Fantasy Baseball Player Notes
2020 Fantasy Baseball Draft Notes
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1.
Ronald Acuna Jr.
LF,CF,RF - 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.
Mike Trout
CF - 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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3.
Christian Yelich
LF,RF - 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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4.
Cody Bellinger
1B,CF,RF - 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
CF,RF - 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.
Francisco Lindor
SS - CLE
Lindor's 2019 season got off to a rocky start with a right calf strain in February followed by a sprained left ankle in March. But when he returned in late April, he didn't miss a beat, putting up a classic 30-20 season and contributing in all five categories. There were some minor negatives for Lindor - his strikeout rate went up, his walk rate went down, and he had an expected batting average of just .276, the lowest of his career. But Lindor's floor at this point is so enormously high that he's one of the few no-risk players, and he shouldn't slip past the top 10 in drafts or, frankly, the top seven.
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7.
Trevor Story
SS - COL
It's safe to say that Story's 2017 season was just an outlier, and he's established a fairly reliable 35-homer, 20-plus steal baseline. Pay no attention to Story's dramatically lower xBA - Coors Field will always inflate batting average and should keep Story's mark with roughly a .280 floor at worst. Even at a deep shortstop position, he's a unique five-category player, and is an easy first-round selection.
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8.
Gerrit Cole
SP - NYY
There are really no words for what Cole was able to do last year. He built on the massive gains he made from his first year with the Astros and lowered his ERA, WHIP, and walk rate to miniscule levels while totaling an outrageous 326 strikeouts. He'll move to the Yankees now, which is a mild downgrade given that the Yankees may slightly limit his innings in light of their long-term investment in Cole and their bullpen, and the opposing offenses and ballparks in the AL East compared to the AL West. But Cole's fastball and slider are beyond elite, and he should be the top pitcher taken in fantasy drafts.
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9.
Trea Turner
SS - WSH
It just feels like there's a 60-steal season waiting in Turner's future, and you simply can't say that about too many other players in the game at this point. With stolen bases as a whole on the decline, Turner has an absolute floor of 40 (barring injury) and a much higher ceiling. Add to that the fact that he should help fantasy owners in three other categories and be neutral in the fourth (RBI), and he should be taken in the first round of all rotisserie leagues.
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10.
Jacob deGrom
SP - NYM
After winning his second consecutive Cy Young Award, deGrom has an obvious case to be the top pitcher taken in the game. Back-to-back season with a sub-2.50 ERA and sub-1.00 WHIP with at least 200 strikeouts makes deGrom perhaps the safest pitcher in the game, especially after three straight seasons of at least 200 innings pitched. The bugaboo for deGrom is his lack of wins - just 21 over the last two seasons despite historic numbers. But with the improved Mets bullpen, there's every reason to think deGrom can get back to the 15-win total he put up in 2017. It's him or Gerrit Cole for the top pitcher off the board and you can't go wrong.
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11.
Juan Soto
LF - 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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12.
Nolan Arenado
3B - COL
There's very little to say about Arenado at this point. He's batted between .287 and .315, hit between 37 and 42 home runs, and driven in between 97 and 116 runs in each of the last five years. Entering his age-29 season, there are simply no concerns about Arenado so long as he remains in Colorado all year, though that is admittedly a bit of a question mark at this point. But really, so long as you are comfortable that you won't get steals from your first-round pick, there's no reason to shy away from Arenado whatsoever.
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13.
Max Scherzer
SP - WSH
Scherzer struggled a bit through the first month of the season, but went on a patented run in May and June that made him look like the Scherzer of old. Unfortunately, a back injury largely derailed his second half, as he was limited to just over 20 innings over July and August. Scherzer is entering his age-36 season and is a max effort pitcher, so the fact that we finally saw a bit of a breakdown (Scherzer has reached at least 200 innings in his six previous seasons) is concerning. But his numbers are still elite and he should be taken as one of the first pitchers off the board despite the back scare.
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14.
Jose Ramirez
3B - CLE
Ramirez's overall 2019 season was obviously subpar, as much as a 23-homer, 24-steal year can be. He batted just .218 in the first half with a mere seven home runs, and his fantasy value was saved only by his 18 first-half steals. But he looked closer to his old self in the second half, batting .327 with an 1.105 OPS. Whether it was him trying to do too much in the first half or something related to his newborn child (his surge happened to coincide with his return from paternity leave), Ramirez's return to normalcy in the second half should give you plenty of confidence in his 2020 outlook.
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15.
Alex Bregman
3B,SS - HOU
Thanks to his 122 runs and 41 homers, Bregman outperformed Story, Turner and Lindor last year so you might consider him at #6 overall once Bellinger is gone but his lack of steals makes his ceiling a bit lower than each of those other first rounders.
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16.
Freddie Freeman
1B - ATL
There's no reason to doubt Freeman's outstanding performance when healthy, but the fact that he's already dealing with elbow soreness after purportedly fighting through it last year is a bit discouraging. Unless Freeman's injury lingers deep into the spring, don't knock him too much, as his combination of batting average, power, and overall safety is rare. But for now, it's worth dropping him closer to the back end of the second round than the front.
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17.
J.D. Martinez
LF,RF,DH - 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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18.
Walker Buehler
SP - LAD
A 5.22 ERA in April scared fantasy owners, but Buehler quickly recovered from the Dodgers' ill-planned "ease into the year" plan. He looked precisely like the pitcher his fantasy owners had hoped for after that, ending the year with a 3.26 ERA and 1.04 WHIP with a 29.2% strikeout rate. His meager five percent walk rate was one of the best in the league, and with an incredibly strong offense behind him once again, Buehler should excel in all four of the starting pitching categories in 2020. Have no concerns.
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19.
Fernando Tatis Jr.
SS - SD
Tatis was sensational in his half of season with 22 homers, 16 steals and a .317 batting average but every underlying metric available to us screams significant regression. He is a strong source of power and speed but expect the BA to plummet.
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20.
Justin Verlander
SP - HOU
Verlander had groin surgery which will sideline him for several weeks. But given the postponement of the season, it seems unlikely to threaten Verlander's availability for Opening Day, whenever that may be. Although surgery is never a good sign, in the end, it's better for Verlander that he could get this out of the way now rather than have it linger. For now, keep him high on your draft boards.
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21.
Rafael Devers
3B - BOS
Believe it or not, Devers managed to finish at the number one fantasy third basemen last year over Rendon, Arenado and Bregman. Batting in the middle of Boston's great lineup afforded him 129 runs and 115 RBIs which went a long way, but he contributed in all five categories and is young enough that he might do even better in 2020.
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22.
Bryce Harper
RF - 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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23.
Anthony Rendon
3B - LAA
Rendon finally put it all together last year, setting career-highs in batting average (.319), home runs (34), runs scored (117), and RBI (126). He'll now move to Anaheim where he'll see a downgrade in park, but an upgrade in lineup by the sheer presence of Mike Trout. In the end, Rendon's move is a neutral one, and to the extent you trust him to stay healthy again, he's a rock-solid second round pick.
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24.
Starling Marte
CF - 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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25.
Jack Flaherty
SP - STL
If ever there were a tale of two halves, it was Flaherty's 2019 season. A 4.64 ERA with a 1.23 WHIP in the first half, followed by a preposterous 0.91 ERA and 0.71 WHIP in the second half. His strikeout rate jumped, his walk rate dropped, and he saw a gain of almost a mile per hour on his fastball. The real Flaherty likely lies somewhere in between his first and second halves, but that should be a top-10 pitcher in 2020.
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26.
Stephen Strasburg
SP - WSH
Strasburg reached the 200-inning plateau for the second time in his career, and set a career high in wins with 18. Other than staying completely healthy, however, his numbers looked pretty much as they always have - just below the truly elite pitchers, but worthy of coming from your ace. Don't be sucked in by his magical postseason (1.98 ERA, 0.94 WHIP). Draft Strasburg as a top-10 pitcher, but expect his usual low-3.00 ERA and solid all around numbers.
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27.
Javier Baez
SS - CHC
The shortstop position is so loaded that Baez' 29 homers, 11 steals and .281 batting average didn't even get him into the top 12 at the position last year. He is still well worth a third or fourth round pick, however, because the bat and speed are both reliable.
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28.
Xander Bogaerts
SS - BOS
Bogaerts had an outstanding 2019 season, obliterating his career-high in home runs and RBI and getting his batting average back over .300. But the thing is, his underlying metrics don't look all that different from his solid but unspectacular 2018 season. His strikeout rate, hard hit percentage, average exit velocity, and launch angle all remained nearly identical, while his steals (only four) continued to trend down to a now useless level from a fantasy perspective. Bogaerts is still a fine option but at a strong position and now batting in a weaker lineup, be careful not to waste too high a pick on him.
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29.
Shane Bieber
SP - CLE
Bieber was simply fantastic in 2019 and gave you everything you want from a stud pitcher. He was second in the league innings, had a 3.28 ERA and a 1.05 WHIP, and was top-10 in strikeout and walk rates. He gave up his fair share of home runs but, overall, there are next to no complaint about Bieber. Draft him with confidence as a low-end ace.
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30.
Jose Altuve
2B - 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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31.
Yordan Alvarez
LF,DH - 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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32.
Pete Alonso
1B - NYM
It feels odd that a rookie can hit 53 homers with 120 RBIs then end up draft towards the end of the third round but that's exactly what we have here. 60 homrs is a real possibility but then again, so are 35 homers with a .235 batting average, similar to the disappointment fantasy owners had with Hoskins last season.
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33.
Charlie Blackmon
CF,RF - COL
Blackmon had a rough spot in the season but still finished with 30+ homers, 110+ runs and a batting average north of .310. He is getting older and only stole 2 bags compared to the 43 fantasy owners got in 2015, but this still a great bat in the late third round.
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34.
George Springer
CF,RF - 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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35.
Gleyber Torres
2B,SS - 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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36.
Ozzie Albies
2B - 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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37.
Austin Meadows
LF,RF,DH - 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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38.
Clayton Kershaw
SP - LAD
Peak Kershaw may be gone, but the version that remains is pretty darn good himself. Kershaw passed 175 innings pitched for the first time since 2015 despite starting the season on the IL, and although his ERA crept above 3.00 for the first time since 2008, his overall numbers remain elite. With strong win potential always present, Kershaw is a fine second starter on your staff. But his days of carrying a fantasy team are behind him.
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39.
Ketel Marte
2B,SS,OF - 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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40.
Adalberto Mondesi
SS - KC
Mondesi had a ridiculous 43 steals last year but he did it in just 416 at-bats. If he can stay on the field for a full season, 60 is not only a possibility, but likely. Add in 15 homers and we are talking about a potential first round value, albeit one with great risk.
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41.
Mike Clevinger
SP - CLE
Clevinger sustained a partial medial meniscus tear in his left knee on February 14th and underwent surgery. Although his 6-8 week timetable made it highly unlikely that he'd be back for Opening Day, the postponement of the season means that Clevinger should be ready to go when the bell rings. That should make him a top-12 pitcher at worst.
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42.
Blake Snell
SP - TB
Snell's subpar season was limited to just 107 innings after he underwent arthroscopic elbow surgery. Although owners might want to shy away after last year, there were plenty of encouraging signs. His FIP and xFIP were roughly a run lower than his ERA, his 33.3% strikeout rate was actually an improvement on his breakout year, and batters continued to make incredibly weak contact. If healthy, he should return to dominance.
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43.
Anthony Rizzo
1B - CHC
We've never seen Rizzo hit 35 homers or bat .300 but his production has been so steady that fantasy owners can be certain they'll get 25 homers with 80+ runs, 90+ RBIs and a batting average north of .275. That makes him a worthwhile 4th or 5th round pick.
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44.
Luis Castillo
SP - CIN
Regression just never really hit for Castillo last year, despite a walk rate of 10.1%, fourth-worst in the league among qualified pitchers. There's no doubting Castillo's stuff, particularly his devastating changeup, and the Reds should be more competitive than they have been in years. But he simply has to cut down on the free passes if he wants to build on his breakout 2019. There's every reason to think he will as he continue to grow as a pitcher, and should make a reliable second fantasy starter.
