franchy Cordero
KC
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|
121.
Alex Gordon
KC
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|
122.
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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|
123.
Delino DeShields
CLE
DeShields tested positive for COVID-19, but returned to the Indians on July 11. On July 13, however, the team placed him on the IL for undisclosed reasons, which suggests that he has not fully cleared protocol. For now, avoid drafting DeShields, who doesn't appear to have a place to play in any event.
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|
124.
Raimel Tapia
COL
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|
125.
Clint Frazier
NYY
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|
126.
Jay Bruce
PHI
|
|
127.
Cameron Maybin
DET
|
|
128.
Hunter Pence
SF
|
|
129.
Shed Long Jr.
SEA
|
|
130.
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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|
131.
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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|
132.
Jarrod Dyson
PIT
|
|
133.
Steven Souza Jr.
CHC
|
|
134.
Christin Stewart
DET
|
|
135.
Dexter Fowler
STL
|
|
136.
Derek Fisher
TOR
|
|
137.
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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|
138.
Adam Haseley
PHI
|
|
139.
Jake Fraley
SEA
|
|
140.
Harold Ramirez
MIA
|
|
141.
Johan Camargo
ATL
|
|
142.
JaCoby Jones
DET
|
|
143.
Josh Rojas
ARI
|
|
144.
Brian Goodwin
LAA
|
|
145.
Dominic Smith
NYM
|
|
146.
Josh Naylor
SD
|
|
147.
Adam Duvall
ATL
|
|
148.
Alex Kirilloff
MIN
|
|
149.
Lewis Brinson
MIA
|
|
150.
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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|
151.
Cristian Pache
ATL
|
|
152.
DJ Stewart
BAL
|
|
153.
Billy Hamilton
NYM
|
|
154.
Eric Sogard
MIL
|
|
155.
Greg Allen
CLE
|
|
156.
Jose Osuna
PIT
|
|
157.
Matt Kemp
COL
|
|
158.
Jordan Luplow
CLE
|
|
159.
Dwight Smith Jr.
BAL
|
|
160.
Stephen Vogt
ARI
|
|
161.
Jake Cave
MIN
|
|
162.
Roman Quinn
PHI
|
|
163.
Chad Pinder
OAK
|
|
164.
Albert Almora Jr.
CHC
|
|
165.
Tony Kemp
OAK
|
|
166.
Josh VanMeter
CIN
|
|
167.
Seth Brown
OAK
|
|
168.
Tyler Naquin
CLE
|
|
169.
Odubel Herrera
PHI
|
|
170.
Steven Duggar
SF
|
|
171.
Myles Straw
HOU
|
|
172.
Brett Phillips
KC
|
|
173.
Bradley Zimmer
CLE
|
|
174.
Monte Harrison
MIA
|
|
175.
Jake Marisnick
NYM
|
|
176.
Adam Jones
FA
|
|
177.
Tim Locastro
ARI
|
|
178.
Michael A. Taylor
WSH
|
|
179.
Phillip Ervin
CIN
|
|
180.
Leonys Martin
FA
|
|
181.
Ben Zobrist
FA
|
|
182.
Edward Olivares
SD
|
|
183.
Brandon Drury
TOR
|
|
184.
Lane Thomas
STL
|
|
185.
Keon Broxton
MIL
|
|
186.
Billy McKinney
TOR
|
|
187.
Travis Demeritte
DET
|
|
188.
Robbie Grossman
OAK
|
|
189.
Cedric Mullins II
BAL
|
|
|
190.
Jarred Kelenic
SEA
|
|
191.
Michael Lorenzen
CIN
|
|
192.
Scott Schebler
ATL
|
|
193.
Ryan McBroom
KC
|
|
194.
Carlos Gonzalez
FA
|
|
195.
Daniel Palka
CWS
|
|
|
196.
Julio Rodriguez
SEA
|
|
197.
Brock Holt
MIL
|
|
198.
Nick Williams
PHI
|
|
199.
Brad Miller
STL
|
|
200.
Randy Arozarena
TB
|
|
201.
Guillermo Heredia
PIT
|
|
202.
Anthony Alford
TOR
|
|
203.
Mark Payton
OAK
|
|
|
204.
Julio Pablo Martinez
TEX
|
|
205.
Dariel Alvarez
FA
|
|
206.