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45.
Keston Hiura
2B - 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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46.
Nelson Cruz
DH - MIN
If you removed Cruz's age from the equation, he'd be a top pick in fantasy. Despite missing nearly a quarter of the season to injury last year, he again put up elite numbers, topping 40 home runs and 100 RBI while batting .311. Cruz will be 40 this year, never plays the field and is starting to miss more time to injuries. But he's essentially forgotten in most drafts and has shown very little skills decline. Don't shy away from him on draft day even though he clogs your utility spot.
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47.
Charlie Morton
SP - TB
Morton only got better after leaving the Astros, setting career bests in innings pitched, ERA, WHIP, and strikeout percentage. Batters simply don't hit his curveball, which he throws more than a third of the time, and his fastball is nearly equally as effective. In a dynasty or keeper format, things may be different, as Morton speaks of retirement often. For this year, however, there is zero reason for concern.
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48.
Kris Bryant
3B,LF,RF - 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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49.
Manny Machado
3B,SS - SD
Machado now has five consecutive seasons with 30+ homers, 80+ runs and 80+ RBIs. Yes, he struggled last year in batting average but this is a durable player with a great floor and Round 1 upside should he decide to steal 15 bags again like we've seen a few times.
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50.
Patrick Corbin
SP - WSH
Corbin largely followed up on his breakout 2018 season with the Nationals last year, again reaching the 200-inning plateau and pitching to a low-3.00 ERA. He continued to lean heavily on his outstanding slider, against which batters hit just .158. His walk rate and strikeout rate rose and fell just a tad from his peak, a trend that fantasy owners can expect to continue. But Corbin's baseline is excellent and even with further slow decline in skills, he should be an outstanding starter for a fantasy rotation.
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51.
Paul Goldschmidt
1B - STL
Goldschmidt's batting average may have dipped thanks to a slow start but he finished with 30+ homers for the third consecutive season and very nearly went for 100 runs and 100 RBIs. More than likely, that batting average will end up north of .280 again too which would make him a steal at the end of the fifth round.
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52.
Aaron Judge
RF - 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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53.
Yoan Moncada
2B,3B - 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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54.
Whit Merrifield
2B,CF,RF - 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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55.
Matt Olson
1B - OAK
After two years of a low BABIP, Olson's BA finally jumped to .267. It isn't probable he will offer more than that but fantasy owners know 50 HRs and 120 RBIs is truly within reach if he doesn't miss a full month this season.
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56.
Eloy Jimenez
LF - 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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57.
Chris Paddack
SP - SD
Paddack earned his "biggest spring training breakout" award with an outstanding season, albeit one capped with an innings limit. The reins should be taken off a bit this year, which should allow Paddack to remain in a groove and build on his outstanding 2019 numbers. His fastball and changeup are simpy elite, and if he can continue to refine his curveball, he could develop into a true fantasy ace.
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58.
Aaron Nola
SP - PHI
Nola simply wasn't very good in 2019. His control took a major step back and batters consistently made better contact against him, particularly against his fastball. Whether it was an aberration for the youngster after two years of major growth, or whether perhaps Nola isn't as good as previously thought, is an open question. But given how drastically his control dipped, fantasy owners would be wise to give Nola somewhat of a pass for his 2019. He can't be drafted as an ace, but as a second starter? Go for it.
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59.
Bo Bichette
SS - TOR
Like his father, the young Bichette is one heck of a hitter and he proved that by batting .311 with 11 homers in just 46 games last year. Over a full season, it would be no surprise if he morphed into a 30 homer threat with a quality batting average and all the runs and RBIs to accompany it.
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60.
Lucas Giolito
SP - CWS
Giolito earned every bit of his breakout season, putting up an ERA that we nearly identical to his FIP and xFIP and a major gain in control. Most impressive for Giolito was his ability to limit contact on pitches in the strike zone - just 77.3%, second best in MLB behind Gerrit Cole. His raw stuff is elite, and another fantastic season should follow in 2020.
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61.
Tommy Pham
LF,CF,DH - SD
Pham may not be the biggest name in baseball but by now, we should know he is going to give fantasy owners 20 homers, 20 steals and a strong batting average with loads of runs. He offers similar expectations to Austin Meadows but four rounds later.
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62.
Zack Greinke
SP - HOU
Greinke didn't see the patented Astros bump after a mid-season trade, as his overall numbers actually declined a bit after his move from the Diamondbacks. His ERA and WHIP remain outstanding, but his strikeout rate continues to decline, such that it now actively does not help fantasy owners. Still, he's nearly a lock for 200 innings, plenty of wins, and solid peripherals, making him a fine addition to any fantasy staff. But with his advancing age, don't bank on him necessarily being a top-20 pitcher.
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63.
Vladimir Guerrero Jr.
3B,DH - TOR
It wouldn't surprise anyone if Guerrero batted .330 with 40 homers this year but we are still talking about a kid who didn't outperform Brian Anderson, Renato Nunez or Todd Frazier last year in similar plate appearances. His upside is breathtaking but there is unquestionably some risk at his ADP.
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64.
Eugenio Suarez
3B - CIN
Few hitters benefited as much from the postponement of the season as did Suarez, whose shoulder woes made his availability for Opening Day questionable. He'll now likely be at or close to full strength when the season begins. Whether he can repeat his near-50 homer performance is another question (he likely can't), but you should draft him as you would few to no health concerns.
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65.
Jonathan Villar
2B,SS - 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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66.
Jose Abreu
1B,DH - CWS
Abreu outperformed Anthony Rizzo and Paul Goldschmidt last season, knocking 33 homers with 122 RBIs and a solid as always .282 BA. He hasn't slowed down one bit despite the age so you can rely on him to produce once again if you grab him in the 7th round.
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67.
Yu Darvish
SP - CHC
Darvish's season was a tale of two halves. He was utterly unplayable to begin the season, tallying a 1.56 WHIP through May and walking roughly six batters per nine innings. But Darvish pulled out of it and then some, walking only seven batters over his final 14 starts, during which he had a 2.95 ERA and 0.83 WHIP. Can you fully trust Darvish? Probably not? But should you expect him to pitch closer to his second half than his first? For sure.
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68.
Giancarlo Stanton
LF,RF - 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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69.
Josh Hader
RP - MIL
Hader throws his fastball about 83 percent of the time and batters just can't hit it. They bat .167 against with a miniscule .275 wOBA and there's just no reason to expect that to change. Thus, his nearly 50 percent strikeout rate is likely here to stay, and that makes Hader the top reliever to draft in fantasy, even if his occasional multi-inning role means he won't get every save chance.
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70.
DJ LeMahieu
1B,2B,3B - NYY
LeMahieu may have been the most shocking breakout last year, moving from a .276 hitter with limited power at Coors to all of a sudden 26 HRs, 102 RBIs and a .327 BA away from Coors. You can expect some regression but his 2019 campaign was just too great to discount him in the 6th or 7th round.
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71.
Eddie Rosario
LF,RF - 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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72.
Marcell Ozuna
LF - 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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73.
J.T. Realmuto
C - PHI
Realmuto didn't quite live up to the lofty expectations last year but still managed to finish as the top catcher in fantasy baseball. He is a near-lock to again lead the position in steals and runs while providing 20+ homers, 75+ RBI and a solid batting average. His ceiling might not be as high as Gary Sanchez, but you know you are drafting a sure-fire top 100 player with Realmuto.
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74.
Victor Robles
CF,RF - 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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75.
Marcus Semien
SS - OAK
Semien is currently being drafted outside the top 12 fantasy shortstops around the 7th round but did you know that he finished among the top five last year and ahead of Lindor, Turner and Torres. Semien knocked 33 bombs with double-digit steals, a good .285 batting average and 123 runs.
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76.
Josh Donaldson
3B - MIN
Donaldson played it right, betting on himself with a one-year deal and turning in a patented monstrous power season with the Braves. He'll now move on to the Twins where you can expect more of the same. Not only do the Twins boast one of the best all-around lineups in baseball, but park factors actually favor Target Field over Truist Park for home runs and doubles. Expect a repeat of 2019, with perhaps a little more.
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77.
Ramon Laureano
CF,RF - 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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78.
Josh Bell
1B - PIT
Bell had a true breakout season in 2019, improving drastically in pretty much every measurable category. His increases in exit velocity (2.3 mph), launch angle (3.8 degrees), and barrels per plate appearance (3.8%) showed that his gains were not fluky, and he even recovered from what looked to be a second-half collapse with a .927 OPS in August. The issue for Bell is that even with the improvements, a first baseman who bats .277 and slugs 37 home runs is not blowing the fantasy world away. Buy many of the gains, but don't go crazy on draft day.
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79.
Jorge Soler
RF,DH - 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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80.
Kirby Yates
RP - SD
Yate led the league in saves last year with 41, and continued to lower his already impressive ERA and WHIP. He has an elite strikeout rate and is outstanding at limiting home runs, which is everything you want in a closer. Josh Hader should be the first reliever taken but Yates should be a close second.
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81.
Matt Chapman
3B - OAK
If fantasy were real life, Chapman might be the second best third basemen in the league but fantasy accounts for average instead of OBP and his 1 steal won't help much. Rather, he is big power guy with runs, homers and not much else to help your fantasy team.
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82.
Tyler Glasnow
SP,RP - TB
Glasnow was limited to just 60 innings in 2019, but they were pretty glorious ones! His control, which had plagued him since coming to the majors, improved significantly, and his WHIP dropped to an impressive 0.89. He should be fully recovered from his forearm injury heading into the season and has the raw stuff to be a fantasy ace if he can avoid injury. There's risk with Glasnow, but it is worth taking.
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83.
Aroldis Chapman
RP - NYY
Chapman remains one of the best relievers in the game, but even his most ardent defenders have to admit there are signs of slippage. His velocity, which is still elite, continues to trend down, and he hasn't topped 60 innings since 2015. He's the unquestioned closer in the game, a top-three reliever, and will give you plenty of strikeouts. But he's no longer the top option in the fantasy game.
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84.
Tim Anderson
SS - CWS
Anderson missed 40 games last year but still nearly went 20/20 with 81 runs. If that was all, it would have been a killer season but he also happened to bat .335 for the Sox. We can expect that to drop to near or even below .300 this year but that is still a great buy around the 8th round.
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85.
Joey Gallo
LF,CF - TEX
Gallo only played 70 games but still managed 22 homers, 54 runs scored and 49 RBIs. With a full season, you'd have to expect him to return to 40+ homers, but the big question is whether the batting average is worth the risk in the seventh round of drafts.
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86.
Max Muncy
1B,2B,3B - 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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87.
Jose Berrios
SP - MIN
Berrios reached 200 innings but didn't really take the step forward that most fantasy owners had hoped for. His strikeout rate dropped, his WHIP increased, and batters made better contact. Still, Berrios was a pitcher who fantasy owners could start each and every time out, contributed well in wins, and rarely walked batters. When you add it all up, Berrios remains a starter that fantasy owners should covet, but perhaps temper expectations until he shows that he's ready to take that next step.
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88.
Michael Brantley
LF,RF,DH - 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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89.
Trevor Bauer
SP - CIN
Bauer may be one of the most talented pitchers in baseball, but he has exactly one season with an ERA below 4.18, a WHIP below 1.25, or more than 12 wins. Even on an improved Cincinnati team, there's little reason to expect him to do much better than those numbers. Bauer will give you innings and plenty of strikeouts, but fantasy owners would do well to largely forget 2018, and draft him with closer to a 4.00 ERA and 1.25 WHIP in mind.
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90.
Carlos Correa
SS - HOU
So far, we've only seen Correa play more than 110 games once in his five seasons. Whenever he is on the field, Correa has been a tremendous hitter so the upside is that of a top five fantasy shortstop but his floor is quite low because of the repeat injury risk.
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91.
Nick Castellanos
LF,RF - 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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92.
Luis Robert
CF - 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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93.