Jaylin Davis
SF
|
|
207.
Alfredo Marte
PHI
|
|
|
208.
Parker Meadows
DET
|
|
|
209.
Jeisson Rosario
SD
|
|
210.
Bubba Starling
KC
|
|
211.
Darin Ruf
SF
|
|
212.
Chris Dickerson
BAL
|
|
213.
Rajai Davis
FA
|
|
214.
Braden Bishop
SEA
|
|
215.
Ben Gamel
MIL
|
|
216.
Ehire Adrianza
MIN
|
|
217.
Kevin Kramer
PIT
|
|
218.
Taylor Ward
LAA
|
|
219.
Tyler Wade
NYY
|
|
220.
DJ Johnson
FA
|
|
|
221.
Nick Martini
PHI
|
|
222.
Michael Taylor
FA
|
|
223.
Matt Joyce
MIA
|
|
224.
Sam Travis
TEX
|
|
225.
Brandon Dixon
DET
|
|
|
226.
Jared Oliva
PIT
|
|
227.
Drew Waters
ATL
|
|
228.
Austin Dean
STL
|
|
229.
Austin Slater
SF
|
|
|
230.
Scott Heineman
TEX
|
|
231.
JT Riddle
PIT
|
|
232.
Michael Hermosillo
LAA
|
|
233.
Melky Cabrera
FA
|
|
234.
Yusniel Diaz
BAL
|
|
235.
Tim Lopes
SEA
|
|
236.
Harold Castro
DET
|
|
|
237.
Dom Thompson-Williams
SEA
|
|
|
238.
Josh Lowe
TB
|
|
239.
Blake Swihart
TEX
|
|
240.
Dustin Fowler
OAK
|
|
241.
Charlie Culberson
ATL
|
|
242.
Magneuris Sierra
MIA
|
|
243.
Adam Engel
CWS
|
|
244.
Jesus Sanchez
MIA
|
|
245.
Tim Beckham
FA
|
|
246.
Pablo Reyes
PIT
|
|
|
247.
JJ Bleday
MIA
|
|
248.
Juan Lagares
NYM
|
|
249.
Derek Dietrich
CHC
|
|
250.
Daniel Johnson
CLE
|
|
251.
Yairo Munoz
BOS
|
|
|
252.
Taylor Trammell
SD
|
|
253.
Mike Gerber
COL
|
|
254.
Chris Owings
COL
|
|
255.
Jason Martin
PIT
|
|
256.
Jon Jay
ARI
|
|
|
257.
Jonathan Davis
TOR
|
|
258.
Dylan Moore
SEA
|
|
259.
Dylan Cozens
TB
|
|
260.
Dan Robertson
ARI
|
|
261.
Adolis Garcia
TEX
|
|
262.
Jorge Bonifacio
DET
|
|
263.
Kyle Garlick
PHI
|
|
264.
Yonathan Daza
COL
|
|
265.
Rafael Ortega
ATL
|
|
266.
Stevie Wilkerson
BAL
|
|
267.
Steve Pearce
FA
|
|
268.
Jacoby Ellsbury
FA
|
|
269.
Socrates Brito
PIT
|
|
|
270.
Nick Heath
KC
|
|
271.
Sean Rodriguez
MIA
|
|
272.
Justin Williams
STL
|
|
273.
Nicky Delmonico
CWS
|
|
274.
Travis Jankowski
CIN
|
|
|
275.
Seth Beer
ARI
|
|
276.
LaMonte Wade Jr.
MIN
|
|
277.
Corey Ray
MIL
|
|
278.
Troy Stokes Jr.
DET
|
|
279.
Luke Raley
LAD
|
|
280.
Daz Cameron
DET
|
|
281.
Dilson Herrera
BAL
|
|
282.
Luis Alexander Basabe
CWS
|
|
283.
Chris Shaw
SF
|
|
284.
Abraham Almonte
SD
|
|
285.
Rosell Herrera
NYY
|
|
|
286.
Erick Mejia
KC
|
|
287.
Jose Siri
SF
|
|
|
288.
Michael Harris
ATL
|
|
289.
Joe McCarthy
SF
|
|
290.
Rob Refsnyder
TEX
|
|
291.
Leody Taveras
TEX
|
|
292.
Buddy Reed
OAK
|
|
293.