Roberto Osuna
RP - HOU
Osuna may not be quite the pitcher he was in his absolute prime, but he's not far off. He has yet to have a season in the majors with a WHIP above 1.00, and his strikeout rate has rebounded to above-average, if not elite, levels. He has immense job security on an excellent team and should once again provide all the numbers you could want from a closer. Draft him with confidence.
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94.
Corey Kluber
SP - TEX
Kluber showed some skills decline in 2018, but nothing could have prepared fantasy owners for the disaster that was 2019. He got off to a terrible start before a broken forearm ended his season. Now with the Rangers, Kluber will get a fresh start and look to rebuild some of his real and fantasy value. Throw out the 5.80 ERA and 1.65 WHIP from last year - Kluber hasn't declined to that extent. Expect him to provide very solid, albeit not pristine, numbers, if he can stay healthy.
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95.
Sonny Gray
SP - CIN
Gray talked about how he didn't like how the Yankees had forced him to use his slider and that he expected better results in 2019. Boy, did he get them with the Reds. His slider and curveball went from very good to great in 2019, and along with it improved all of his numbers. Armed now with a top-notch strikeout rate and peripherals that finally match his raw stuff, Gray should be drafted with confidence in 2020 as a reliable fantasy starter.
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96.
Brandon Woodruff
SP,RP - MIL
Woodruff earned his breakout 2019, relying on his elite fastball to limit hard contact and avoid big innings. His solid control allows him to keep the line moving, and the Brewers' strong lineup adds to his win potential. Although he missed a large chunk of the season due to injury, he should be ready to lead the Brewers rotation this year, and can and should be drafted as a strong second-tier starter.
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97.
Mike Moustakas
2B,3B - 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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98.
Jeff McNeil
2B,3B,LF,RF - 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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99.
Andrew Benintendi
LF,CF - 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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100.
Liam Hendriks
RP - OAK
If Hendriks' 2019 performance doesn't convince you to wait on closers, nothing will. An afterthought in drafts pitching behind Blake Treinen, Hendriks not only took the closer's role for the A's but also developed into one of the best relievers in the game. A velocity bump made his fastball nearly unhittable and he rarely gave up home runs. He'll be given the chance to repeat his performance, but whether he can is an entirely open question.
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101.
Mike Soroka
SP - ATL
Soroka wasn't even necessarily supposed to begin 2019 in the Braves rotation but quickly developed into an ace. Although there's little reason to knock his year, his 7.32/9 strikeout rate ranked 49th out of 61 qualified starters. With an xFIP more than a run higher than his 2.68 ERA, there's every reason to expect regression. Still, there's room Soroka to continue to be an excellent fantasy option despite a step back, so don't avoid him during your draft.
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102.
Kenley Jansen
RP - LAD
It feels like we've seen the last of Jansen as an elite closer, as continued velocity declines and struggles with control led to his worst season as a professional. His overall numbers from 2019, other than his bloated ERA, remain fine, but this is not the Jansen that was once the top reliever taken in fantasy circles. It seems clear that Dave Roberts lost a little faith in Jansen last year and with a World Series or bust mentality, don't expect the leash to be overly long. Still, beggars can't be choosers with closer, and Jansen's contract and lengthy pedigree still keep him as a borderline top-10 reliever.
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103.
Gary Sanchez
C - NYY
Yes, Sanchez did manage to swat 34 homers and has historical power potential for the position, but you are definitely going to take a hit at batting average if you draft him. With that said, hitting in the middle of the Yankees lineup should afford fantasy owners loads of RBIs and runs too.
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104.
Zack Wheeler
SP - PHI
Wheeler's numbers declined from his breakout 2018 season but, overall, there were plenty of gains. He upped his strikeout rate and velocity, cut his walk rate, and set a career high in innings. Now with the Phillies, he'll see a downgrade in park, but because he's been able to avoid home runs over the last two seasons, the move should not have too much of an impact. Wheeler probably won't develop into a fantasy ace, but he's, at worst, a strong third fantasy starter.
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105.
Brad Hand
RP - CLE
Hand didn't have a bad year by any means, but there were two major areas of decline. The first was a cratering of his ground ball rate, and the second was that batters simply hit his fastball much, much better than in previous years. Hand is a reliever, which means volatility, and his strikeout rate remains well above-average. But with just a club option left on his deal, he could be a candidate to be dealt if the Indians struggle out of the gate.
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106.
Michael Conforto
LF,CF,RF - 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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107.
Jorge Polanco
SS - MIN
Polanco picked up where he left off after the 2018 suspension by batting nearly .300 with over 100 runs and 22 homers. His speed is gone but for his 11th round price tag, that is a plenty useful stat line even if you have to use him in the utility spot instead of shortstop.
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108.
Edwin Diaz
RP - NYM
Diaz's season was an unmitigated disaster. While his strikeout rate remained strong, his ERA ballooned to 5.59, his home run rate rose to comical levels, and his control waned. By the end of the season, he had ceded save opportunities to Seth Lugo and was relegated to mopup duty. Diaz's slider went from being unhittable in 2018 (.129 BAA) to getting crushed in 2019 (.297 BAA). He'll enter 2020 as the closer for the Mets, and reliever volatility is well-known, so don't be surprised to see Diaz rebound big-time in 2020. But just don't go into your season banking on it.
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109.
Rhys Hoskins
1B,LF - 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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110.
Carlos Santana
1B,DH - CLE
After a lousy 2018, it seemed Santana's bat had finally hit the end of career wall, but he bounced back to a tune of 34 homers, 110 runs and saw his batting average soar from .229 to .281. All are expected to regress in 2019, but not enough to make him worth passing on in the 12th round.
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111.
Lance Lynn
SP - TEX
Lynn was truly phenomenal last season, turning his velocity gains into both an increase in strikeout rate and a massive drop in walk rate. Everything Lynn did in 2019 was backed up by his underlying metrics, so there's plenty of reason for optimism in 2020. But it's fair to consider how out of character Lynn's year was, an add just a wee bit of caution to your projections.
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112.
Taylor Rogers
RP - MIN
Rogers didn't have the Twins' closer role at the outset of the season, but he proved himself as Minnesota's best reliever pretty quickly. He built on his strong gains in 2018, further upping his strikeout rate and lowering his walk rate. He likely won't see all of the save chances this year for the Twins, but he should lead the way in opportunities. That, along with his strong overall numbers, makes him a reliever to target in fantasy.
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113.
Carlos Carrasco
SP,RP - CLE
Carrasco was already dealing with plenty of question marks after losing much of last season to leukemia, and now has been diagnosed with a mild hip flexor. He's day-to-day but it's obviously not the start to the spring that Carrasco owners were hoping for. Continue to monitor his progress but he avoids setbacks, he represents a fairly steep bargain in fantasy drafts, given his past performance and the fact that last year can largely be written off to his illness.
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114.
Eduardo Rodriguez
SP - BOS
Other than finally staying (almost entirely) healthy, Rodriguez didn't make many gains in 2019. His ERA remained in the high-3.00s, his WHIP and walk rate were career worsts, and his strikeout rate dipped. His 19 wins mask what was an otherwise mediocre season. There's plenty of room for Rodriguez on a fantasy staff. But not at the front end.
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115.
Corey Seager
SS - LAD
Seager is a far cry from being an MVP candidate as a rookie, but his batting average won't kill you and he'll hit around 20-25 homers with 80+ RBIs and runs. If he is traded to Boston, he'd likely see a jump in every offensive statistic.
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116.
Shohei Ohtani
SP,DH - LAA
Ohtani didn't pitch at all in 2019 and likely won't do so until mid-May in 2020. But his bat looked just fine last year, proving that his 2018 skills he showed as a hitter were not a fluke. He'll likely settle back into a part-time DH role with the Angels, and if you can choose to deploy him as both a pitcher and a hitter in any given week, Ohtani should provide immense value as a fantasy player. Even if not, he should contribute on either end of the spectrum, so draft him with a high degree of confidence.
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117.
Franmil Reyes
RF,DH - 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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118.
Ken Giles
RP - TOR
Giles may have had the quietest 1.87 ERA and 1.00 WHIP in the history of baseball. Add to that a a 14.09/9 strikeout rate and Giles was one of the best relievers in baseball in 2019. He'll be a free agent after this year so it seems unlikely he holds down the closer's role in Toronto all year. But he'll certainly help your overall numbers in the first half of the season at least.
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119.
Frankie Montas
SP - OAK
Montas was one of the best starters in baseball until his season ended prematurely thanks to a PED suspension. Before then, he had used added velocity and improved control to lower is ERA to 2.63 and tally nine wins in just 16 starts. There's always a question of how a player coming off a PED suspension will perform the following year but, for the most part, they are often able to maintain much of their performance. Draft Montas expecting solid overall numbers, though expect an ERA in the 3.00s, rather than the 2.00s.
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120.
Hyun-Jin Ryu
SP - TOR
When healthy, Ryu has quietly been one of the best pitchers in baseball since his 2013 debut. But his preposterous year last season was surprising even for him. Ryu had the lowest BABIP-allowed on groundballs (just .162) of any pitcher in baseball in 2019, which led to just a 1.01 WHIP. Now in Toronto, that number is sure to rise precipitously and obviously have a negative impact on Ryu's 2020 numbers. That impact has been baked into Ryu's ADP at this point, so you won't have to buy him at his 2019 numbers. Just be prepared for regression.
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121.
Madison Bumgarner
SP - ARI
Bumgarner's ERA approached 4.00 last year, but he stayed healthy all year and saw a velocity bump after two injury-plagued years. The move to Arizona is a downgrade considering the park change, but it's not quite as drastic as it would have been without the humidor. Still, Bumgarner's numbers were significantly worse away from Oracle Park last year (2.93 ERA at home, 5.29 away), so it's fair to exercise caution with Bumgarner. But, so long as you recognize him for what he is at this point in his career, he'll likely give you what you expect.
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122.
Oscar Mercado
LF,CF,RF - 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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123.
Eduardo Escobar
2B,3B,SS - 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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124.
Kyle Hendricks
SP - CHC
Hendricks can be dominant at times, but his lack of overpowering raw stuff means he has to be pinpoint with his control. When he's on, he can be unhittable, like when he led the league in getting hitters to swing at pitches outside the zone in the second half last year. But in the end, you know what Hendricks is going to give you. A sub-3.50 ERA, a sub-1.20 WHIP, and mediocre strikeout numbers. There's plenty of room for that on a fantasy team. But don't bank on much upside.
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125.
David Dahl
LF,CF,RF - 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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126.
Zac Gallen
SP - ARI
Gallen was so absurdly dominant in Triple-A in 2019 that his MLB performance, while highly impressive, felt slightly disappointing. But his fastball, curveball, and changeup were all plus pitches in the majors, and there's every reason to expect him to continue to grow as a pitcher. There's somehow some question mark around his rotation spot, but cream usually rises to the top, and he should not only be one of the Diamondbacks' five starters, but he should excel. Expect excellent overall numbers and draft him accordingly.
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127.
Dinelson Lamet
SP - SD
Lamet is a popular breakout candidate this year, after he returned from Tommy John surgery to throw 73 innings of solid baseball last year. Lamet is still much more potential than numbers - he hasn't dominated a level above A-ball and has questionable control. But his raw stuff, particularly his slider and curveball, are impressive, and he can miss bats with the best of them. They'll be no discount for Lamet this year, but if you're looking for upside, he's worth the gamble.
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128.
Max Kepler
CF,RF - 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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129.
Max Fried
SP,RP - ATL
Fried's 2019 was positive, but his 4.02 ERA and 1.33 WHIP left a lot to be desired. His 17 wins and solid strikeout rate masked some of the issues, but he certainly doesn't look like a pitcher ready to jump into the upper echelon. Still, Fried's FIP and xFIP were lower than his ERA, and his expected stats showed he had some bad luck. Put it all together and Fried's a decent option with upside, but not one who you should expect to lead your fantasy rotation in 2020.
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130.
Elvis Andrus
SS - TEX
With so many competent fantasy shortstops, it may seem boring to draft Andrus in the 13th round but he has been so consistent and durable from year to year that this boring source of speed and average may prove well worth the price once again.
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131.
Kyle Schwarber
LF - 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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132.
Raisel Iglesias
RP - CIN
Iglesias walked fewer and struck out more batters than ever, winding up with 34 saves last year. And yet it always felt like he was on the precipice of losing his job as the closer, particularly in light of his whopping 12 losses. Iglesias is still under control for two more seasons and, so long as he can continue to pitch relatively effectively, should be able to hold down the ninth-inning job in 2020. But there should be at least some trepidation among fantasy owners in light of his ups and downs last year.
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133.
Craig Kimbrel
RP - CHC
Kimbrel waited to sign until months into the season, and the results weren't pretty. He battled injury and was entirely ineffective, pitching to an 8.10 ERA and walking more than five batters per nine innings. Whether the complete lack of control was a continuing trend or just due to rust/injuries. But, either way, the price on Kimbrel should be the cheapest in years, and if you're waiting on saves, he's as good an option to take a chance on as anyone.
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134.
Yasmani Grandal
C,1B - CWS
In terms of overall game, Grandal may be the best catcher in all of baseball, as his OBP will hover just south of .400 and he plays excellent defense but the BA will be closer to that .240 mark and his HRs, RBIs and runs should dip in the ballpark and lineup moves from MIL to CWS.
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135.
Jesus Luzardo
SP,RP - OAK
It's going to be difficult to find a fantasy player who isn't salivating to draft Luzardo, particularly after an expected breakout season was derailed by injuries last year. Now, purportedly without an innings restriction, Luzardo looks ready to fulfill the potential he has oozed throughout his career. Armed with four elite pitches and the ability to sit at 96 miles per hour, the only thing that looks to be able to hold Luzardo down is health. Absent injury concerns, he should be a monster.
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136.
Amed Rosario
SS - NYM
Rosario is still young enough that he may still improve upon his 15 homers, 19 steals and .287 batting average that fantasy owners received from him last year. His ceiling is nowhere near some of the top shortstops, but he will contribute in all five categories.
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137.
Justin Turner
3B - LAD
Turner has quietly been one of the better pure hitters in baseball over the last few seasons. The problem is that he consistently misses 30 to 50 games. If we finally get a full season, that .310 batting average with 30+ homers and 90+ runs would look great in the 12th round.
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138.
Miguel Sano
1B,3B - MIN
Sano missed over 50 games but still hit 34 homers and drove in 79 runs. With a full season, 50/110/110 is a real possibility but let's not pretend that he hasn't let fantasy owners down a number of times so there is most definitely some risk as well.
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139.
Hector Neris
RP - PHI
Neris rebounded from a spotty 2018 to become an incredibly reliable reliever last year and tally 28 saves for the Phillies. His stuff isn't overpowering and his control is mediocre, but his split-finger is elite and he leaned into it more than ever. The resulting increase in ground balls helped stabilize Neris' numbers last year and should again make him a reliable, if unexciting, option in the bullpen in 2020.
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140.
Matthew Boyd
SP - DET
Armed with a devastating slider into which he leaned heavily, Boyd had an impressive opening to his season, putting up gaudy strikeout numbers with impressive overall stats. Unfortunately, his ERA rose from 3.87 in the first half to 5.51 in the second half, with his WHIP coming along for the ride. An awful .318 BABIP on groundballs didn't help, but that number isn't all that surprising given the defense behind him. With almost no win potential, Boyd is more of a back-end-of-the-rotation fantasy starter.
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141.
Lorenzo Cain
CF - 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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142.
Robbie Ray
SP - ARI
While the overall numbers fluctuate, Ray is largely the same guy he's always been. He's going to amass a ton of strikeouts and he's going to hand out free passes like a doctor handing out lollipops. It is just impossible to rely on a starter who can't top 175 innings or keep his WHIP below 1.33. Ray is certainly rosterable but close your eyes when he's pitching.
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143.
Willson Contreras
C - CHC
Contreras is no doubt one of the best hitting catchers in baseball, with a .270+ average in three of four seasons, but his upside is capped by the fact that Chicago also has Caratini and is certain to get him 200+ PAs. Even so, Contreras should have no trouble reaching 20 HRs, 50 R and 60 RBIs once again.
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144.
David Price
SP - LAD
Although Price's 2019 numbers look ugly, remember that he had a low-3.00 ERA before giving up 20 runs over a four-start stretch after he was bothered by a cyst in his wrist. He had the highest strikeout rate of his career and his lowest FIP and xFIP since 2016. Now in the National League with the Dodgers, Price should have plenty left to give fantasy owners. Just downgrade your innings projections, as the Dodgers will likely look to keep Price's workload in check in preparation for the postseason.
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145.
Brandon Workman
RP - BOS
Workman was never the guy for the Red Sox . . . until one day he just was. When he finally locked down the closer's role, he was fantastic, striking out batters at will and pitching to a 1.88 ERA. His WHIP hovered near 1.00 despite the fact that he walked more than 5.5 batters per nine innings, a feat which he's unlikely to duplicate. In short, while Workman will close for the Red Sox, he'll need to improve his control in order to hold the job for the whole year.
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146.
Mike Minor
SP - TEX
The Rangers pushed Minor to reach 200 strikeouts and, although his 3.59 ERA shows he surpassed expectations, there was really fairly little to get excited about. Minor's FIP and xFIP were substantially higher than his ERA, his WHIP was mediocre, and his strikeout rate hardly impressed. He's a pitcher you draft to solidify the back end of your rotation, but nothing more.
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147.
Cavan Biggio
2B,RF - 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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148.
Kenta Maeda
SP,RP - MIN
Maeda should be the rare pitcher who benefits from a move to the American League. The Dodgers have moved him back and forth from the bullpen to the starting rotation to manipulate his innings and avoid paying him bonuses for years. Now, he should stick in the Twins' rotation, and approach the 175 innings he threw in 2016. Given that he had the highest swinging strike rate (14.6%) and chase rate (34.8%) of his career last year and will be moving to a division that saw three of the other four teams rank in the bottom seven in runs scored in 2019, consider the needle on Maeda moving up.
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149.
Yuli Gurriel
1B,3B - HOU
Gurriel was unbelievable last season going from 13 homers and 85 RBIs to 31 and 104. Even with the power spike, he maintained his .290 BA for the third straight season. Although he is older, it is clear that fantasy owners can still rely on him for plenty of production.
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150.
Edwin Encarnacion
1B,DH - CWS
Encarnacion is most certainly getting up there in age but his power persists as he knocked 30+ homers again for the eighth straight season. As we all know, the batting average won't be great but we can put up with that for 100+ RBIs and 80+ runs to go with the power.
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151.
Khris Davis
DH - OAK
Davis had a terrible 2019 but looked pretty much like his usual self until he ran into a wall in the outfield and injured his hip. After that, he was largely useless as a fantasy player, resulting in one of the worst seasons of his career. Still just 32 years old, there's little reason to doubt Davis' ability to return to his former skills, and go back to his 40-homer ways.
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152.
Nick Anderson
RP - TB
Anderson was exceptional with the Rays, though Emilio Pagan got the vast majority of the save chances. With Pagan now out of the way, Anderson may have the chance to lead a committee of Diego Castillo and Jose Alvarado. Even if he doesn't get the majority of the save chances, if Anderson pitches like he did with the Rays last year (52.6% strikeout rate), he'll be worth owning no matter what.
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153.
Danny Santana
1B,2B,3B,SS,LF,CF,RF - 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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154.
Julio Urias
SP,RP - LAD
Urias will begin the year in the Dodgers rotation, so the biggest hurdle to him having major fantasy value this year has been cleared. His ability to miss bats is elite and although he's struggled with control a bit in the majors, he has all the tools to succeed. There's plenty of upside, so if you have a solid base for your pitching staff, don't hesitate to pull the trigger a little early.
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155.
German Marquez
SP - COL
Although Marquez seemed like the rare pitcher who could conquer Coors Field, 2019 showed otherwise. Marquez pitched to a 3.67 ERA and a 0.94 WHIP on the road, but a 6.26 ERA and 1.55 WHIP at home. Can he overcome the thin air this year? It's possible, but history is littered with pitchers who managed to buck the trend for one year only to fail to do so again. Marquez has the skill, but his home park make it seem unlikely he can provide quality value.
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156.
Hansel Robles
RP - LAA
The regression never came for Robles last year, as he somehow managed to avoid walks despite struggling with them his entire career. He'll enter the year as the Angels' closer but it's a big gamble to think lightning will strike twice with such a mercurial pitcher. The safer bet is that Robles' walk and home run rates will return to his career levels, making him a closer unlikely to hold his job all year.
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157.
Kyle Tucker
LF,RF - 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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158.
Lourdes Gurriel Jr.
2B,SS,LF - 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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159.
Alex Colome
RP - CWS
Few expected Colome to hold the closer role for the White Sox all season, but he did, totaling 30 saves in the process. His numbers were solid, though his FIP and xFIP were significantly higher than his ERA. The White Sox have big plans for the season so, if they're in contention, don't be surprised if they make a move for a more established reliever. But, in the meantime, Colome should provide plenty of saves in the first half of the season.
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160.
Andrew Heaney
SP - LAA
Heaney's 14.2% swinging strike rate was elite last year. But, as usual, he just couldn't put it all together. There's a monster somewhere inside Heaney - a 3.50 ERA, 1.20 WHIP, 200 strikeout season lurks within. But it's still a mystery as to whether fantasy owners will ever see it. Draft him for his potential and hope to see it this year, but don't bank on the production.
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161.
Paul DeJong
SS - STL
Although DeJong hit so poorly at the end of the season, he has no chance of losing playing time because he is so great in the field. Even with his rough stretch to close things, DeJong finished with 30 homers and 97 runs. He is expected to do much of the same this year.
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162.
Sean Manaea
SP - OAK
After various delays, Manaea made a successful return from shoulder surgery, winning four of his five starts and pitching to a sterling 1.21 ERA and 0.78 WHIP with solid strikeout numbers. The sample is too small to know if Manaea really took a step forward, particularly given his significantly higher FIP and xFIP. But it should give fantasy owners confidence that Manaea can contribute all year long to a fantasy rotation.
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163.
Bryan Reynolds
LF,CF,RF - 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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164.
Jean Segura
SS - PHI
You know who didn't love stolen bases? Gabe Kapler. You know who isn't the manager of the Phillies anymore? Gabe Kapler. Segura's numbers stayed relatively consistent last year, except his stolen base totals dropped from the 20-30 range to just 10. But with Kapler out of town, there's every reason to expect the 30-year-old Segura to return to being a 20-steal player with a plus batting average who will chip in everywhere. With dual-eligibility coming, Segura shouldn't be forgotten on draft day.
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165.
Byron Buxton
CF - 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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166.
Yasiel Puig
RF - 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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167.
Jake Odorizzi
SP - MIN
Odorizzi just refused to fail last year, and he was a reliable pitcher all year long. His continued gains in strikeouts and drop in walks, to go along with his 15 wins, led to a remarkably profitable season. But his xFIP remained at 4.33 and Odorizzi just never felt quite like a pitcher who was going to dominate every time out. Fortunately, you don't have to pay for his 2019 numbers given his ADP, so draft him at his price without much worry.
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168.
Mallex Smith
CF,RF - 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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169.
Mitch Garver
C - MIN
Garver may be the most difficult catcher to peg this season because his breakout was so extreme and such a surprise. He hit 31 homers in just 311 at-bats. Surely that rate will regress but he should also get more trips to the plate too so 35 HRs, .260 BA is not out of the question by any means.
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170.
James Paxton
SP - NYY
Paxton will be out until at least early May (and likely longer) after undergoing a microscopic lumbar discectomy with removal of a peridiscal cyst in early February. Although his talent is undeniable, this is yet another in a long list of injuries for Paxton, who has eight injured list stints since the beginning of the 2014 season. While early May is the front end of the three to four month timetable, expect Paxton's absence to last until at least June and possibly longer if he has any setbacks.