Trayce Thompson
ARI
|
|
294.
Mason Williams
BAL
|
|
295.
Joey Rickard
SF
|
|
296.
Andrew Stevenson
WSH
|
|
297.
Micker Adolfo
CWS
|
|
298.
Blake Rutherford
CWS
|
|
299.
Marcus Wilson
BOS
|
|
300.
Peter Bourjos
FA
|
|
301.
Mikie Mahtook
PHI
|
|
302.
Brian O'Grady
TB
|
|
|
303.
Brent Rooker
MIN
|
|
|
304.
Khalil Lee
KC
|
|
305.
Abiatal Avelino
SF
|
|
306.
Luis Barrera
OAK
|
|
307.
Derek Hill
DET
|
|
|
308.
Yadiel Hernandez
WSH
|
|
309.
Charlie Tilson
FA
|
|
310.
Tyrone Taylor
MIL
|
|
311.
Rusney Castillo
BOS
|
|
312.
Ian Miller
CHC
|
|
313.
Jahmai Jones
LAA
|
|
314.
DJ Peters
LAD
|
|
315.
Austin Jackson
FA
|
|
316.
Drew Robinson
SF
|
|
317.
Eric Filia
SEA
|
|
318.
Brandon Marsh
LAA
|
|
319.
Skye Bolt
OAK
|
|
320.
Jace Peterson
MIL
|
|
321.
Gorkys Hernandez
FA
|
|
322.
Ryan Cordell
NYM
|
|
323.
Ryan McKenna
BAL
|
|
324.
Phil Gosselin
PHI
|
|
325.
Sam Haggerty
SEA
|
|
326.
Gilberto Celestino
MIN
|
|
327.
Peter O'Brien
ATL
|
|
328.
Terrance Gore
LAD
|
|
329.
Estevan Florial
NYY
|
|
330.
Mickey Moniak
PHI
|
|
331.
Aaron Altherr
FA
|
|
332.
Jose Pirela
FA
|
|
333.
Ronnie Dawson
HOU
|
|
334.
Cesar Puello
BOS
|
|
335.
Jake Elmore
CLE
|
|
336.
Mac Williamson
FA
|
|
|
337.
Greg Deichmann
OAK
|
|
338.
Ryan LaMarre
FA
|
|
339.
Zack Granite
NYY
|
|
340.
Emilio Bonifacio
WSH
|
|
|
341.
Luis Gonzalez
CWS
|
|
342.
Isaac Galloway
FA
|
|
343.
Andrew Romine
CWS
|
|
|
344.
Johnny Davis
TB
|
|
|
345.
Heliot Ramos
SF
|
|
346.
Lane Adams
MIN
|
|
347.
Mark Zagunis
CHC
|
|
348.
Collin Cowgill
SEA
|
|
349.
Noel Cuevas
FA
|
|
350.
Jim Adduci
FA
|
|
351.
Yasmany Tomas
ARI
|
|
|
352.
Forrest Wall
TOR
|
|
353.
Michael Reed
SF
|
|
|
354.
Trevor Larnach
MIN
|
|
|
355.
Chas McCormick
HOU
|
|
356.
Anthony Garcia
LAD
|
|
357.
Arismendy Alcantara
LAA
|
|
358.
John Andreoli
BOS
|
|
359.
Trey Amburgey
NYY
|
|
|
360.
Jarren Duran
BOS
|
|
361.
JB Shuck
FA
|
|
|
362.
Jose Azocar
DET
|
|
363.
Jacob Robson
DET
|
|
364.
Boog Powell
CIN
|
|
365.
Patrick Kivlehan
TOR
|
|
|
366.
Dairon Blanco
INT
|
|
|
367.
Donnie Dewees
KC
|
|
368.
Dustin Peterson
FA
|
|
369.
Allen Cordoba
SD
|
|
370.
Lonnie Chisenhall
FA
|
|
371.
Cory Spangenberg
FA
|
|
372.
Jose Bautista
FA
|
|
373.
Carlos Gomez
FA
|
|
374.
Andrew Toles
LAD
|
|
375.
Jaycob Brugman
CWS
|
|
|
376.
Ka'ai Tom
CLE
|
|
377.
Gerardo Parra
FA
|
|
378.
Brandon Guyer
FA
|