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171.
Adam Eaton
LF,RF - 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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172.
Archie Bradley
RP - ARI
Once Greg Holland opened the door for Bradley to take over as the closer, Bradley tiptoed through the opening. Although he held down the role and put up save totals, it wasn't pretty, as he walked about 4.5 batters per nine innings. That's a dangerous recipe for a closer, particularly when the front office hasn't seemed particularly motivated to turn over the role to him. But, entering 2020, the closer's role is Bradley's, and if he can find his control from 2017-2018, he should have success.
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173.
Lance McCullers Jr.
SP - HOU
McCullers missed all of 2019 after undergoing Tommy John surgery but he should be ready to go this year. His devastating curveball keeps hitters off balance, and his ability to mix pitches is elite. There's risk from the injury and he may be rusty, but McCullers offers rare upside. He'll likely be on an innings limit this year, but that shouldn't come into play with the postponement of the season.
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174.
Sean Doolittle
RP - WSH
Doolittle should likely close for the Nationals again in 2020, though Daniel Hudson's emergence in the late- and post-season last year could throw a wrench in Davey Martinez's plans. More concerning is Doolittle's dip in performance, as his ERA and WHIP were by far the worst of his career. A free agent next year, Doolittle's job security should be minimal, so don't target him as a closer in your fantasy drafts.
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175.
Gavin Lux
2B,SS - 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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176.
Didi Gregorius
SS - PHI
Didi only ended up playing half the season but in that time he continued his torrid home run pace with 16 of them. The batting average dropped and his ballpark change should have a negative impact but this is still a 25-homer shortstop in the middle of your drafts.
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177.
Masahiro Tanaka
SP - NYY
Tanaka had a bizarre year. On the negative side, his ERA soared to 4.45 and his WHIP and strikeout rate went to a career worst 1.24 and 7.37/9, respectively. Yet he slightly lowered his walk rate from the past two years, cut his HR/FB rate, and got batters to swing at pitches outside the zone more than almost any other pitcher in the second half of the season. At this point in his career, given his home park, there's little optimism that Tanaka can ever develop into the ace he appeared to be during his debut. Draft him as a back-end-of-the-rotation starter in deeper leagues but nothing more.
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178.
Justin Upton
LF - 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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179.
Tommy Edman
2B,3B,SS,RF - 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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180.
Luke Weaver
SP - ARI
Weaver was having an excellent 2019 season before forearm tightness essentially ended his season. He opted to rehab it, which immediately places a cloud over his 2020 outlook given the uncertainty that comes along with such an injury. His best case scenario likely includes some sort of innings limit with solid, but perhaps not league-winning numbers. That's a pitcher to take in the mid-teens rounds and hope everything falls in place.
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181.
Joe Musgrove
SP - PIT
Musgrove started out the season hot but cratered in May, pitching to an 8.10 ERA in the month. His overall numbers (4.44 ERA, 1.22 WHIP) won't blow you away, but Musgrove saw major velocity gains on his fastball and cutter over the second half of the season. Wins will always be an issue but if he can continue to build on his velocity increases, he could find his way into being a back-end starter for your fantasy team.
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182.
Keone Kela
RP - PIT
Kela is an above-average major league reliever and he'll start the year as the Pittsburgh closer. But the Pirates should be awful and he's a free agent at the end of the year. Banking on more than 15-20 saves for the season would be overly optimistic.
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183.
Giovanny Gallegos
RP - STL
There's no denying Gallegos' talent, and if he gets the job as the Cardinals' closer, he has the legitimate upside to be a top-five closer if everything goes right. Unfortunately, we're a long way away from there, as the St. Louis bullpen situation is a giant question mark at the moment given Carlos Martinez and Alex Reyes. Draft Gallegos for the ratios and hope for more, but don't yet think you've got a solid closer.
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184.
Mike Foltynewicz
SP - ATL
Foltynewicz was on nearly everyone's bust list, and his awful return from an injury only confirmed everyone's intuitions. But he really turned it on in the latter half of the season, pitching to a 2.65 ERA and 1.08 WHIP in the second half. No, he might not be the 2018 version of himself this year, but he certainly has more to offer than his overall 2019 numbers.
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185.
Andrew McCutchen
LF,CF,RF - 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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186.
Jose Leclerc
SP,RP - TEX
The Rangers signed Leclerc to be their closer but he just absolutely refused to hold down the job in 2019. Bouts of ineffectiveness were followed by dominant stretches in mop-up duty, which were again followed by failures in the ninth inning. Above everything else, Leclerc has to again get his walks below four per nine innings as he did in 2018. Absent that, even though he'll begin the year as the Rangers' closer, he'll unlikely end it that way.
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187.
Marcus Stroman
SP - NYM
Stroman had an excellent 2019 season, though he struggled somewhat after his trade to the Mets. The one thing missing, however, finally arrived, as his strikeout rate popped to over one per inning when he got to New York. After spending all offseason strengthening his core and now in a contract year, Stroman should be in a position to provide plenty of value pitching with a full year in the National League.
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188.
Carlos Martinez
SP,RP - STL
Martinez's shoulder weakness pushed him to the bullpen, where he eventually successfully took over for Jordan Hicks as the closer for the Cardinals. His 2020 role remains in flux, as it appears he'll be given an opportunity to win back the starting role he so covets, but his success is far from assured. Martinez should provide value in the rotation or the bullpen, so given that you won't need to spend much draft capital to get him anyway, don't shy away.
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189.
Joe Jimenez
RP - DET
Although Jimenez's numbers weren't pretty in 2019, he actually performed fairly well once the Tigers turned over the closer role to him. He'll never be a top-tier closer, particularly given that Detroit is unlikely to compete, but considering he's under team control for several more seasons, he should be given every chance to hold the job all year.
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190.
Willie Calhoun
LF - 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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191.
Will Smith
RP - ATL
Smith somehow stayed in San Francisco all season and held the closer's role all year, putting up his usual terrific numbers. He'll now move to Atlanta where early indications are that he'll set up for Mark Melancon. Smith's numbers and potential opportunity to close down the line make him worth drafting in all formats, though again, don't expect him to close right away.
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192.
Shin-Soo Choo
LF,RF,DH - 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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193.
Caleb Smith
SP - MIA
Smith really fell apart over the second half of the season, as his ERA was almost two runs higher than in his first half. His overall numbers seem pedestrian, but his strikeout rate and improving control offer upside. If he can control his home runs allowed, he should be able to provide enough value to warrant placement on a fantasy staff.
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194.
Christian Walker
1B - ARI
Walker finished as a top 15 first basemen with a near-identical stat-line to Paul Goldschmidt. He slowed down in the second half and the batting average won't be useful but unless Seth Beer forces Arizona's hand, Walker should again get 25+ homers for fantasy owners this year.
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195.
Brandon Lowe
1B,2B - 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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196.
Salvador Perez
C - KC
Perez missed the entire season but is still just 30 years old and let's not forget that he was an all-star for six consecutive seasons. There is no more consistent source of power at the position but his BA has dipped into danger territory two times in three seasons. Perez ends the top teir of reliable catchers.
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197.
Alex Verdugo
LF,CF,RF - 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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198.
J.D. Davis
3B,LF - 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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199.
Ian Kennedy
SP,RP - KC
Kennedy was an afterthought on draft day last year, but a run of save chances in the middle of the summer boosted him to 30 saves. His peripherals didn't hurt fantasy owners and his strikeout numbers were solid, making Kennedy the poster child for the "wait on saves" crowd. In the final year of his deal, he'll again open as the closer for the Royals, but his chances of being dealt mid-season are extremely high. Draft him, of course, but don't bank on much more than 15 saves or so.
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200.
Hunter Dozier
1B,3B,RF - 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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201.
Avisail Garcia
CF,RF,DH - 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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202.
Joey Lucchesi
SP - SD
Lucchesi's a fine pitcher, but he really only has two pitches - a fine fastball and an above-average changeup. Although he dabbles with a cutter, it's much more of a show-me pitch, and batters hit .291 last year against it anyway with an xBA of 3.10. It's unlikely he'll make many significant gains, but there's room on your roster for a low-4.00 ERA pitcher with nearly a strikeout per inning. Just make sure it's toward the back end of your rotation.
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203.
Mark Melancon
RP - ATL
Despite Melancon plainly not being the best reliever on his team, he'll likely enter the 2020 season as the Braves' closer. Melancon still has decent control, but the days of being a lockdown option are long gone. Draft him as a back-end closer, and understand that Will Smith will be looking over his shoulder all year.
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204.
Scott Kingery
2B,3B,SS,LF,CF - PHI
Kingery slowed down after his blazing start but still finished with 19 homers and 15 steals in just 126 games. With a full season likely ahead of him and multi-position eligibility, this may end up being one of the steals of the draft when he goes 25/20 with a .260 average.
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205.
Jon Gray
SP - COL
It would be interesting to see what Gray could do on a team other than the Rockies, but at least we pretty much know what he'll do in Colorado. Pitch to around a 4.00-4.50 ERA, have a WHIP in the 1.35 range, and strike out a batter per inning. Forget about the magical growth we keep waiting for. Draft him at this numbers, which work in an NL-only or deeper mixed league.
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206.
Luke Voit
1B,DH - NYY
Voit wasn't anything near the short sample-size explosion we saw in 2018 but he still managed 21 homers, 72 runs and 62 RBIs in just 118 games. While the batting average won't be ideal, you can certainly put up with 30 homers, 90/90 RBis and runs in the 17th round.
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207.
Mitch Keller
SP - PIT
Keller's time in the majors last year was . . . sub-optimal, to say the least. Other than his elite strikeout rate, pretty much nothing went right for the youngster in his brief time with the Pirates. But when your FIP is FOUR runs lower than your ERA, chances are pretty good you're due for a rebound. Keller has an excellent fastball with an above-average slider and a decent curveball, more than enough to succeed in getting major league hitters out. If he can manage to limit his awful first innings of games with more consistency, he could provide plenty of value.
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208.
Kevin Newman
2B,SS - 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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209.
Ryan McMahon
1B,2B,3B - 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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210.
Eric Hosmer
1B - SD
Since Hosmer went to San Diego, his batting average hasn't been anywhere near as reliable as it once was. The power is still in the 20 homer per season range but his primary calling card is the durability that affords fantasy owners 90+ RBIs per season and plenty of runs.
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211.
Jose Urquidy
SP,RP - HOU
Urquidy seemingly has the fourth starter's role locked down, and he offers and intriguing pitch mix, with an above-average fastball and changeup, with a decent slider.It's unlikely that the soon to be 25-year-old will develop into a consistent fantasy starter given his inconsistency, but he certainly has enough upside, as he showed in the playoffs, to warrant rostering in all fantasy leagues.
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212.
David Peralta
LF - 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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213.
Ryan Braun
LF - 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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214.
Dallas Keuchel
SP - CWS
Keuchel moves from the Braves to the White Sox, which, on the surface, seems like a negative move given the change in league and home park. But, he'll be paired with Yasmani Grandal, one of the best framing catchers in all of baseball, and that's a huge boon to a pitcher like Keuchel who relies on movement and called strikes as much as any pitcher. In addition, other than the Twins, the lineups in the AL Central are hardly imposing. Keuchel is more of a matchup-based starter at this point in his career anyway, and fantasy owners should still be able to pick and choose when to deploy him.
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215.
Rougned Odor
2B - 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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216.
Joey Votto
1B - CIN
It has now been two seasons since Votto has displayed any power, and his batting average has dropped quite a bit each of the last two years. He might not be helpful in fantasy whatsoever, but there is, of course, a chance that he bounces back to become a top 12 first basemen once again.
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217.
Daniel Murphy
1B,2B - 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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218.
C.J. Cron
1B - DET
Cron had 30 homers in 2018 and followed it up with 25 last year despite just 125 games played. Should he see a full season of health, 35 or even 40 is a possibility but the cost is a medicore at best batting average.
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219.
Kolten Wong
2B - 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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220.
Wilson Ramos
C - NYM
Since 2016, Ramos has batted a superb .294 and averages 16 homers per season with 64 RBIs. He doesn't possess the upside of a Contreras, Sanchez or Garver but in terms of consistency, he is as solid as you'll find. Ramos ends the tier of players you rely on to finish among the top ten catchers.
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221.
Will Smith
C - LAD
Smith was among the biggest surprises last season, knocking 15 homers and 42 RBIs in just 170 at-bats. That's a full-season pace of 40 homers and a 120 RBIs. Granted, that won't happen, but the upside is clearly there for a special season. You'll have to decide if the hefty ADP is worth the risk.
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222.
Dylan Bundy
SP - LAA
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223.
Ryan Yarbrough
SP,RP - TB
Yarbrough relied on an opener plenty of times last year, and it helped his win potential, as he tallied 11 despite making just 14 starts. He greatly improved his control last year, leading to just a 1.00 WHIP, but his lack of strikeout upside and mediocre ERA should keep him as an option only in deeper mixed or AL-only leagues.
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224.
Brendan McKay
SP - TB
McKay had a dominant, albeit brief, minor-league career, but struggled somewhat in his brief time in the majors last year. His solid control and excellent strikeout rate suggests he could eventually do big things in the majors, but considering he's battling a shoulder injury in the spring that stems from last year, he's highly unlikely to make the Rays' rotation out of camp. He's rosterable only in deeper and AL-only leagues.
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225.
A.J. Puk
SP,RP - OAK
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226.
Miguel Andujar
3B,DH - NYY
Andujar virtually missed the entire season so there is some risk in relying on a bounceback or even a full year of stats, but if we get it, we've seen the upside to be a .300 average with 25+ homers. With an ADP above 300, you should be able to get him super late in drafts.
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227.
Nick Senzel
2B,CF - 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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228.
Sandy Alcantara
SP - MIA
Alcantara is a weird case. He went on a massive run late in the season in 2019, relying on his outstanding sinker to dominate hitters. His secondary stuff seems good enough to succeed, and yet the Marlins do not seem particularly high on him. He's dealing wth a rough spring, and even at his best, he's never had a season with a WHIP under 1.32. There's upside, but don't necessarily bank on it.
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229.
Yonny Chirinos
SP,RP - TB
Chirinos' strikeout numbers won't help you, but his solid control allows him to limit the damage and keep his ERA and WHIP under control. He'll have a spot in the Rays' rotation once again, and is an unexciting, but fairly reliable option, for deeper and AL-only leagues.
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230.
Dansby Swanson
SS - ATL
Swanson's statcast metrics were shockingly good so even though he broke out to a clip of 17 homers and 10 steals in just 127 games, there could be more under the surface that fantasy owners end up with this year from the Braves' shortstop.
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231.
Anthony DeSclafani
SP - CIN
Desclafani quietly had a decent season in 2019, with a 3.89 ERA, a 1.20 WHIP, and more than a strikeout per inning. But his FIP and xFIP suggested he was lucky, and he lacks the upside of other late-round starters. In deeper mixed leagues where your rotation is solid and you just want someone to not hurt you, Desclafani is your guy. Otherwise, go for a higher ceiling.
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232.
Miles Mikolas
SP - STL
Mikolas took a step back from his stellar 2018 season, adding more than a run onto his ERA and 0.15 onto his WHIP. With an extremely low strikeout rate, his numbers (4.16 ERA, 1.22 WHIP) don't warrant a roster spot. Add to that his forearm injury that will likely sideline him into May, and Mikolas can be off the fantasy radar.
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233.
Cole Hamels
SP - ATL
Hamels kept up his strikeout rate last year with the cubs, but his control waned, and he had the worst walk rate of his career. He's dealing with a shoulder injury in the spring and there's currently no timetable for his return. Add it all up and Hamels is only barely worth drafting until or unless we get some positive news.
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234.
Gio Urshela
3B - NYY
Urshela was among the most surprising breakouts in 2019, batting .315 with 21 homers for the Yankees. Although that isn't going to keep up, he earned playing time in New York and may prove worth of that 20th round ADP.
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235.
Mark Canha
1B,LF,CF,RF - 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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236.
Jose Quintana
SP - CHC
Quintana went from a solid, low-3.00 ERA pitcher with the White Sox to an unreliable pitcher with over a 4.00 ERA in his time with the Cubs. His strikeout rate continues to trend down, and despite pitching at least 171 innings in each of the past seven seasons, he's never won more than 13 games. A low-upside, low-floor play, Quintana is just NL-only material.
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237.
Garrett Richards
SP - SD
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238.
A.J. Pollock
LF,CF - 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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239.
Cesar Hernandez
2B - 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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240.
Trey Mancini
1B,LF,RF - BAL
Mancini was terrific last year but he is unlikely to play in 2020 because of Stage 3 cancer.
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241.
Steven Matz
SP - NYM
Matz is what is he is at this point. He'll likely give you around a 4.00 ERA, a 1.30 WHIP, and short of a strikeout per inning. With the Mets' addition of Rick Porcello and Michael Wacha, Matz's rotation spot could be in jeopardy unless he gets traded. For now, assume he'll get a starting spot, and draft him in NL-only formats.
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242.
Brian Anderson
3B,RF - MIA
Anderson won't hurt you anywhere. He'll likely put up 20 home runs with passable runs and RBI, he'll chip in a few steals, and he'll 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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243.
Michael Kopech
SP - CWS
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244.
Emilio Pagan
RP - SD
Pagan had a dynamic season with the Rays, racking up 20 saves and offering excellent ratios. But a move to the Padres takes him out of the closer's role behind Kirby Yates. He's still ownable for his pitching numbers and as a handcuff to Yates, but don't expect many saves absent an injury.
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245.
Joc Pederson
1B,LF,RF - 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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246.
Nomar Mazara
RF - 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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247.
Adrian Houser
SP,RP - MIL
Houser has an elite fastball, which he relies on heavily and against which batters hit just .203 last season. Whether he can continue to succeed with just one very good pitch is an open question, but considering his FIP and xFIP fully supported his 3.72 ERA, it's entirely possible. Overall, Houser should provide strikeouts without hurting you elsewhere, so he's an ideal late-round add.
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248.
Ross Stripling
SP,RP - LAD
When the Dodgers traded Stripling, he soared up draft boards but now that the deal was canceled, he may very well return to the bullpen. We've seen this before though, and he is likely to end up with 100+ great innings regardless. With his pricetag being what it is, fantasy owners are getting a downright steal because of the lofty upside.
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249.
Seth Lugo
RP - NYM
Lugo has been a quality reliever for two seasons now, and he found his way into the closer's role late last year. Edwin Diaz should have the ninth-inning role for the Mets to start, but if he struggles again, Lugo could sneak back into the job. Lugo is worth drafting for his ratios alone, but the potential for saves makes him an ideal candidate for a late-round selection.
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250.
Garrett Hampson
2B,SS,CF - 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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251.
Mychal Givens
RP - BAL
Givens isn't a special pitcher, pitches for a poor team, and isn't guaranteed to be the closer. Even if he were, he's tallied just 20 saves over the last two seasons. There's no reason to draft Givens, and if you're looking for a Baltimore closer, better to take your chance on Hunter Harvey.
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252.
Wil Myers
1B,3B,LF,CF - 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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253.
Josh James
SP,RP - HOU
James still has legitimate ace upside if he can harness his arsenal and find his way into Houston's rotation. There is a chance this fireballer breaks camp in the rotation and if he does, we may just be looking at 200+ strikeouts in 2020. After all, his on-paper ratios may not seem great from 2019, but his xWOBa was above the likes of Mike Clevinger, Stephen Strasburg, Blake Snell and Walker Buehler. I don't need to tell you that this means he has ace stuff. But folks, he just might be the best pitcher in the Astros rotation this year if they give him the ball in the first inning.
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254.
Dustin May
SP,RP - LAD
May has solid raw stuff and did well in a 34-inning cameo with the Dodgers last year. But he looks like the odd man out with Julio Urias and Alex Wood all but guaranteed rotation spots. He's not a bad stash candidate, but don't expect him to be in the rotation for the foreseeable future.
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255.
Randal Grichuk
CF,RF - 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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256.
Hunter Renfroe
LF,RF - 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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257.
Griffin Canning
SP - LAA
Canning has UCL damage, and although Tommy John surgery isn't currently on the table, it certainly seems like a possibility. Despite his upside, with the developments, Canning shouldn't be drafted in fantasy leagues until one of the very last picks, if at all.
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258.
Renato Nunez
1B,3B,DH - BAL
Nunez went from 8 homers and a .258 average in 2018 to a breakout performance with 31 homers and 90 RBIs. The batting average certainly won't help fantasy owners, however.
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259.
Dylan Cease
SP - CWS
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260.
Aristides Aquino
RF - 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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261.
Nick Solak
2B,3B,DH - 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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262.
Starlin Castro
2B,3B - 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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263.
Yandy Diaz
1B,3B,DH - TB
Diaz finally received some playing time and the bat was strong as expected with 14 homers in just half a season. The batting average has room for growth too so don't be surprised if a full season gives fantasy owners 25 homers with a .280 average.
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264.
Mike Yastrzemski
LF,RF - 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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265.
Jeff Samardzija
SP - SF
Samardzija had an impressive 3.52 ERA and 1.11 WHIP last year, but that's where the good news ended. His strikeout rate is at the point where it actively hurts fantasy owners, and his win potential is capped by pitching for the Giants. There are better pitchers to consider late in your draft.
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266.
Chris Archer
SP - PIT
Archer's season was an unmitigated disaster before he was mercifully put on the season ending IL with a shoulder injury. His 5.19 ERA and 1.41 WHIP were entirely earned, as he walked more than four batters per nine innings for the first time in his career. But it is worth noting that Archer made some major gains in the second half, including improving on his FIP by more than 2.5 runs and his ERA by nearly a run. With still plenty of strikeout potential, Archer makes a low-cost, potentially high-reward option for the back of your staff.
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267.
Pablo Lopez
SP - MIA
Lopez pitched better than his 5.09 ERA from last year suggests, and he limits free passes well. But his middling strikeout rate and lack of dominant stuff caps his upside. As a late-round pitcher without a high ceiling, fantasy owners are probably better off looking elsewhere to fill out their pitching staffs.
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268.
Luis Arraez
2B,3B,LF - 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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269.
Willy Adames
SS - TB
The Rays' kid shortstop was so bad in the first half that many figured he might get sent down to the minors but he picked up the pace, batting .278/.340/.467 in the second half which has many wondering if a full season 2020 breakout is in store.
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270.
Ryan Pressly
RP - HOU
Pressly has developed into one of the best relievers in baseball. His strikeout rate is pristine, he rarely walks batters, and he limits the damage as well as any pitcher. He won't see saves absent an injury to Roberto Osuna, but his number make him worth owning regardless.
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271.
Aaron Civale
SP - CLE
Civale's stuff isn't particularly impressive, but he has a good minor league track record and had an impressive 10-start audition last year. He won't wow you with strikeouts, and his ERA is likely to be a run and a half higher than his 2.34 mark from 2019, but he should provide innings that help in AL-only leagues.
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272.
Brett Gardner
LF,CF - 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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273.
Scott Oberg
RP - COL
Oberg turned in another stellar year despite pitching in Colorado, and took over for Wade Davis as the closer by the end of the year. Davis will enter the 2020 season as the closer, but given his performance last year, his leash is going to be fairly short. Oberg makes one of the better handcuffs to own, though it's more about his opportunity and less about his ratios.
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274.
Rich Hill
SP - MIN
Hill is as predictable as they come nowadays. He'll give you outstanding innings with excellent strikeout numbers, but will top out at 135 innings and likely less. He'll likely be sidelined until June with his elbow injury but that may be just in time for the start of the season now. That should move Hill far up your draft boards, from afterthought to late-round sleeper.
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275.
Corey Dickerson
LF - 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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276.
Carson Kelly
C - ARI
Kelly was on a roll last season before his injury but still managed to power up for 18 homers in just 314 at-bats. The batting average may end up below .240 but with a full season, 30 homers isn't out of the question for the youngster.
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277.
Marco Gonzales
SP - SEA
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278.
Trent Grisham
LF,CF,RF - 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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279.
Gregory Polanco
RF - 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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280.
Omar Narvaez
C,DH - MIL
Narvaez was exceptional last year in a breakout campaign with 22 bombs and a .278 average. While he may be due for some regression, moving from Seattle's pitcher park to Milwaukee's hitter park and a much stronger lineup could help him have another very useful offensive season.
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281.
Michael Chavis
1B,2B,3B - 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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282.
Christian Vazquez
C,1B - BOS
Vasquez is being drafted as the ninth catcher off the board this season but finished 2019 as the #4 catcher in fantasy with 23 homers and a solid .276 average. Playing in Boston's treacherous lineup certainly dosn't hurt either. His upside isn't as sexy but this is a good bat well worth using as a top 12 catcher.
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283.
Michael Pineda
SP - MIN
Pineda will miss the first 39 games of the 2020 season as he finishes serving his PED suspension. When he does pitch, he'll offer roughly a 4.00 ERA, a decent WHIP, and slightly below average strikeout numbers. On a good Minnesota team, wins may be his best attribute, but he's hardly a pitcher to target in fantasy.
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284.
Shogo Akiyama
LF,CF - 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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285.
Rick Porcello
SP - NYM
Porcello's move to the National League makes him somewhat intriguing. His middling strikeout rate (17.4% career) will likely take a jump, and his overall numbers should improve with a move out of the AL East. Even with improvement, however, there's a long way to go before Porcello is contributing to a fantasy team. His biggest asset - his ability to consistently throw innings - will be far less useful with the postponement of Opening Day. He's a late-round filler for a deep pitching staff but little more.
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286.
Jo Adell
LF,CF,RF - 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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287.
Reynaldo Lopez
SP - CWS
Lopez's overall numbers are abysmal, and he earned them, to be sure. For one glorious month in July, however, Lopez showed his potential, pitchng to a 3.41 ERA and a 1.14 WHIP with a 4.25 K/BB ratio. Unfortunately, his success was short-lived, and he's shown nothing to suggest he's on the verge of figuring things out. In 15-team leagues, fantasy owners can take a shot for a bench role. But otherwise, move on.
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288.
Johnny Cueto
SP - SF
Cueto will get the Opening Day nod for the Giants, but he'll hardly be someone to target in fantasy. Putting aside the almost certin win problems he'll have in San Francisco, it's doubtful that the 34-year-old can contribute meaningfully elsewhere at this stage of his career. His career strikeout rate of 7.54/9 is a detriment in today's game, and at his advanced age, after pitching just 69 innings combined over the last two season, there's little reason to expect a return to peak form.
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289.
Austin Riley
3B,LF - 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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290.
Anibal Sanchez
SP - WSH
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291.
Andrelton Simmons
SS - LAA
Simmons will never hit 20 homers nor should we expect him to return to the 19 steals we saw in 2017, but this is a reliable source of decent numbers at all five primary hitting categories. You can grab him in the very last round of your draft if you need a middle infielder.
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292.
Yadier Molina
C - STL
Yadi isn't likely to knock 20 homers again at this point in his career, but he is a safe source of batting average and also provides a handful of steals every year as well. While he is healthy, batting in the middle of the lineup should provide plenty of RBIs and runs for fantasy owners too.
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293.
Robinson Cano
2B - 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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294.
Tommy La Stella
2B,3B - 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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295.
Chris Bassitt
SP - OAK
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296.
Alex Wood
SP - LAD
Wood will be in the Dodgers' rotation to start the year, and there's some reason for optimism. After an offseason spent with Driveline Baseball, Wood saw a velocity bump in the spring, and that usually portends better things for the veteran throughout his career. Don't go crazy with Wood, but he's fine as a late-round pick with upside.
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297.
Jonathan Schoop
2B - 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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298.
Dee Gordon
2B - 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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299.
Brandon Kintzler
RP - MIA
Kintzler will open the year as the Marlins' closer, and had a fine, bounceback season in 2019 with the Cubs. But his strikeout rate is poor and he'll be a prime candidate to get dealt at the trade deadline. With a shortened season, Kintzler's value is even lower than it otherwise would have been, which is not particularly high anyway.
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300.
Kyle Seager
3B - SEA
Seager hasn't hit for batting average in any of the last three seasons, but he did manage to swat 20+ homers for the seventh straight season and he did it last year in just 106 games. This might be a cheap way to grab 30 homers in 2020.
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301.
Dakota Hudson
SP,RP - STL
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302.
J.A. Happ
SP - NYY
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303.
Jorge Alfaro
C - MIA
Alfaro slowed down a bit at the end of the season but still finished with 18 homers and a .262 batting average. The youngster has some speed as well and that bat should continue to improve in just his third full season in the bigs this year.
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304.
Austin Hays
CF,RF - BAL
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305.
Kole Calhoun
RF - ARI
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306.
Matt Carpenter
3B - STL
Carpenter was a major disappointment in 2019 for fantasy owners but let's not forget that he was an MVP candidate just 18 months ago. There is a chance he gets healthy all season and posts another 30+ homers with 100+ runs for fantasy owners.
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307.
Mitch Haniger
CF,RF - 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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308.
Nathan Eovaldi
SP,RP - BOS
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309.
Daniel Hudson
RP - WSH
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310.
Domingo Santana
LF,RF - CLE
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311.
Dellin Betances
RP - NYM
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312.
Kevin Pillar
CF,RF - BOS
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313.
John Means
SP - BAL
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314.
Ian Happ
2B,3B,LF,CF - 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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315.
Kyle Gibson
SP,RP - TEX
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316.
Sean Murphy
C - OAK
Murphy didn't show much in his September debut but he was a top prospect for a reason, hitting .293 with 20 extra-base hits in just 41 minor league games. Murphy should be in the lineup almost every day and can be expected to contribute in four categories.
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317.
Tony Watson
RP - SF
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318.
Howie Kendrick
1B,2B,3B - 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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319.
Brandon Nimmo
LF,CF,RF - NYM
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320.
Justin Smoak
1B,DH - MIL
Smoak batted just .208 but underlying metrics suggest he may have been the most unlucky hitter in all of baseball. Expect .240 at least this year with another 25+ homers in Milwaukee.
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321.
Julio Teheran
SP - LAA
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322.
Nick Madrigal
2B,SS - 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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323.
Sam Hilliard
CF,RF - 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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|
324.
Wade Davis
RP - COL
Davis had a disastrous 2019 season, pitching to an 8.65 ERA and losing his closer's job. He'll enter 2020 back in the ninth-inning role but his leash will certainly be short with Scott Oberg waiting in the wings. Davis should likely be the last "closer" drafted.
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|
325.
Miguel Cabrera
1B,DH - DET
If you play in a deeper league and are looking for a source of batting average in the later rounds, Cabrera is as solid of a bet as you'll find. Durability is a concern and he won't hit for power anymore though.
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|
326.
Jesus Aguilar
1B - MIA
Aguilar had a rough 2019 but was only given 314 at-bats. Now that he is with Miami, we can expect him to play near every game and if he does, those 35 homers fantasy owners saw in 2018 may return.
|
|
327.
Adam Ottavino
RP - NYY
|
|
328.
Teoscar Hernandez
LF,CF - TOR
|
|
329.
Kevin Gausman
SP,RP - SF
|
|
330.
Nick Ahmed
SS - ARI
Prior to the last year, Ahmed was merely a fringe starter who might bop 15 homers, but was going to kill your batting average and not accomplish much else. He kicked it up in 2019, though to 19 homers, 82 RBIs and 79 runs with a batting average north of .250. If that all returns, he'll be a nice late round value.
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|
331.
Niko Goodrum
1B,2B,SS,LF,CF,RF - 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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|
332.
Dylan Carlson
CF,RF - STL
|
|
333.
Josh Lindblom
SP,RP - MIL
|
|
334.
Brandon Belt
1B,LF - 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.
|
|
335.
Buster Posey
C - SF
We've seen Posey's power numbers slowly drop over each of the last four seasons but last year the batting average finally plummeted too. There isn't much upside here but at the very least, you know he will play almost every day.
|
|
336.
Jon Berti
2B,3B,SS,CF - 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.
|
|
337.
Jon Lester
SP - CHC
|
|
338.
Diego Castillo
SP,RP - TB
|
|
339.
Spencer Turnbull
SP - DET
|
|
340.
Jurickson Profar
2B,SS,LF - 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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|
341.
Francisco Mejia
C - SD
Mejia was a bit of a fantasy disappointment last year but that is often the case with young catchers. He should end up with much more than 226 at-bats this time around and if he does, you can expect 15+ homers to go with a useful batting average.
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|
342.
Nate Pearson
SP - TOR
|
|
343.
Luis Urias
2B,SS - MIL
Urias only batted .219 in his anticipated rookie campaign but it was a small sample size so we shouldn't quite give up on him yet. Rather, this is someone worth putting on waiver-wire speed-dial following drafts in case he starts to break out.
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|
344.
Travis Shaw
2B,3B - 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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|
345.
Carter Kieboom
SS - WSH
While Kieboom may not be the phenom Gavin Lux is considered to be, this is still a very polished young bat who went .303/.409/.493 in Triple-A last season. Much like Andrew Benintendi, though, he should be more useful in real-life than the bigs where his advanced eye is Kieboom's top calling card.
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|
346.
Anthony Santander
LF,CF,RF - BAL
|
|
347.
Mike Fiers
SP - OAK
|
|
348.
Chad Green
SP,RP - NYY
|
|
349.
Evan Longoria
3B - SF
Longoria is nowhere near the 2016 version fantasy owners got with 36 homers and a solid average but the 20-25 homer power is still there if he can stay on the field all season.
|
|
350.
Jesse Winker
LF,CF,RF - CIN
|
|
351.
Mauricio Dubon
2B,SS - SF
|
|
352.
Jordan Montgomery
SP - NYY
|
|
|
353.
MacKenzie Gore
SP - SD
|
|
354.
Andres Munoz
RP - SD
|
|
355.
Yusmeiro Petit
RP - OAK
|
|
356.
Nate Lowe
1B - TB
Lowe didn't do a ton in his 152 at bats last year but in the minor leagues he made it clear that he is a masher through and through. It would be no surprise if he ended the year batting .290 with 25 homers much like we saw in Trey Mancini's breakout 2019.
|
|
357.
Hunter Harvey
SP,RP - BAL
Harvey quietly dominated in his cup of coffee last year, hitting triple digits with his fastball and striking out batters with ease. Now, Brandon Hyde has all but said he'd like him to be in the closer's role, after starting out the spring strong. The Orioles will never provide a ton of save chances and, at this point, it's too early to know if Harvey will be the closer. But, he's certainly worth drafting for the potential at the end of your drafts.
|
|
358.
Danny Jansen
C - TOR
Among the C2 options, no one has more upside, perhaps, than Jansen. He did only bat .208 last year but this was a very strong minor league hitter plus he has some pop.
|
|
359.
Hanser Alberto
2B,3B,SS - 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.
|
|
360.
Jason Heyward
CF,RF - CHC
|
|
361.
Blake Treinen
RP - LAD
|
|
362.
Freddy Peralta
SP,RP - MIL
|
|
363.
Jackie Bradley Jr.
CF - BOS
|
|
364.
Matt Barnes
RP - BOS
|
|
365.
Yoshi Tsutsugo
3B,LF - TB
|
|
366.
Matt Shoemaker
SP - TOR
|
|
367.
Eric Thames
1B,RF - 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.
|
|
368.
Matt Magill
RP - SEA
|
|
369.
Jose Martinez
1B,RF - 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.
|
|
370.
Stephen Piscotty
RF - OAK
|
|
371.
Tom Murphy
C - SEA
Murphy was quietly exceptional for the Mariners in just 260 at-bats, knocking 18 homers with 40 RBIs and a .269 BA. Now that Narvaez is out of his way and in Milwaukee, Murphy should add 200 trips to the plate and could approach 25 or perhaps even 30 homers for fantasy owners.
|
|
372.
Adam Frazier
2B - PIT
|
|
373.
Travis d'Arnaud
C,1B - ATL
d'Arnaud is not likely to help with batting average but as long as he can manage to stay healthy, fantasy owners can again expect 15+ homers with 60+ RBIs in this potent Atlanta offense.
|
|
374.
David Fletcher
2B,3B,SS,LF - 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.
|
|
375.
Kurt Suzuki
C - WSH
Suzuki's bat took off last year with 17 homers, 63 RBIs and a .264 BA in just 280 at-bats. It seems likely that Gomes will take more of a back seat this year which would make Suzuki a plenty useful offensive catcher for fantasy owners.
|
|
376.
Justus Sheffield
SP - SEA
|
|
377.
Jose Alvarado
RP - TB
|
|
378.
Tanner Roark
SP - TOR
|
|
379.
Corey Knebel
RP - MIL
|
|
380.
Kevin Kiermaier
CF - TB
|
|
381.
Andrew Miller
RP - STL
|
|
382.
Domingo German
SP - NYY
|
|
383.
Drew Pomeranz
SP,RP - SD
|
|
384.
Tyler O'Neill
LF,RF - STL
|
|
385.
Maikel Franco
3B - KC
Franco again played just 123 games but still hit 17 homers. With a change of scenery, we may finally get a chance to see Franco's upside which could be in the tune of 30 homers and a .275 average.
|
|
386.
Mike Tauchman
LF,CF,RF - NYY
|
|
387.
Yoenis Cespedes
LF,CF - NYM
|
|
388.
Jordan Yamamoto
SP - MIA
|
|
389.
Brad Keller
SP - KC
|
|
390.
Daniel Vogelbach
1B,DH - SEA
Vogelbach did manage 30 homers as many thought he might but the batting average was so horrendous that there are talks that he may lose his job at some point this season. With that said, with the risk comes upside for 40 bombs and a Joey Gallo like season.
|
|
391.
Harrison Bader
CF - STL
|
|
392.
James Karinchak
RP - CLE
|
|
393.
Zach Plesac
SP - CLE
|
|
394.
Shohei Ohtani
DH - LAA
|
|
395.
Ji-Man Choi
1B,DH - TB
|
|
396.
Robinson Chirinos
C - TEX
Chirinos may be older and a batting average liability, but you can bet your bottom dollar that he'll provide 15+ homers and 50+ RBIs for fantasy owners as a strong C2 option.
|
|
397.
Albert Pujols
1B,DH - LAA
Pujols is nowhere near where he once was and has some durability concerns but this is still a 20+ homer hitter for the end of your bench with a BA that won't entirely kill you.
|
|
398.
Freddy Galvis
2B,SS - 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.
|
|
399.
Merrill Kelly
SP - ARI
|
|
400.
Ty Buttrey
RP - LAA
|
|
401.
Ender Inciarte
CF - ATL
|
|
402.
Forrest Whitley
SP - HOU
|
|
403.
Wade Miley
SP - CIN
|
|
|
404.
Spencer Howard
SP - PHI
|
|
405.
Yoshihisa Hirano
RP - SEA
|
|
406.
Tyler Mahle
SP - CIN
|
|
407.
Jose Peraza
2B,SS,LF - 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.
|
|
408.
Jakob Junis
SP - KC
|
|
409.
Jordan Lyles
SP,RP - TEX
|
|
410.
Yusei Kikuchi
SP - SEA
|
|
411.
Will Harris
RP - WSH
|
|
412.
Collin McHugh
SP,RP - BOS
|
|
413.
Manuel Margot
CF - TB
|
|
414.
Roberto Perez
C - CLE
Perez managed to finish among the top 12 fantasy catchers last season, driving in 63 runs on 24 homers. The batting average ended up below .240 but with a low-end C2, that is just par for the course.
|
|
415.
Alex Dickerson
LF - SF
|
|
416.
Kyle Lewis
CF,RF - SEA
|
|
417.
Chase Anderson
SP,RP - TOR
|
|
|
418.
Kwang-Hyun Kim
RP - STL
|
|
419.
Casey Mize
SP - DET
|
|
420.
Asdrubal Cabrera
2B,3B,SS - 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.
|
|
421.
Colin Poche
RP - TB
|
|
422.
Victor Reyes
LF,CF,RF - DET
|
|
423.
Nick Markakis
LF,RF - ATL
|
|
424.
Tommy Kahnle
RP - NYY
|
|
425.
Evan White
1B - SEA
|
|
426.
Luke Jackson
RP - ATL
|
|
427.
Pedro Baez
RP - LAD
|
|
428.
Aaron Hicks
CF - NYY
|
|
429.
Zach Davies
SP - SD
|
|
430.
Gio Gonzalez
SP - CWS
|
|
431.
Corbin Burnes
SP,RP - MIL
|
|
432.
Matt Strahm
SP,RP - SD
|
|
433.
Zach Eflin
SP - PHI
|
|
434.
Colin Moran
2B,3B - PIT
|
|
435.
Danny Duffy
SP - KC
|
|
436.
Garrett Cooper
1B,LF,RF - 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.
|
|
437.
Zack Britton
RP - NYY
|
|
438.
Trevor May
RP - MIN
|
|
439.
Jordan Hicks
RP - STL
|
|
440.
Mitch Moreland
1B - BOS
Moreland has never been a source of batting average but he does offer power and last year it was plus power with 19 homers in just 91 games. That could become 30-35 with a full season of health this year.
|
|
441.
Jake Arrieta
SP - PHI
|
|
442.
Josh Reddick
LF,CF,RF - HOU
|
|
443.
Franchy Cordero
LF,CF - SD
|
|
444.
Todd Frazier
3B - TEX
|
|
445.
Shed Long
2B,LF - SEA
|
|
446.
Aaron Bummer
RP - CWS
|
|
447.
Rowdy Tellez
1B,DH - TOR
Tellez has power galore, as evidenced by his 21 homers in just 370 at-bats. Now, the BA will hurt a bit, but you can afford to deal with that if his homers jump to 35 over a full season.
|
|
448.
Ryne Stanek
SP,RP - MIA
|
|
449.
Michael Lorenzen
CF,RP - CIN
|
|
450.
John Brebbia
RP - STL
|
|
451.
Jason Castro
C - LAA
Castro knocked 13 homers in just 237 at-bats last year and may end up with more playing time this year, but if he does, fantasy owners can expect a lackluster batting average.
|
|
452.
Shane Greene
RP - ATL
|
|
453.
Jose Iglesias
SS - BAL
|
|
454.
Austin Voth
SP - WSH
|
|
455.
Mike Zunino
C - TB
Zunino's but was so bad last year with a .165 BA that he may end up losing his job altogether, but we know there is no other C3 with this kind of upside. It wouldn't surprise anyone if he knocked 30 homers this year.
|
|
456.
Brendan Rodgers
2B,SS - 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.
|
|
457.
Craig Stammen
RP - SD
|
|
458.
Ian Desmond
1B,LF,CF - COL
Desmond's batting average has dipped the past few seasons and his 20 steal speed has essentially disappeared but we are still talking about a near-everyday player in Coors who is likely to his 20 homers again.
|
|
459.
Eric Lauer
SP - MIL
|
|
460.
Tyler Duffey
RP - MIN
|
|
461.
Tyler Rogers
RP - SF
|
|
462.
Cameron Maybin
LF,RF - DET
|
|
463.
Kevin Ginkel
RP - ARI
|
|
464.
Dexter Fowler
CF,RF - STL
|
|
465.
Nico Hoerner
SS - CHC
|
|
466.
Sean Newcomb
SP,RP - ATL
|
|
467.
Clint Frazier
LF,RF - NYY
|
|
468.
JaCoby Jones
CF - DET
|
|
469.
Joakim Soria
RP - OAK
|
|
470.
Brad Peacock
SP,RP - HOU
|
|
471.
Homer Bailey
SP - MIN
|
|
472.
Vince Velasquez
SP,RP - PHI
|
|
473.
Alex Gordon
LF - KC
|
|
474.
Alex Reyes
SP,RP - STL
With Miles Mikolas now dealing with a forearm injury, it seems likely that he will miss some time or even be shut down. That leaves the final spot up for grabs between Kwang-Hyun Kim, Reyes, and Daniel Ponce de Leon. Among them, Kim is considered the frontrunner, but Reyes is far and away the most talented. In fact, he has been receiving rave reviews from the coaching staff already and they've said all winter that they'd love to have him in the rotation if he was healthy and his velocity was back to where it should be. If Reyes wins this job, he could be the breakout ace of the year for fantasy teams.
|
|
475.
Justin Wilson
RP - NYM
|
|
476.
Yan Gomes
C - WSH
It was Kurt Suzuki who took the bull by the horns last year among the Nationals catchers, but Gomes still had more playing time. If that continues, he'll be a useful C2 source of RBIs and runs.
|
|
477.
Brent Suter
SP,RP - MIL
|
|
478.
Hunter Pence
LF,RF,DH - SF
|
|
479.
Mike Leake
SP - ARI
|
|
480.
Sam Tuivailala
RP - FA
|
|
481.
Rafael Montero
RP - TEX
|
|
482.
Austin Adams
RP - SEA
|
|
483.
Chris Taylor
2B,SS,LF,CF - 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.
|
|
484.
Kyle Crick
RP - PIT
|
|
485.
Jose Urena
SP,RP - MIA
|
|
486.
J.P. Crawford
SS - SEA
The former top prospect has immense talent but we most certainly have not seen it in his first 165 MLB games. There is a chance he breaks out this year, but you are best suited merely keeping him on waiver wire speed dial.
|
|
487.
Sergio Romo
RP - MIN
|
|
488.
Nick Wittgren
RP - CLE
|
|
489.
Leury Garcia
SS,LF,CF,RF - 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.
|
|
490.
Taijuan Walker
SP - SEA
|
|
491.
Jonathan Loaisiga
SP,RP - NYY
|
|
492.
Trevor Williams
SP - PIT
|
|
493.
Robert Stephenson
SP,RP - CIN
|
|
494.
Trent Thornton
SP - TOR
|
|
495.
Josh Rojas
2B,LF,RF - ARI
|
|
496.
Tony Gonsolin
SP,RP - LAD
|
|
497.
Shun Yamaguchi
SP,RP - TOR
|
|
498.
Marwin Gonzalez
1B,3B,SS,LF,RF - 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.
|
|
499.
Emmanuel Clase
RP - CLE
|
|
500.
Wilmer Flores
1B,2B - 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.
|
|
501.
Elieser Hernandez
SP,RP - MIA
|
|
502.
Isan Diaz
2B - MIA
|
|
503.
Ryan Mountcastle
1B,3B,SS - BAL
|
|
504.
Pedro Strop
RP - CIN
|
|
505.
Miguel Rojas
SS - MIA
|
|
506.
Andrew Chafin
RP - ARI
|
|
507.
Adam Wainwright
SP - STL
|
|
508.
Amir Garrett
RP - CIN
|
|
509.
Seranthony Dominguez
RP - PHI
|
|
510.
Drew Smyly
SP - SF
|
|
511.
Ryan Helsley
SP,RP - STL
|
|
512.
Patrick Sandoval
SP - LAA
|
|
513.
Trevor Rosenthal
RP - KC
|
|
514.
Chris Martin
RP - ATL
|
|
515.
Arodys Vizcaino
RP - FA
|
|
516.
Billy Hamilton
CF - SF
|
|
517.
Daniel Ponce de Leon
SP,RP - STL
|
|
518.
Raimel Tapia
LF,CF - COL
|
|
519.
Brian Dozier
2B - SD
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.
|
|
520.
Jake Lamb
1B,3B - ARI
|
|
521.
Jarrod Dyson
LF,CF,RF - PIT
|
|
522.
Yimi Garcia
RP - MIA
|
|
523.
Jay Bruce
1B,LF,RF - PHI
|
|
524. Sixto Sanchez< |